I am retiring next month! So, I have this idea to ride the Amtrak from Colorado to Sacramento/San Francisco/Oakland in September and then ride north to see me oldest son who lives near Sebastapol and Monte Rio. After a week or so, they will be getting tired of the old man and think I'll start working my way back via the Western Express - I live on US 50.

I have a 1997 Trek 520 (and feel fortunate I was able to find it during the pandemic as I have not seen another touring bike for sale since then). I have front and rear racks and some older Lone Tree panniers, a decent 2 man tent, sleeping gear and other stuff. I have done several overnight and several 2-3 day camping trip rides on a mountain bike. This could be my first road type tour - but I plan on doing several overnight and less than weeklong tours here in Colorado over the summer. I'm working with a local bike mechanic/shop to look at changing the gearing to get lower climbing gears - not sure it will get done though.

Specific input I'm looking for - best place to depart Amtrak in northern California and then suggested routing to get up toward Sebastapol, Monte Rio or Guerneville. He lives maybe 10 miles off the PCH so that could be an option. Also, leaving from Sonoma County after the visit, routing to get back to the Western Express. I have the ACA app with the Western Express maps on my phone.

Thanks in advance for sharing your insights.