Check in and register for the program, orientation and get-acquainted program

Arrive To: Check in to the hotel and register for the program.

Dinner: Wine and cider social before dinner. Dinner in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn.

Evening: We go over the schedule and talk about our biking adventure, then spend some time getting acquainted.

Lodging: Best Western Dry Creek Inn

Meals Included: Dinner

Get our bikes and helmets, take the first warm-up ride along the Russian River (distance about 24 miles)

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn.

Morning: We meet with our guide and discuss biking rules and safety. We van into Healdsburg to the bike shop to get our bikes and helmets. Then we begin our day's ride along the Russian River. The river was originally known among the Southern Pomo as Ashokawna "east water place" or "water to the east", and as Bidapte, "big river". An 1843 Spanish land grant referred to it as Rio Grande. The river takes its current name from the Russian trappers who explored the river in the early 19th century, and established their Fort Ross trade colony 10 mi. northwest of its mouth. They called it the Slavyanka River. The redwoods that lined its banks drew loggers to the river in the late 19th century.

Lunch: We enjoy a chance to relax and have a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: We continue our bike ride and stop for a visit at Hop Kiln Winery. In 1880 Sol Walters purchased the land and began building the structures that eventually won historic landmark status for this outstanding property. The ranch's sheep barn became the largest structure on Westside Road. The next to be built was the lambing shed, between the blacksmith and the barn, which sheltered the ewes and their newborns during winter weather. Hops had become a major crop in the area, and in 1905 rancher Walters decided to build a hops dryer to serve local farmers. The structure was to be functional, using barn-style architecture and pre-20th century technology. Construction was a race against time with many neighbors betting that it would not be finished for the ‘05 hops harvest. With massive redwood timbers and stone from nearby Felta Creek, the construction team hurried to complete the majestic, 3-story Hop Kiln in 35 days. One hundred years later the landmark Hop Kiln anchors the neighborhood landscape with its three robust towers, handsome gabled roof and thick stone walls.

Dinner: We return to the hotel in time to relax before dinner in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn.

Evening: After our day of biking we spend the evening sharing our favorite Road Scholar experiences.

Lodging: Best Western Dry Creek Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Riding through the Sonoma County vineyards, visit Ferrari Carano Winery

Breakfast: Breakfast in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn..

Morning: We begin our day's ride through the Dry Creek area. We'll visit the Ferrari Carano Winery set in the midst of a 70-acre Dry Creek Valley estate vineyard where we'll enjoy five acres of exquisite gardens. Since 1985, Ferrari-Carano has been a leading producer of world class, nationally acclaimed wines.

Lunch: We enjoy our picnic lunch at one of the many local wineies.

Afternoon: We continue our ride with other stops as time allows and return to the hotel in time to relax before dinner.

Dinner: Dinner in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn.

Evening: A local historian gives us an overview of the interesting local history.

Lodging: Best Western Dry Creek Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another bike ride through the scenic vineyards with stops at several wineries

Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn.

Morning: Our bike ride today begins along West Dry Creek Road, one of the most scenic in the Russian River area, and we may choose to stop at any of the several wineries we pass.

Lunch: We enjoy our picnic lunch at one of the wineries.

Afternoon: We continue our ride with other stops as time allows for a leisurely return to the hotel followed by a wine class and tasting with a local wine expert.

Dinner: Dinner in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn.

Evening: We relax with some free time to visit with our fellow participants,

Lodging: Best Western Dry Creek Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final ride along Fitch Mountain Rd. on the banks of the Russian River, then into the town of Healdsburg

Breakfast: Breakfast in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn..

Morning: We begin our ride along Fitch Mountain Rd. on the banks of the Russian River through scenic and historically significant countryside. We learn more about the Fitch family and the Mexican land grant they received.

Lunch: We return to Healdsburg's historic square where we have lunch on our own at one of the many fine cafes in the area, money provided.

Afternoon: We visit Healdsburg Museum and are welcomed by the curator for an introductory talk. We have some free time to enjoy the shops around the square, then it's time to turn in our bikes and helmets and take a van ride back to our hotel.

Dinner: Dinner in the restaurant adjacent to the Inn.

Evening: We have an evening performance by local musicians.

Lodging: Best Western Dry Creek Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart From: Program ends. Please check out of the hotel by 11 a.m.

Breakfast: We share memories of our biking experiences at our farewell breakfast and wrap-up session.

Meals Included: Breakfast