Touring the Sonoma Valley by bike
Sonoma and its neighboring towns are so small, close together, and relatively flat that it's not difficult to get around on two wheels. In fact, if you're in no great hurry, there's no better way to tour the Sonoma Valley than by bicycle, even though there are no great bike routes (it's all along the road for the most part). You can rent a bike from the Goodtime Bicycle Company (tel. 888/525-0453 or 707/938-0453; www.goodtimetouring.com). The staff will happily point you toward easy bike trails, or you can take an organized excursion to Kenwood-area wineries, south Sonoma wineries, or even northern Sonoma's Russian River and Dry Creek areas. Goodtime also provides a gourmet lunch featuring local Sonoma products. If you purchase wine along the way, Goodtime will carry it for you and help with shipping arrangements. Lunch rides start at 10:30am and end around 3:30pm. The cost, including food and equipment, is $135 per person (that's a darn good deal). Rentals cost $25 a day and include helmets, locks, everything else you'll need, and delivery and pickup to and from local hotels.
Mountain bikes, helmets, and locks are also available for rent from Sonoma Valley Cyclery, 20093 Broadway, Sonoma (tel. 707/935-3377), for $25 to $55 a day. Hybrid bikes (better for casual wine-tasting cruisers) are $25 per day, helmet and lock included.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
