Cyclists who are challenged by Sonoma County’s backroads discover lodging and businesses are bike friendly here.
Jimtown Store is bike friendly
Tucked into Alexander Valley, the store’s staff sees many cyclists and loves having them in for a lunch, snack or treat. They offer bike friendly fare of delicious foods and drinks for refueling, have bike racks, and water supply for the cyclists. Carrie’s Energy Bar is a favorite among cycling friends.
Jimtown Store
6706 Hwy. 128
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-1212
www.jimtown.com
Check out the sample menu on the website, www.jimtown.com.
Rest Up After a Long Ride at Wine Country Lodges
After a long day of riding, enjoy a restful evening in one of Wine Country Lodge’s vacation rentals. Each are in a beautiful, rural, riverfront setting, that is close to northern Sonoma County’s favored bike routes, and all of the wine country attractions in the area. Facilities are large enough that a group of friends traveling together with their bikes can be housed in the same vacation home with plenty of room to spare.
Cyclists can ship their bikes ahead of their arrival. Bikes will be stored them so that they are available at the time the guests check in. There is indoor, secure, bike storage at the properties, with recreation rooms large enough that bikes can be on location right where the guests can watch them and have constant access.
In leisure moments between bike outings, guests are treated to such things as private riverfront locations with beaches and kayaks, river-view hot tubs for soaking, and also a river-view sauna for recouping after a strenuous day’s ride.
The lodges are located in a stunningly beautiful natural setting that appeals to active guests and those who appreciate outdoor activities. Wine Country Lodges was recently chosen by National Geographic to be included in their North Coast of California Eco Tourism publication, published March 2010.
Wine Country Lodges
reservations: (866) 786.2778
www.winecountrylodges.com
Riders Find Art at Quicksilver Mine Co.
Quicksilver Mine Co. boasts a sculpture garden in back of the art gallery. There is a nice safe place to park a bike while looking at art inside. People are also welcome to bring a picnic lunch and eat in the garden.
Forestville is at the end of the West County bike trail, and on the route to and from the Coast on River Road. The town has several coffee shops, a wonderful brick oven bakery right next door (Nightingale Bakery), and a great little deli (Aioli).
Quicksilver Mine Co.
6671 Front St/Hwy 116
Forestville, CA 95436
(707) 887-0799
www.quicksilvermineco.com
Negri’s Occidental Hotel is Popular with the Cycling Crowd.
The Hotel is located in the heart of some of the most popular cycling routes in the North Bay (all stages of Levi’s Granfondo go right through town). Cyclists can roll off the property and be right in the heart of their routes – no driving to or having to cycle on dangerous city streets to the start of the route they will be taking.
Cyclists can roll their bikes right into our downstairs rooms with no effort. They can literally ride right of the room right into their route. Rooms are also large in size so once the bikes are in the room there is actually have some space to still enjoy the room.
The property is walking distance to everything in town. Once cyclists “offload” their bikes, they never have to get in the car and drive again. Many cyclists seem to detest getting in the car once they have completed a beautiful ride.
Organic groceries in the town are a big hit with cyclists for stocking up with all organic energy drinks, bars, and other snacks.
Cyclists are invited to use the Hotel’s washer and dryer. No more washing out their ride outfits in the sink or shower.
Negri’s Occidental Hotel
3610 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA 95465
(877) 867-6084
www.occidentalhotel.com
Inn at Occidental offers Amenities to Cyclists
The Inn at Occidental is very bicycle friendly. Several bicycle groups stay throughout the year. Staff works closely with several bicycle tour providers on an individual basis.
Cyclists who are visiting Sonoma County during the Amgen Tour of California, just ask for the Amgen special rate which is 10 percent off the published rate.
Amenities offered to cyclists include: bike rack in the parking lot, a large secured storage area for overnight use, and valet parking for bikes.
Riders attacking strenuous routes will discover guest rooms with large whirlpool soaking tubs, a full breakfast each morning and an afternoon wine and cheese reception.
Four restaurants are within a block and a half of the inn. Plus the Bohemian Market is great for deli foods and other snacks.
The Inn at Occidental is as quaint and charming as the town of Occidental. Each room is themed and distinctly different. Choose between the Folk Art Room, the Safari Room or the Wine Country Room, to name a few.
Inn at Occidental
3657 Church Street
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-1047
www.innatoccidental.com
Explore the backroads of Sonoma County wine country
Discover Sonoma County’s beautiful backroads as you cycle through Dry Creek Valley, led by an experienced guide. Spend the day visiting smaller family owned wineries, sip amazing wine and learn about winemaking. The tour includes a gourmet picnic lunch served at one of the winery stops.
Reserve a Wine Country Cycling tour: Getaway Adventures Cycling Tours
Getaway Adventures
2228 Northpoint Pkwy
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(800) 499-2453
www.getawayadventures.com
Get your own bicycle concierge at Creekside Inn & Resort
Creekside Inn & Resort is dedicated to making cyclist’s feel welcome. Of course they have a bike rack, and many rooms have easy-access for cyclists. They also have a dedicated bike concierge who will assist cyclists in getting the most out of their Sonoma County cycling experience. Mark Crescione, Innkeeper and Bicycle Concierge, is an avid biker and provides cyclists with information on favorite rides for all experience levels. He knows the elevations of the various rides, places to picnic or dine on the ride and attractions. Mark knows the best rides for those wanting great off-road cycling and for guests who want a road ride. He can assist guests in arranging bike rentals and bike tours. He can direct visiting cyclist to local bike shops that best suit their needs.
Creekside Inn & Resort
16180 Neeley Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
(800) 776-6586
www.creeksideinn.com
Cyclist’s amenities at Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa
The Flamingo welcomes cyclists with bike rakes in front of the resort and at the Montecito Heights Health Club. Card carrying members of any cycling association world-wide, who shows there membership card at check-in, will receive a complimentary pass to the Montecito Heights Health Club where cycling classes are offered everyday of the week and several times most days on the club’s 20 stationary bikes. Flamingo guests, who are interested in a biking adventure in the Sonoma County Wine Country, receive a $10 discount from Getaway Adventures bike tours.
Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa
2777 Fourth Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 545-8530
www.FlamingoResort.com
Cycling Sonoma County Resources
Ten Great Rides from the Santa Rosa Cycling Club: www.srcc.memberlodge.com/TGR
Bike Sonoma, Local Rides: bikesonoma.org/Bike_Maps.htm
The Inn at Occidental’s favorite coastal rides: www.innatoccidental.com/activities/biking.htm
Outdoor Activities in Sonoma County (includes bicycle rentals): www.sonomacounty.com/what-to-do/outdoor-activities
