Foxy's Falll Classic - Davis

[SadieKate]

Having ridden that route for a bizillion years, I can tell you that you will be climbing up Wooden Valley to the school where you will stop for lunch. You will then have another climb (and the steepest) to Moskowite Corner so don't chow down. If you need more to eat later there is a country store at Moskowite.

You will then wind around Lake Berryessa with a bit of climb back up out of the lake, then start your descent to the dam and back to the valley floor. The steepest section is off the face of the dam but you should be used to it where you live.

The climbs are not challenging, but pace yourself going north up to Moskowite because it is long and steady. It is almost more important to find folks to ride with going down to Fairfield or back from Winters. Long flat miles with hopefully little wind where a bit of company goes a long way. The earlier you get started in the day, the better chance you have for avoiding the wind. Fact o' live in Solano and Yolo counties.

[jobob]

If you need more to eat later there is a country store at Moskowite.

Um, no there's not. It's closed, alas.

The old gas station there is now a (micro-) mini mart that sells cold beverages and a very limited supply of snax.

[snapdragen]

Um, no there's not. It's closed, alas.

SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MOVE AWAY SK!!!!!!!

[aka_kim]

Yeah! First the Coffee World in Fairfield, now the store at Moskovite. What next?

[SadieKate]

WHAT?

That's insane that they couldn't keep the store open. The cafe, which was an exercise in faith anyway, I could understand, but not the store.

[Bike Goddess]

Yeah, store closed (we had hoped for a summer opening but alas that didn't happen). I don't know about the bathrooms- last time we asked they didn't have them at the gas station.

I've also done this route many times (both directions) and will say that I think it is easier going this way. Cardiac Hill is a bit steeper coming from the other direction coupled with the fact that you have already done some climbing from Lake Solano to the dam.

Gordon Valley should be beautiful- fall colors in there are quite spectacular. After you turn onto Wooden Valley it's 4.5 miles to the school and another mile or so to the junction where you turn and start a good climb. They have fixed the road and it has a nice surface.

When you get to Moskovite corner and turn right you will be following the old Amgen tour route. This year they will do that part of the route in the reverse direction coming from Davis on their way to Santa Rosa.

If you see any yellow jerseys it's probably my club as we ride this century every year. (Benicia bike club) They are a fr'endly group so feel free to say hello (they might even have argyle socks on!).

Looks like you'll have cooler temps and (yes indeed) some SW wind from Davis through Fairfield. Once you get past Mankas Corner and turn into Gordon Valley it should be a bit less windy. (If you need to stop for food or bathroom- Vezer Vineyard is at Mankas Corner- bathrooms and great coffee, etc.)

Looking forward to a ride report!

[RolliePollie]

Thanks everyone, for all the awesome info! It's great to have a little preview of the route. I'm not so worried about the climbing as I am about the distance. And actually, I'm looking forward to some flat riding...that will be exciting and different for me since there is nothing flat up here in the foothills!

So far, the Nat'l Weather Service website is not predicting gale force winds, so I'm hopeful. The course opens at 7 am...I plan to be ready to go by 6:55! I'm also really hoping I can latch on to a group here and there, so I'll be on the lookout for yellow jerseys and argyle socks!