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.
North? South? East? West?
Where are we starting and is there food planned for after?
CindySue - you'll have to ask V about Fluffy. A lady never admits her weight in public (and I'm not talking about V). :p
