First time to Napa - favorite 40 miles?

[deedolce]

Heh, actually first time here at te! How nice!

My riding pal and I are heading to Napa this weekend to ride...and we have no idea of what or where! We've heard of the Silverado Trail, but all other details are non-existent, hence this thread.

We'd like to do around 40 miles, beautiful scenery, a place to eat for lunch, and just rolling hills - we're flatlanders from Davis. :rolleyes:

Where to park? A nice loop?

Thanks for ideas!

Dee

[maillotpois]

Silverado trail is pretty, and quite flat. BUT there are a ton of FAST cars on it. Not to mention the winery crowd. :eek:

I would suggest going toward Pope Valley on Chiles/Pope Valley Rd. (Past Lake Henessey). You can do an out and back to Pope Valley and come back via Lower Chiles Valley Rd. or you can go up Ink Grade, which is a four mile climb - but nothing terribly steep. This is all on the east side of Napa Valley.

The store in Pope Valley doesn't open til about 10.

On the West side, you can go up Dry Creek Rd. which runs paralell to Silverado and Hwy. 29. That is a nice rolly road. On either side o fit is Mt. Veder and Oakville Grade, but Dry Creek itself is pretty flat.

Have fun!

[Veronica]

Is it the store in Pope Valley that has the really disgusting bathrooms and is closed one day on the weekend? I think the men's is less gross than the women's - more use is good.

Anyway... I found an even grosser bathroom in NS.

V.

[maillotpois]

Super gross bathrooms - but always open and stocked with TP.

They used to be closed on Saturday (Pope Valley is very 7th Day Adventist), but when we were there last week, the sign said open every day at 10 or something. I was surprised.

Pope Valley is just the best place! So pretty - especially in the spring with all the flowers.

[Veronica]

Yeah... don't let the comment the bathroom turn you off, just be prepared.

I really like Mt. Veeder, it's a pretty climb.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

As V says, Mt Veeder is a nice ride, but it does get steep at the top.

I suggest you call Gaby- she is from the Eagles Cycling club in Napa. She will not only give you great routes, but also great directions. She works at a bike shop in Napa (Bicycle Works- 707 253 7000).

The club has regular rides on the weekends. There is a ride just for women on Saturdays which Cheryl leads. I've done this ride and we had a great time!
They do a decide and ride as does the Sunday group. I've ridden with this club and they are quite friendly. My club did a joint ride with this group, and I just did the Seattle to Portland ride with Gaby, Cheryl, and 2 other women from this group.

[SadieKate]

OMG! Someone from my town!

The link below is what we like to do. Leave out the leg up to Calistoga. If I have time later to make a route slip for you I will. Start early in the day because of the heat and the headwind when you go south on the Silverado Trail. The market in Pope Valley has gross restrooms but has the only water on the route. The Pope Valley is gorgeous.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2752&highlight=helena

If your budget can handle it, Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen is marvelous. Decent burritos at the little mexican restaurant near the St. Helena Cyclery (they can direct you there).

Do you have the Krebs map for the Wine Country? B&L (and maybe Ken's) usually stocks them. Easy to map this route using it.

[maillotpois]

SK's route is basically the same as what I was suggesting - great ride. You can start in Yountville as well, which is what we usually do. Once up Ink Grade, I'd recommend descending Old Howell Mtn. Rd., though - beautiful!!!

[deedolce]

Wow, thanks! I'll go by B&L tomorrow and see if they have a map. So you think us flatlanders can make it up Ink Grade? :eek:

Hey, SK, I'm sure we've passed on the road, or were munching at Steady Eddies at the same time. ;) I usually ride alone, or lately, with a girlfriend in the mornings. During that dang heat wave, we'd leave at 6:00-7:00 am trying to beat the heat. We're teachers, and she's back to work :( so we're trying to ride weekends and mebbe after she gets off work and back to Davis, if there's time we'll do a Stevenson Creek/Pedrick loop.

We haven't been riding too long, almost 2 years now. She's a runner, I'm a tennis player.

I'm glad to have found this forum!

[SadieKate]

SK's route is basically the same as what I was suggesting - great ride. You can start in Yountville as well, which is what we usually do. Once up Ink Grade, I'd recommend descending Old Howell Mtn. Rd., though - beautiful!!!Other than the scenery, why Howell Mtn?

I'm mapping out this course but starting in Moskowite Corners (you went through there at the top of the Cardiac Hill past Lake Berryessa). Does Howell have less traffic, better shoulder, better pavement, high speeds, less tight corners? Any pros/cons other than the scenery? Deer Park is so fast it's hard to look at anything.

DeeDolce, I'm a flatlander also. I made it up even when I wasn't doing a lot of hill climbing. This route definitely has climbing in it but just take it slow and easy, don't push. You'll do fine. Ink Grade goes into the Redwoods so you can find some shade. Deer Park is a fast and furious downhill. Be careful or take Howell Mtn depending on maillotpois' response.

[SadieKate]

Dee, what kind of bike and color do you ride? Should I keep a look out for you? Do you come out to the Wednesday night TTs? How would I recognize you?

There are pics of me posted in the Monterey thread though I use different bikes. Most often a Litespeed Tuscany around Davis. My husband rides a white and black Seven, and is about 6'2". We hang out at Wheelworks the most.

[maillotpois]

Other than the scenery, why Howell Mtn?

I'm mapping out this course but starting in Moskowite Corners (you went through there at the top of the Cardiac Hill past Lake Berryessa). Does Howell have less traffic, better shoulder, better pavement, high speeds, less tight corners? Any pros/cons other than the scenery? Deer Park is so fast it's hard to look at anything.

DeeDolce, I'm a flatlander also. I made it up even when I wasn't doing a lot of hill climbing. This route definitely has climbing in it but just take it slow and easy, don't push. You'll do fine. Ink Grade goes into the Redwoods so you can find some shade. Deer Park is a fast and furious downhill. Be careful or take Howell Mtn depending on maillotpois' response.


Deer Park is fast and furious and has a lot of traffic. And that nail biter hairpin bend that sneaks up on you.

Howell Mtn. is drive-off-the-road beautiful. The road condition is not as smooth, but not dangerously rough (nowhere near as bad as Ink Grade which I will only go up). It is not a FAST descent, because it is narrow and curvy and a bit rough - but that is GOOD because you want to go more slowly and see the scenery. You can see Lake Hennessy and if you want a lovely little addition, hang a left and do the short beautiful out and back to the lake when you are almost at the bottom of Howell Mtn. (Rollers and flat).

[SadieKate]

The out and back to the Lake -- is there potable water available? I like to mark the water stops on my route maps.

[SadieKate]

Deer Park is fast and furious and has a lot of traffic. And that nail biter hairpin bend that sneaks up on you.48 mph is darn fun. :eek: :D Still my PB on a single bike.

[maillotpois]

The out and back to the Lake -- is there potable water available? I like to mark the water stops on my route maps.


Not unless you have a water filter or iodine tablets.

So, no.

It's not long, though. If you've filled at Pope Valley or Angwyn, you should be okay.

[SadieKate]

Is your out and back to the Lake on Conn Valley?

After Pope Valley, we normally take White Cottage to Deer Park. So, you're taking Howell Mtn right at the top from Angwin? I don't know that I've ever been in Angwin proper. Any water and elephants in Angwin so we wouldn't have to stop in Pope Valley? I wonder if anything is open on Sundays.

The Krebs map shows a picnic area and restrooms at the southeast corner of the Lake which I think I remember. There is no icon for water. If we take Howell Mtn we could have no water all the way from Pope Valley to Moskowite Corner. Maybe we could find something on the Silverado Trail between Howell and 128, or just go into St. Helena.

[maillotpois]

Yeah, it appears to be Conn Valley. And I do not think there are restrooms there. There's a boat launch at the other side of the lake that does have restrooms.

We go over White Cottage, but continue straight across Deer Park (careful! Traffic!) onto Howell Mtn. So I haven't been into Angwyn either. There is a school there which has water fountains. Other than that I am no help.

FUN descent if you go the other way (UP "old" Howell Mtn., and down "new" Howell Mtn. instead of Ink Grade - this is the K-ville double route and boy is that downhill fun!!

[SadieKate]

FUN descent if you go the other way (UP "old" Howell Mtn., and down "new" Howell Mtn. instead of Ink Grade - this is the K-ville double route and boy is that downhill fun!!Nope, I'm not that stupid.:D The boat launch on the other side of the lake if probably the same as the picnic area. You get some boat traffic going up 128.

[SadieKate]

Okey-doke.

Here is the loop I recommended (35 miles) from St. Helena with maillotpois' recommended descent of Howell Mtn. I like this idea because it isn't as fast and furious as Deer Park and it keeps you off the Silverado Trail as much as possible.
http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=3251

Here is the 54 mile loop Bubba and I will probably ride this weekend. We may see you out there as much of it overlaps. We can evaluate MP's Howell Mtn recommendation also.;)
http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=3249

[deedolce]

This is awesome! Thanks everyone, and thanks Sk for making a routeslip (that's new! How cool)

I'm glad we're going to go down Howell Mtn, because both my friend and I are squeamish with downhills. :eek: I actually enjoy going uphill alot, although I don't really have the legs, and at the top, I'm always, 'DANG! I forgot about the down part....' and hit the brakes. I don't mind rolling hills, where you know you're going to get partway up the next hill, but I'd gladly do without downhills if I could help it!

I ride a blue Specialized Dolce Elite. Let's just say I get passed alot on the road! But I really enjoy riding. Never been out for a TT, but I have friends who have. lol.

[SadieKate]

A forgot to mark the left turn onto Pope Street right at the beginning. The map was right but the directions didn't note this turn. Sorry.

http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=3251&

[cindysue]

Anyway... I found an even grosser bathroom in NS.

V.

hahaha, which one was that?

[Veronica]

That store on the way to Keiji.

V.

[cindysue]

oooh yeah, the one with the wierd but oh so nice store keeper. Glad I avoided that scene...............

[Veronica]

He was lonely... and odd.

V.

[SadieKate]

Deedolce - I'm hope you have a real map with you, as I suggested, because I just found a wrong turn at the College/Howell Mtg intersection. I'm unfamiliar with it and think I had you turning left which would be down a big steep hill back towards Pope Valley.

[deedolce]

No worries; we had a great day! We ended up making a loop to Calistoga from St. Helena first. You all are so right about being buzzed by cars on Silverado, and it was even worse with construction on 29 (?), with no bike lanes, or seperated bike lanes through construction, some that were blocked partway, one that left me in a soft gravel pit next to a driveway. Also got a flat in the first 5 miles from evil thorns. We had a huge breakfast for lunch in St. Helena, and then headed on your route. However my friend needed to get back, so we only rode as far as we could for 1 hour, before turning around - before the 'steep hill' turn- and came back to St. Helena.

We got in just about 40 miles, and are planning to go back and do that entire route *first* - and yep, I'll bring a map next time!

So funny - went into Wheelworks to ask about a map, and the guys there are watching some mountain biking video, and say they don't have a map and '...you don't need a map! Just go and ride!'

[SadieKate]

Ha! Tell Joe and Sherpa (Tim) that you're on to their tricks (via Sarah). They just take off towards Diablo with no maps and no nothing. They did find Diablo but the ranger shooed them off the mtn because it got dark and someone had pick to go rescue them because they had no lights. They want me to go with them as they ride toward the Sutter Buttes - without a map. Yeah, right.

Wheelworks has the good mechanics and great bike knowledge, but B&L has the maps.

You could really pysch out Joe and tell him before you tell him you know me that the mullet is getting too long. That seemed to be of major concern last night.:p

We just got home from our own ride so I can now describe the Howell Mtn intersection better. I've been there but just couldn't give proper directions until I tried it myself. It was really a pretty road. Much safer than Deer Park because it was slower and no traffic. Some storm damage but all of California seems to be suffering from that now. I'll update the route descriptions later this week.

This is the map you want: http://www.krebscycleproducts.com/T1.html

Hang out on the forum more!

[SadieKate]

. . .and it was even worse with construction on 29 (?), with no bike lanes, or seperated bike lanes through construction, someAnd don't ride 29!

[deedolce]

Joe has a mullet?? I'm not sure which one Tim is. It's kind of like walking into an auto parts store when I go to Wheelworks. You almost have to jump and down to get their attention, and I prefer going around the corner for most things...

I'm thinking of going to the DBC meeting tomorrow (Monday nite) because Joe and Mark Adkison are going to show slides from last year's Tour. (even though I'm still kinda bummed because of Floyd)

And I think I'll be checking out this forum pretty regularly! :p

[Tiffanie]

I came upon this thread at the perfect time. My dh and I will be staying in St Helena next weekend and I was just telling him today that I would LOVE to ride while we were there. Although, we're flying. Is there any place in particular that rents road bikes?

[deedolce]

Hi Tiffanie!
Try here (http://sthelenacyclery.com/page.cfm?PageID=42): It's on Main St. and they rent bikes. Across the street and a bit North is where they have the Breakfast all day place, that I would really recommend as far as eating! Most of the wineries to visit are along Silverado that I saw, rather than SadieK's loop, but the loop is a beautiful, untrafficked ride up into the hills.

Have fun!

[Tiffanie]

He deedolce, thanks for the reply. :) I was just browsing St Helena Cyclery's website a bit earlier!

I am interested in staying off the busy roads with the wine tasters :eek: and more interested in an uncrowded, scenic ride with little traffic. :) We'll be enjoying the wineries in a limo for a full day. I'm sure that will fill my need for seeing the beautiful winery properties.

I will check out sadiekate's link. Thanks! :)

[SadieKate]

tiffanie - my route is for a bike ride in a low traffic and beautiful area, not for wine tasting. The main area for wineries has lots of traffic. Absolutely, do not ride your bike on 29.

The Krebs map which I linked above shows the wineries, but I think the limo idea is the best way to see the wineries these days.

That Howell Mtn descent was much nicer. Slower and better views. Deer Park is too fast to look up at all.

[Tiffanie]

tiffanie - my route is for a bike ride in a low traffic and beautiful area, not for wine tasting. The main area for wineries has lots of traffic. Absolutely, do not ride your bike on 29.

The Krebs map which I linked above shows the wineries, but I think the limo idea is the best way to see the wineries these days.

That Howell Mtn descent was much nicer. Slower and better views. Deer Park is too fast to look up at all.

SK, this is the link I want to follow? All turns are noted correctly?
http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=3251

Thank you :)

[SadieKate]

I literally just finished making some edits to the notes. The map was correct but I though the route notes could be a little clearer.

There is definitely some unrepaired storm damage on the smaller roads so take it easy on the descents.

This is the Krebs map which show the wineries. http://www.krebscycleproducts.com/T1.html

[Tiffanie]

Excellent. Thanks so much! :D

[deedolce]

Joe has a mullet?? I'm not sure which one Tim is. It's kind of like walking into an auto parts store when I go to Wheelworks. You almost have to jump and down to get their attention, and I prefer going around the corner for most things...:p

This post bothered me, so since I can't find an edit button, I just want to clarify. I love Wheelworks cause those boys REALLY know what they're doing; I bought my bike(s) there, got fitted there, replaced my tires there. They're awesome, did all I asked and more. BUT when I went in for a helmet mirror, not only did they not have them, I could read their minds! ['we don't wear no freak'in mirrors!'] and heck, the last thing I got was a bike bell, and do ya think I 'd show my sorry middle aged booty in there to get it?? Of course not. :rolleyes: So I should have said, 'I prefer going around the corner for most 'little' things...'

[SadieKate]

Ha! I know what you mean. Ask Veronica, Thom loves B&L for the fact that they carry racks, bells, mirrors, etc. Shops cannot be all things to all people and the two shops are better shops because they concentrate on their niche. If I had to generically label each, Wheelworks goes for high-end racing and B&L for commuters and randonneurs. You'll find the same culture clashes among riders.

The Wheelworks guys harass us all the time because we buy new frames or upgrade all parts without going all the way to modern 10-spd. So, do certain of our friends. Can you see me shrugging? We just harass the guys back and tell them that they're full of it. We do the same thing you do, the little things at the other shops.

So, did B&L or Ken's have the map?

PS - Joe doesn't really have a mullet and he may have cut his hair by now. He keeps letting it grow in strange fashions like some of the Tour riders -- and then fusses about whether it is really too geeky.

[maillotpois]

That Howell Mtn descent was much nicer. Slower and better views. Deer Park is too fast to look up at all.


See??? Told 'ya!!

:D

[SadieKate]

Shouldna known. It is a better road for folks who get the heeby-jibbies on descents.

We're probably going to ride Deer Park this weekend so we can add a few miles to the loop. We'll pop out onto the Silverado higher up the valley.

We also discovered something. When you are climbing up past Lake Hennessey, you come to a 3-way intersection right at the lake. If you go to the right to stay on 128 back over to the Chiles Valley, you climb the south and sunny side of the mtn. If you go to the left on Chiles Pope Valley Rd (as they do on the Tour of Napa Valley), you climb the north and shaded side. Both come out on 128. If you are heading south back toward Moskowite, the shady route only adds 2.5 miles. Depending on weather, this is a good thing to know.

However, staying on 128 to the right means you ride right up to the doorstep of Nichelini Winery (est 1890). Such choices.

http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=3580

[Tiffanie]

Ok so we had a great time in Napa County this past weekend. Armed with rental bikes and SadieKate's routeslip, we headed out on Saturday afternoon.

We didn't get started until 3:00 and figured on a 3-hour ride.

It was quickly determined my bike size was off as I felt way stretched out and my back started hurting. But I could easily ignore it by zoning out on the beautiful surroundings. :)

This was dh's first ride, while fiddling around with the gearing, he managed to drop the chain twice and complete the obligatory "oops I forgot I was clipped in" fall within our first couple of miles. :D

It was HOT and the roads were busy. There were some sections that were nice and quiet, along the tree-lined shady roads. That was my favorite part.

About half way in, dh's bike was making an awful noise. One more stop and we quickly saw that the crank was very loose in the bottom bracket (is that right?) so we tightened it as best we could and started off again. The funny part here was dh had grease on his hands, then ended up with a Fu-Man-Chu grease mustache when rubbing his fingers down the sides of his mouth. It was hysterical and I couldn't stop laughing for a long while. I got a picture of it but he made me delete it!! Spoil sport! :D

Because of all the stops, my legs felt like lead each time we'd get back on the bike and I mentioned to dh that we should bypass the Ink Grade climb and asked the girl at the store in Pope Valley which way we should go.

We made a stop at a little store in Pope Valley, right where Ink Grade and Howell Mtn roads split off. We were running late because of all of our stops and decided to take the "short cut" through Howell Mtn Rd. Omigosh, this was the perfect example of why you should *always* stick with the original plan!!!! We quickly found that, although it was a few miles shorter than the Ink Grade Route, it was the same elevation gain. ACK!!!

Dh managed to drop his chain again so we decided to start WALKING up the hill. A pretty steep grade (to me), I ended up with blisters on the ball of each foot, in the center. Walking, walking, walking.... I wasn't having fun anymore! Every time we'd turn a corner and think we were at the top, more turns and climbing was up ahead. It was about 5:30 at this point and our friends were expecting us back by 6:00. That was not looking like it was going to happen!

We ended up hitching a ride from a very nice man (who was a cyclist and was amused with our short cut story, lol) in a truck who happened to be on his way to a friend's house that was very near our B & B. He took us all the way to the intersection of where we were staying and we rode the last quarter mile home. Rode in at 6:00. Just in time! :)

I think we ended up with a 28 mile ride.

So, although our ride was cut short and we had a few mishaps, dh says he really enjoyed the ride. I did too, I've just decided to block out the walk up that darn hill so as not to spoil the rest of the ride. :D

A few pics:

http://quick.holdthatpic.com/images/16912.jpg

http://quick.holdthatpic.com/images/16913.jpg

http://quick.holdthatpic.com/images/16914.jpg

http://quick.holdthatpic.com/images/16915.jpg

http://quick.holdthatpic.com/images/16916.jpg

[Brandy]

I'm glad that you got your ride in Tiff...mishaps and all! So is Paul itching for a bike even more now?

[Tiffanie]

I'm glad that you got your ride in Tiff...mishaps and all! So is Paul itching for a bike even more now?

He sure is!! :D

[Brandy]

He sure is!! :D

I knew it!

[tprevost]

He sure is!! :D


I am so jealous! I wish DH would be interested in riding! I did get him to go mtn biking last saturday and he enjoyed that (he's done that before) but still doesn't want to go out and do it every day...

oh well... at least he doesn't complain about the $$ I spend on my bike stuff!

t~

ps. Tiffanie, your adventure sounds like a blast... even w/the hill! Glad you had fun!