HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, January 2nd, 9:30am

Happy, happy new year! We were thinking of kicking off 2010 with a hill climb, but have opted instead for something a bit more gentle to ease out of the holidays. Meet on Saturday for a nice, chill Westside/Eastside loop out of Healdsburg.

Meet at the Flying Goat in Healdsburg at 9:30am, Saturday, January 2nd. As usual, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind... and rain cancels!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, December 26th, 9:30am

Let's dig ourselves out from the piles of wrapping paper and new toys and get on out to the trails for a Boxing Day mountain bike excursion. Pilar and Kristy will lead an Annadel ride from the Lawndale trailhead, rather than our usual Channel Drive spot. (Pssst: Happy Birthday, Pilar!)

Meet on Saturday, December 26th at 9:30am at the bottom of Lawndale. The know-how to go now: beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind. (Rain cancels.)

Directions: The Lawndale trailhead is located just northwest of Kenwood off Hwy 12. From Santa Rosa continue on Hwy 12 for 6.6 miles past the Montgomery Drive turn-off. Go right on Lawndale Road and follow it 1.2 miles to the trailhead parking area. If you make it to Kenwood, you went too far!

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, December 19th, 9:30am

Looks like a window of clear weather this weekend! Let's head out on the road and bundle up for a wintertime Dry Creek loop.

Meet at the Flying Goat in Healdsburg at 9:30am, Saturday, December 19th. As usual, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, December 12th, 9:30am

We're all about optimism here at the HillJillys, and even though the forecast calls for storms on Friday and Saturday, we're gonna schedule a ride anyhow...

Megan is penciled in to lead our MTB ride on Saturday in Annadel. Meet at 9:30am on Channel Drive, at the bottom of the Cobblestone trail. That is, if it's not comin' down: rain cancels.

Otherwise, it's the usual--the know-how to go now: beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Road Ride: Sunday, December 6th, 9:30am

It's a double-up weekend--Janelle will lead a second HillJillys road ride on Sunday!

Meet at 9:30am at Prince Greenway Park (Sonoma Ave and Santa Rosa Ave in Santa Rosa, start of the bike path). We'll ride out to the Wild Flour Bakery in Freestone, eat scones, and ride back, about 35 miles round trip. Email Janelle (jnelblack@gmail.com) if you're coming so she knows to wait for you.

As usual, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind! Rain cancels.

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, December 5th, 9:30am

After a week off for gobbling turkey and annual Thanksgiving rides, we're back, and headed out to the open road.

This Saturday, Kristy will lead a road ride out of Healdsburg. Route to be determined, but there's a high likelihood that the group will see a stop at the Jimtown store. Plan for something around 30 miles.

Meet at the Flying Goat in Healdsburg at 9:30am, Saturday, December 5th. As usual, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

What else is going on Saturday? Lots!
Bike Monkey's CXSR at Franklin Park

Echelon's Women's Ride (switched from its usual Sunday rollout)

NorCal Bike Sport & The Bike Peddler's Year End Blowout Sale
The Bike Peddler's Grand Reopening

Also? Have you checked out the Bike Coalition's holiday auction? All sorts of bike gear on the block, and prices are crazy low.

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, November 21st, 9:30am

Deanna will lead us out this week on a medium-length ride that includes a stop at one of our fave West County bakeries: Wild Flour in Freestone. (Bring a bit of cash for one of their yummy scones.)

Meet at Youth Community Park in Santa Rosa at 9:30am on Saturday. The ride is less than 35 miles but includes the Harrison Grade and Jonive ascents, so be prepared for a fair bit of climbing. If you want to meet up with the group at the bike path on Green Valley, give us a shout so Deanna knows to look for you. More specific route details can be found on our Facebook group page.

The know-how to go now: beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind. Rain cancels!

HillJillys MTB Brunch Ride: Saturday, November 14th, 9:30am

Oh, do we ever have something special planned for this week:

The boys of Bike Monkey have volunteered to host an on-trail brunch for the HillJillys in Annadel. (Yup, you read that right.) Woohoo! They're keeping the menu under wraps, but we have it on good authority that there will be french toast and Flying Goat coffee. Mmmmmm.

PLEASE RSVP for this one by noon Friday, 11/13, so they can be sure to bring enough vittles--just email us at hilljillys@gmail.com. There's no cost, but small contributions to offset food costs appreciated.

Meet in the usual spot on Channel Drive at the bottom of Cobblestone, 9:30am. We'll ride for a bit before finding our way to our brunch stop out in the park.

The know-how to go now: beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind. Rain cancels!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, November 7th, 9:30am

Back to the dirt we go! Kristy is leading Saturday's mountain bike ride in Annadel. Stuff your pockets with leftover Halloween candy, enjoy the brighter mornings, and get on the trails while the gettin' is good. A wet El Niño winter is just around the corner...

Meet on Channel Drive at the bottom of Cobblestone, 9:30am. The know-how to go now: beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind. Rain cancels!

Post-ride and/or if you're gonna skip this one, check out the first CXSR race at Youth Community Park. Cyclocross season in Sonoma County provides stellar heckling, i mean, cheering opportunities. And, oh yes: you could race, too.

ACTION ALERT: Stand up for mountain biking in Marin

An action alert comes from Heidi, a HillJilly in Marin:

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URGENT. PLEASE ATTEND.
Marin County Open Space Board of Directors--Trail Workshop
Tuesday, Nov 3, 1:30pm, Manzanita Room, Showcase Theater Exhibit Hall, Avenue of the Flags (off Civic Center Drive), San Rafael.

The theme of the workshop will be addressing trail conflict. The agenda will consist of a review of Open Space Districts trail system, trail policies, 2009-10 trail-related work plan, and current trail issues.

It is extremely important that mountain bikers have good representation at this meeting. It will be important to be positive, well-spoken and present some new ideas to address the lack of trail opportunities for the mountain bikers on trails in County Open Space.

It is essential that we have voices from every group of mountain biker, from the high school kids, team coaches, parents, young downhillers, stunt riders to older seasoned cross-country riders and more.

The timing of the meeting is difficult. If you know anyone who has the flexibility to take off a few hours in the middle of the day, forward them this information. It is imperative that we have good representation here. The Supervisors hear repeatedly from our opponents, (they attend all of the meeting and write lots of letter) and our group is relatively quiet. This is our chance to be heard.

For more information, contact: access4bikes@gmail.com or 415-419-6693/415-686-1526.
Agenda/supporting materials are available on the County Website.

Directions to the Civic Center (note the Showcase Theater is behind where the Farmer's Market takes place, across the street from the Civic Center).

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Read below for insight into the opposition's view, and the type of anti-mountain biking rhetoric that will be voiced at the meeting. The fact that the mountain biker constituency is being described as "powerful, special interests" is a clear indication of fear. Let's not back down now.

It's also ironic that folks who are hell-bent on keeping trails for themselves describe those of us trying to gain access as "selfish."

Here's what we're up against:

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From Larry Minikes, President, Tamalpais Conservation Club

A recent New York Times article entitled "Growth in Mountain Biking May Put Western Trails Off Limits" (October 10), reports that the National Forest Service is working on a major policy revision that shall place thousands of miles of narrow trails off limits to mountain biking. The Forest Service is now finally echoing exactly what the environmental and conservation community in Marin has been saying for over two decades; mountain biking does have a detrimental effect on the environment, far greater than that caused by hiking and equestrian activities.

Let's clear up some ongoing misinformation. Contrary to what the IMBA-led mountain biking lobby has been claiming, there are no valid scientific studies concerning the impact of mountain biking on trails and specifically, none showing the impact on Marin's fragile ecosystem. They quote poor-quality, biased studies that are neither peer reviewed nor published.

From a land management perspective, they are no more than junk science. Nor is the issue about sharing as has been claimed. Conservation, protection and safety is our ongoing focus. Now their house of cards is collapsing as evidence mounts that mountain biking on most narrow trails negatively impacts ecosystems.

On November 3, at 1:30 p.m. the Board of Supervisors is sponsoring a trails "workshop." Don't be fooled by the name. This is yet another attempt by Supervisors McGlashan and Kinsey to give away our lands to their favorite lobby. This runs contrary to the wishes of the vast majority of the citizens who have overwhelmingly said in every poll that they want our lands protected and current trails designations to be maintained.

As an avid mountain biker, I know there is an abundance of biking opportunities in this wonderful county. It is sad, in a county of such great beauty and resources that it feels like the 1800's where we are at the mercy of the selfish, short-sided interests of a few who lack long-term vision.

The recent Ken Burns series on PBS on creating our National Parks shows the vital importance great leaders played in protecting our lands. Thank God for people like John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt and other great environmentalists who stood up to the powerful special interests of the day. Imagine where we would be without them.

The battleground shifts but the fight remains the same. Now our generation must continue to defend the giveaway of our public lands by politicians. The battle to protect Marin from the damage mountain biking causes continues growing in seriousness due to the cumulative effects of the sport. Please attend this critical meeting at the Marin Center, Manzanita Room, Avenue of the Flags, rear parking lot and make your voice be heard.

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Tuesday, Nov 3rd, 1:30pm. Go and be heard.

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, October 31st, 9:30am

Yup, it's Halloween on Saturday, but we'll get out for a short morning spin before putting the finishing touches on costumes and preparing for evening festivities. We'll do the Harrison Grade climb from Graton, and circle back to town on Graton Road.

This ride starts right on the bike path; if you want to lengthen it, ride to the start instead of driving. Your ride leader will be heading out along the path from Forestville.

Meet at the Willow Wood in Graton, 9:30am. Costumes welcome.

Psst: Did you get your Road ID yet?
Through Thursday, 10/29, RoadID is giving 100% of all sales to the GranFondo charities, and you get 10% off to boot. Use code "PCLEVI" or just click here. Also, they make great Christmas gifts. Just sayin'.

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, October 24th, 9:30am

Oh my, oh my, oh my. That rain we saw last week? Makes for pretty sweet trail conditions.

Annadel. Saturday. 9:30am.

Meet on Channel Drive at the bottom of Cobblestone. The know-how to go now: beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, October 17th

After this week's storms, those sunny days seem like an even more precious commodity. Let's get out on Saturday and take advantage of some amazing fall conditions...

Harvest is wrapped, so we'll head out to Dry Creek and admire the colors in the vineyards. Meet at the Flying Goat in Healdsburg at 9:30am, Saturday, October 17th. As usual, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, October 10th, 9:30am

GranFondo? Wrapped. We're still basking in the afterglow of all that cycling love.

And happily, we head back out to the trails on mountain bikes. Meet at Annadel this Saturday, 9:30am, on Channel Drive at the bottom of Cobblestone. As always, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, September 26th

You know where there aren't any vineyards (and large trucks full of freshly harvested grapes)? On Mill Creek Road. Yup, that's where we're headed for Saturday's HillJillys road ride. Mill Creek is an out-and-back hill climb from downtown Healdsburg, gentle and gradual at first with a steep kick at the end. And the beauty of an out-and-back: you only have to go as far as you're feeling it.

Meet at the Flying Goat in Healdsburg at 9:30am, Saturday, September 26th. As usual, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys MTB Ride: TAMARANCHO!Saturday, September 19th, 9:30am

We're off to Marin this week to mountain bike the Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp! Kristy is leading this excursion, and she's calling it an intermediate/advanced level ride.

Meet at 9:30am at the Java Hut across from Iron Springs Brew Pub. We'll ride for about 2 to 2-1/2 Hours and then reward ourselves afterwards with a beer and a burger at the pub!

Tamarancho is a fee-entry area and day passes are $5. Their website doesn't let us link directly to the pass page, but go there and click on "Tamarancho Biking" in the navigation on the left for more info and to buy your pass. If you want to buy it when you get there, be sure to give yourself extra time and arrive early.

A bye week?

Couldn't find anyone available to lead this weekend's HillJillys ride, so we're taking the week off. Stay tuned for more info about MTB in Tamarancho next weekend!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, September 5th, 9:30am

Sadly, we've wrapped the mid-week rides: shortening days, start of school, and other mysterious circumstances have kept most of us from attending, and after weeks of low turnout (including a couple of no show rides!), we're gonna put them on hiatus for a while.

The Saturday rides, though? They live on.

This weekend, c'mon out for an Annadel MTB outing, led by Kim. Meet on Channel Drive at the bottom of Cobblestone at 9:30am. As always, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

Also, mark your calendars: in two weeks, on September 19th, we're going to Tamarancho.

HillJillys Road Rides: Wed, Aug 26th & Sat, Aug 29th

The HillJillys double up again...

Mid-Week Road Ride: Wednesday, August 26th, 6pm

Carmen is back with another mid-week ride on Wednesday, leaving Ragle Park in Sebastopol at 6pm. On deck for this week? A route that includes Harrison Grade. This is an intermediate-advanced level pace--be sure you're comfortable riding at a good clip!

Meet at the Ragle Park entrance. Parking on the street is free, inside the park is $5.

Road Ride: Saturday, August 29th, 9:30am

Kristy will lead the HillJillys out on a Chalk Hill loop. Meet at Esposti Park at Old Redwood Hwy & Shiloh, 9:30am on Saturday. 'Tis a no-drop ride: all are welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Rides: Road/Wed, Aug 19th & MTB/Sat, Aug 22nd

Two opportunities to ride with the HillJillys this week!

Mid-Week Road Ride: Wednesday, August 19th, 6pm

Carmen returns with the mid-week ride on Wednesday, leaving Ragle Park in Sebastopol at 6pm. Exact route TBD, but the evening timetable and shortening days make for an intermediate-advanced level pace--be sure you're comfortable riding at a good clip!

Meet at the Ragle Park entrance. Parking on the street is free, inside the park is $5.

MTB Ride: Saturday, August 22nd, 9:30am

The HillJillys hit our local fave: Annadel. Meet on Channel Drive at 9:30am, at the bottom of Cobblestone, led by Kim. As always, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, August 15th, 9:30am

Gonna dial it back down a bit on the road this week: back to the tried-and-true West/Dry Creek loop, nice and easy, led by Kim. Meet at the Flying Goat in Healdsburg at 9:30am on Saturday.

As always, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Mid-Week Road Ride: Wednesday, August 12th, 6pm

The mid-week ride returns to the Burnside Burn on Wednesday, August 12th, leaving Ragle Park in Sebastopol at 6pm.

This week's ride is just over 15 miles, but includes a steep climb. The evening timetable and shortening days make for an intermediate-advanced level pace, so be sure you're comfortable riding at a good clip.

Meet at the Ragle Park entrance. Parking on the street is free, inside the park is $5.

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, August 8th, 9:30am

Gettin' out for another *short* trail excursion this Saturday in Annadel... meet on Channel Drive at 9:30am on Saturday, at the bottom of Cobblestone; led by Kim.

As always, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Mid-Week Road Ride: Wednesday, August 5th, 6pm

After a week off for Barb's Race, Carmen returns to lead a mid-week HillJillys ride!

It leaves Ragle Park in Sebastopol at 6pm on Wednesday. Same route as last time: a mostly flat 18 miles. The evening timetable and shortening days make for an intermediate-advanced level pace, though: be sure you can comfortably ride the route in about an hour and a half.

Meet at the Ragle Park entrance. Parking on the street is free, inside the park is $5. Note: Carmen may arrive just a few minutes after 6 this week, but the ride will leave no later than 6:10.

HillJillys Hill Climb: Saturday, August 1st, 9:30am

Apologies for the late post on this one: just couldn't decide on a route...

This one's gonna hurt, but here we go: Pine Flat. Girls, this is an 11-mile hill climb, if you do the whole thing (and that's once you get to Pine Flat), and not for the faint of heart. It's an out and back, so you only have to go as far as you want, but this is definitely an intermediate-advanced ride. Led by Kim Dow.

Meet at the Flying Goat in Healdsburg at 9:30am on Saturday, August 1st. If you've been meaning to challenge yourself, this is a great opportunity to do so. Note: we'll be on the Vineman course for a short spell, so we'll have some company out there.

Community Bikes: Women's Bike Mechanic Class

This news comes from Sherry Adams at Community Bikes:

BEGINNERS LEVEL BIKE MECHANIC CLASS FOR WOMEN
Sunday, July 26th, 6:00-7:30pm

This will be a women-only time at Community Bikes. Sherry will introduce the basic concepts of bike maintenance: checking to see if your tires have enough air, lubricating your chain, how to fix a flat tire, what you might want in your tool kit. You are welcome to bring your bike, but you do not have to. This is a hands-on class, please come prepared to get dirty. Sherry will begin by demonstrating and introducing the topics and then she will have some flat tires you can practice on.

Price: sliding scale $0-10. Sherry is volunteering to teach this class as a service to the community. If you are able, please consider making a contribution to Community Bikes.

If you are a woman who knows how to fix a flat and lube a chain and would like to help, please contact Sherry. She would love to have people who can help individual students during the hands-on portion of the class. If there is sufficient interest, she may teach more advanced women-only mechanic classes in the future.

To sign up for the class, please contact Sherry directly at Sherry_N_Adams (at) yahoo.com (preferred) or 707-294-7442.

Community Bikes is located at 4009 Sebastopol Rd in Santa Rosa, very close to the Joe Rodota bike path. It is a volunteer-run bike shop where people can learn how to fix bikes, donate unwanted bikes and bike parts, and purchase refurbished bikes. They are open on Sundays from 1-5 and Thursdays from 5-9. Phone: 707-579-5811.

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, July 25th, 9:30am

Busy summer days, but still getting out for a short mountain bike ride: meet on Channel Drive on 9:30am on Saturday, at the bottom of Cobblestone, for a bit of Annadel trail time. Led by Kim.

As always, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Mid-Week Road Ride: Wednesday, July 22nd

The mid-week ride returns! Carmen is leading another after-work ride from Sebastopol, leaving Ragle Park at 6pm on Wednesday. It's a mostly flat 18 miles (check out the route here), but the evening timetable makes for an intermediate level pace.

Ride starts PROMPTLY at 6pm. Meet at the Ragle Park entrance. Parking on the street is free, inside the park is $5.

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, July 18th, 9:30am

The hot and tourist-filled days of summer are upon us... which means we'll avoid winery-laden routes and stay west this week...

We're going out for a short but sweet favorite out of Graton. It's not a long ride, but includes a steep climb up Harrison Grade, so be warned! Meet at the Willow Wood in Graton at 9:30am--which is quite near the West County bike path and a good opportunity for those who want to make it longer by riding to and from the start. Led by Kim.

As always, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Rides: Road/Wed, July 8th & MTB/Sat, July 11th

Two opportunities to ride with the HillJillys this week!

Mid-Week Road Ride: Wednesday, July 8th, 6pm

The mid-week ride returns! Carmen is available to lead this ride again, leaving Ragle Park after work on Wednesday. Ride starts PROMPTLY at 6pm. This week: the Burnside Burn. (Yup, that means you'll climb.)

Meet at the Ragle Park entrance. Parking on the street is free, inside the park is $5.

MTB Ride: Saturday, July 11th, 9:30am

Woohoo! Kristy is chock-full of vim & vigor again, and is leading a HillJillys mountain bike ride in Annadel on Saturday.

Meet on Channel Drive on 9:30am, at the bottom of Cobblestone.

As always, beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Mid-Week Road Ride: Wednesday, July 1st

We are very excited to announce that we have a new mid-week ride, led by Carmen!

This west county ride will start at Ragle Park in Sebastopol at 6pm, and cover about 18 miles. The route may change in the weeks to come, depending on who comes out, but it's a great after-work ride.

Meet at the Ragle Park entrance. Parking on the street is free, inside the park is $5. And as always, beginners welcome and no one left behind!

Check out the route here.

Holidaze: No Official Ride on the 4th

... but don't let that stop you from getting out for a spin this weekend! Go stretch your legs a bit and absolve yourself from any BBQ indulging guilt...

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, June 27th, 9:30am

Oh, how we are loving summer...

And we are loving all the new ride leaders who are now available, too! First-time leader Kate has stepped up to lead a road ride out of Healdsburg. She's thinking of something longer--up and over Dutcher Creek. But, as always, no one left behind!

Meet at the Flying Goat in Healdsburg at 9:30am.

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, June 20th, 9:30m

We're mixing it up this week, girls: Annadel, yes, but gonna meet at the Lawndale trailhead (just before Kenwood off Hwy 12). Meet at 9:30am Saturday; led by Kim.

Beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, June 13th, 9:30am

We're excited to welcome a new ride leader this week: Katie!

Katie will be leading a HillJillys favorite: the Dry Creek Loop out of Healdsburg. Meet at the Flying Goat at 9:30am on Saturday for this classic wine country road route.

As always, beginners welcome and no one left behind!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, June 6th, 9:30am

Kim's back in town, gettin' all recovered from Maker Faire... and eager to get back out on those Sonoma County trails.

Annadel. Saturday. 9:30am. Meet on Channel, at the bottom of Cobblestone. Beginner-friendly, everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

Weird to say in June, but here it is: Rain cancels!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, May 23rd, 9:30am

It's starting to get toasty out there, but that won't stop us: we'll head out on our mountain bikes, Saturday, May 23rd, 9:30am--led by Kim. Meet at Annadel on Channel Drive, at the bottom of Cobblestone, and bring lots of water!

Beginner-friendly, as always. Everyone welcome, and no one left behind!

HillJillys Road Ride:Saturday, May 16th, 9:30am

Put your hands together, ladies, for a new ride leader this week: Denise!

Denise will be leading a road ride from Stormy's Tavern in Bloomfield, and it will include a Tomales coffee shop stop. Mmmmm. Meet at 9:30am on Saturday, May 16th.

As always, beginners welcome and no one left behind!

This Saturday, May 9th? Nope.

It's been tough to find alternate ride leaders the last few weeks.

Sadly, this week is another miss. I know that's a disappointment to many, so hopefully some other HillJillys will find the courage to lead a ride in the coming weeks!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, May 2nd, 9:30am

CANCELED! Those trails got a whole lot of rain yesterday, with more expected today. Gonna give them a chance to recover a bit.

Back on our mountain bikes this weekend, and eatin' up those trails in Annadel before they get dusty: Saturday, May 2nd, 9:30am, led by Kim. Meet at Channel Drive, at the bottom of Cobblestone.

Beginner-friendly, as always. Everyone welcome, and no one left behind! (Rain cancels.)

HillJillys: Seeking Ride Leaders+ MTB Ride, Thursday, April 23rd, 5:30pm

More Leaders = More Rides

It could totally be you.

First, this: Sarah is leading another after-work MTB ride on Thursday, April 23rd, 5:30pm; meet at Channel Drive, at the bottom of Cobblestone. Beginner-friendly, as always!

Back to those ride leaders...

It's easy to lead a ride. Really. All you have to do are these things:
1. Pick a route. (Rides start Saturday mornings at 9:30am, so you don't even have to choose a time.) Routes can be flexible, too, if you want feedback from the HillJillys who show up. 2. Commit! You are the one person who can't bail on the ride, even if you wake up in the morning and still feel the call of your pillow. 3. Be supportive and friendly to everyone who shows up, and make sure no one gets left behind.

Simple, right? You'll note what's not on the list: you don't have to be fast or fit or do it all the time. What we really need is a bank of women who can be on call, who might be willing to lead a ride once in a while, so that folks can fill in on the Saturdays when I can't make it. If that could be you, drop me a line and we'll talk more.

Thanks for all you do! --kimdow

HillJillys Rides, Week of April 13th: MTB, Thursday PM & Saturday AM

You know it: the days are longer, and that means one thing... after-work rides!

Sarah is leading an evening MTB ride on Thursday, April 16th, 5:30pm; meet at Channel Drive, at the bottom of Cobblestone. It won't be super long, what with the daylight limitation, so feel free to extend before or after as your schedule and ambition allows. Hopefully, this can be a weekly ritual through the warm summer weeks ahead--BUT, Sarah can only lead it for this week and next for sure... so we're actively looking for volunteers to lead it the week after that (April 30th) and any Thursday thereafter. Let us know, eh?

More MTB fun on the weekend: Saturday, April 18th, 9:30am, led by Kim. Meet up in the same place on Channel.

Beginner-friendly, as always. Have no fear: on a HillJillys ride, you will never be abandoned!

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, April 11th, 9:30am

We are slip-sliding into peak riding season, girls. The days are long, the weather is fine, the conditions are stellar, and there is no better time to make good on that resolution to get on your bike more...

This Saturday, Kristy is leading out a Chalk Hill loop from Windsor. Meet at Esposti Park at Old Redwood Hwy & Shiloh, 9:30am on Saturday. And, as with all HillJillys excursions, this is a no-drop ride—all are welcome, and no one left behind!

... starting next Thursday, April 16: afterwork Annadel MTB rides! More info to come next week...

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, April 4th, 9:30am

Spring has sprung!--and the HillJillys are climbing onto their mountain bikes to make the most of it.

Annadel. Saturday. 9:30am.

Meet on Channel Drive, at the bottom of Cobblestone. Beginners welcome and no one left behind!

HillJillys: What to do this weekend?

Our handy-dandy calendar tells us it's time for a HillJillys MTB ride on Saturday morning... but, since we haven't yet figured out how to be in multiple places at once, this weekend's agenda is a bit different.

Most of our fearless HillJillys MTB ride leaders will be testing their mettle up in Cobb at Boggs IV 8-hour on Saturday, and if you wanna soak up the atmosphere at one of the best races around, c'mon up to spectate. There's a great raffle with all sorts of swag, and all food & beer sales benefit the Sonoma County Trails Council.

Closer to home, there are still a couple of ride options:

MTB: Kristy will be leading an early afternoon HillJillys-friendly ride in China Camp. This one is not women-only, but she swears that the guys she invited are relaxed and easy-going. Meet at 12:30pm on Saturday at the Back Ranch Meadows Entrance guard shack.

Road: Mariko at Echelon Cycle leads a women's road ride early on most Saturday mornings, rolling out from their parking lot at 8:30am (show up a little early if you need any supplies from the shop). Average pace is a bit faster than most HillJillys rides, but it does regroup at the top of every climb—anticipate some West County hills.

Service: The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition is moving offices this weekend, they're doing it by bike, and they need help. Details: Saturday, 10am-4pm & Sunday, 11am-'til it's done (that is, if they don't finish up on Saturday). They'll be making trips back & forth between 655 First Street in downtown Santa Rosa to 750 Mendocino Ave (just north of college near the JC). It's about a mile each way—so, pretty darn close. They'll provide bagels and coffee in the morning, lunch around 12:30, and beer. You bring your bike (and bike trailer/cargo bike, if you have it), bungee cords/rope, layered clothing, and a water bottle. Many hands make light work!

If none of these options appeal, don't let that stop you. Find a friend or head out on your own—ring in spring on your bike!

HillJillys Double Up: MTB Ride, Saturday, March 21st, 10am

Wooohoooo! At long last, the HillJillys double up!

In addition to the intro-level bike path excursion that's happening Saturday, Kristy will be leading a second HillJillys-friendly ride: mountain bikes in Annadel.

Meet on Channel Drive, at the bottom of Cobblestone, at 10am. Ride level: Intermediate to Advanced. Rain cancels!

HillJillys Bike Path Ride: Saturday, March 21st, 9:30am

Ask, and you shall receive. Are you a HillJilly who's just getting started? This week, we've got the ride that's just right for the neophyte. We'll meet at Andy's in Sebastopol (at the My Friend Joe coffee stand) at 9:30am and do a little gentle bike path exploration. This is a great outing for folks who are a bit nervous about riding on the road, have questions about shifting, or want to get reacquainted with two wheels on flat terrain.

As always, and especially so on this excursion, beginners welcome and no one left behind. Rain cancels!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Boggs is ON! Saturday, March 14th, 10:30am

Yippee! After a too-long hiatus, the HillJillys hit the dirt again--and at Boggs! This oft-requested field trip has been in the planning for weeks, and the weather looks as if it's going to cooperate.

Cheryl will be leading this excursion, and getting in a bit of a pre-ride before Boggs IV. Meet at the first parking lot in the Boggs Demonstration State Forest at 10:30am on Saturday, March 14th (an hour later than usual, due to the location). If you've never been to Boggs, or have been meaning to go back, this is a great opportunity to explore with some wing(wo)men. Carpooling for this one makes a lot of sense, so if you're not in the HillJillys Facebook group, check it out for chatter and planning on ridesharing.

No Boggs for you? There appears to be a good deal of interest in doubling up this weekend, and having a concurrent HillJillys road outing closer to home--we're just looking for someone interested in leading the ride. Drop us a line if you'd like to volunteer.

As always, beginners welcome and no one left behind--come one, come all! (Rain cancels.)

HillJillys Road Ride (Again): Saturday, March 7th, 9:30am

I'm just going to come out and say it: I miss my mountain bike. A lot. But our little trailside birdies tell us that all this rain has put the kibosh on off-road fun for a bit longer still.

So, it's back to the road, tried-and-true. Kristy will be leading our next ride out of Healdsburg on Saturday, March 7th. Meet at the Flying Goat at 9:30am for a Chalk Hill Loop. Rain cancels!

Also, mark your calendars: March 14th, Boggs MTB. March 21st, Bike Path Exploration--"Just right for the neophyte."

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, February 21st, 9:30am

Word on the street is that I'm not the only one who's been spending most of the last few days getting cozy with a blanky, a thermometer, and a bottle of Nyquil. It's going around.

That being the case, I'm calling for something gentle on Saturday. I need to take it easy, but I have a road bike in my garage i'm dying to test ride. So: Dry Creek loop. Meet in Healdsburg at the Flying Goat, 9:30am. We'll go out Westside to West Dry Creek up to Yoakim Bridge Rd and back down Dry Creek Rd, throwing in Lytton Springs if we're feeling it. As always, beginners welcome and no one gets dropped.

Rain cancels! --kimdow

A break from our regularly scheduled program.

The calendar tells us that this Saturday, February 14th, should be our regularly scheduled HillJillys mountain bike ride. The forecast says otherwise. Winter seems to have kicked in (better late than never), and we're looking at days of rain through Saturday. The HillJillys call: let's treat Annadel right and stay off the muddy trails.

Happily, there are plenty of other bike-lovin' events on deck this weekend. In case you've been under a rock, a lil' race called the Tour of California is rolling through Santa Rosa on Sunday, and it has served as the impetus and kick-off for anything and everything bike. Soak it all up at the various Velove Festival events, starting with the Bike Monkey CXSR race on Saturday. Lots of choices for watching the prologue on Saturday night, including a shindig at the Sonoma County Bike Coalition and a party at the Sweet Spot.

Downtown Santa Rosa is the place to be on Sunday, with festivals in both Railroad Square and Courthouse Square. The Railroad Square shenanigans are many (Goldsprints, beer garden, booths from our local faves--Bike Monkey, Sycip, Luce Goods, and more), and that's where this HillJilly will be. Come on out.

Lots of bike valet options in downtown SR this weekend (and lots of road closures, too), so pile on the rain gear and ride to the festivities!

HillJillys Road Ride:Saturday, February 7th, 9:30am

This time of year and this kind of weather just seems to call for a bit of hill climbing: it's cool enough to keep from overheating and a good way to work on fitness (also not a bad way to get rid of those lingering holiday pounds!)

So: Sweetwater it is. We'll meet at Roasters in Forestville (right at the end of the bike path) and do a loop. There'll be a good, fairly long, steep climb, but a very mellow pace--as always!

Sound like way too much? Don't fret! We've got some upcoming nice&easy bike path rides for HillJillys who are still getting comfortable on two wheels. Stay tuned!

HillJillys MTB Ride:Saturday, January 31st, 9:30am

As this unseasonably early spring-like weather continues, we make the most of it on Annadel's sweet singletrack. Tap-dancing queen Shannon will lead out this Saturday's ride, and that guarantees plenty of smiles to go around.

Meet on Channel Drive, at the bottom of Cobblestone. Beginners welcome and no one left behind! Come one, come all!

(.... or would you rather do trail work? Sonoma County Trails Council is teaming up with REI at 9am on Saturday for a trail day in Annadel. For more info, check out the calendar page at www.sonomacountytrails.org.)

HillJillys Road Ride:Saturday, January 24th, 9:30am

Eek. Okay, yes, this is a bit late getting up... Between the holiday, the inauguration, and a bunch of waffling about the weather, we're off the back. Sorry 'bout that.

It's supposed to shower a bit tomorrow morning, but we're itching to get out anyhow. Sort of. We'll compromise with a relatively short road outing with a bit of climbing: we'll meet in Graton, climb up Harrison Grade and come down Graton Road back to town.

Meet at the Willow Wood in Graton, 9:30am.
Heavy rain cancels, measly showers won't stop us.

HillJillys MTB Ride:Saturday, January 17th, 9:30am

Fergodsake, what is up with this weather?!? Not usually one to protest sunshine, but we sure need some rain... In the meantime, though, we shall make the most of spring conditions on the trail.

Meet on Channel Drive in Annadel, at the bottom of Cobblestone. Everyone welcome, no matter your experience level; all we ask is a good attitude and the willingness to try!

(Psst. We're lining up all sorts of fun mountain bike excursions for the coming weeks: China Camp, Boggs, singlespeed, and more. Stay tuned!)

HillJillys Road Ride: Saturday, January 10th, 9:30am

At long last, we head a bit further south, for a lil' pavement spin. Kristy will be leading a 30ish mile Chileno Valley road ride, stretching the legs and keeping that fresh air in our lungs.

Meet at the Washoe House, at Stony Point & Roblar in Petaluma. Come one, come all--no one gets left behind!

HillJillys MTB Ride: Saturday, January 3rd, 9:30am

Get the new year started right with a bit of Annadel trail time on your mountain bike! Mollie and/or Kim will lead this one--as long as the trails aren't too muddy from Friday's storm. (And rain cancels.)

Meet on Channel Drive, at the bottom of Cobblestone. As always, no one gets left behind and beginners welcome!