Since their were some questions about the .5VM course thought I would try to describe it in some detail for the STers out there. I am not affiliated with the race but just live and train in the area. Sorry it is so long…
Exit T1 at Johnson’s Beach. The driveway is steep so set up your bike in small ring. Once you get up you go through Guerneville for a flat fast section along River road. Surface is generally ok but there are a few bumpy sections (especially through Monte Rio). After less than five miles you make a sharp, hard right turn on to Sunset Blvd. Go slow on this turn as it is a steep descent followed by hard left turn. This road surface is not very good and is pretty narrow. Just take it easy here and be careful. You are only on this for about a 1/4 mile as you go under river road (via underpass) and hit Westside Road. Pedal hard as you hit this section because there is a quite steep but very short incline about 75 meters ahead. Try to carry as much speed into this hill as you can as first part is very steep. It then mellows out and you have a nice view of the river at Hacienda Bridge. Then a descent and a series of mellow rolling hills and flats as you go through some pretty redwoods and vineyards of the Russian River Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area). This is the land of Pinot Noir and Chard.
You will hit the first aid station at around 15-16 miles. Westside road surface is pretty good for the first half but does have some bad sections after the aid station (those darn tractors and grape hauling trucks). As you approach Healdsburg, you will make a CHP assisted hard left turn onto Kinsley road for a short hop north up to Dry Creek road. After you make the left onto Dry Creek road, you have a little descent where you can really crank to get your speed up for this generally fast section of the course. Road surface is very good. This part is a series of flat and rolling hills. You are now in the Dry Creek AVA where the worlds finest Zin is grown and produced. After a pretty long section on Dry Creek road, you will make a hard right turn onto Canyon Road. Despite the name, it is a modest and gradual climb and the spot where I try to take in some food. There is also an aid station at the bottom of the climb. After you top out on Canyon, you have a straight, fast descent heading east, under Highway 101 and to Hwy 128. You could peddle like mad on this descent and easily hit 45-50 mph but at the bottom you have to make a 90 degree right hand turn (CHP assisted)at a controlled intersection so I would just recommend coasting and letting your HR recover. You can hit close to 40 just coasting in aero bars. After you make the turn you can crank it up again through the town of Geyserville and hard left turn continuing on Hwy 128. You are now in the Alexander Valley AVA (land of fine Cab). Hwy 128 is the best road surface and fastest part of the course. It is mostly flat and where the fast riders seem to really shine. If it was foggy in the morning, you may hit a slight headwind since the fog creates a southwester flow you typically feel here. You will hit aid station three on this road.
You will then see a road peel off to the right and this is where you say good bye to Hwy 128. Chalk Hill road is more turny and lots of fun to ride. You will have one decent climb but don’t be fooled by the first one after you cross the creek…that is just a short straight section. After you top on the first one you have a fast descent and a short section of rollers before the real climb starts. It is no big deal really but will separate those who live in Kansas from people who like to climb. After you top out on Chalk Hill you have a fun, fast descent with a pretty sharp left hand turn so be ready. After that it is just rollers but mostly down hill all the way to the bottom (look for the lone Buffalo on right side across from Chalk Hill Winery). At the bottom on the hill you make a hard left turn onto Pleasant Ave which heads uphill a bit then turns into Faught Road. Faught road is just plain crappy. It is quite bumpy which is no fun at this point in your ride. Fourth and final aid station is on this road (I believe near Shiloh Park) for final hydration needs. The crummy road surface is short lived as you near a residential area and then a hard right turn onto Airport Blvd. You are now back in civilization with lots of traffic so be aware. The remainder of the ride is completely flat (except highway overpass) and pretty uneventful all the way back to Windsor HS. I suspect the T2 and finish will look different from last few years since there is construction at the High School. There is a new gym going in where they had the expo and food area last year so not sure what Russ’s plans are. I’m sure it will be just fine. Good luck to everybody and have fun. Hope this helps.
Mike