Northern California - Tour of Napa Valley registration is open

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=8342

I did this event a couple of years ago and enjoyed it - well run, nice route, good bbq at the end. The route isn't that hard, but does have a couple of sustained climbs. I'm not sure if I'm doing it this year - depends on vacation plans.

JB

I did this last year as my first century. I remember starting the climb up Ink Grade thinking "Oh man if it stays this way I'm toast!" Thankfully it leveled off a bit and I motored up it. The descent that followed Ink Grade was incredible. Almost five miles at about 40 mph. My arms and back were sore by the time I reached the bottom :thumb:

I'll be doing this ride this year.

Bummer. One of the few weekends I'll be out of town.

Any slowpokes or clydes wanna do the metric with me? I know the route so we could practice a couple of tiems before the event.

cantdrv55 jen and i may be in for that. the 37 mile route last year was our first event ride on the tandem and we had a great time. got to see if the logistics work out this year but at least there's plenty of advance notice!

Cool! The last time I did this event, I rode with the club until Ink Grade where I got dropped. They saved me some BBQ at the end though.

cantdrv55]Any slowpokes or clydes wanna do the metric with me? Are you anywhere near SF?

What are the climbs called here? I hear "Ink Grade", what are the others? :) Time to do some research... I think I'll be in for the 100mi.

What are the climbs called here? I hear "Ink Grade", what are the others? :) Time to do some research... I think I'll be in for the 100mi.

Here's the route map: http://www.eaglecyclingclub.org/images/100map.gif

The first climb is Mt. Veeder Road; the other climb is the Ink Grade. I guess you do some climbing on Pope Valley as well.

The climbing profile is here: http://www.eaglecyclingclub.org/images/100elevation.jpg

JB

Ink Grade is 4 miles long

Are you anywhere near SF?

No, I'm in the East Bay.

I did the 65mile last year - my first metric - a truly beautiful ride (notwithstanding the short stretch on Highway 29). Pope Valley was a lovely little incline (not really a climb per se), and Ink grade wasn't too difficult - somewhat middle of the road for a bay area climb IMHO. Tough to believe that only 4wks before that, the longest I'd ever ridden was 30miles.

I'd love to try the 100mile route this year, but not sure if I can commit to that date yet.

Any slowpokes or clydes wanna do the metric with me? I know the route so we could practice a couple of tiems before the event.

I'm interested. I'm doing the Party Pardee ride April 4, so hopefully after that I'll be in decent enough shape to do this ride...

I've always enjoyed the Party Pardee ride. Pardee has a decent number rollers.

I might have to sign-up for this one. It would be my first century, and my birthday one at that, plus the the jersey looks kinda cool.

Who doesn't love cycling, food & wine? I mean, come on! :)

I might have to sign-up for this one. It would be my first century, and my birthday one at that, plus the the jersey looks kinda cool.

Who doesn't love cycling, food & wine? I mean, come on! :)

Communists


Actually they probably dig it too :p

Communists


Actually they probably dig it too :p

Ekimov rode for the Soviet Union if I remember correctly. Eric Zabel came up through the East German juniors program.

And thanks for the tip-my wife & I had lunch at de Vere's yesterday. Good food, excellent beer, cool atmosphere. We'll go again.

And thanks for the tip-my wife & I had lunch at de Vere's yesterday. Good food, excellent beer, cool atmosphere. We'll go again.

Awesome http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/h5.gif

Glad you enjoyed it.