Monday, October 5, 2015

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We’re out and about for a few days of cycling around some of the quiet back roads of Napa County from Yountville and St Helena to Napa. Ride #1 heads south through the vineyards around Napa Valley for a beautiful climb up Mt Veeder followed by a fun run along Dry Creek Rd. The route also includes a scenic loop along the wineries and vineyards around the edge of Congress Valley and Carneros Valley.

Enjoy the early morning views of the colorful hot air balloons flying off from the golfing greens at Vitner’s Golf Club!

Begin this ride from Yountville Park in Yountville.

Exit Yountville on Washington St to California Dr.

Head south on Solano Ave; this two lane frontage road parallels Hwy 29 with grand views of the Sonoma Mountains and the vineyards along Napa Valley.

Turn right onto Redwood Rd; the road travels through the residential neighborhoods along the NE edge of Napa.

Redwood Rd exits town and continues for 2.4 miles through the wooded Redwood Canyon; this road follows the curvatures of the currently dry Redwood Creek. This is a quiet back road with a few country homes, ranches and vineyards tucked away along the shaded 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. The stair step ascent on Mt Veeder Rd begins with 1.6 mile of rolling terrain up to Popeye and Olive’s wooden boat.

The next 1.5 miles has gentle 3-6% grades to the yellow farm house at mile marker 2.75.

From mile marker 2.75, the road kicks up to steeper grades of 9-10% for the next 0.8 mile to the Mount Veeder Winery sign.

The road tilts for next 3/10th of a mile to the summit with steep grades of 11-12%! 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.

Enjoy the views!

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 with a 4% half mile climb up towards a residential community and quickly exits out towards Napa Valley.

Keep an eye out for the dinosaurs!

The three-mile stretch along the valley has superb views of the surrounding mountains and the acres and acres of vines.

Return to Redwood Rd and roll through the residential streets of Napa for a stop at Browns Valley Market.

The post lunch route begins with a short climb up Thompson Rd out to Congress Valley; it’s 0.7 mile with an average grade of 3.6%.

The climb up Old Sonoma Rd takes you through the scenic hillside vineyards along Congress Valley to Dealy Ln.

The turn on Dealy Ln leads you around the gorgeous wineries and vineyards along Carneros Valley with views of Milliken Peak.

Henry Rd climbs up through the vineyards before dropping down onto Buhman Rd.

Head north on Buhman Rd and continue along the valley vineyards to the Browns Valley residential neighborhood in Napa.

Return on Redwood Rd and head north through Napa Valley on Dry Creek Rd to Orchard Ave.

Orchard Ave cuts across the scenic valley vineyards to Solano Ave.

The flat run along Solano Ave leads you back to Yountville.

This is a scenic ride around Napa County; you’ll enjoy the quiet beautiful climbs through the shaded canyons on Redwood Rd and Mt Veeder Rd, the fun rolling downhill on Dry Creek Rd and the leisurely jaunt through the vineyards around Congress and Carneros Valleys!

Garmin Stats:
48.8 Miles with 2441′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 1379′
Max grade: 12%
Terrain: Flat-rolling > moderately hilly

Weather: Sunny and warm with clear blue skies. Temps ranged from the high 50’s to the high 70’s with SW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: