Sonoma Four Day Bicycle Tour Itinerary
Day One: San Francisco to Bodega Bay
After being picked up from the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco, we will head north across the Golden Gate Bridge for the one hour transfer to Petaluma. From there your guides will fit you to your rental bike, get you oriented and we’ll start our first ride. You’ll enjoy a gorgeous route past the pastoral beauty of the ranches and farms of rural Sonoma County. Today you’re free to enjoy lunch on your own, and many prefer the excellent deli & café in the village of Tomales. After finishing the first ride we’ll shuttle to Bodega Bay on the Pacific Coast to do another short ride. This second ride is in a completely different, remarkably beautiful environment. Protected under the California State Park System, our destination, Bodega Head, offers a stunning view from the headlands of the rugged Sonoma Coast. We’ll then head to tonight’s resort. Nestled on a hillside above Doran Beach, the Bodega Bay Lodge is a perfect place to take in the area’s natural beauty. From your balcony, enjoy views of Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The award-winning restaurant and full-service spa are only steps away, as is the beach.
Meals: Dinner
Destinations visited: Ranchlands of Sonoma, Bodega Bay & Sonoma Coast
Distance cycled: 45 km / 28 miles
Day Two: Bodega Bay to Healdsburg
As the morning sun burns off the nightly blanket of fog, you may choose to take a stroll along the tranquil bay before indulging in a hearty breakfast. Today we’ll head into the coastal range for a cruise into the heart of the redwoods. At the Armstrong Redwoods State Park, we’ll picnic among 1,400-year-old trees that tower over 300 feet high and create a unique microclimate. Shafts of light filtering through the canopy make for an enchanting experience. The optional cycle after lunch is along the Russian River. On our approach to Healdsburg, we will stop for a tasting at Arista winery, known for their sustainable approach to crafting outstanding Pinot Noir. Back on the road, and just a short ride down the street, we encounter the neighboring Rochioli vineyard where we will sample some of their new selections. Tonight will be spent in Healdsburg, a relaxed and prosperous town built around a plaza with a bandstand and several restaurants, bookstores, and antique shops. Tonight you are free to arrange your own dining plans, though we’ll be happy to recommend one of the many great dining destinations.
Today you may choose to spend time exploring Healdsburg. For those who would like to cycle, we’ll ride into the Dry Creek Valley and look out across acres of vines with the Mayacamas Mountains in the distance. This will be some truly classic wine country riding on quiet back roads dotted with welcoming vineyards. Where you enjoy lunch today is your choice. You can sample one of Healdsburg’s many restaurants, but we heartily recommend stopping at Dry Creek General Store, a country store along the route known for amazing gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads. As we pass these endless rows of vineyards along lightly-trafficked country roads, we reach Mauritson, a family owned winery with enchanting wines. Today’s itinerary includes a visit to Ridge Winery, offering stunning views from its hilltop perch. After enjoying the scenery, we will sample some of these unique wines. If you buy a bottle or two while touring the vineyards, let us know and we’ll gladly collect them for you. This afternoon you’ll have some free time and you may consider treating yourself to a massage at the hotel’s spa. Tonight we’ll dine at one of our favorites, Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen.
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Destinations visited: Dry Creek Valley, Mauritson Winery, Ridge Winery
Distance cycled: 37 km / 23 miles
We’ll start the day with a pre-breakfast ride out along the back roads of Healdsburg to explore the wine growing region of Alexander Valley. After a coffee stop at a favorite spot, we’ll loop back to the hotel on what many regard as their favorite ride of the week. You’ll have a chance to enjoy breakfast and return to your room to freshen up and pack before departing Healdsburg. We’ll then shuttle back toward San Francisco and take the leisurely route through the famed Napa Valley. On the way we'll stop in St Helena at a favorite local spot for lunch. Our first winery visit today will be at the historic & beautiful Chateau Montelena winery, recently featured in the movie Bottle Shock, which retells the story of their chardonnay winning the 1976 Judgment of Paris blind tasting which brought Napa accolades from wine connoisseurs worldwide. Later we’ll stop at Silver Oak for a tasting of their amazing cabernet sauvignon. With our bellies full of wonderful food and delicious wine we’ll make our final journey back to San Francisco.
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