Monday, September 21

Today we biked from Petaluma to Santa Rosa, about 32 miles. The first 18 miles was in a fairly heavy fog and quite chilly -- I had a jacket and leg warmers on. But once we reached the Sonoma valley, the fog cleared and warmed up quickly. The ride to Santa Rosa had some nice moments. In Santa Rosa, we stayed at the Flamingo Resort - a 50s era resort (sister to the one in Las Vegas) but renovated for 21st century travelers. We rode to the Charles M. Schultz museum to see the shrine to the Peanuts creator and former resident of Santa Rosa. Actually very interesting. We then visited the Luther Burbank garden -- a noted local horticulturist. Despite being a biking mecca we didn't feel that the Santa Rosa drivers were especially bike-friendly. We had dinner tonight with the rest of the group at Spring Lake Park. The catered dinners have been excellent, with tonight's menu consisting of baked tilapia, rice, carrots, and rum cake. One of the highlights of the trip so far has been the group, a convivial group of mostly older experienced riders. Tomorrow we ride from Sonoma to Napa county and overnight in Calistoga. Approximate mileage: 70 miles. Forecast: 90's and sunny!