Description
Mile 0 to .4 Start to Duhig Hill
Enjoy the setting as you stretch among the vineyards and irrigation reservoir adjacent to the new Cuvaison production facility and tasting room. Once through the starting gate you’ll take a sharp left past Domaine Carneros winery and begin your ascent up Duhig Hill for three-tenths of a mile. Go easy and avoid burning too much energy early.
Mile .4 to 2.2 Duhig Descent
The descent was worth the climb. You now enter the fastest part of the course with great views of Carneros and the Napa/Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. Its downhill for 2 miles but make sure to keep your eyes open….it’s gorgeous! Your first aid station is at the intersection of Las Amigas next to Acacia winery.
Mile 2.2 to 4 Ramal Rd. Rollers
After making a sweeping right Duhig turns into Ramal Rd as you head west through the vineyards. You’ll encounter a few rolling “mounds” nothing major but worth noting. At the three-mile mark you’ll cross over from Napa County into Sonoma County and shortly after Skaggs Island Rd you’ll find aid station #2 at Buena Vista Carneros.
Mile 4 to 6 Serenity Section
Once the field thins out in this section there is plenty of time to let your mind wander and enjoy the scenery. Take in Mt. Tamalpais to the south, resting peacefully as a backdrop to the Napa/Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area just off the course. After making another sweeping right you’ll soon find aid station #3 at Donum Estate, home of Robert Stemmler wines.
Mile 6 to 7.5 To the Highway
After winding through a few turns and passing a sheep ranch or two you’ll finally begin to encounter civilization. A sharp left on Dale Rd and then a right on Burndale Rd. and you are suddenly at Hwy 121 complete with aid station #4, porta-potties, Homewood winery, and your friendly CHP. The officers must let cars through at various intervals, so if you are asked to stop briefly, please obey. It will be a short respite before you tackle the 2nd part of the course.
Mile 7.5 to 10 Burndale Rd.
After crossing the highway you’ll continue on Burndale Rd. This section passes through vineyards and homes before taking you up a small hill lined with farm animals. Sheep, goat, horses, pigs, llamas, chickens, and cows all reside on this stretch of the course leading up to aid station #5 just before you cross Napa Rd.
Mile 10 to 12 Shady Denmark
Relief is on the way. After visiting aid station #5 you’ll cross over Napa Rd onto tree-lined Denmark Rd. where shade is abundant. After passing the beautiful vineyards of Gundlach Bundschu you’ll veer left and follow Denmark across Sonoma from 8th St. all the way into the path at the high school. The boys from Hanna will provide you water just before the path at aid station number #6.
Mile 12 to 13.1 Broadway’s Finish
After a jaunt though the high school you’ll end up on Broadway for the final six tenths of a mile into Sonoma Plaza. Historic City Hall and its trademark palm tree is your target ahead. As you get closer to the Plaza the cheers get loader until the adrenalin carries you right across the finish line.
Congratulations!.
