Wednesday, October 26, 2016
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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.
Exit the parking lot on Vine and Matheson to Mill St.
The road name changes to Westside as it continues across the valley towards the W Dry Creek Rd junction.
Turn left to stay on Westside, the road travels south along the low-lying plains of the Russian River Valley through the many world-class wineries and gorgeous vineyards.
The gentle rolling climbs continue through the gorgeous valley.
Enjoy the autumn colored vines!
The rolling terrain leads you out to the Sweetwater Springs Historic District.
The road continues to wind around the valley floor with magnificent views of the vineyards!
Westside Rd cuts through the gorgeous woodland with a short climb followed by a descent towards Wohler Rd.
Turn left onto Wohler Rd, it continues south across the truss bridge over the Russian River towards Eastside Rd.
Turn left on Eastside Rd, it rolls along the vineyards around the Russian River Valley to Trenton-Healdsburg Rd.
Continue east on Mark West Station Rd, this back road leads you past the open fields, apple orchards, ranches, and farms towards Windsor.
Windsor Rd goes along the edge of the County Airport to Shiloh Rd. Continue east on Shiloh, it goes along the south end of Windsor over Hwy 101 to Redwood Hwy.
Shiloh Rd continues across the valley vineyards and residential neighborhoods to Faught Rd.
Faught Rd heads north on a single lane with great views of the surrounding vineyards.
Chalk Hill Rd continues northward through a residential neighborhood.
The gentle terrain leads up to Chalk Hill Valley; a smaller appellation within Russian River Valley. Enjoy the splendid views!
The short climb up the south side of Chalk Hill Rd to the first high point has gradient ranges of 7-9%.
The road drops into the valley floor pass the horse and cattle ranches and hillside vineyards.
The rolling terrain leads to the second climb up Chalk Hill to the Historic Chalk Hill Grange.
The road continues gently pass the acreage vineyards around Chalk Hill.
Cross the Historic Maacama Bridge and stay on Chalk Hill Rd to Hwy128.
Continue NW on Hwy 128 through the splendid vineyards and wineries around the expansive Alexander Valley.
The flat terrain continues along the valley. Enjoy the wonderful views of the Mayacamas Mountains and the glorious valley vines!
Lunch stop at Jimtown Store.
Re-trace your steps back on Hwy 128 to Pine Flat Rd.
Continue on Red Winery Rd, it meanders along the valley floor with scenic views of the sprawling vineyards and winery estates.
Enjoy the magnificent views!
Red Winery runs onto Geysers Rd as it turns SW along Gird Creek to Hwy 128.
Turn right onto Hwy 128, it continues NW through the gorgeous Alexander Valley towards the entrance to River Rock Casino.
Hwy 128 meanders along the wonderful valley dotted with old weathered barns.
The road leads you across the Russian River into the town of Geyserville.
Check out the Sculpture Trail along Geyserville Rd.
The road continues north through Geyserville to Canyon Rd.
Turn left on Canyon, it takes you underneath Hwy 101 to a short 3/10th of a mile climb with gradient ranges of 6-9%. You’re at the summit when you see the Olive Hill Cemetery.
Enjoy the gorgeous 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 is one of the most popular cycling roads in the area! The gentle terrain meanders for miles and miles through the spectacular Dry Creek Valley!
Enjoy the fun rolling miles through the gorgeous valley vineyards!
The road continues along the beautiful vineyards and estate wineries.
W Dry Creek Rd winds around the valley before coming to a T-junction at Westside Rd.
Return on Westside Rd and Mill Rd to the public parking lot.
Enjoy some of the sculptures along Foss Creek Trail.
This is one of the most beautiful autumn rides in the Bay Area! You’ll certainly enjoy the gorgeous back roads through Sonoma County’s magnificent wine country!
Garmin Stats:
54 Miles with 2241′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 482′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Flat-rolling with a few low hills
Weather: Sunny and warm with partly cloudy skies. Temps ranged from the high 50’s to the high 70’s with NW winds.
View the interactive RGPS route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
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