Bike tours in Napa are truly the way to go if you’re looking for some low-key leisure time. What better way to spend a day than to pedal through wine country making stops to sip the best wines they have to offer while enjoying a picnic lunch mid-way through? There is nothing else like it.
In 2006, my husband and I were one year into this parenting gig. We were also one year into one of our hardest tours in the military. It was deployment and stress heavy. We were in need of a reprieve and Grandma came in to save the day.
She flew in, and we flew out to enjoy all that wine country had to offer – but the bike tour was by-far the best day I have ever had. Even now, nearly 6 years later, I still look back on that day fondly and remember how I relaxed for the first time in ages.
When you’re a new mother, it’s hard. You’re dealing with new emotions, new stresses – new everything. You’re not sure what to make of it all at times. Add into the fact that I decided to be a stay-at-home mother when I had always worked, and that dynamic in and of itself was something new. Plus, military life was challenging at that time as well – so Napa that year became our week of solace.
I can still go back to when we were pedaling through wine country. It was the perfect temperature that day. The sun was bright, but it wasn’t too hot. The breeze was slightly cool and the views were stunning. I took in deep breaths and let them out like I was relaxing for the first time in my life.
I came home refreshed and renewed. It was 14 miles of glorious views and loveliness that renewed my perspective and allowed me to regroup. The wine contributed a bit too – I’m not gonna lie.
My only gripe? They left the large hill climbs for the last leg of the ride…that was a bit rough. We were three wineries, three tastings in folks! Not the best planning.
{Ahem}
Other than that, I highly recommend it.
What is one of the most relaxing vacations you’ve ever been on?
Image: nicola
