| My husband and I traveled up to Chico this weekend for our first Chico Wildflower. Neither one of us had done the ride before and were deciding on the FlatFlower (60) or Mildflower (hilly 60). They also have a 30 miler and Century ride. We checked the weather report and it said 80% chance of showers. That meant that our tent camping at the fair grounds was out of the question. I had already paid Chico Velo $15.00 for the camping fee. It started raining in earnest by Davis Saturday...and continued to pour ice cold rain all day long—well into the evening. Luckily for us, others were checking the weather report and canceling hotel rooms and their ride. We did find a small motel for $60.00 and checked in late Saturday. Chico Velo was very understanding and refunded for my camping fees. Sunday started with very grey skies and chilly weather. We headed towards the Fair Grounds where the ride begins and ends. There was plenty of free parking at the fair grounds and on the street. Due to the 80% chance of rain, we opted for the 60 mile flat ride. I wanted to let all of you know this was a beautiful ride and we had an EXCELLENT time. We will return for the hilly 60 next year. The ‘FlatFlower’ winds through vast acreage of walnut, almond and nut groves. Acres and acres of trees, many in the Blue Diamond co-op. I had no idea Chico is known for rice growing. We passed what we thought were ‘flooded’ fields, and found out later, these were rice paddies. The roads are very quiet, two lane back-road farm roads. Very minimal traffic and not one person honking their horn. By about mile 26 (our computer fell off and broke), people were pulling off rain gear and layers. We saw a momma muskrat and her baby swimming in one of the many waterways that surround the farm land. The 2nd rest stop is at a famous rice farm (approx mile 30.1). They had terrific rice cakes, chips, and home made jelly. They also had bread, meats and cheese for quickie sandwiches. Also, real bathrooms and a break room to sit down inside. The sun was starting to come out. This ride is 100% FLAT...not one hill or ‘roller’ on the entire route. Perfect for your first ‘60’. The end of the ride ends back at the Silver Dollar Fair Grounds. Lunch is included in your registration. Choice of Tri Tip or Veggie Tamale (delicious). Lots of wonderful lightly dressed lettuce salads (the high end lettuce), choices of bean and/or macaroni salads. Bread, glass bottled ginger ale, root beer or vanilla soda from a local company and ice cream sandwiches for dessert. A re-usable grocery bag was a great ‘freebie’ from Chico Bag company (included a Chico Velo water bottle, bandana and pin inside) from registration. Chico Velo does not offer paper cups for drinks. You are asked to use the water bottle given to you at registration—which we both thought was a great idea to cut down on waste and cost. We were extremely happy with the route, the food and the entire experience. This is a ride that is put on by the local bike club and they know what they are doing. I highly recommend the Chico Velo Wildflower ride to any and all ACTC members who have not yet checked this ride off their list. We are planning this ride next year, and hope the weather is sunny and warm. |