Car Free Getaway in Napa Valley

Just before the New Year, I wrote in a post about visiting a winery. I received several emails from riders who were interested in learning more about the prospect of touring vineyards via SwissBike. After some research and several phone calls I was able to put together a tentative “to-do” list for SwissBike riding wine aficionados. One of the best locations (in the US mind you) to partake in vineyard tourism by bike is Napa Valley, CA. In the height of the wine season Napa can be a little too overwhelming due to the amount of tourists running from vineyard to vineyard. Thus, as a cyclist, one of the most relaxing times to visit Napa by bike is slightly after the peak season namely in the late fall or early winter months. During this time, the roads open up, and reservations are easier to make. Off seasons will also find winery staff with more time to stop and chat offering you local knowledge and tips to make your vacation even better.

Vines

Through the length of the valley run two major roads; route 29 and The Silverado Trail. Route 29 is characteristically a much more well traveled road, yet in recognition of the amount of cyclists that enjoy traveling through this area, stretches of great bike paths are found along this road. The Silverado Trail is a bit more dependable. More off the beaten path, this road tends to be more cycling friendly, providing direct access to route 29 and most major towns along the way via small dirt roads. The Silverado Trail runs parallel to route 29 from Napa to Calistoga covering approximately 26 miles. The Napa County Transportation Agency has provided very detailed free maps for the area here. Note the bike lane runs from Napa all the way up to Callistoga. Rumor has it that there are many rest areas and public parks along this route for tired legs to get some rest.

Grapes

As San Francisco is just a short car or bus ride (perfect for your folding SwissBike) from the Napa area we would suggest that you begin your trek there. Once arriving in Napa nightly accommodations are easily found although you may want to make reservations some time before depending on the season. Depending on your riding ability day trips of virtually any length can be had. Thus vacationers can spend as little as a day or as much as they wish touring the wineries and taking in the great scenery to be had.

Of the hundreds of wineries in the Napa Valley area, there are a handful that have come recommended to us as priorities on the “to- do” list. All of these three wineries are both renowned for their history as well as their product.

Beaulieu Vineyard

  • As one of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley, Beaulieu was one of the few to survive prohibition of the 1920s. By the 1940s, Beaulieu wines were featured at all major White House functions. The vineyard is located in Rutherford, a 15 mile cycle from Napa. Make reservations for a tour here.

Beringer Vineyards

  • Another survivor of prohibition, Beringer is the oldest continuously operating vineyard in Napa Valley. As the vineyards surround a huge estate that itself is worth the trip, this location is a must for obvious reasons. Dinners and events occur yearlong at Beringer. Find more information about it all here.

Robert Mondavi Winery

  • Robert Mondavi is one of the leading names in advancement and promotion of Napa Valley wines. Some say he is responsible for the international success of the area. His winery off of route 29 should not disappoint. Make reservations for a tour or here.

The above wineries are just three of hundreds that are easily accessible via your SwissBike. As a cycling friendly community, Napa Valley welcomes you to share their roads and taste their award winning wines. For an added treat search out the famous hot mineral springs in Calistoga; The perfect treat for the weary legs of a cyclist.

Ride Safe,

SwissBike

1 comment January 8th, 2008

Cycling Around Mallorca

While watching the rain and snow pile up outside the office last week, I had a chance to speak with Will W. Will is currently touring the beautiful island of Majorca (Mallorca), the largest island of Spain, located in the Mediterranean. With an incredible history, ruins on Mallorca date back over 8000 years. Today Mallorca is a tourist mecca. With miles of ridable roadways, it is also becoming a great place for cyclists to explore. Several professional cycling teams even use Mallorca as their winter/spring training grounds. While the island’s roadways are generally fine for riding, Will shared the following photograph with us demonstrating the need for a bike that can handle anything.

Mallorca Montague Switch Backs
“You need a real mountain bike to climb this mountain.” - Will W.
Will purchased a Montague MX and had it shipped to Mallorca to begin his trek. To carry his loaded panniers he chose a Blackburn rack which easily attached behind the seat of his bike. As the island encompasses 3,640 square kilometers, Will has taken the better part of the month to travel and sightsee. You can follow his excursions here as they are updated daily on Ridethisbike.com.

1 comment December 27th, 2007

Traveling North Carolina’s Outer Banks by Folding Bike

I had an interesting conversation the other day with Scott C. from Alaska. Scott is the owner of a Montague CX and the pilot of his Maule M-6. Last year he covered some serious ground in his plane by visiting over 30 states via airplane. While he was not in the air, Scott was pedaling his CX using it as his primary means of ground transportation. Below are two pictures showing how Scott is able to fit two Montague CXs as well as camping and traveling gear into his M-6.

Now you see them:

Now they are neatly tucked away and ready to fly:

The CXs loaded into the M-6

One of the locations Scott was able to visit with his CX was North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Landing at the Billy Mitchel Airport on the southern tip of Hatteras Island, Scott was able to use his CX to easily tour up and down the island. Hatteras is a great vacation spot for cyclists boasting over 70 miles of flat road riding that cuts through the dunes and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound. Well maintained campgrounds dot the island system making it easy to find a place to put down your kickstand during a cycling tour. For great seafood, be sure to check out Breakwater Restaurant conveniently located on the docks around Hatteras harbor. Don’t forget to pedal your way to the Hatteras lighthouse, the tallest standing lighthouse in the United States.

A very tall lighthouse:

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

If the perfect solitude of Hatteras is too slow for your lifestyle, there is another small airfield in Kill Devil Hills which is just a short pedal away from the dunes that the Wright Brothers originally flew from in 1903. More densely populated than Hatteras, the northern portion of the Outer Banks boasts many small shops and local art galleries that are sure to allow a folded Montague or SwissBike inside. For a nice afternoon trip, ride your bike a few miles up to Duck and visit Elizabeth’s Cafe and Winery for on-the-deck wine sampling and delicious gourmet food.

Prime candidates for a Montague or SwissBike:
The Wright Brothers

North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a cycling haven regardless of how you get there. While Scott C. travels by plane and CX, the island system is easily accessed by car and boat as well. Several of the inns around the island have private docking…and parking lots too. However, once you are on the islands, ditch the car, boat, or plane as there are tons of activities within riding distance from where you are. From wine tasting to fishing and dune surfing to fine dining, the Outer Banks has it all. Visit North Carolina’s Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce website to further explore how you can maximize you vacation by using your Montague or SwissBike.

Ride Safe,

SwissBike.

Add comment December 20th, 2007

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