I, the Bike Butcher of Portland will put down my torch and get on a plane Sunday to Oakland, arriving around noon. If @BoltBreaker hasn't damaged his car while tinkering with it, he'll whisk over and pick me up. The rest of Sunday will be spent checking out bikes, adjusting deraileurs and brakes as necessary, mounting bags, filling water bottles, and wondering why the hell we're doing this in February.
Well, we're doing it because we can. I haven't been on a proper bike trip since last June, and I missed Cino last year because we were in the middle of moving, so I'm antsy to get back on the open road, carrying all I need on my Zero bike.
But you don't care much about that. You might want to know where we might be, and when, if you're in the Bay Area and want to ride along see us huffing and puffing like old men do when they're reliving their youth.
Monday, SF to Inverness. Well, we'll get on Ashby BART in the morning, get off at Embarcadero, and ride along the edge of The City to the Golden Gate Bridge, then up and over the steep hills of Mill Valley before we start heading north.
Tuesday, Inverness to Guerneville. Flatish ride, a few short climbs. We'll probably pit stop in Tomales, where I've had the best meatball sandwich ever. Coffee at
Cafe Aquatica is a must. We'll head inland along the Russian River. 60 mile day.
Wednesday, Guerneville to Santa Rosa Rather than do the Westside Road towards Healdsburg, we're taking some roads I've not been on. 36 miles, but some steep climbs. We'll stop at Foghorn Brewery in Santa Rosa for a 3 pint lunch, then head over to Andy's dad's place at a retirement home.
Thursday, Santa Rosa to Napa via St. Helena Road. I've done this backwards about 20 lbs ago. I'm told the winery they used for outdoor scenes in the series Falcon Crest is on this route.
Friday, Napa to Berkeley Nothing exciting, just a way to get home. 44 miles, relatively flat if we take the link's route. Maybe we'll audible and go down Dam Road and climb Wildcat. Or maybe continue to Orinda and take BART to Rockridge. Or maybe Fish Ranch Road to Claremont...Prolly take the path of least beer resistance.
Weather Underground sez this:
If you're interested in meeting up, email me.