Update 3/12/20:
The weather outlook has remained about the same, with light showers expected starting midday Saturday followed by rain overnight Saturday night into Sunday morning. We've made the following schedule changes:
Friday 3/13 - No Change (Still looks like a nice day...)
Saturday 3/14 - Start time moved earlier to meet at 8:00 am for 8:15 am ride start. (Hoping to beat the rain... )
Sunday 3/15 - Start time moved later to meet at 10:45 am for 11:00 am ride start. (There is a good chance of cancellation on Sunday - look for an update by 9:00 am Sunday morning.)
Update 3/10/20:
Current Weather Outlook: Nice day on Friday with temperatures around 70-72 - Friday's ride should be great! Saturday is expected to start cold but dry, but showers are expected to move in by early afternoon. Rain is expected overnight, then a cloudy day on Sunday with showers possible.
At this time all the rides are still ON as scheduled and Mindy and I are planning to stay in Healdsburg regardless. If the current forecast holds we'll probably start the Saturday ride early to try to beat the rain. (The B/C route has good bailout options during the ride, however the C+/D/E route is remote with no easy bailouts - see ride listing for details.)
See additional ride listings for Friday afternoon and Sunday. Please REGISTER for our 2-3 day weekends if possible - even if only coming for one day.
UPDATE 1/6/20: As many of you know, the Jimtown Store has closed and this necessitated changes to Saturday routes. See descriptions below and online route sheets for more detailed route information. Road closures might alter routes later this winter, so check back for updates.
LDT RIDE: HEALDSBURG WEEKEND
- B/3(2900’)/37;
- C-/3 (3300’)/41;
- C+/4 (4800')/51 (Short C+);
- C+/3.5 (4600’)/57 (Long C+);
- DE/4(7000-8000’)/71-81
All rides start in downtown Healdsburg, allowing riders to bike to the start from their hotels in Healdsburg. B/C routes allow easy shortcuts if weather or fatigue necessitate, but carry plenty of water and snacks! B/C (and "Short C+")riders climb Geysers Road from the East side up first big ascent to (or beyond) the “Three Ranches” viewpoint (passing through two short gravel sections) then backtrack to lunch in Geyserville. After lunch B/C riders explore beautiful West Dry Creek Road. LONG C+/D/E riders take a longer more remote loop that traverses the traditional Geysers Loop in a clockwise direction, starting in Healdsburg. This remote C+/D/E route has no services after Mile 17, so riders must be self-sufficient and prepared to do the full ride before finding any services! There is one very steep section (1.5 miles at about 15%). After descending, long C+ riders go directly to Healdsburg (57 miles) while DE riders climb beautiful Pine Flat Road, either to the Rob Roy Flat Overlook (6 mile climb) or the end of the road (11 mile climb). All routes have extensive climbing, so be prepared with plenty of water and snacks. Rain cancels. Online route sheets/maps/gps. See additional ride listings for Friday and Sunday.
INFO: Guy Shuman (shumansteiner@gmail.com or 650-704-0895).
MEETING TIME: 8:00 am for 8:15 departure (NOTE START OF 9:15 MEETING TIMES)
MEETING LOCATION: Meet in Healdsburg at the free public parking area on Matheson Street, one block west of Plaza Park (follow signs to “All Day Parking”). There are public restrooms at the start.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Make reservations early if staying overnight! Contact leader with questions. Many options available in area – Saturday group dinner will be in Healdsburg and all rides start in Healdsburg. Less expensive lodging options can be found near Santa Rosa or Cloverdale (15 miles). Saturday's pre-dinner wine & cheese party will be at the Fairview Inn in Healdsburg.
Recommended lodging:
- Fairview Inn (Healdsburg), 707-433-5548 or expedia.com.
- Best Western Dry Creek Inn (Healdsburg), 707-433-0300 or drycreekinn.com.
- Healdsburg Travelodge (Healdsburg), 707-433-0101 or healdsburglodge.com
REGISTRATION: Please register on the web site (go to ride listing on online schedule) for our "2-3 day weekend" rides, so we can plan better. (Registration is not a strict requirement, so feel free to decide at the last minute if necessary. Registered riders will receive detailed logistics information.)
