Wednesday, February 2, 2011

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Today’s ride meets up at the parking lot of Dunucci’s Restaurant in Valley Ford. A vast majority of people arrive late; myself included because of a traffic accident on the San Rafael Bridge.

Porta-potties are available at the back of the Valley Ford Market. Water and other beverages can be purchased inside.

We head north on Hwy 1, take a right turn onto Valley Ford-Freestone Hwy to Bodega Hwy and to Bohemian Hwy. We ride through the small town of Freestone.

We continue on Bohemian Hwy for the next 4 miles under a canopy of trees and partially shaded road for the gentle climb up to Occidental. The gradient ranges from 3-5%.

There is a brief regroup on Main St. It’s a fun fast descent on Bohemian to the next town of Monte Rio.

We cross the green bridge over the Russian River into Monte Rio and continue on Hwy 116. I always feel like I’m on vacation while riding around this area; the whole feeling of being here is so calming. It’s truly amazing; all of this is available to us if we just take the time to enjoy it.

The next turn is on Austin Creek Rd. This has got to be one of my favorite roads to be on; it’s so beautiful back here! You get to ride under the redwoods and hear the sounds of the water flowing along the creek. There’s barely any traffic too; that’s another plus!

 

 

The end of Austin Creek Rd brings me across the bridge and I head south on Cazadero Hwy. I think by now, I’m the last rider out here. It’s tougher for me to take pics while riding on my single; I tend to stop too much. Where’s my tandem partner?

The lunch stop is at the Gold Coast Bakery. They have a nice patio area in the rear with ample tables and seating. Restrooms are available next to the Post Office in front or at the back area of the bakery.

After lunch, we head west on Hwy 116 towards Hwy 1. There is a moderate climb up to Goat Rock after crossing over the Russian River. The average gradient is around 6% and maxing out at 8%. The views are fabulous once you get to the top!

This is why we pay extra to live here in California; the ocean views are absolutely stunning! Can it get better than this? WOW! Life is GREAT, it’s a joy to be here! .Riding the rollers along the Sonoma coast is awesome. It’s fun and relaxing at the same time. Restrooms are plentiful as you pass one of the many beaches along this coastline.

Some of us take a moment to check out the Nicholas Green Memorial and the Children’s Bell Tower at the edge of Bodega Bay. It’s a very quiet place to be.

We ride into Bodega Bay and stop for a regroup at The Tides. Water and restrooms are available inside.

We continue south on Hwy 1 for the next 7 miles and head inland. There are a few climbs ahead of us before we make the fast descent back to Dunucci’s.

Thanks to Bob Hallet for leading the ride! It was a wonderful way to spend the day.

~25+ people in attendance

48 miles with 2297′ of elevation gain

Weather: A full day of sunshine with some breeze. Starting temp of 63, dropping to 49 along the descent on Bohemian, 54 along Austin Creek Rd and reaching a high of 66 at Valley Ford.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>LIFE IS GREAT!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>