Wine country bikepack

A bicycle loaded for bikepacking stands entirely surrounded by, almost hidden by chaparral bushes and wildflowers.

Introduction: Wine country bikepack

I'm pretty dialed in on equipment after my local bikepack adventure, so when my friend July suggested doing a bike tour up to the Kinetic Grand Championship, I jumped on the opportunity, even though I didn't have time to do the whole ride.

Two touring cyclists ride up a h ill on on a rural road. One is near the top of the hill, almost out of frame; the other is just in front of the camera, wearing a bright pink top, carrying full panniers and a sleeping pad.

Day 1: Santa Rosa to Lake Sonoma with July and Fletcher

After glitches meeting up for the SMART train from Larkspur, I caught up with July and Fletcher in Healdsburg, and we rode together to Cloverdale, where they headed north and I cut off to Lake Sonoma. Beautiful campsite there, after a slog on a stupid fire road.

A dirt road in a dry landscape. A sign in the foreground reads "Mercuryville, half-mile high city. Elevation 2600 feet. Population 2. A sign nailed to a tree on the other side of the road reads "Warning, no trespassing. Violators will be shot. Survivors will be shot again!"

Day 2: Lake Sonoma to Mercuryville

After the stupid slog out of the Lake Sonoma basin, I rode across Sonoma Valley to one of the classic Sonoma loops, Geysers Road, a beautiful and challenging climb. My plan to wild camp on BLM land was derailed by private property signs, but I eventually found a good spot.

A road bends to the left high above a green valley. The sky is clear and blue. The road surface is somewhat broken up. A wire fence lines the road along the curve.

Day 3: Mercuryville to Bothe-Napa

After making breakfast on a pile of rocks at the roadside, the descent into Alexander Valley was wonderful, and Franz Valley is primo cycling territory. I got to check out the newly-completed Vine Trail as I popped around the northern Napa Valley.

A smiling woman on a bicycle on a sunny day rides past a vineyard, with California hills in the background, brown grasses dotted with oak trees.

Bonus day: Wine country loop

Does it still count as bikepacking if you stayed in a yurt and left all your gear in camp for a loop ride? I'll allow it. Some wine tasting and a repeat of the lovely Franz Valley loop finished up the trip.