captsven

So my fixed is in transit to Napa valley via FedEx. I am shipping it to my hotel and hopefully it will arrive safely. I am arriving there this Sunday, with my girlfriend, and will be there for a week. My goals are riding and drinking (maybe like riding from winery to winery). I was wondering if anyone had any good bike info on Napa?

Where is it cool to ride or not ride, any good bike shops, any cool group rides? I also need a place to rent a bike for my GF. I tired to ship hers but it was $40 more because it was in a diffferent box than mine.

This is my first time going there so any info is welcome.

vinfix

Well, it's flat for the most part, so fixed gear will be easy. The main road is busy, with a tourist train alongside. Watch out for buses and drunk drivers! The big, touristy wineries are on that road, I forget if it's 121 or 128. They can be crowded but also nice places to picnic. There are many smaller ones on the side roads. There are maps with many of them listed. Tastings are not free at some of the upscale wineries, some offer tours of their facilities. Bring bags to carry your purchase in! I was there about this time 2 years ago, it was beautiful.

captsven

I heard the valley was only 20 miles accross and that there were some great climbs to the north. I am kind of wary of the drunks (including myself).

drjava

Hwy 29 is the main road up the popular side of the valley and usually pretty busy. The Silverado Trail on the east side of the valley would be more interesting from a biking perspective. If you have a car, load the bikes in go up to Alexander Valley or over to Dry Creek / Russian River in Sonoma County. The riding there will be much more interesting than in Napa.

veggiemafia

Aww man. I'm jealous that you're going to Napa/Sonoma.

Me wanty wine-and-beer-themed-vacation.

Have a good time and don't get run over by a housewife in her Expedition after she's had one too many glasses of middle-of-the-road pinot grigio.

Edit: Absolutely take drjava's advice and go up to Sonoma to Russian River Brewing Co. My advice other than that is to mail me a selection of their beers. Vinnie sounds like an awesome guy and a great brewer willing to experiment in really fun ways.

drjava

There is Bear Republic Brewery in Healdsburg also. mmmmm Red Rocket and Racer X mmmmm

captsven

Russian River brewing comp. sounds like my kind of place. We have a rental car, but w/o a rack it could be difficult. We will probably go there just to hit the brewery and drive around.

I have to look up Healdsburg.

Any cool bikeshops in the area?

s0ldats

there's a good bike shop in calistoga.

don't go to st. helena cyclery, they are pretty lame.

YYZ>LAX

if you think youre gonna be able to ride from winery to winery in a straight line good luck

captsven

Is a winery different than a brewery? I think it just costs more!

drjava

The difference between the two breweries and the wineries is that the breweries are pubs too. You can go in, kick back with a few pints and food, and watch a game. The wineries, for the most part (especially in Napa,) are going to charge you 5+ bucks for a few tastes. I don't go to the wineries to get drunk, I save that for the pub.

Are you going to have a bag or something with you. You will probably end up wanting to buy some wine.

Cynikal 

For free tasting go to BV and V.Satui (SP?). Avoid the big commercial wineries if you really want to talk to someone about wine. If you can get into Silver Oak do it, their Cab is worth every penny and it's lots of pennies.

captsven

I am not into the big commercial winerys. I have a few smaller ones my local dealer informed me of.

I do have a bag and am going to bring it. I am going to bring munchies in case we are out all day and want to snack or picnic. I am also going to buy wine. If I want a case or more I will just go pick it up in the rental car.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. If you see an old guy on a blue Rossin, please don't give me the no handed, skid salute!