Wednesday, November 4, 2015

View the entire Google Web Album

This scenic counter clock-wise loop tours the gorgeous valley vineyards and wineries around different wine growing regions of Sonoma County; Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill Valley and Alexander Valley. The undulating roads highlight the fertile hillsides and valleys of this picturesque countryside.

Begin the ride from the Healdsburg Public parking lot adjacent to Foss Creek Plaza.

Head south on Westside Rd; this road runs 9.3 miles along the low-lying plains of Russian River Valley through the many world-class wineries and gorgeous vineyards.

Colorful valley vineyards.

Flat-rolling terrain along Westside Rd to the Sweetwater Springs Historic District.

The single climb up and over through the woods onto Wohler Rd.

Cross the Wohler Bridge over the Russian River to Eastside Rd. The expansive vineyards around the valley and its autumn colors are spectacular!

Mark West Station Rd and Windsor Rd takes you through the town of Windsor; these back roads leads pass the open fields, apple orchards, ranches and farms towards the County Airport.

Shiloh Rd cuts through the south end of Windsor and continues east over US-101 towards Redwood Hwy.

Stop at Eposti Park:

Shiloh Rd continues along the vineyards and residential neighborhoods to Faught Rd.

Faught Rd heads north with great views of the surrounding valley vineyards.

Chalk Hill Rd goes along Chalk Hill Valley;it’s a smaller appellation within Russian River Valley.

The climb up the south side of this road is much shorter and much gentler with grades maxing out at 9% towards the summit.

The descent on Chalk Hill Rd drops into the valley floor pass the horse and cattle ranches and hillside vineyards.

The rolling terrain leads to the short climb up Chalk Hill to the Historic Chalk Hill Grange. The road continues gently pass the acres of vineyards of Verite and Lancaster Wineries.

Cross the Historic Maacama Bridge and make your way out to CA-128.

Continue NW on CA-128 through the splendid vineyards and wineries around the expansive Alexander Valley.

Lunch stop at Jimtown Store.

The post lunch route stays on CA-128 to the flatlands along Pine Flat, Red Winery and Geysers Rd. Meander along the valley floor with scenic views of the sprawling vineyards and winery estates.

CA-128 continues NW through Alexander Valley and crosses over the Russian River into the town of Geyserville.

Sculpture Trail along Geyserville Rd:

Geyserville Ave leads you out-of-town to the climb up east Canyon Rd; it’s 3/10th of a mile with gradient ranges of 6-9%. You’re at the summit when you see the Olive Hill Cemetery.

Enjoy the colorful hillside vineyards on the descent into Dry Creek Valley.

From Dry Creek Valley, take Yoakim Bridge Rd to W Dry Creek Rd.

West Dry Creek Rd: this is probably one of the most popular cycling roads in this area! The gentle rolling terrain meanders 8.8 miles through the spectacular Dry Creek Valley!

Fun rolling miles through the gorgeous valley vineyards!

Westside Rd takes us across the bridge back into Healdsburg-look around and enjoy some of the sculptures along the way.

This is one of the most beautiful rides in the Bay Area-you’ll certainly enjoy the gorgeous back roads through Sonoma County’s wine country!

Garmin Stats:
53.73 Miles with 2198′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 482′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Flat-rolling with a couple of low hills

Weather: Sunny and warm with clear blue skies. Temps ranged from the high 50’s to the high 60’s with brisk NW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: