Day Two, Too

On Day One of Waves to Wine in 2005, I sported my Champagne Club jersey from 2004 (which I also chose to wear today). It's an eye-catching design; whenever I'd wear it, I'd get questions about the event—which is a key reason for having these jerseys: to promote the cause.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, you can see why I loved the original Waves to Wine route.

I thought I would opt for the longer route today, which wended its way north of Santa Rosa on roads where I have cycled many times. But then I worried about feeling too tired for the long drive home; why didn't I plan to stay an extra night up here? I dialed it down to the 40-mile route.

If anything, the fog was more dense this morning. We did pass some vineyards, and the grapes looked harvest-ready.

The scenic highlight today was along Occidental Road, where I spied more than two dozen (!) egrets (and a few ducks) in the muddy shallows of Laguna de Santa Rosa. I couldn't pass up this sight without stopping (and carefully crossing the busy road).

Speaking of busy roads, I was unnerved by the route's 3.5 mile stretch of Roblar Road: 45 mph speed limit, lots of fast-moving traffic, and no shoulder. On the uphill sections, I debated whether to step off the bike for a respite. Close to the event's venue, this would have been more enjoyable in the outbound direction—there would be less traffic early in the day.

A passing cyclist admired the yellow flower on my saddlebag, then lifted the tail of his jacket to show off his jersey—one-of-a-kind, handpainted with giant yellow flowers (and glitter)! He hailed from Colorado, part of a team (“Wild Bunch,” I think) that includes an artist who creates the jerseys. They even raised additional funds at one event by donating and auctioning off a jersey. He educated me about the Bike MS Passport Program, which looks ... interesting. By raising the requisite amount, you're entitled to ride in as many Bike MS events as you'd like the following year, without any additional requirements—all over the country. (Of course, you pay your own associated travel costs.)

As I crossed the finish line, the announcer called out “Champagne Club!” Yes, this jersey's design is outstanding. And evidently she's been involved with this event for many years.

A good meal and a refreshing shower after my 40-mile ride revived me for the trip home.

2024? (Maybe.)