The rides

OK. For Chrome on the Coast 6 I've done a little homework. We've done all kinds of great rides in the past. We've done long days, short days - moving from hotel to hotel every day or staying put. Feedback overwhelmingly tips toward staying in one place, and doing day rides out of one location. I like that idea myself.

So, Santa Rosa puts us in a great location to explore some of the wonderful roads in the Napa and Alexander Valleys, and points north. There are many choices for each of us to make, so here is the breakdown:

(I did it by day, but heck, you can do any of these rides on any day you want)

Chrome on the Coast traditionally started by meeting at the Starbucks in East Pasadena. We then would ride all day to a destination, consume adult beverages and wake to ride the next day. This year, Chrome on the Coast 6 will officially start on Monday May 5th, 2008 at the hotel. When you get there, how you get there and who you travel with will be up to you. The last time we met we had a million bikes, and it was very difficult to travel together. Some may opt for a leisurely ride on scenic roads, others may take a more direct freeway route. Either way, day 1 will be there at the hotel.

I've developed two different sets of rides for each day. One is called "short" the other "extended". They vary in mileage, but I tried to keep even the longest day under 300 miles.

Here are the weblinks to the maps. I suggest that you print them out. Click on the link, then there will be a small map icon. Click on that. There is a map with printed directions there.

Day 1:

Short ride: (173.5 miles)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%201/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D1%20Short.htm

Extended ride: (218.0 miles)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%201/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D1%20Extended.htm

Day 2:

Short ride: (173.8 miles)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%202/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D2%20Short.htm

Extended ride: (269.6 miles)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%202/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D2%20Extended.htm

Day 3: (239.8 miles - only one ride for today that takes us to Alice's restaurant in the Redwoods.)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%203/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D3.htm

Day 4: (only 107 miles - touring the Wine Country. Plenty of time to stop and buy wine!)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%204/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D4.htm

Day 5: (110.6 miles - Breakfast at Howard's cafe in Occidental!)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%205/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D5%202.htm

OK. Now that you have looked at what I've planned are you getting excited? I know that I am. Make your reservations for as long as you can stay. Some might stay unitl Saturday the 10th or Sunday the 11th. It's all up to you as far as how much time you have.

After the rides, we will meet up by the fire pits on the terrace at the hotel. A great place to unwind. With the mileage kept about where it is, people can sleep in if they want, and still get back to the hotel at a reasonable hour. Or, get up early and sightsee!

The only two rules are to ride safe and have a good time.

Ride on!

Sean