Cloverdale to Petaluma CA, 72 miles

Even though we had a 72 mile ride - it was relatively a light riding day as there were not too many hills.  After four hard days it was great to have a mostly flat riding day.

We started out riding through the Dry Creek wine region and then though the Russian River wine region.  Had to be at least 100-200 wineries.  Only knew the name of a couple of the wineries.  Not sure where one even buys most of the small boutique wines that we passed by.    It was perfect weather (65 degrees) and the road was small rolling hills.  They had told us that the road would be really rough - but they repaved it this year and was smooth as a baby's ass.  This is what we ride for!

 About 12.5 miles in we were told to look out from some goats playing poker. They did not give us more information that this - but this is what we saw....

 Even had one goat taking your picture as you were taking his...

 Lots of great, fancy tasting rooms.  Again no way one can ride 72 miles if you stop for wine.  So we had to pass on all the "free wine tastings".

Small towns dotted the landscape.  Must rely on tourism for generating most of their money.

After the wine county we rode through about 35 miles of farm land.  It was really hot and one match would have burned hundreds of acres.    Seemed like it was 95 degrees out there.

We ended up in Petaluma which is home to Lagunitas Brewery.  

After 72 miles.  I checked into the hotel and immediately made a beeline to the brewery.  Damn that beer hit the spot (second one was even better).  As I was on my bike had to stop at two beers or I would never had made it back to the hotel.  

Tomorrow our destination is San Francisco.  Saturday we have a rest day and plan is to go see Alison, Steve and the Little Dude!.