Sonoma and Napa Valley Bike Tours

Avoid Common Injuries

Bicycle tours in Sonoma, California and Napa, California are a great way to get away for a weekend or an entire two week vacation as you wine, dine and bike your way through some of the best scenery in the country. Although cycling is a fun and safe activity, there are a few injuries that cyclist may be prone to. Here is how to prepare and prevent each so you can focus on nothing but fun.

1. Saddle sores. Stay clean and change shorts whenever needed. Speaking of shorts, proper fitting shorts are a must to prevent saddle sores. Finally, there is cream available to help those with a tendency toward saddles sores. (Helpful Hint: Nappy rash creams are also useful.)

2. Knee pain. Knee pain is frequently due to poor posture related to a seat that is too high or low, but other common culprits include pedal type and damaged equipment. Always check your bike, pedals and crank before starting any journey. DuVine bikes are routinely inspected and are always in top condition.

3. Gravel rash. Nobody likes to fall but occasionally it happens. Wearing gloves is a good way to prevent or reduce abrasions.

Napa Bike Tour Tips

Planning a DuVine Napa bike tour or self guided trip? One of the most frequently overlooked - and easily corrected - problems new cyclists experience is ailments due to poor posture. Here is what you need to know to prevent problems and enjoy your ride.

• Properly position the seat. Make sure it’s not too high or low - both problems cause poor posture.
• Proper fitting cycling shorts. Don't buy cycling shorts based on brand or reputation alone. Make sure they fit your frame first.
• Proper saddle selection. Saddles (bicycle seats) come in a variety of sizes and styles including broad, narrow, padded, unpadded, suspension and cut-away. Saddles are as individual as your back-side so take the time to shop for what works best for you.
• Proper stem length. If you find your neck or back aching then check the position of your handlebars or stem length.

Navigating Tips

Navigating your Sonoma or Napa valley bike tour is a breeze with the help of a friendly DuVine tour guide, but for those more adventurous souls interested in taking a self guided tour here are a few helpful tips.

1. Buy a good compass with base plate. These are accurate, reliable, affordable and yet easy to use.

2. Know where you can ride. DuVine will assist in mapping out a complete itinerary but a little exploration is part of the fun...just make sure you aren't trespassing. Common rights of way that you can freely use include byways, bridleways, roads used as public paths, rails to trails routes and of course, bike routes.

3. Learn to Read Maps. DuVine will gladly supply you with the best maps in the industry but you will still need to know how to read them. Maps are roughly divided by scale with some showing the major routes and others the details.

4. Consider a Computer. GPS and small bike computers are becoming popular as navigation tools. Set the trip distance function to correspond to the scale mentioned on your map so you don't miss important turns.

5. Think. Remember, maps and guidebooks can be out of date so it's important to always remain alert especially if you aren't familiar with the area.

Newbie Tips

Sonoma bike tour vacations are a great introduction to adventure travel; especially for those who are new to cycling vacations or just aren’t sure if they are ready for an overseas trip. Here are some helpful hints to get you prepared for the trip of a lifetime.

1. Start cycling. Has it been years since your last long bike ride? Gradually work in cycling time to allow your body time to adjust. Don't assume that you can skip this step because you are active in swimming or running - muscles are used differently for each activity.

2. Find your pace. Everyone has a pace that is right: comfortable and sustainable without becoming tired and exhausted.

3. Road Rules. Refresh your memory about road safety and proper communication while cycling.

4. Shop. Purchase proper fitting shorts, shoes, socks, shirts and other cycling accessories required for the trip.

5. Plan. Here is where it gets fun - call DuVine and begin planning your Sonoma bike tour.

Senior Cycling Tips

As Baby Boomers redefine retirement more are turning toward adventure travel, such as Napa Valley bike tours or luxury cycling vacations through Europe. If you’re a day over 35, these tips may come in handy.

1. Stay Safe. If it’s been a few years since you've been in the saddle don't assume you can jump right back in where you left off. Begin by taking a guided trip where you can test your limits in relative safety and comfort.

2. Don't rough it. Leave that for the younger folks. Adventure travel need not resemble a second tour through the military. Instead, take a luxury bike tour with noted specialists DuVine. Wine, deluxe accommodations and comprehensive 24/7 support are always at your disposal throughout every trip. Travel at your own pace and leave all the details to DuVine.

3. Get good bikes. Top of the line equipment is part of the package but you are welcome to bring your own bike. In either case, quality equipment makes all the difference. In fact, many people enjoy their DuVine bike so much they decide to purchase it at the end of the trip...the ultimate "try before you buy" option!

4. Find a Saddle that works for you. Here is where the rubber meets the road— prostate trouble, menopause and other issues can be overcome with newly newly designed saddle technology including cut-away seats and more.

5. Beyond Spandex. If the idea of wearing nothing but spandex tights leaves you squeamish, then take some time to go shopping - there are plenty of choices for every figure.

6. Physical. As with any exercise regimen, it is a good idea to have a complete physical performed in advance—particularly if you are taking any medication or have other health related issues.

Sports Massage Tips

Wine Tasting. Deluxe Accommodations. Top of the line bikes. Expert Guide. DuVine bicycle tours in Napa valley provide everything you could possibly desire, including massages at the end of your blissful day of biking. However, you don’t have to wait until then to ease some tension along the way. Use these quick tips to give yourself a short sports massage.

1. Take a few minutes to relax your muscles and then make sure they are in a shortened position before beginning the massage.

2. Do Not massage an acute injury or inflammation. 3. For tired muscles, general fatigue or to prevent muscle strain apply gentle friction to the area using a firm but steady stroking motion.

3. For larger muscles try using a squeezing motion by firmly grasping the belly of the muscle.

4. Treat buttocks and lower back by pressing a fist-like motion into a rotating movement.

5. Stretch before and after giving yourself a short massage.

6. Take a few minutes to relax and breathe deeply.

You Are What You Eat

Unlike a one day bike ride, taking a bike tour vacation requires additional attention to nutrition, especially when traveling with children. Like the old saying "you are what you eat," a cycling trip will demonstrate how well you treat your body. Here to help is a short "nutrition 101" guide to make sure the entire family stays fit and nourished throughout the trip.

1. Remain hydrated. Water is the most important part of any trip particularly when traveling with children who may forget to drink as often as needed.

2. Carbohydrates. Forget about that low-carb diet for now: this is what your body most readily uses for energy, so it’s crucial to replenish carbohydrates after a full day of riding and throughout the day during long rides. Bananas and power bars are great on the road snacks to pack.

3. Protein. Your body needs an adequate supply of protein which is easy to include during lunch and dinner. Great sources of protein include legumes, fish and meat.

4. Don't Skip Meals