Note: You must preregister to join this ride.
Distance: 47 miles
Pace: B/C (moderate to brisk, few stops)
Terrain: 4 (some steep climbs, with some relief)
Elevation Gain: 3,400 ft. per RWGPS
Cavedale is a quiet climb north of Sonoma that climbs over the hills between the Sonoma and Napa valleys. It’s about five miles long and ascends 2,000 feet. The road is narrow, isolated, and has lots of typically wretched county pavement. But the climb is gorgeous and the view of the Sonoma valley is remarkable.
We start in downtown Sonoma and take Highway 12 to Cavedale and start climbing. Cavedale intersects Trinity and then Dry Creek and the pavement on the descent is in better shape than the ascent. Eventually we pass Mt. Veeder Road and continue on Dry Creek all the way down to Napa. Our lunch stop is at Fumé Bistro in Napa, which has an outdoor patio in the back. After lunch we head out Buhlman to the Duhling-Ramal loop and return to downtown Sonoma. Note that on the return we ride west on Highway 12 for about a quarter mile but there is a shoulder.
This is route is essentially one big climb and then lots of flats and a few rollers.
Recommended: tires at least 25 mm wide, the wider the better.
Bring plenty of water and some snacks. Much of the route has no services.
For more information about Fumé Bistro, go
here
.
For cue sheet, map, and GPS route, go
here.
If forecast probability of precipitation is 30% or more, the ride is cancelled; if 10-30%, contact the ride leader.
Start: Basque Boulangerie Cafe, 460 1st East, Sonoma, CA 95476
Meet at 9:30 AM, ride out at 9:45 AM.