The ride this year started out dry as we prepared to start riding. However, before we got into Calistoga, everyone was wet and ready to get a room for the night instead of camping. And so we did. Nice to be able to be so flexible!
On the second day, there was discussion about changing the rest day to avoid riding three days in the rain. After a wet morning, the decision was final and we made reservations at the Anderson Valley Inn (Philo) for two nights. So, the day was a bit shorter than planned but we had a couple riders who were on a mission. Each day they added mileage to their adventure.
Our rest day was spent in Philo. The owner of the Inn allowed us to use his shed for storing the bikes and as a workshop. Some folks cleaned their bikes and gave lessons on tire changing to others. Even after all that hard work, there was plenty of time for exploring the town and some of the wineries. Each winery was a bit different. One had a parrot and dogs while another had an art gallery with a variety from paintings to photos to ceramics and more. One had pear trees that were just dropping their fruit so we helped ourselves to a taste.
Finally! We woke up to a day that promised sunshine. It was a promise that took a little time to fulfill but by mid-day, the road was dry and the sun was shining. This was the day we rode through the redwood forest and made it out to the ocean. After the fantastic views through the woods and along the coast, we were finally able to camp again at Manchester Beach KOA.
From Manchester Beach to Bodega Bay, we were riding along the coast. There were some challenging sections as the road climbed and climbed before some steep downhill. We ended at Bodega Dunes State Park with a great site. We were finally able to have a campfire but the marshmallows never did get roasted.
Our final day was heading inland back to Napa. Going through Sebastopol, there is a great bike path that keeps one off the roads and away from the freeways. After a final lunch stop, the riders headed out on some back roads to Glen Ellen and worked their way back into Napa.
What a fantastic week. Dan and I had a wonderful time supporting the riders. We are looking forward to next year!
-
-
- interesting old church in Philo
-
- Charlene leaving Geyserville
-
