The Vineman bike course is one I describe as challenging, but fair, and those that are well rounded cyclists, on all types of terrain, will be rewarded nicely.
The first 5+ miles of the course is 100% flat before turning off River Rd with a technical turn on to Sunset followed by a right hand turn on to Westside.
Mile 6 - 18 (Westside Rd & Kinley-- aid station on Kinley Rd)) is a mix of everything but the majority of Westside Rd. contains a series of sweeping turns (especially early) and continuous rollers. If you have never seen the course it is a good idea to drive Westside Rd and hav a strategy for riding that terrain. There are no big climbs but it is a very dynamic section of the course that can make or break your race
Mile 18-28 is predominantly flat finishing with a two mile very gradual uphill on Canyon Rd. Once you crest Canyon Rd you will have very fast descent into the Alexander Valley followed by a 90 degree right hand turn on to hwy 128 (aid station 1 mile after the turn)
Mile 29-40 ... this will be predominantly flat, and fast but depending on time of day you could face a light headwind out of the southwest. Near the end of 128 approaching Chalk Hill Rd you will have a series of three rollers hat will slow your pace.
Miles 40 - 48 (Chalk Hill Rd & Faught Rd) ... up until this point you have been on good to very good pavement. Unfortunately Chalk Hill Rd & Faught Rd is a mix of everything form good to very bad pavement so ride safe and be aware. The terrain is also a mix of everything but it is constantly changing ... up, down, right. left and of course it will have the one signature climb on the bike that isn't overly hard on its own, its just comes when your legs are already beat down. (Those with proper gearing and pacing don't find this climb daunting)
The remainder of the course is flat and fast (and good pavement) as you roll through the outskirts of Santa Rosa before heading back into Windsor.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Because of some construction at Windsor High School, the the run form bike dismount to T2 will be a long one so be sure to scope it out the day before and decide the best way to tackle it.
Overall this bike course is beautiful, dynamic and it goes by very quickly. Be sure to not get sucked in to riding this course too hard (like many have before) as the run will kick your ass if you do!
Cheers,
DL
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