Take advantage of this sunshine with these rides around the valley.

All of these rides begin at Velo Vino in St. Helena, but you can start wherever you please and amend the rides as you see fit. Keep in mind that there will almost always be traffic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends, so morning and afternoon rides are recommended.

Pope Valley Loop (For advanced riders)

This 40-mile ride is not for the faint of heart. Although you'll see some wineries, it's more about the beautiful views, diversity of terrain and the exercise. Plus, it's an awesome feeling when you're finally done. // View Pope Valley Loop in a larger map.

Cold Springs Loop (For advanced/Intermediate riders)

An amended version of the Pope Valley Loop, this 24-mile ride will give you a taste of hills, a little bit of flats and a good sampling of the vistas, while for the most part, keeping you off of the main highways. Make a right on Cold Spring Road to check out some beautiful farmland and add the finger in the middle of the loop up Ink Grade Rd to take the ride up to the advanced level. // View Cold Springs Loop in a larger map

Old Howell Mountain Road (For advanced/Intermediate riders)

A quick ride, you'll power up the mountain and fly back down on this 11-mile crusade with beautiful views and sparse traffic, even during the busiest times and seasons. // View Old Howell Mountain Road in a larger map

Franz Valley Loop (For intermediate riders)

A highly customizable, 41-mile ride that will take you past a ton of wineries on a steady ascent from St. Helena and through Calistoga and into Franz Valley. There is much to see on your way up the valley and you can always cut the loop short and stop for lunch in Calistoga or even cut back across from the Silverado Trail to Highway 29 if it's the wineries that are of most interest to you. You'll be on the main Napa Valley highways for the majority of this ride but at least you won't have to wait with the cars if there is traffic. // View Franz Valley Loop in a larger map.

Nichelini Loop (For intermediate riders)

There are some steep spots on this 30-mile ride, but overall it's a nice mix of rolling terrain and short climbs. You'll get some exposure to the wineries (and speeding cars on the Silverado Trail) but it will also take you out into the beautiful backcountry of Napa and Pope Valleys. // View Nichelini Loop in a larger map

Con Valley Lake Hennessey (For intermediate/beginner riders)

Although it's only 12 miles, this ride will be somewhat challenging for a beginner. It's worth it though—you'll get a little bit of everything, including famous wineries, beautiful views, picnic areas, rural roads, vines, lakes and tranquility. // View Con Valley Lake Hennessy in a larger map