Lake Mendocino, approximately 8 miles north of Ukiah, was the base camp for the May Campo Velo. This region, in Mendocino County, features beautiful wine country and mountains.

Eric, Dick and new friends Russ and Renee from Ashland, Oregon, joined Geno for three great days of cycling, hiking, and camping. Geno had met Russ and Renee during the annual winter trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park and discovered their mutual interests in cycling, birding, hiking, and camping.

The first day's ride was what Renee calls a "poke and peek" ride from Lake Mendocino to Hopland. The pace was mellow with plenty of stops to explore the attractions along the route. Two major highlights were the City of 10,000 Buddhas, a Buddhist monastery in Talmadge, and the formal gardens of the Fetzer Winery near Hopland. The planned lunch destination was the Hopland Brewery but, unfortunately, the Pub was closed on Tuesday so the riders settled on the Bluebird Cafe across the highway. It turned out to be an excellent second choice.

The second day's ride was a monster 90-mile loop that started at the campground, headed to Ukiah, continued through Boonville and Comptche, and then returned to Lake Mendocino. Pine and Greenough Ridges on the coast range were crossed twice in near 90-degree temperatures.

It was a brutal day in the saddle with several climbs exceeding 10% grades, but the route covered some of the most scenic valleys and panoramic moutain vistas in the coast range. It was what Geno euphemistically calls a "perspiring but inspiring" ride.

On the third day, the group traded in their bikes to do a hike at the Jug Handle State Reserve on the coast north of Mendocino. The hike was recommended by the barkeep at the Anderson Valley Brewery in Boonville, and this guy knows hikes!

Jug Handle turned out to be a jewel with a relatively easy 6-mile trail starting from a spectacular ocean bluff covered with wildflowers, crossing over riparian habitat, and climbing three hillside terraces through several distinct woodlands to a pygmy forest at the trail's end.

Dinner at Lauren's Cafe in Boonville completed three great days in Mendocino County.