May 21 - where do we ride?

Kim and I are both training for centuries on June 4th, need to get in a longish ride (50+ miles) on May 21 that does not include the Lodi Sunrise Century. We’re wondering if anyone wants to join us and what the ride preferences are. These are the options I suggested and would include little pieces of the Davis Double which is occurring the same day.

1) A twist on the Tour of Napa Valley – start in St. Helena, go south down the Silverado Trail, up Sage Canyon (around Lake Hennessey) to Chiles & Pope Valley Rd. Climb up to the junction of Pope Valley Rd (where we took the pic of all the girls) and then up to the charming market in Pope Valley, on to Ink Grade and down White Cottage and Crystal Springs to the Silverado Trail. Here is the twist: we’d go up to Calistoga for a food break at the truly charming gourmet market by the glider port. Then, we’d just cruise the Silverado Trail back to St. Helena. This would be just a tad less than 60 miles. We could probably find some lousy chow and cheap booze to consume after.

2) A flexible version of the Dam Corners and Valleys Road Loop which was:

Start: Lake Solano Park (west of Winters)
Length: about 53 miles
Climbing: The book says about 2,300 feet but based on our experience yesterday it's probably more in the 3-4K range.
Roujte: We’ll climb up the canyon alongside Putah Creek, over the Monticello Dam and Cardiac Hill. We’ll head to Moskowite Corner, to Wooden Valley, to Gordon Valley, Mankas Corner and Fairfield. We’ll turn north and have a nice smooth ride all the way north back to Lake Solano Park.
If we are back by 3 pm, eat at the Putah Creek Café or plan a potluck picnic at the Park.

Options to make it longer or add climbing:
-- Start in Winters – adds about 8 flat miles
-- On the way north from Vacaville, we can go straight north on a beautiful mostly flat road, go over Cantelow Road from either direction (the west side is shorter but much steeper than the east), or go east a little way and go over Gibson Canyon (you have to do this to go up the east side of Cantelow. Either way will also add several miles and about 700 feet of climb. I’d estimate the longest of these options extend the ride to a total of 65-68 miles. The good thing is that the choice could be made on the ride and the group could split for the return without getting lost so we’d have ride options of 53-68 miles.

Let us know if you want to join us, what your ride preference is or if you have an even better idea.

I'm sure I'll just love your version of lousy chow and cheap booze.

If we do the Napa version (assuming I am coming-I plan to do the Lodi Century on the 21st), there is a fabulous Mexican Restaurant near Napa called the Red Hen. Not expensive and a good place to meet afterwards as lots of space and tables in and out. I love that area and this time of the year it isn't quite so hot as later in the summer. :)

Do you want to make the grand decision? Are we moving the ride to Sunday, the 22nd?

Sunday is fine with me.

Sunday is fine. But now BG is shaming me... I was trying to avoid riding Lodi by doing this ride.

I thought you didn't really enjoy the Lodi ride.

V.

I don't like Lodi -- I hate the wind and the long stretches on the highways (or whatever those busy roads are called).

I really like the Napa century, which is why I want to do the Twist.

Unfortunately I'm still not in shape to do a century on Saturday and 60 miles on Sunday. So I feel shamed. :o

Ahhh... I get it now. "Compare not thyself to others." "Cause otherwise I'd never ride with YOU up Diablo. Oh wait, that's right I don't. :D

V.

Oh very funny. We should do a junction ride some weekday, esp. since it's going to rain every weekend this year. I'll even ride *with* you.

Nope, no pressure here to ride Lodi. If it isn't fun, I don't do it. Got too many fun things to do in addition to riding and "must do" is not in my vocabulary unless it involves chores.

Now you all, remember I'm getting ready to be on my derriere for 7 days of back to back riding, wind or no wind, bad roads, good roads, and who knows what else! So, when I can, I try to get back to back days of long rides in my schedule. I figure that I'll probably be in shape for the big ride by June 5th (Day1), so now I'm concerned about such issues as saddle sores, chafing and all that goes with it! :( :( Any suggestions on that subject? :o

Sunday May 22? Where? When? :) :)

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Originally Posted by Bike Goddess

Now you all, remember I'm getting ready to be on my derriere for 7 days of back to back riding, wind or no wind, bad roads, good roads, and who knows what else! So, when I can, I try to get back to back days of long rides in my schedule. I figure that I'll probably be in shape for the big ride by June 5th (Day1), so now I'm concerned about such issues as saddle sores, chafing and all that goes with it! :( :( Any suggestions on that subject?

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Nancy, I've done back to back long days of mtnbiking but not road. Clean shorts every day and Chamois Butt'r the second you get a hot spot worked for me. Make sure you change gears and stand up periodically if you find yourself on long flat stretches (we're experts at that here in the Flatlands) to change the pressure points. Also, no lingering in damp shorts after all rides (even your training rides).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bike Goddess

May 22? Where? When? :) :)

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I'm thinking the Safeway around the corner from St. Helena Cyclery or at the Silverado Brewing Co. I thought I'd call the bike shop for their suggestion. I'd like to park close to wherever we eat of the many choices in St. Helena. Perhaps take a few seconds to pick up some lemon olive oil at Olivier. We have lots of time to figure this out so I'll post closer to the date.

SK-Are you fixed on St Helena as a starting place?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bike Goddess

Now you all, remember I'm getting ready to be on my derriere for 7 days of back to back riding,

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Goddess - after the 3rd day, you won't even know you have a butt..... :D

I recommend 7 pairs of shorts if you can afford it, much easier than trying to do laundry. There were a number of people riding with their wet shorts on their heads (!seriously!) to get them dry for the following day.

Shower and change as soon as you get to camp - wear something loose - sweats work well.

There will probably be huge tubs of butt butter at the rest stops - it pretty much saved my tentmates heinie. He had a nasty saddle sore, the the butter had some kind of stuff in it to help stop the pain.