Business travels to Walnut Creek- Bike Shops w rentals

[crumpincommuter]

Good Evening Ladies!!
Business travels taking me out to Walnut Creek in June and with all the addition business related baggage; adding a bike would probably do me in- weight wise.

So 2 part question... Good reliable bike shop that might offer a decent rental?

Secondly, I've got 2nd yr newbie east coast legs and not sure if I've got the climbing power to hang with the Velo Gals. So if I can hook up with a bike- I'd either be looking for a preferrably women's group ride or accepting good safe routes to travel alone.....

[KnottedYet]

Try contacting Rivendell. They're right there in Walnut Creek! If they can't help you, at the very least they'd be able to point you in the right direction.

[Trek420]

Group rides: Check the Velo Gals Melo Velo ride each Saturday, easier low/no traffic route, human pace.

-other groups-

Team Lunachix, but they also are starting a hill climbing series.

Maybe there will be a ride organized here?

Summit bikes has rentals but they are across the bay from you.

[whippetgirl]

Hi there!
What are the dates in June? You are welcome to join our informal group. I'll be out of town part of the month, however.

You can also try calling Encina Bicycles in Walnut Creek, California Pedaler in Danville for rental info, too.

[aka_kim]

Encina, Rivendell and Performance are all in Walnut Creek. I know Encina rents bikes, although maybe only mtb.

Walnut Creek has quite a few nice bike paths that are safe for riding alone; see http://www.ebparks.org/resources/pdf/trails/canaltr.pdf and here for more area maps.

[roguedog]

Not sure how long you are out here for .. but if it's while and you want your own bike you might want to look into www.sportsexpress.com who will deal with shipping your bike out here and back.

[cindysue]

not bike related but I have a few restaurant recommendations:

1) Nama Sushi - 1502 Sunnyvale Ave Walnut Creek, CA 94597
2) VaDeVi Bistro and wine bar - (expensive but highly recommended)

[bikerz]

I second Cindy's Va de Vi recommendation - it's very good!

And let us know the dates you'll be here for rides - there are plenty of rides without hills, and plenty of us here on TE who'd be happy to ride with you!

[crumpincommuter]

I was holding off on posting exact dates, pending the whim of client preferences. But as of today I'm comfortable with the fact that they're commiting to 6/20-6/26. I'll probably only be able to ride either that Saturday or Sunday..

I'm ok with some hills (I would consider myself to be a decent "club" rider, can hold pace line etc) but CA hills are a bit different than rollling hills of CT; so that was my only concern.

Greatly appreciate food recs too! It's been a couple yrs since I've been in the area and assume it's just like here in that, you find a great place that you love, and before you know it the owners get tired of the restaurant biz and retire to Maine to run a B&B.

You gals are awesome-- hope this works out!
If anyone is heading out here please pm, so the favor can be returned...
We've got a few gals only rides ( all skill levels- racers to newbies) and love to spread the good word...

[whippetgirl]

I'll be around Sat. (leaving Sunday for Colorado). Please pm me if you would like to ride. Friday early eve, late afternoon might work, too, depending on your schedule.
I also like VadiVi in Walnut Creek. Hope things work out. Be prepared for warm weather!

[DrBadger]

Hey-
Count me in for a ride Sat or Sunday while you are here. I will be ready to get out and ride as I will have defended my PhD the week before, graduated, and finished our consortium sponsors meeting, whew.. maybe I will just want to sleep No, a ride will be great. There are also some great rides over on the peninsula that will be a bit cooler than over in Walnut Creek if someone is willing to drive over with you and what ever bike you find.

Looking forward to it.
Ellen

[crumpincommuter]

not bike related but I have a few restaurant recommendations:

1) Nama Sushi - 1502 Sunnyvale Ave Walnut Creek, CA 94597
2) VaDeVi Bistro and wine bar - (expensive but highly recommended)

Regret not having the chance to hook up and ride with you ladies. Because of the minimal choices for quality rentals ended up in Healdsburg, which turned out better than ok too. But thanks for the Va de Vi recommendation, enjoyed a great meal, and yes dessert too!

Next trip that brings me out there for a few days I'll be sure to ship Ol'Blue which will alleviate the logistical challenges.... Thanks again ladies...Ride Safe!