May 21 - where do we ride?

[SadieKate]

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.

[yellow]

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

[Bike Goddess]

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.

[SadieKate]

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

[yellow]

Sunday is fine with me.

[aka_kim]

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

[Petunia]

Both rides sound great, but unfortunately I'll be out of town the entire weekend.

[aka_kim]

But who will call out "LOW" if you're not around Petunia?

[slinkedog]

Bike Goddess - I have used Chamois Butt'r and Assos Chamois Cream. Definitely recommend the Assos for long rides. It is a little mentholated, so it stings a bit, but after I'm on my saddle for a few minutes, I don't even notice it. I like it because it's richer than the Chamois Butt'r (which is good and I still use it on shorter rides) and doesn't seem to "soak into" my chamois, or whatever happens to it. It's probably a moisture thing. The CB is very easy to wash off, the Assos a little harder, so the CB is probably more water-soluable than the Assos. Anyway Assos is my chamois cream of choice, but it ain't cheap.

[Bike Goddess]

Thanks SD- That helps!! Where do you get the Assos in your area???

[slinkedog]

REI doesn't have it, but lots of smaller bike shops carry it. I get it at ST Bikes, locally, but that's just because they're close to my house. I've seen it for sale online... I think Colorado Cyclist and World Cycling Productions' sites carry it. I'll bet if you call around to some shops in your area, you'll find someone carries it.