 |
Bill Bikes My bicycling expeditions and jaunts |
 |
Rockpile
24 July 2022
Rockpile is a fairly remote and rugged part of Sonoma County northwest of Healdsburg. Manmade Lake Sonoma, our biggest reservoir, fills some of the deep Rockpile canyons. Rockpile is also the appellation of wines produced from grapes grown in this area.One steep, quiet road crosses an arm of Lake Sonoma and reaches high up into the heart of the Rockpile. Along the road can be found trailheads for hiking and camping in secluded spots along the lake. The region is usually quite hot in the summer, and filled with ticks and snakes and brambles and poison oak. Nevertheless, my ace support crew enjoys hiking trails through Rockpile and along the lake.
She was heading that way this morning to spend a few hours with her backpack and boots, so she agreed to drop off me and the Ogre near the top of Rockpile Road before she hit the trail. That allowed me to zoom down the Rockpile on two wheels, cross the lake, and pedal home via Healdsburg and Windsor.
Unlike my ace support crew, I skipped the opportunity to enjoy ticks, snakes, brambles, and poison oak.
Old Grumble-Face ready to begin pedaling Rockpile while his ace support crew heads for the trailhead to hike.
Typical view of the Rockpile landscape from near the top of the road.
After a fast descent, I reached the bridge over one arm of Lake Sonoma.
Bird dive bombs bridge.
From the middle of the bridge, looking at the main body of the lake, with the dam on the right.
Like practically every lake and reservoir in California, Lake Sonoma is well below its normal level.
Boat launch, water craft, and dam.
On the opposite side of the bridge, view toward the marina.
Now I've crossed the bridge and I'm looking back at the road and boat launch.
Last view of the lake before I speed down the road to the bottom of the dam and visitor center, then begin pedaling toward Healdsburg, Windsor, and home.
Can't pass Wilson Winery on Dry Creek Road without stopping to say howdy to Muddy Waters' old friend, Howlin' Wolf.
I did, by the way, see a coyote trot across the road near here. He stopped to study me until he decided I was too close, then he ran off into a vineyard.
Date: 24 July 2022
Time: 10:00 - 2:30
Weather: 65-75°, sunny
Route: Rockpile Road - Healdsburg - Windsor - Santa Rosa
Distance: 41 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.
~ 64 ~
| bstone@sonic.net | ::: Bill Books ::: Bill Bikes ::: Bill Games ::: | Copyright © 1983-2021 Bill Stone |