First time to Napa - favorite 40 miles?

[deedolce]

Heh, actually first time here at te! How nice!

My riding pal and I are heading to Napa this weekend to ride...and we have no idea of what or where! We've heard of the Silverado Trail, but all other details are non-existent, hence this thread.

We'd like to do around 40 miles, beautiful scenery, a place to eat for lunch, and just rolling hills - we're flatlanders from Davis.

Where to park? A nice loop?

Thanks for ideas!

Dee

[maillotpois]

Silverado trail is pretty, and quite flat. BUT there are a ton of FAST cars on it. Not to mention the winery crowd.

I would suggest going toward Pope Valley on Chiles/Pope Valley Rd. (Past Lake Henessey). You can do an out and back to Pope Valley and come back via Lower Chiles Valley Rd. or you can go up Ink Grade, which is a four mile climb - but nothing terribly steep. This is all on the east side of Napa Valley.

The store in Pope Valley doesn't open til about 10.

On the West side, you can go up Dry Creek Rd. which runs paralell to Silverado and Hwy. 29. That is a nice rolly road. On either side o fit is Mt. Veder and Oakville Grade, but Dry Creek itself is pretty flat.

Have fun!

[Veronica]

Is it the store in Pope Valley that has the really disgusting bathrooms and is closed one day on the weekend? I think the men's is less gross than the women's - more use is good.

Anyway... I found an even grosser bathroom in NS.

V.

[maillotpois]

Super gross bathrooms - but always open and stocked with TP.

They used to be closed on Saturday (Pope Valley is very 7th Day Adventist), but when we were there last week, the sign said open every day at 10 or something. I was surprised.

Pope Valley is just the best place! So pretty - especially in the spring with all the flowers.

[Veronica]

Yeah... don't let the comment the bathroom turn you off, just be prepared.

I really like Mt. Veeder, it's a pretty climb.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

As V says, Mt Veeder is a nice ride, but it does get steep at the top.

I suggest you call Gaby- she is from the Eagles Cycling club in Napa. She will not only give you great routes, but also great directions. She works at a bike shop in Napa (Bicycle Works- 707 253 7000).

The club has regular rides on the weekends. There is a ride just for women on Saturdays which Cheryl leads. I've done this ride and we had a great time!
They do a decide and ride as does the Sunday group. I've ridden with this club and they are quite friendly. My club did a joint ride with this group, and I just did the Seattle to Portland ride with Gaby, Cheryl, and 2 other women from this group.

[cindysue]

Anyway... I found an even grosser bathroom in NS.

V.

hahaha, which one was that?

[Veronica]

That store on the way to Keiji.

V.

[cindysue]

oooh yeah, the one with the wierd but oh so nice store keeper. Glad I avoided that scene...............