Wednesday, October 23, 2013
View the entire Google Web Album
It’s time for the annual Autumn ride up Mt Veeder! This ride includes a tour around some of the wine regions of Sonoma and Napa counties.
We head south on Ramal Rd through the vineyards along Sonoma Valley; the hillsides are bursting with miles and miles of vibrant yellows, reds and orange colors!
The road changes to Duhig Rd as it curves around the valley into Napa County. The valley vineyards are absolutely beautiful with the early morning fog still lingering from above.
Duhig Rd drops us down onto Hwy 12/121; this is a high traffic area-cross with caution to Old Sonoma Rd! The next turn on Dealy Ln takes us around the gorgeous wineries and vineyards along Carneros Valley.
We head north on Buhman Rd and continue along Carneros Valley through the residential neighborhood of Browns Valley in Napa.
The next 2.6 miles along Redwood Rd takes us through the wooded Redwood Canyon; this road follows the curves of the currently dry Redwood Creek. This is a quiet back road with a few country homes, ranches and vineyards tucked away along the lower canyon.
Mt Veeder Rd begins where Redwood Rd veers to the west; it’s 4.2 miles to the summit at Wing Canyon Vineyards. This splendid country back road winds its way up through the wooded Pickle Canyon with fabulous views of the hillside vineyards and dense green forests.
This stair step ascent begins with gentle grades of 3-6% and increases with gradient ranges of 9-10% followed by a much steeper 11-12% climb up to the summit. You’re near the top when you see the 2300 marker on the road. Enjoy the summit views of the canyons below and the mountains above!
The descent on Mt Veeder Rd is on very poor pavement with two little humps followed by a twisty bumpy downhill to Dry Creek Rd.
We continue on Dry Creek Rd for the next 9.5 miles; the rolling descent winds down the canyon along the creek through the scattered horse ranches and farm houses.
The road continues up through the woods pass a residential area and quickly descends out to Napa Valley.
The three-mile stretch along the valley has superb views of the surrounding mountains and the acres and acres of vines.
We return to Redwood Rd and ride through the city streets of Napa back to Browns Valley for our lunch stop at Browns Valley Market.
The post lunch route begins with a short climb up Thompson Rd out to Congress Valley.
The climb up Old Sonoma Rd takes us through the colorful hillside vineyards along Carneros Valley to the turn onto Hwy 12/121.
Los Carneros Rd takes us along the flats through the many wineries and vineyards of Carneros Valley. We continue on Cuttings Wharf Rd to the rolling climbs on Las Amigas Rd.
Las Amigas Rd jogs along the gorgeous Sonoma Valley wineries and vineyards-the fall colors are stunning!
The turn on Duhig Rd takes us to Ramal Rd for the last 4.4 miles back to the parking area.
This a wonderful way to enjoy a perfect autumn day and view the changing colors on the vines! Thanks to Deb for leading!
Garmin Stats:
49.20 Miles with 2979′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 1396
Max grade: 12%
Terrain: Flat to rolling with one long climb
Weather: Great! Dense morning fog burning off in the late morning with blue sunny skies. Temps ranged from the mid 40’s to the high 60’s. Breezy WNW winds with 94% humidity
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Go outside, enter a stress free zone and enjoy life!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Click here to view the interactive route map & elevation profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
Ride Chronicles 