GB500guy
Well-known member
This time of year I'm yearning for two things - the first rains to settle the dust and end the fire danger, and the welcome appearance of fall color marking the end of late summer's drab foliage. But with no rain in sight and hungry for a long ride I decided to take a late summer look around some favorite riding areas, dipping into five counties along the way. The gravel of Old Toll Road east of Hopland was on my agenda so the nimble little NX250 was my bike of choice.
Google map link
On a cool Thursday morning I headed up Pleasants Valley Road enjoying the long shadows and peacefulness.
The placid waters of Lake Solano and Lake Hennesey reinforced my goal of taking it easy and enjoying the scenery.
Dropping into Napa Valley, Silverado Trail took me past endless vineyards and wineries. It's harvest season so the air was spiced with the perfume of fermenting grape juice. Peak foliage color is a couple weeks away though.
I followed Hwy 128 past Calistoga as it wound through the beautiful Mayacamus Mountains and into Anderson Valley. Light traffic, wonderful scenery, and twisty tree lined stretches kept me grinning.
Heading north toward Geyserville I had to stop once again for a photo op of the big boar sculpture at Soda Rock Winery. It's quite the beast.
I was grinning real big as I left 128 and began the climb up Geysers Road, 25 miles of remote road offering everything from smooth two lane to ratty single lane, fantastic ridge top views to secluded ravines. It's one of my favorite roads ever. First the climb out of Anderson Valley-
About half way through and after a steep descent the road changes personalities to funky single lane. I have the road all to myself as it meanders along Big Sulfur creek.
Near the end the road alternates between decent two lane and post-landslide single lane with plenty of surprise whoop-de-doos that will launch the unaware off their seats.
Reaching Hwy 101 at Cloverdale I headed north for a hearty lunch stop at the always-enjoyable Bluebird Cafe in Hopland.
Continued next post....
Google map link
On a cool Thursday morning I headed up Pleasants Valley Road enjoying the long shadows and peacefulness.
The placid waters of Lake Solano and Lake Hennesey reinforced my goal of taking it easy and enjoying the scenery.
Dropping into Napa Valley, Silverado Trail took me past endless vineyards and wineries. It's harvest season so the air was spiced with the perfume of fermenting grape juice. Peak foliage color is a couple weeks away though.
I followed Hwy 128 past Calistoga as it wound through the beautiful Mayacamus Mountains and into Anderson Valley. Light traffic, wonderful scenery, and twisty tree lined stretches kept me grinning.
Heading north toward Geyserville I had to stop once again for a photo op of the big boar sculpture at Soda Rock Winery. It's quite the beast.
I was grinning real big as I left 128 and began the climb up Geysers Road, 25 miles of remote road offering everything from smooth two lane to ratty single lane, fantastic ridge top views to secluded ravines. It's one of my favorite roads ever. First the climb out of Anderson Valley-
About half way through and after a steep descent the road changes personalities to funky single lane. I have the road all to myself as it meanders along Big Sulfur creek.
Near the end the road alternates between decent two lane and post-landslide single lane with plenty of surprise whoop-de-doos that will launch the unaware off their seats.
Reaching Hwy 101 at Cloverdale I headed north for a hearty lunch stop at the always-enjoyable Bluebird Cafe in Hopland.
Continued next post....
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