Variety

In just a few days you can ride in fertile wine valleys, through majestic redwood forests, across open pastureland, over forested mountains and along the rugged Pacific coast.  And, all within 90 minutes of San Francisco; itself one of the world's great destinations.  As one of our guests put it, “It’s like six vacations in one.”

Off the bike there is also plenty to see and do: hot springs, mud spas and old-style country towns.  We'll also help you find great restaurants, charming lodging and, world class wineries.

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Climate & When to Visit

The best seasons to visit the wine county are Spring, Summer and Fall (autumn). 

1. In spring, we see the temperatures rise and the pastureland becomes carpeted with a rainbow of wild flowers. The temperatures are mild and, by April, the risk of rain is much lower. 
2. Summers are hot and sunny and the grapes begin to ripen on the vines. The massive redwood groves, and numerous other shady forests, offer perfect relief from the midday sun. 
3. Fall is grape-picking season. The wineries are buzzing and the fields are sweet with the smell of the crush. This is also the warmest time of the year on the coast. 
4. In winter you may have bright crisp days under clear skies. However, you may also have a week of storms and flooding.  If you cycle at this time of year, we recommend that you are prepared for rain as well as having warm clothing in case of morning frosts.

On your trip, the weather will also change as you cycle from east to west.  In just a few days, you will cycle through three distinct weather zones:

1. The Wine Valleys have a hot dry climate.  In summer, daytime temperatures can reach into the high 90s but it tends to cool down in the evening. Summer can see a marine layer of cloud moving in at night and then burning off in the early morning.  Rain is very rare in the summer. Most rain falls in winter, often as storms that move in from the coast.  In winter, there will also be the occasional overnight frost.
2. The Pacific Coast has mild temperatures year round (between 40ºF and 70ºF).  September and October tend to be the hottest with December and January the coolest.  In summer, the coast is particularly prone to fog (a marine layer of cloud that is sucked inland as the air rises off the hot land).  The good news is that the fog typically burns off through the morning.  The fog can cause temperatures to drop quickly, however, and it's best to be prepared.  Like the Wine Valleys, most of the rain falls in winter storms.  Prevailing winds are from the northwest.
3. The Russian River has a climate somewhere in-between the wine valleys and the Pacific Coast.  In summer, daytime temperatures tend to be high but cooling quickly off at night.  In both winter and summer, the temperatures drop and the wind picks up as you get closer to the coast.  The winds tend to be stronger later in the day – good news if they’re behind you!

Below are monthly averages – temperature (Fahrenheit) and rainfall (inches) – for the wine valley towns of Calistoga & Healdsburg, the coastal town of Fort Ross, and, something in-between at Occidental:

Average Monthly Temperatures in Fahrenheit

Average Monthly Rainfall in Inches

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Terrain

There is a natural east-west route that broadly follows the rolling terrain carved by the meandering Russian River – named for the Russian traders and hunters that used to frequent this coast.  Beginners will tend to stay in the rolling valleys while more experienced riders may head up into the surrounding mountains.  Whatever the terrain you looking for, we help you find quiet back roads and hidden gems.

Along the way you'll cycle through the classic wine valleys of Alexander and Dry Creek.  After Guerneville, you cycle through deserted single lane roads that pick their way through the mighty redwood forests.  Many of these trees are over 1,000 years old and tower more than 250 feet above you as you cycle in their shade.At Jenner, you emerge onto the little populated Sonoma Coast with its quiet sandy bays and rugged cliffs.  Head south to Bodega and experience classic California cycling on Route 1.  You'll have the coastal range to your left and mighty Pacific rollers crashing into the craggy coast beneath you to your right.  Fantastic!