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North county autumn weather can be delightful as summer heat begins to moderate and leaves turn bright fall colors. The dozen or so wineries in the area are starting to harvest this year’s vintage. Dry summer weather produces concentrated wine grapes. West of Paso Robles you can find good wine and good bike riding.
Three main roads cut across the area. They are Peachy Canyon, Adelaida and Nacimiento Lake/Chimney Rock. Each has its charms and challenges. They are connected at their western ends by Vineyard Drive, which ambles northward from Highway 46.
The roads are very similar from a cyclist’s standpoint–like life, they have their ups and downs. You change gears often as you ride across the hills. The pavement is narrow and winding but you don’t see much car traffic. Most of the time it’s just you and your bike and the scenery.
Oak trees hanging with Spanish moss shade the western ends of these roads. Deer gangs lurk, looking for things to nibble on. Wild turkeys squabble and gobble their way across the fields. Grapevines fly ribbons of shiny tape or huddle beneath netting to keep birds away from the fruit..jpg)
The northernmost road leaves Paso Robles heading for the lake. Nacimiento Lake Drive has a wide shoulder and lots of fast traffic. Its scenic value is limited. Eight miles out of town, take the left fork onto Chimney Rock Road. What you lose in shoulder width, you gain in open country charm. After six miles of rolling hills and open vistas, Chimney Rock meets Vineyard Drive.
Turn south on Vineyard to ride 2 ½ miles to Adelaida Road. Adelaida climbs back toward Paso Robles for four miles to a high point in its center. From there, the road descends five miles to connect with Lake Nacimiento Drive two miles west of Paso Robles.
To get to Peachy Canyon Road, ride west on 6th Street. Turn right on Olive, left on Pacific. Pacific becomes Peachy Canyon. In short order, you’re out of town and climbing. This is a delightful road full of twists and turns, climbs and descents. At its western end, you have a choice of taking Las Tablas/Willow Creek Road south or connecting again with Vineyard Drive. Both will lead you to Highway 46 if that’s what you want.
Other roads cris-cross the area. Niderer is a mile of shady road that ends at Dunning Vineyards. Oakdale and Jack Creek both parallel Highway 46 and provide a pleasant alternative to riding alongside high-speed traffic. Klau Mine Road leads you down a shady canyon for a couple of miles before turning to dirt.
For something completely different, stop by Willow Creek Olive Ranch–on Vineyard Drive between Peachy Canyon and Adelaida Roads, a half mile north of Norman Vineyards–and explore the world of award-winning olive oils. The tasting room is open Fri-Sun from 11-5, other times by appointment. Find out what makes an olive oil extra-virgin and what happens when it is not.
One of the least-traveled roads in the Adelaida area is Chimney Rock west of Vineyard. Pedal eight miles past Justin Vineyards, crossing two arms of Lake Nacimiento, to the end of the county road. You will see signs that tell you the road does not go to the ocean and it does not go to the lake. The signs are correct. At the end of the public road, additional signs at a cattle guard tell you that you are about to enter private property. Turn around and pedal back.
As always when you ride in rural areas, be courteous to car drivers and give them plenty of room. We can all share the roads safely with a little effort and respect for others.
Three main roads cut across the area. They are Peachy Canyon, Adelaida and Nacimiento Lake/Chimney Rock. Each has its charms and challenges. They are connected at their western ends by Vineyard Drive, which ambles northward from Highway 46.
The roads are very similar from a cyclist’s standpoint–like life, they have their ups and downs. You change gears often as you ride across the hills. The pavement is narrow and winding but you don’t see much car traffic. Most of the time it’s just you and your bike and the scenery.
Oak trees hanging with Spanish moss shade the western ends of these roads. Deer gangs lurk, looking for things to nibble on. Wild turkeys squabble and gobble their way across the fields. Grapevines fly ribbons of shiny tape or huddle beneath netting to keep birds away from the fruit.
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The northernmost road leaves Paso Robles heading for the lake. Nacimiento Lake Drive has a wide shoulder and lots of fast traffic. Its scenic value is limited. Eight miles out of town, take the left fork onto Chimney Rock Road. What you lose in shoulder width, you gain in open country charm. After six miles of rolling hills and open vistas, Chimney Rock meets Vineyard Drive.
Turn south on Vineyard to ride 2 ½ miles to Adelaida Road. Adelaida climbs back toward Paso Robles for four miles to a high point in its center. From there, the road descends five miles to connect with Lake Nacimiento Drive two miles west of Paso Robles.
To get to Peachy Canyon Road, ride west on 6th Street. Turn right on Olive, left on Pacific. Pacific becomes Peachy Canyon. In short order, you’re out of town and climbing. This is a delightful road full of twists and turns, climbs and descents. At its western end, you have a choice of taking Las Tablas/Willow Creek Road south or connecting again with Vineyard Drive. Both will lead you to Highway 46 if that’s what you want.
Other roads cris-cross the area. Niderer is a mile of shady road that ends at Dunning Vineyards. Oakdale and Jack Creek both parallel Highway 46 and provide a pleasant alternative to riding alongside high-speed traffic. Klau Mine Road leads you down a shady canyon for a couple of miles before turning to dirt.
For something completely different, stop by Willow Creek Olive Ranch–on Vineyard Drive between Peachy Canyon and Adelaida Roads, a half mile north of Norman Vineyards–and explore the world of award-winning olive oils. The tasting room is open Fri-Sun from 11-5, other times by appointment. Find out what makes an olive oil extra-virgin and what happens when it is not.
One of the least-traveled roads in the Adelaida area is Chimney Rock west of Vineyard. Pedal eight miles past Justin Vineyards, crossing two arms of Lake Nacimiento, to the end of the county road. You will see signs that tell you the road does not go to the ocean and it does not go to the lake. The signs are correct. At the end of the public road, additional signs at a cattle guard tell you that you are about to enter private property. Turn around and pedal back.
As always when you ride in rural areas, be courteous to car drivers and give them plenty of room. We can all share the roads safely with a little effort and respect for others.
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