well the drive was a success. even without Max. Tafic was light on my way up to Winsor were i took Chalk Hill Rd upto Alexander Valley. Wow i hadn't been on that twistie for some time and forgot how fun it is. I came up on two trucks but i just flew around them like they were parked.
once on 128 in the valley i went to Hanna's tasting room to see about hours and pricing. 10am - 4pm every day. And all there wine were free to taste. Well what they had available. I stuck to the reds and had 5 tastes. But the guy and i were talking it up pretty good so he let me have 2 more that weren't on the menu. Oh my word. they have some of the greatest wines around...period!
after leaving there i headed up towards Pine Flat Rd (which said was not a though road) so i opted on turning on Red Wine Rd and heading straight to Geyser Rd. Man every time i drive that it gives me goosebumps. I love that road so much. Once again i have almost zero traffic and what there was i once again flew around them.
But when that was over and i made it to the 101 i said to myself "That was pretty quick" So i desided on doing the rest on the drive today as well. The only problem with that was i hadn't picked what route i was planning on taking yet. So i ended up missing the exit i should have taking which is Dutcher Creek Rd. Instead i went all the way down to Geyserville and got off the exit there. I passed the next winery i was planning on stopping at which is Geyser Peak Winery and went straight to Dry Creek Rd. Then over to W. Dry Creek Rd via Lambert Bridge Rd and down to Westside just south of Healdsberg. Traffic was still good. most people got over for me or i once again passed them in a flash and continued on.
Then right onto Sweetwater Springs Rd. I saw only 2 cars and they were coming towards me. What a wonderful road. This was only my third time driving Sweetwater, and first time going east to west. At first i thought i liked it better this way but them realized when coming down on the far west side it's hard on your breaks. Very steep and hairpin after hairpin. Maybe i just prefer to climb than going down hill.
I quickly went though Guerneville. Turning (L) onto River Rd and then (R) onto Pocket Canyon Hwy. About 1/2 mile in i turned (R) on Mays Canyon Rd. This was one of the greats that Pete turned me on to. Anyway that was fun. Got alittle sideways on a few damp corners and scared the hell out of a local. But i slowed down as i passed and gave alittle wave.
Then back onto Pocket Canyon Hwy for a short spert then turned (R) onto Green Valley Rd. Took that back towards 116. I had a great pocket of no traffic and cut corners all the way.
Turned (left) onto Ross Rd and followed it for about 1 1/2 miles. I had never been on it before and found it very nice. Although there were some houses it was a fast moving street.
Turned (left) again onto Ross Station Rd and followed it to the very end where Iron Horse (maybe my favorite winery anywhere) and relaxed for about a minute before getting back on the road.
The trip took alittle over 3 hours. (maybe 3 hours 15 mins)
From there i drove back to Washrow House and looked at the watch.
3 hours and 40 minutes. Count tasting at Iron Horse and the whole thing would only take about 4 1/2 hours from start to finish.
Now i just have to figure weather or not we'll be stopping for food on the way back. Maybe that Pizza place we went to after the last TWR i did with the group.

i wish you all could have had the afternoon off to have come along. Maybe although the drive / meet is some time off perhaps some of us can do it one week end before hand. Let me know

rich (6:49pm 01/13/04)

 

well homerjay informs me that March 7th is th "Taste of the Valley". How the hell could i have forgotten that. I do it every year. Anyways i think we'll (MAYBE) keep it. Hell i might end up changing it again after all. that would suck. But come to think of it we won't be in the valley long. I dought many will be heading out Geyser Rd.

And Ya Joe that was me making the rounds.

 

<bump>
just so i don't have to go looking for it later.
:banana:

 

Sounds like a great drink and drive.

My wife and I would love to go.

 

well jwainwri we would love to have you come along. Yes the drive is a loved ones friendly drive. Although many of the roads we will be taking are not the best for people who get car sick. I'll be leading the day of the drive with my wife in the car as my co-pilot. She does have a motion sickness problem so i hope after some wine tasting she'll be able to relax.

It'll be held on a Saturday and we'll be meeting up in Petaluma.
Details will be posted in about two weeks on a new thread.

still would like to know from everyone if they would prefer to eat at the pizza place in Sebastopol or just get snacks somewhere along the way while re-fueling.

rich

 

The drive it self from start to finish. That's Petaluma back to Petaluma is about 153 miles. so full tanks would be a good thing.

Both the winery's we'll be stopping at do not charge for tasting. Just so ya all know

 

man i feeel like i'm the only one trying to keep this thing from falling off the board. I know there has been a few others posting here and there, but i thought maybe the north bay guys would help out by using it to chat it up. Like we use to.

May go driving on this Sunday. (Jan 18th from Morning 10am till around 2)
anyone feel like a drive?

rich

 

Oh, I might be down for that! I havent been out on a good drive in what feels like forever. I'll check with the misses.

 

Great. I haven't checked with the misses either, but by Sunday she's ussually happy to get rid of me for a few hours.

How about just running the loop?

 

Whatever, as long as it's fast, twisty, and low on traffic...

 

Permission has been granted! Where we meeting on Sunday morn?

 

depending on what time I might be able to join you two

 

woot, woot!

 

We'll meet at the Washroe House in Petaluma at 10:00am and head out at 10:15. The loop is about 3 - 3 1/2 hours if we don't make any stops. Then after we stop back at the Washroe House to say our goodbyes.

For info on the drive read top of this page.

If you guys want to stop for a drink or two just say so. hehehe I love wine.

Christina is more than happy to get rid of me that day. Just hope i don't stay up too late Saturday night. I have a small get together with friends and they love burning the midnight oils.

But i'll be there. Hope both Huck and Pete can come. I'll see once again if my Mini rally buddie will come along.

rich

 

I would be interested in a drive on 1/18, but I don't know the area. Where is the Washroe House? Do I need a Navigater or is it just follow the leader? If I can come alone and it is not a flat out road race I would like to come if you will have me.