You’ll be fine mr. jesse
the old Vineman Oly distance race in the early 90’s<<
I won a nice bottle of La Crema wine at that race!!
clm
I did my first Vineman way back in '91 and have been back just about every year for either the Full, 1/2 or Aquabike. It is a long drive from Simi Valley, but the venue is spectacular and Russ (and crew) always does a nice job. My favorite winery in Farrari Carana, but Chateau Souverain is beautiful too. I am due to wine a bottle of Le Crema, but it will not be until Aquabike- I hope.
If you like Ferreri Cerrano, you should come see it in the spring. They are big on tulips there and the gardens are pretty impressive. I have heard some locals refer to it as “Chateau Excess” due to over the top architecture (which is kind of funny since it is modeled after a Tuscan Village) but it is a pretty cool place. Have you been in the barrel room that runs underground from the tasting room to the winery? The Italian couple that own it made their money on a Reno casino so I just call it “the house the mob built”… Just kidding Saprano fans!!
I didn’t even realize they were sponsoring it back then. The original La Crema was a small outfit located out in west county and was losing money. The name was acquired by Jess Jackson (Kendall Jackson) in 1993 and they built the current facility. They make some pretty nice pinot. I always enjoy riding or running by there during the crush since you can smell the fermenting juice and grape pumice.
Why is this just a training day anyway?
the old Vineman Oly distance race in the early 90’s<<
I won a nice bottle of La Crema wine at that race!!
clm
Why is this just a training day anyway? <<
Because the big race is two weeks later…
Thanks TriMike. Is the (short?) trip to the coast to check out the cliffs/views worth it?
I would love to come up in the spring. Unfortunately, being a teacher my vacation time in pretty much set. Yes, I have seen the barrel room. A friend of a friend set us up with a private tour a few years ago. Looking forward to see everyone up there.
I encourage everyone to take the time to visit as many wineries as possible while you are in the Santa Rosa area. And if you are in the 50-54 age group, do your all your tasting the day before we race 
The coast is actually pretty close. From the swim start area it is just a short drive (less than 10 miles) west on River Rd. This will take you to an area called Jenner where the river empties to the sea (in theory at least…it is running pretty low and sometimes mouth closes). A nice route would be to head south (turn left) and take highway 1 along some very pretty coastline with lots of state park beaches you can stop at. Keep going and you reach town of Bodega Bay which has some nice sea food places. If you like calimari, hit Lucas Warf which has a little outdoor eating area near the store. For a nice view turn right just before Bodega Bay to head out Bodega Harbor up to Bodega Head. It is a body of land that juts out into the sea and has nice views (popular for whale watching during winter). Then head back to 1 and keep going south for a few miles till you see turn off for Sebastopol. Take that road inland to Sebastopol then head north on Gravenstein Highway (highway 116) which takes you through pretty west county (Graton, Forrestville, etc). This road will take you all the way back to River Rd just a few miles from 101.
That would be a nice little loop that avoids the freeway. Just keep in mind July is generally a pretty foggy month at the coast so odds are you won’t see blue skies but it depends on time of day and just plain luck. Our coast is often warmer in the winter than the summer. Also keep in mind the coast here is not like LA. It is rugged and rocky. There are lots of beaches but access is by narrow trails down bluffs. It is also very lightly developed so the section I described is largely in its natural state. I ride out there a bit and it is one of my favorites on a clear day. Enjoy!
Thanks TriMike. Is the (short?) trip to the coast to check out the cliffs/views worth it?
Mrs. Karma will be racing, I’ll be sherpa-ing for her. Anyone want to go for a ride for 2-3 hours while she’s out on her ride?
Karma
Sorry about all that PJ. I guess you’ll only beat me by 2 hours instead of 3 
I’ll be there. First HIM also. I melt in the heat, so I’m just going to hope for the best. I ordered some De Soto coolwings also, but they were way too big so I sent them back to Emilio. I think I need some female sized coolwings. I’m making the trip solo. Anyone up for prerace dinner? Cathy? Good luck everyone!!! Amie
Good luck everyone! Especially you, Amie, since it’s your first HIM!!!
Well everyone, you only have a few more days to do a long fast brick workout. Then a one day taper-right? I have a sore glute and am forced to taper. But I will be ready on Sunday!
Good Luck and have a safe fast race.
Not racing, but there manning run aid station 5!
i’m in, flying in thus evening. probably taking it easy after doing musselman last weekend. should be a fun time from what i’ve heard about the race and the area.
rcdenner/Ryan 1st HIM
unclegimpy/Mike
Karl
tury/Art
mikedonia/Mike
kyillee/Kylie
TriCeratops/Mike
ChadJ
ironclm/Cathy
bscoo34 1st HIM
paulandersoncpa/Paul
sandiegopj/Paul
Darrell
Captain Caveman
recall/Matthew
yelena
TriMike
jonblyer/Jonathan
BarbBikeTechie/Barb
Mrs. Karma
Mrs. Aztec
weaselgrl/Amie 1st HIM
woo/Leisha
tildenm/Tilden VOLUNTEER
RSum716/Rich
TriFaster/Dave ASST. RD!
Anyone else?
wow cool thanks!
Wowsers … big crew! A few reminder from out here in Northern California
Water Temp was 76 degrees YESTERDAY but we actually have some crazy, cool weather now and RAIN last night! WEIRD STUFF Forcast is for temps in the upper 80’s for high … this is about normal. Of course things can change quick around here!
For those around on Friday: (sorry CLM, i know it’s hard to get up from SF with traffic!)
JULY 20th ATHLETE WELCOME
Please join us on FRIDAY JULY 20th @ 7pm for an Athlete Welcome Gathering. The event will take place beginning at 7pm in the theatre at Windsor High School This social gathering will include a Vineman welcome to Sonoma County, some video of previous years events and a talk show with our special guests, Ironman 70.3 World Champions Samantha McGlone and Craig Alexander along with Ironman World Champion Michellie Jones.
DURING THE EVENING WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY some great items from our sponsors:
A Blue Seventy Helix Wetsuit
A YEARS SUPPLY of NUUN Active Hydration
Plus lots of other products from JAVELIN, ALCiS, FUEL BELT, and our great swim sponsor TYR!
REMEMBER, this third annual event will take place in the theatre at Windsor High School and start promptly at 7pm. Seating is limited and will be on a first come first serve basis.
Well shoot–I need (another) new wetsuit! 
See ya Saturday.
clm