Califronia road bike trip in April - ideas required.

[carback]

Hi,
I'm toying with the idea of doing a multi-day road bike trip in California in mid-April.

I'm just not sure what's the best area to head to at that time of year.

I'm looking at about 4 or 5 days of riding. I'm happy to camp in one spot & do day rides or to move to one or two camp spots and do trips from there.

I'm fit and love hills so want some challenging rides. Would also consider hooking up with local recreational clubs.

I'll be driving down from British Columbia, if that makes any difference.

So...any suggestions on where the best area to ride, at that time of year, might be?

Thank you!

[jobob]

There are tons of excellent events going on in California in April. It's so frustrating because there are not enough weekends in the month! :p

That said, the weather in April is at it's most unpredictable. It can be warm (60's - 70's, or higher!) & sunny, or cold & rainy.

One area you might consider is Marin/Sonoma/Napa. It's freakin' gorgeous up there in April, and there be hills aplenty to keep you happy.

Are you only interested in camping, or would an inexpensive motel be OK? You can find relatively inexpensive motels in the Santa Rosa/Rhonert Park/Petaluma area. North and east of that you're getting into Wine Country proper where the hotels and B&B's get really pricey.

Not sure about the camping round there but one of the other locals may be able to chime in.

[maillotpois]

I gave Grog some routes when she came down this way and I think she enjoyed them. Happy to do the same for you. All Marin/Sonoma/Napa which as jobob said is gorgeous.

I would check out Samuel P Taylor park for camping. Or maybe someplace on the coast - Bodega Bay, Jenner, etc. I think there is camping at Ft. Ross as well (I know there is - right on Hwy 1, and it is beautiful.)

[carback]

Thank you! I'd love to get some ideas on routes.

[maillotpois]

PM me with your email and I can upload some topo files for you.