Esparto-Woodland-Davis-Winters

Another new day to try a different route in the area.  I rode from Esparto to Woodland, then to Davis and end in Winters.  The ride from Esparto to Woodland was a new route to me.  You still pass through endless farmland and over HWY505.  There is an area in between Woodland and Esparto where you have smooth roads passing through a neighborhood.  After you pass the neighborhood, you get back onto rough roads.  Once you get to Woodland, your suddenly back to regular car traffic.

I made a quick stop at Foys Bike shop to get a quick pump up to 120psi and to find the best way to Davis.  I talked with Tom about local rides and the shop.  I had a quick snack and off I went to Davis.  The lone road to Davis was nice because there was an actual bike path.  There was a crosswind which made me have to tuck most of the way and just spin the legs.  I got to Davis and made a stop at the Downtown park before heading to Winters.  The ride from Davis to Winters was a usual ride for me.  I just got a little more headwind.

The past couple rides starting all the way back from the Sea Otter Classic Gran Fondo my Felt has been having some creaking noises from the bottom bracket.  I had to ask the mechanic at the Gran Fondo to tighten bolts but it still made creaking noise when I put power on the pedals.  This ride I had to endure the creaking noise the whole time.  Once I got to the outskirts of Winters, there was a big screeching noise that suddenly came from my bottom bracket.  Something totally failed in there.  I am glad it happened just towards the end of the ride.  I had to pedal into Winters with a screeching/crunching sound.

At home, I took off my Power Pro bottom bracket to find I demolished it.  The small balls from the bearing came out and it seemed like some of the other balls were missing.  It just didn't look complete.  I tried shoving the balls back into place and putting it back together but there was still a little resistance when turning the BB back and fourth.  So new bottom bracket for me...

All I need for a epic training day.

The only snacks I have left.

Out in the middle of nowhere between Esparto and Woodland.

First stop is Foys in Woodland.  I just need some air and directions to Davis.

They do have a nice repair department.

Made it to Davis, but no Farmers Market.

Final stop to Winters...with a broken bottom bracket.

Esparto-Winters-Davis-Sac Ride

I finally get some free time to ride out of Esparto.  I always debate on where to go in this area.  It's so flat that you don't have any problem getting to any neighboring towns.  One thing you have to watch is the wind.  North/south wind is always nice but east/west wind is brutal.  I decided to make my way to Sacramento by going through Winters first then Davis.  The roads from Esparto to Winters is bumpy but clear.  You occasionally get a big truck that passes you on the country road.  Heading south with a tailwind is just a dream.

I got to Winters and had a quick meal before heading out to Sacramento.  Putah Creek is a nice ride and you do see a lot of cyclists.  Sometimes you pass some and sometimes others pass you.  It is the main thoroughfare from Winters to Davis.  From Davis to Sacramento, you have to take the causeway.  Whenever I am on there, it feels like it is never ending.  You just have to keep pedaling and watch the high-rises in Sacramento come closer to you.

Once in Sac, I headed around town.  First, the Capitol then old downtown Sac.  I refueled at a water fountain and made my way back to Davis.  The weather was warm but not scorching hot.  This was a solid ride to get some base miles.

Historic Tower Bridge

The Capitol!

Old Downtown Sac

Let's take a break..

The drive home from Davis

Vallejo to St. Helena

Headed out on an adventure ride to Napa.  I headed out of Vallejo in the morning.  At first, I just wanted to go to Yountville, but the fun began when I passed American Canyon.  I felt like I was on a roll!  I was speeding through AmCan, then through Napa.  I felt good on Silverado Trail climbing up the rollers on the big gear.  I came up to the Yountville crossing road and I decided to just pass it and head to Rutherford.  I stopped on Silverado just to find my way, but just kept blasting through to Rutherford.  I finally made it to Rutherford in a new PR 30.25miles@21.4mph.

I felt like I could go further so I headed to St. Helena on HWY29.  I stopped at the gas station at St. Helena just to refuel and get a snack.  It was a bit toasty out and I just had to relax in the shade for a bit.  I headed back to Napa on Silverado instead of 29.  Hwy29 just scares me sometimes because of the afternoon traffic.  Plus, I hate crossing over to Yountville when I am heading south on Hwy29.  On Silverado I came across 3 dead snakes, one dead skunk, and 2 dead squirrels.  I was able to see a deer relaxing in the brush near the side of the road.  There just more to see on Silverado Trail:)


I got to Napa and had to refuel again.  I found the 35 cent watering hole.  I swear those machines are not just for people filling up those big containers but for waterless cyclists!  I then headed back to Vallejo on my usual route.  This is where the wind always kills me and my time.  I had crazy headwind from Napa Valley College all the way to north Vallejo.  I just had to tuck and keeps spinning.


I made it to Vallejo well under five hours which included all the stops.  I now have a nice tanline on my legs and arms.  I always enjoy going north towards Napa because of the scenery.  My next goal is to go to Calistoga and add a climb up to Atlas peak or Soda Canyon.

PR

First stop, Rutherford Grill.

Endured the rough pavement and got to St. Helena.

On the way back, I found a refill station...for .35 cents!

Dark legs