Picturesque village of Healdsburg is the place to begin your wine country bike tour. Tucked away in the heart of Sonoma County, California, lies the tiny yet bustling town of Healdsburg.  North of Napa Valley, the Sonoma County wine country offers a less crowded and more relaxed alternative to the sights and tastings of Napa.  For those interested in exploring the wineries of the Alexander, Russian River, and Dry Creek Valleys, Healdsburg serves as a quaint, convenient hub or home base from which to extend your travels. Mention Healdsburg and the surrounding communities of Chalk Hill, Windsor, Jimtown, and Geyserville, and endless opportunities come to mind.  Active adults especially will not be lacking for possibilities, as they experience the sophisticated journeys through vineyards from one tasting to the next – fine wines such as Bella, Passalacqua, Chalk Hill, Rodney Strong, and Korbel can all be encountered. Taking advantage of the cycling, kayaking, camping, and hiking in the nearby parks and redwood forests is highly recommended.  For aficionados of such outdoor activities, the Armstrong Redwood State Reserve lies nearby and is home to one of the largest groves of these ancient giants. Traveling along the peaceful, winding country roads can cause one to forget that the busy roads of Napa are just a short drive south.  Hillsides peppered with grape vines, with mountains in the background, provide a scenic and beautiful sight to take one away from the tourist-clad roads left behind. Anyone planning a trip to Healdsburg is advised to check with Wine Country Bikes, whose staff is delighted to play the part of a gracious host.  They can provide you with top quality bicycles and a map of well planned-out routes, complete with tasting and picnicking recommendations.  Be sure to stop by the Dry Creek General Store and Bar, where you can find a delicious picnic lunch.  Also, this establishment has acquired national recognition as being one of the 50 top bars in the country. Healdsburg is also home to lots of great shopping, accommodations, restaurants, and museums . . . with Town Plaza being a center of activity.  When visiting the California wine country, Healdsburg makes a great deviation from the norm – an alternative to the typical offerings of what most consider their wine country destination.   Thanks to Meredith Nelson, our roving editor