wmelton

I'm planning on riding from the Sacramento area out to Lake Berryessa for the first time, however a few fellow riders have stated route 128 has too much traffic and is too dangerous. Are they being too cautious or is the route from Winters to Lake Berryessa really not one for cyclists?

Red Rider

I guess that depends on your definition of too much traffic & too dangerous. We ride it maybe once a month. On weekends the traffic can be heavy, esp. with boats & jet-ski things in tow. There aren't bike lanes (d*mmit!) once you get past the Pleasant's Valley turnoff, and the shoulders in some areas are iffy. Occasionally we'll find a few rocks in the road. You'll want to be cautious, to be sure, but it's far from the worst road ever (IMNTBHO).

If you ride it this weekend, I'd suggest being there early, before 9 if possible. You'll miss much of the traffic to the lake that way. The climbs to the dam and out of Markley Cove store (cleanest restrooms in the area) are amazing.

Happy riding!

cfblue

I've ridden between the Winter's and the dam a number of times and had no troubles. 128 between Winters and Pleasant Valley Rd is fairly level with shoulders and traffic, if you use the paralell RD (is it Putah Creek Rd Red Rider?) on the other side of Lake Solano you have a lot less traffic, and a prettier ride, then it ends at Pleasants Valley, take a right and that T's at 128, take a left and begin your gradual climb up to the realclimb at the dam.

As roads w/o shoulders go, 128 is fairly wide.

powpow

I'll echo the above poster and say be very aware of the high amount of boats/trailers around that area. I rode from the E. Bay to Lake Berryessa last year and didn't like the amount of big trucks with wide boat trailers. Some of the drivers just don't give enough room between the trailers and cyclists. That said, it is some nice riding around there, especially 121 from Napa.

flaco

Yep. Just avoid peak weekend yahoo hours and you'll be okay.

wmelton

Thanks for all the responses! Since I'm planning on going early AM on a Tuesday or Wednesday, there won't be any issues. Well, except for Cardiac Hill. 8^)

IPCostello

Here's a little info on the Berryessa ride:

https://www.monticellocycling.org/ray...ssa%20loop.htm

The guys at Ray's Cycle organize a group to do this ride every so often so you might want to check with them for more info.