Thursday, September 12, 2014
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Today’s scenic loop goes out along the picturesque Napa Valley from Yountville to Sage Canyon/CA-128 and Berryessa Knoxville Rd to Lake Berryessa. The route continues through Pope Canyon into Pope Valley with a return along Chiles Pope Valley Rd to Silverado Trail.
We begin this ride from Yountville Park on Lincoln Ave at the north end of Yountville.
Yount St leads us onto Yount Mill Rd; this quiet back road winds through the valley vineyards and cattle ranch around the Yountville Hills.
We head north on Hwy 29 along the estate wineries and vineyards around Napa Valley.
CA-128 E/Rutherford Rd cuts across the valley floor to Silverado Trail.
We stay on CA-128 E/Sage Canyon Rd; the rolling terrain takes us out along the edge of Lake Hennessey.
CA-128 continues east through Sage Canyon on gentle rolling terrain for the next 2.5 miles along Sage Creek.
The road tilts up for a mile long climb with an average grade of 6.5% followed by a rolling descent towards Lower Chiles Valley.
At the Y intersection, CA-128 E continues on rolling terrain through the acreage vineyards along Elder Valley to the summit at Somerston Estate Winery. The road sweeps down from the valley along Soda Creek to Turtle Rock.
We head north on Berryessa Knoxville Rd; this back road descends into the canyon along Cappell Creek towards Lake Berryessa.
It continues on rolling terrain to the short 5-7% climb up from Capell Cove Boat Launch to the summit at the Berryessa substation.
The gentle terrain on Berryessa Knoxville Rd continues to wind along Lake Berryessa before dropping down to Spanish Flat Village Center. Enjoy the gorgeous view of the lake!
We make a brief stop at the Spanish Flat Country Store & Deli. There is a porta-potty located at the north end of the parking lot.
The half mile climb from Spanish Flat up to the Fire Station is followed by a rapid descent into Quarry Canyon. The road gently tilts back up to the Dufer Point Visitor Center at Lake Berryessa.
We stop for lunch at the Lake Berryessa Acorn Beach Area. Enjoy the views of the lake!
We continue north on Berryessa Knoxville Rd for the next 5.9 miles; the rolling climbs has gradient ranges of 5-9%.
The bridge crossing over Lake Berryessa takes us onto Pope Canyon Rd. Enjoy the beautiful lake views!
Pope Canyon Rd begins with gentle grades of 3-6% for 0.3 mile and dramatically kicks up to steeper grades of 7-11% for the next half mile up to the summit.
The road winds down through the canyon followed by a short climb up to the gap.
Pope Canyon Rd drops down along Pope Creek to the creek crossing at Sufi Center.
The rolling terrain takes us through the wide open space around Pope Valley.
We head SE on Chiles Pope Valley Rd; the first couple of miles goes along the valley through a ranching community with views of the open meadows and hillside vineyards.
At mile 44.9, the road kicks up for 0.6 mile with an average grade of 6.1%; it takes us up and over to Chiles Valley.
Chiles Pope Valley Rd continues on gentle rolling terrain for the next 3.6 miles with fabulous views of the open meadows, valley vineyards, olive groves and mountain ridge!
At the hilltop vineyards near Rios Farming, the road drops down into the canyon. The wildly fun descent follows Chiles Creek to Moore Creek Park. The road levels out along Chiles Creek to Lake Hennessey.
We stay on CA-128 W/Sage Canyon Rd for the leisurely jaunt along the south side of the lake to Silverado Trail.
The flat miles on Silverado Trail south takes us back through the spectacular vineyards and wineries around Napa Valley!
Yountville Cross Rd cuts across the valley into Yountville.
This is a wonderful ride around the back roads of Napa County to Lake Berryessa and Pope Valley. Enjoy the scenic lake and wide open valleys on the roads less-traveled. Weekend traffic is slightly busier but it’s still not too bad!
Garmin Stats:
66.2 Miles with 3035′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 880′
Max grade: 11%
Terrain: Rolling with some low hills and one steep climb
Weather: Sunny and hot with temps ranging in the low 56’s to the high 90’s. SW winds with 88% humidity
Click here to view the interactive route map & elevation profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
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