I always love the freshness of the change of seasons in Spring, but that feeling is somehow duplicated in January riding Gravel and Wine out in Temecula.
While most of the country is in the middle of a snow shoveling debate, here in Southern California you’re arguing over a possible third layer and where to store it thirty minutes into a ride.
After a dormant few months on the gravel scene, getting the legs moving again to start out the new year couldn’t come soon enough as Gravel and Wine is a great venue to see where you’re at.
This region is known for being the wine capital of the southland, but I wasn’t expecting the number of hot air balloons launching coming in.
Starting out of Lorimar Winery, we headed into the grapevines fast with roads wide enough to keep speed as the first ten miles were flat and speedy.
Our first big stretch of dirt began heading east on Rawson Rd with progressive rollers showcasing the beauty of this ruralness.
Turning onto Intrepid Rd initiated an eleven mile climb punctuated with a number of dips for recovery but still bringing over two thousand feet of gain.
After hitting the peak, my favorite highlight was descending Stanley Rd going between tucking and using your top gear to swing around this Unbound type setting.
The last eighteen miles bubbled with short climbs more highlighting the plethora of country roads cutting between the returning vineyard that encapsulated all the opportunities this region offers.
Returning back to the venue, it’s clear the courtyard has hosted a number of receptions and weddings, but definitely a setting us cyclists could enjoy too.
The joy of gravel is experiencing an escape to the outdoors paired with modern roads that are fun to ride with Gravel and Wine bringing more than you’d expect.