Geysers, Grapes, and Scorched Earth: A Tour through the Kincade Fire
Sulphur Creek creates thunderous cascades as it tumbles down Geyser Canyon and makes its way into Alexander Valley. This rugged area is part of one of the world’s largest geothermal regions where Clear Lake Volcanic Field heats hot springs. In fact, the main road, Geysers Road, winds and twists through this interesting region making it one of Northern California’s quintessential cycling routes.
The ride starts in the small town of Cloverdale, located about 20 miles north of Healdsburg. A few flat miles greet you as you pedal towards the Geysers. Cloverdale is a charming town full of local art, restaurants and businesses. Take the time after the ride to admire the creative art pieces that line the downtown area of Cloverdale.
As you enter Geyser Canyon, a short section of dirt road will greet you. A few sections of smooth dirt will appear over the next few miles. The next ten miles of riding will follow Sulphur Creek over a series of rollers, expect minimal traffic. You are entering the region that sits over the Clear Lake Volcanic Field. The climb starts gradually, after crossing a historic bridge over 100 years old. As you climb you will cross through more oak woodland forest. This will be a mix of valley and coast live oaks that will shade the road. The next few miles of the climb are gently, climbing around a thousand feet over the next few miles. At an intersection with a road to the geothermal plants, stay right and the road quickly becomes very steep for over a mile. Don’t worry though, sweeping views of the mountains greet you on the ridge on top. You can see the vineyards of Anderson Valley below, and the southern end of the North Coast Ranges out in the distance. This area might remind you of the Sierra foothills, because you will see scattered groves of Ponderosa Pines along this ridge.These tress are more common in higher mountain climates of the Sierras. This area was burned by the Kincade Fire. which burned about 80,000 acres in November of 2019. Fires are unusual in this part of the world in November, this time of the year is known for cold weather and rain. This area of California has been impacted by numerous and large fires over the last five years. Click on the link above for the Kincade Fire to learn more.
Geysers Road meanders along a ridge for a couple of miles, before making a series of stair step drops over the next 5 miles to the floor of Alexander Valley. There are a few ways to return back to Cloverdale, use the link below to help you.
Once you are in Cloverdale take time to enjoy the fun and local art in the community. Cloverdale has a great coffee shop, good restaurants, and it is just fun walking around town. Plank Coffee is a great coffee that has delicious coffee and food made with local ingredients for breakfast or after ride snack. The Trading Post in Cloverdale is also a farm to table restaurant that sources local food and will help with post ride recovery. They also have great drinks!
Ride link: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/35149768, this ride includes Pine Mountain located off The Geysers. This is a very steep, rough, yet scenic climb.
Local Favorite: Plank Coffee: https://www.sonomacounty.com/restaurants/plank-coffee-cloverdale
Local Favorite: Trading Post Restaurant
http://www.thepostcloverdale.com/
Local Favorite: Thai Way
https://www.yelp.com/biz/101-thai-way-cloverdale
Geysers is a very remote road, and water access can be very limited. The JimTown Store has closed as of 1/1/2020. There are a few dirt sections that are fairly smooth, some of the pavement is rough. This area has the potential to become very hot during the summer and get icy and even a little snowy during the winter.
