We woke to bright sunshine. But this was short lived; clouds blew in during breakfast.
The ride went north on Highway 1 along the coast for 10 miles, clinging to bluff tops along the way. We took a "scenic detour" to Jenner to see the mouth of the Russian River (photo top left). Turning east on Highway 116, the ride basically follows the Russian River upstream most of the day. Highway 116 is a beautiful road with a very smooth surface and very few cars - a cyclist's delight. Duncan Mills was only 18 miles from breakfast but cappuccino and pastries called to us. Guernevill
e, first settled in 1860, is the largest town on today's route. It was established for the lumber industry by a 25-year old Swiss immigrant, George E Guerne. Colonel James Boydston Armstrong operated a sawmill north of Guerneville. His holdings included 440 acres of old growth redwoods that he wished to be operated as an arboretum. This acreage was purchased by the state in 1934. Brenda and I ate our sandwiches by the Anderson Redwood.
e, first settled in 1860, is the largest town on today's route. It was established for the lumber industry by a 25-year old Swiss immigrant, George E Guerne. Colonel James Boydston Armstrong operated a sawmill north of Guerneville. His holdings included 440 acres of old growth redwoods that he wished to be operated as an arboretum. This acreage was purchased by the state in 1934. Brenda and I ate our sandwiches by the Anderson Redwood.
Our destination, Healdsbburg, is in Sonoma County. A failed gold miner, Hamon Held, founded the town starting with a general store. In 1856 he purchased a large tract of land at public auction for $2 per acre and subdivided this in 1857. Today's sophisticated restaurants and shops are clustered around a restored Plaza, originally laid out by Held as part of his original town plan.
Today's ride was 52 miles and about 2,000 feet of climbing.
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