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#15 on our Great Rides list
Located 1 hour northwest of the Napa Valley sits a bike and wine enthusiasts paradise in Healdsburg, California.
Visit Sonoma and the Russian River Valley
This ride takes you on a meander through vineyard heaven as it winds toward to Pacific ocean via the famous Russian River Valley.
You’ll pass many iconic wineries such as Korbel and La Crema and Trek Travel favorites such as Gary Farrell, Porter Creek and Armida before hopping off the beaten path to climb up and over the, very little travelled, Sweetwater Springs road. The terrain dramatically changes from the hot and dry Alexander and Dry creek valleys to a much more wet and temperate, Pinot Noir producing Russian River valley as soon as you descend off Sweetwater springs road. You’ll then feel transported into the fairyland that is Armstrong Redwoods state park, where trees grow over 300ft and are 1,400 years old. We bet you’ve never experienced anything like this.
RIDE DETAILS
Sweetwater springs climb is very steep, narrow and, in some parts, the road is quite rough. We recommend a 28mm tire at the minimum to increase comfort. We can’t recommend anything to help your legs up this steep climb, but a wider tire will at least help to dampen the road roughness. For the rest of the route, the pavement is in great condition and more rolling and windy hills.
Road quality is generally quite good on this route, however watch for sections of pavement which may have been affected by recent flooding, or gravel washed onto the road after rainfall.
WEATHER
There is no charge for cyclists at the Armstrong Redwoods, ride your bike in and bask in the incredibly old and massive trees. Don’t forget your jacket as it can be significantly colder beneath the shade of the redwoods than it is in Healdsburg.
FUEL
Between Healdsburg and Guerneville, there aren’t any stops for supplies…unless you are in the mood for a wine tasting, in which case, there are about a hundred options just off the road. The small town of Guerneville, located right down the road from Armstrong Redwoods, offers a handful of coffee shops, restaurants and resupply options. On especially hot days, grab a sandwich to-go and head down to one of the many parks along the Russian River for an opportunity to relax in the shade or take a dip in the river before heading back to Healdsburg.
Plan to spend at least a couple days in the Healdsburg area while there are ample rides, great opportunities for shopping, excellent restaurants in about every cuisine and, of course, WINE!
While Headsburg is a quaint tourist town, there is everything you will need on your adventure from large grocery stores and boutique hotels, to bike shops that rent bikes and private wine tasting rooms.
Famous for its sparkling wines, Korbel winery offers an excellent tour every hour during peak season (check their website before visiting). The tour features a tasting of their iconic wines, an excellent tour of their cellars and property and a tasty deli. We recommend stopping here for lunch and exploration on your ride back to Healdsburg!
Book early and save. We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
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Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself