Touring - Base for Northern Sonoma County day rides.

Hey All:

I am planning a 4-5 day trip to the northern sonoma county area in early April. I am looking to stay in one town where i can base out of for day rides.

I will be with my wife who will be 6+ months pregnant at the time. Consequently, I am hoping to base in a town that has enough attractions for her to spend 2-3 hours hangning out while i get me rides in.

I am considering Guerneville and Healdsburg right now.

Any advice would be appreciated.

THanks,

Jason

Healdsburg is nice with lots to do, galleries, great restaurants, etc. The ride out Dry Creek Road or toward Calistoga is very nice. There is less to do in Guerneville although it appeals to some, and there have been cyclist fatalities on 116, River Rd and Mark West Springs Rd in the past few years. Too many drunk drivers in Sonoma County for my taste. You might also consider Sebastopol as it has a nice little downtown and there are some quiet roads branching out.

I would recommend staying in either Healdsburg or Sebastopol. Both towns have nice downtown areas with plenty of shopping, galleries, etc. and nice hanging out areas for your wife. They are also great home bases for getting in 2-3 hour rides on lower traffic highly scenic routes. Out of Healdsburg, try West Dry Creek Road to the Lake Sonoma Lookout. The next day try the Eastside Road to Westside Road Loop. If you're up for a bit of a challenge, you may want to tackle Sweetwater Springs Road. Guerneville is a nice town (and a bit less expensive for lodging), but most routes out of town are pretty heavily trafficked and you can pretty much see everything in a day or less (for your wife).