Day Two: Rollering down the California Coast
Having lived overseas for nearly a decade, I’m semi-literate in a handful of languages; converting metric to statute translations is also one my many skills. I can tell…
”The roads are succulent and bountiful, and the food and wine leave you breathless. The Pinarello bikes are to the highest standard of the purest gourmand. The personalities are rich and bold, yet full of subtle surprises. All is to be savored—and devoured.
Bill StricklandBicycling Magazine
1 Nov 2023
5 Nov 2023
California Wine County
Napa might be more famous, but when it comes to cycling, neighboring Sonoma is the favorite amongst those in the know. Located just 60 minutes North of the Golden Gate Bridge, the charming village of Healdsburg couldn’t seem farther away from the city, and it makes the perfect base for a visiting cyclist. The roads are quiet, the terrain offers everything you could want for a bike trip, and there are so many route options that you’ll always find something new to explore.
For this wine country adventure, we’ll explore the roads around Healdsburg and everyone’s end-of-the-season fitness will be put to the test. It won’t all be work though. The food on this trip promises to be a real highlight with an abundance of dishes inspired by quality, seasonal and local produce, and we’ll be washing it down with a fine selection of big California Cabs as well as the local Pinots, Chardonnays and Zinfandels.
Included With Trip:
- All food and beverages**
- Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
- Daily Bike Wash
- Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
- Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
- Laundry service for cycling clothing
*Lodging is not included in this trip. We have reserved rooms at h2hotel in Healdsburg for your convenience.
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges
MEET THE GUIDES
EROS POLI
THE CHAMPION
The night before Eros Poli took victory atop Mont Ventoux he couldn’t sleep. It was not like he was dreaming of victory or even had the slightest idea the next day’s stage would change his life forever. It was just that it was hot. Unbearably, unsleepably hot in his less-than stellar French hotel. His roommate had taken his mattress off the bed and was sleeping on the small balcony outside their room. And the man who would shortly become known as Monsieur Ventoux was watching football, Italy vs. Brazil in the World Cup final, to be exact. Italy lost. The following morning as Eros dragged his weary, tired legs out of bed and down the stairs, as there was no lift, James Brown came into his head. “I feel good, I knew that I would now,” started to repeat over and over in his head. As it would the rest of the day. He felt good and the rest, as they say, is history.
Paulo Crispim
Paulo began mountain biking at the early age of 16, and soon his love for bicycles, road cycling, and mechanics were there. Almost a decade later, he decided to take the risk and become a bicycle mechanic, but he never stopped participating in granfondos and amateur races. He joined inGamba as a mechanic in 2019 and now he is also one of our guides.
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
START LOCATION:
Healdsburg, CA
FINISH LOCATION:
Healdsburg, CA
TOTAL ELEVATION:
3,948m
TOTAL DISTANCE:
321km
DAYS RIDING:
4
GROUP SIZE:
8-14
LONGEST DAY:
Day 2
Sonoma Coast State Park. 106.3km
BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:
Day 2
Sonoma Coast State Park. 1,326m
DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN
PINARELLO DOGMA F
Seven of the last 11 Tours de France have been conquered on a DOGMA, and the latest generation is now ready to continue that legacy of success. Whatever the road throws at you, the DOGMA F is always the right bike.
WHEELSET:
Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless
FRAMESET:
Pinarello Dogma F
COCKPIT:
ZIPP Service Course SL
TIRES:
Vittoria Corsa
GRUPPO:
SRAM RED eTap AXS
BOTTLE CAGES:
Elite Custom Race
PEDALS:
Speedplay
BIDON:
Elite Corsa Team
SADDLE:
Prologo
COMPUTER:
Garmin Edge 1030
COLOUR:
InGamba Red
