Just north of San Francisco, the winding Russian River meets the dramatic Pacific coastline, shaping a world all of its own. Our cycling tour experiences this romantic landscape; quilted with a colorful patchwork of old growth redwoods, fruitful vineyards, historic towns, and beautiful gardens.
From Napa to Sonoma, the old wine country ways and grace are still very much the lay of the land. The richness of the region is evident as we roll over orchard-covered hills and wind through giant redwood forests. A mild maritime breeze carries with it the fruitful aroma of the vineyards where the freshest organic produce is grown for our dinner table.
We sample the distinctive flavors of the county’s diverse regions at charming multi-generational family vineyards and farms; unwinding off the bike at old world-style hotels and spas.
You can customize your cycling experience on tour: in the moment. Nonetheless, whether you choose to move at a relaxing pace or a more athletic tempo, this tour will satisfy your inner hunger. At the same time scrumptious lodging and farm-to-table meals will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.
*ebike available for this tour
Day 1-2: Meet in Santa Rosa, 55-miles north of San Francisco; wine country’s urban hub. Cycle through graceful Napa Valley Park, amidst mixed chaparral and woodlands that shade Lake Hennessey, as well as its adjacent Redwood preserve. Sweeping past numerous picturesque vineyards and wineries, the Silverado Trail shadows a stagecoach route built in 1852 to service nearby cinnabar mines. Then retire to a thoughtfully preserved vision of early wine country culture, Calistoga, where we are welcomed by its famous hot springs. The following day, mount up for Healdsburg, with a stop to marvel—or spritz—at California’s own Old Faithful geyser. Reaching Healdsburg, continually cited as one of America’s top ten small towns, explore Pine Flat Road. Exquisitely scenic, Pine Flat reaches into the Mayacamas, a sub range of the Northern Inner Coast Mountains, high point in this rich riparian area.
Day 3-4: From our lodgings in Healdsburg, shoot west from lowlands alongside the Russian River into northern Sonoma County. Ride along Lake Sonoma and choose to test your lungs on the optional out-and-back ride up Rock Creek Road with stunning view finding of the big, green-gold landscape. Our fourth day, Leaving Healdsburg, cycle on the famous West Side Road to Guerneville. En route we’ll dismount to stroll the most inviting vineyards, as well as cross a historic bridge. Dismounting in Guerneville, we tread into the nearby 805-acre Armstrong Redwoods Reserve. Hiking amongst/marveling at the giants who reign over this temperate rainforest, we meet the tallest, 310-ft tall Parson Jones. Then pay respects to the elder statesman, 1400-year old Colonel Armstrong.
Day 5-6: From Guerneville drop toward the enormous, raucous Pacific. A brisk, exhilarating wind, the ocean’s churning, plus a chorus of barking seals lend the ride a high-spirited ambient. From upland marine prairie layered above coastal bluffs and terraces, we revel in near coast seastacks. Wrapping up in frothy, romantic Bodega Bay, we enjoy the best farm-to-table cuisine and locally caught, or harvested seafood/shellfish. Wake up to crashing ocean waves before ascending Bay Hill. Set along the rugged, rolling Sonoma Coast, and rich Grey whale habitat we roll into Bodega: location for Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”. After visiting the legendary “Birds” house, we gently finish our tour in Freestone: a 19th century stone quarry and logging town. Here, in the town’s handsome historic district, we enjoy some of the best home baked bread anywhere. Shuttle back to Santa Rosa.
Escape Adventures
Since 1992, we at Escape Adventures have been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Each successive season, our passion for adventure grows through memorable moments with our guests. Fresh air, faith, fitness and friends are the building blocks for our ventures, the treasured experiences that keep us moving forward. For those of you who have trekked and traveled with us over the past quarter century, Heather and I express our sincerest gratitude. The memories are priceless.
For those who have yet to tour with us, we appreciate the opportunity to introduce you to our family-run company and guiding principles of sustainability and adventure. Our portfolio specializes in Western North America and is rapidly growing internationally. Building on over 100 destinations, we cater to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type. From road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first-timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels, on behalf of our Escape Adventures family, we look forward to many new and exciting adventures with you.
With much gratitude, and happy trails,
Jared and Heather Fisher
Founders and Owner-Operators
Escape Adventures
539 Johnson Street
Nightly wine tastings are offered to guests of Healdsburg Grape Leaf Inn. Guests can stroll through the beautiful grounds of this B&B or enjoy a glass of wine or morning coffee on a shaded porch. If they prefer, guests can unwind indoors with a book from the library. Grape Leaf Inn also features a Speakeasy in the style of the Prohibition era. Seasonal and specialty cocktails are served with local spirits and fresh fruit juices every evening from 16:30 to 19:00.
Look Ma, no hands! Stay connected and safe with this “game-changer” mobile accessory. The Wraptor gives you full screen visibility and holds your phone safe and securely, even over rough terrain. It’s designed to quickly attach and detach from the bar, and the base rotates between landscape and portrait mode with ease. It’s a must-have if you want to spend less time fiddling with your device and more time pedaling your bike.
It’s lit! When it comes to bike safety, illumination is key. Even when you are on the road in the daytime, you need to be seen from all directions. So we’ve teamed up with NiteRider to offer the best daytime lighting for your ride. Each road bike is equipped with a headlight and a taillight with the proper lumen output and run time to keep you safe from every angle.
