Nov 4 - St. Helena/Pope Valley ride

I've been asked to coordinate another ride in the wine country hills. I mapped out this route which should be very nice for the fall color of the grape vines, the salamanders on Ink Grade and fewer goobers (uh, boat traffic) by Lake Berryessa.

About 54 miles. The actual climbing will probably be about 4,000.

Goobers and Grapes
http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=12207

Parking: Library and Adams St east of Main St in St. Helena. Both are dead end streets and recommended by both the Police Dept traffic person and the St. Helena Cyclery.

We'll find chow in St. Helena. There are always a lot of votes for Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen but suggestions are always welcome.
http://www.cindysbackstreetkitchen.com/index.php

Time to be announced based on weather but shouldn't need to be terribly early.

Looks like fun.. but not sure i'm up to all that climbing yet.

I'm in. Ill do hills if yummy food is at the end.:D

Come on girls it will be fun.:D

I believe my drill sergeant says I'm in - I just go where I'm told.

Btw, SK, the Pilot had no additional info on this route, he just sang the praises of doing Sage Canyon downhill (but we know it's more fun uphill).

TrekHawk, you better be careful. You're getting a really long list of titles.

Kim, but has The Pilot tried Howell Mtn downhill?

BTW, everyone, if the weather continues to be so glorious, we'll have to change the route and stay away from the lake. On the otherhand, going downhill at Turtle Rock (the boaters route to the lake) is probably safer than our normal uphill. So, maybe, I dunno.

Trekhawk, I would not ever call you a name or assign you a title, other than "sandbagger" of course.

The Pilot has done Howell Mtn. downhill into Pope Valley - it's supposed to be a hairy descent.

I don't know nuthin about no boat traffic. At Knoxville, on a day with perfect weather, there was almost no traffic on Berryessa. Do people put their boats away for the winter?

I wish. There were some going up Wooden Valley to Moskowite on Sunday on that colder overcast day. Maybe once you get beyond the Turtle Rock to Spanish Flats piece they go away.

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Originally Posted by aka_kim

Trekhawk, I would not ever call you a name or assign you a title, other than "sandbagger" of course.

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LOL - call me what you like I just want someone to share the pain ummm I mean fun. I want to join Team Poo.:D :D

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Originally Posted by aka_kim

The Pilot has done Howell Mtn. downhill into Pope Valley - it's supposed to be a hairy descent.

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OOOH! OOOOH! That is a fun descent! At Knoxville last year I almost passed a boat being towed by a car, but then I remembered I am mortal.

Put us down for more than likely - depends on how late I get back from my worplace offsite teambuilding thingy the day before. But LeeBob can drive while I sleep, he's done it before. :)

Oh, throw 'em a bottle of wine (underhand) and take off. They'll think you're the best thing since sliced bread. What more do you need?

What do you all think the pace/average speed be like?

I think car door to car door, we'll be somewhere in the 13.5 - 14.5 mph avg. Nobody gets dropped - unless you ride through an intersection in front of the ride leader.;) :rolleyes:

We'd love for you to come join us! Dare I keep my finners crossed?

Editing: I just looked at your journal. I think you'll fit in just fine.

LeeBob and I will bring up the rear, at least on the hills. :cool:

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Originally Posted by Deanna

What do you all think the pace/average speed be like?

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Hey Deanna - hope you can come and share some hills and a laugh.:)