The Saturday Ride 10/12

Riding a bicycle in California is a real treat. Riding a bicycle with the CLIF BAR family is a fantastic bonus. Riding in the wheels of World and US Champions is…“Is this really happening?” cool.

I had the good fortune of participating in the CLIF BAR annual company ride again this year. The last couple of years the 132 turned me into a walker err um biker zombie err um really tired person. I opted for the 50 hoping to fully enjoy the party this time around. Big thanks to PCG and the good people at Clif for putting on a stellar event. Still pinching myself.

Trips to SFCA usually start with Shah. He's the best pick up from the airport man in town.

Thursday night we headed to Lunafest.

Nob Hill Masonic Center is a super cool venue.

Great people, great food and music of course!

Insightful evening celebrating women film directors.

If you are in Oakland stop by the Brown Sugar Kitchen for breakfast. You will not be disappointed.

Let's Eat! That IS the best waffle I've ever had. PCG and I agreed that all fried chicken should be cooked this way...and we are from the south.

Poached eggs over cheese grits. Killa good and I don't even like grits.

After breakfast we headed up to Napa Valley. We always stop at Velo Vino the Clif Family Winery tasting room. Yup, that's a mountain bike in a tasting room in Napa Valley. Not just any old bike either.

Greg Lemond on the TV in the background. I'm not sure it gets any better.

Is wine good without cheese? Is cheese good without wine? If a branch falls off in the woods and no ones around to hear it...

Bottle cage.

If you enjoy cycling and wine then Velo Vino is a must. The staff is knowledgeable and chill. We easily burned a couple hours hanging out chatting and tasting.

Folks this will be my backyard someday. Velo Vino back porch.

We settled in for the night in Calistoga. Let's Eat!

What a night. Stayed up late 9:30  my version of, getting to know some new peeps.

Pre-ride chow a classic PCG dish. Spinach omelette, prosciutto, manchego cheese over an english muffin.

Brad owner of Calistoga Bike Shop put me on a Volagi with disc brakes.

It’s fun to use these opportunities to try new equipment. Built in suspension. Interesting design. 

If you need to rent a bike call or email the Calistoga Bike Shop. They will take good care of you. I sent them my measurements and they had it dialed. 

The fully loaded saddle bag was a nice touch.

Folks of all levels heading out to enjoy the day.

Enjoyed chatting with Paul. 

Golden fields.

Rest stop.

It's not lost on me when I see rainbow stripes on jersey sleeves. For the non cycling WHF followers out there the rainbow stripe means world champ. 

Pretty solid crosswind. 

Napa Valley has a ride single file law. It makes sense to observe it on the main roads. 

Ink Grade Road. 2 mile kicker at the end.

Feeling PRO.

Actual PRO.

Reward.

A great scene all the way around.

Cali beers, wines and super tasty margs were being poured. 

More folks starting to come in.

Appetizers, the guacamole and goat cheese was excellent.

The spread is always amazing and interesting.

Let's Eat! I promise folks, I don't just ride bikes and eat food. It's just what I write about on this blog!