Monday, December 1, 2008

A Tippler's Thanksgiving weekend...

Clearly I didn't take this picture. 

And this wasn't a day spent on dirt trails.

However, it was a day with lots of beautiful scenery and much fun. We drove out to Santa Rosa Road, just outside of Buellton, where my mom dropped us off and then we rode to Lafond Winery, 
tasted and picnicked, then rode to Alma Rosa, formerly known as Sanford Winery. 

As you can see from this picture, the weather was absolutely beautiful. While we really didn't ride much, it was a great day. The Santa Ynez Valley is really, really amazing. So many people come to Santa Barbara and don't ever visit here. Or they visit and only stick to the wineries (which, as you can see, are perfectly lovely) but don't get to the trails, which you will see evidence of tomorrow. (Yes, I did a lot of blogworthy things this weekend. I think we took full advantage of the weather and all the stuff to do in and around Santa Barbara.)

One interesting thing that I discovered on this trip: I am a much more relaxed rider when I have been wine tasting. While I am definitely not suggesting anyone ride when they are inebriated, I tend to be a "clutch the handlebars WAY tightly" rider, as I spend a lot more time on trails than on my bike. Not being used to my bike= very afraid of falling. And yes, I know the answer to this whole issue is to spend more time on the bike, not to toss back a couple of copas de vino before heading out on the bicicleta. In fact, if we had actually ridden any significant distance, I'm sure the negative effects would have presented themselves. However, I think a tasting bike tour of Napa or perhaps Sonoma might be in order...

Next up on the agenda: Two super-cool spots just outside of Santa Barbara that many tourists never see!

8 comments:

Jo Lynn said...

Nice pics. You look super cute on the bike. Love the pink top. ;)

Anonymous said...

Could you adjust some Spanish on your mp3 while biking?

Nos vemos en 3 semanas.
SPJ

Kevin said...

I second what Jo Lynn said....Also, wine drinking and bike riding - you are having WAYYYYYYYYYYYYy too much fun!

Derek said...

Love the pictures of you and the bike. Biking is my all time favorite but I'm not a big fan of cars and trucks that drive too close. Sounds like you had a great weekend!

dadshouse said...

I grew up near there! The Santa Ynez valley is even nice these days. The wine tasting is great - very laid back. It's where they filmed "Sideways". THe Solvang century rocks. And so does the Solvang time trial in the Tour of CA!

Rick Gaston said...

Haha, I know of friends who do that, bike around Napa and wine taste. Ah the life. I was only in Santa Barbara once and it was for a wedding. It was overcast and our days was spent in the hotel resort, trying to get together with people and attend to details. The wedding was great but your trip is more like the trip I would take.

209Mike said...

You are all over the place. I love that area. When I was down at Cal Poly, we used to head out there every once in awhile. Nice to cut through there on your way to SB.

Anonymous said...

Great pictures as always!

BTW, when I go for a bike ride I stop for coffee. Now I see the error of my ways!