 Here’s
everything you wanted to know about this mind, body, spirit adventure
vacation for women. If your questions are not answered here,
feel free to email or call us (colleen@womenquest.com).
Questions & Answers
What weather can I expect?
The weather at the end of April in the Sonoma Valley can vary so bring clothing for some big temperature swings. Daytime highs can range anywhere from the low 50’s to the high 70’s, but most likely in the mid 70’s. Nighttime is usually about 20 degrees cooler than the daytime high and can range from the high 40’s to the high 50’s. Rain is always a possibility, however, the local Chamber of Commerce says the rainy season is well over by late April. Bring a rain jacket just in case.
What are the accommodations?
We will be staying at The Bishop’s Ranch. The Bishop’s Ranch is located on a sunny knoll nestled among the forests, farms and vineyards of Sonoma County with amazing road riding just outside our doors. We stay at a wonderful lodge called the Kay Qvale Ranch House at Bishop’s Ranch. It is a very large house with 17 roms, a huge yoga room, 2 kitchens, dining room and unbelievable gardens with Roses and Jasmine right out the door. There are running trails on the property and also a swimming pool to use on your free time. While the Bishop's Ranch is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of California, ours is not a religious retreat.
 What will the food be like?
We offer healthy, low-fat meals and snacks. We provide entrees with meat (usually chicken or fish) and always have a vegetarian entrée as well. Luna Bars and Barbara's Bakery sponsor us-providing
great snacks. Fresh fruit is always available. Please indicate any dietary restrictions; we can try to accommodate your special needs. The food is one of the BEST parts of the retreat-"YUM!" Bishops Ranch prides itself on making everything from scratch so the cookies, breads, and entrées are out of this world great!
Can I bring my bike?
Yes! You are welcome to fly with your bike or ship it UPS. I encourage bringing your own bike over renting a bike because you develop a wonderful relationship with your own bike, you learn to trust it and most importantly you are used to your own bike seat. Airlines are charging $75.00 or more each direction these days to travel with your bike. As a cheaper alternative you can ship your bike via UPS which will cost you about 45-60 each way.
You can send your bike one week in advance to:
The Bishop’s Ranch
Attention: Women’s Quest
5297 Westside Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Can I rent a bike?
We will be renting Trek Pilot Road Bikes or Trek hybrid bikes. If you intend to rent, please specify if you have a preference and let us know as early as possible so that we can ensure you get the bike you want in your size. Bike rental fees are not included in the retreat fees. You would need to rent a bike for two-four days which will run you around $60.00 a day.
What is a typical WQ day?
Most days we will get an early start (7am) with a warm-up yoga. After breakfast we will split into groups (based on experience and interest) to explore the wine country on our bike rides. We have routes and instructors for ALL levels of experience - you will be supported in either a gentle or challenging ride - it's up to you! After biking we enjoy a healthy energy-boosting lunch. After lunch we take a break, followed by a presentation and another stretch out yoga. One afternoon we will do a nice hike. We also have some great excursions planned: a winery for a seminar and tasting, an olive oil provider for an introduction and tasting. After a delicious dinner we have a talk or presentation, with creative activities to rekindle your inner kid and open up your creative vision. We finish in the evening by 9:00 PM. Please keep in mind that you do not have to do everything! We support and encourage you to find the level of activity that is right for you. We will send you a list of the wineries we will be visiting during the week.
 Do we get free time for a massage?
Absolutely! This retreat is for YOU. We offer plenty of activities, but there is no pressure to do everything. There is a mid-day break each day for reading, napping or enjoying new friends. WQ will email you a schedule so you can choose your times according to that. Most days we will be riding from 9:00-12:00 (stopping for breaks and looking around) and lunch from 12:30-1:30, anytime after 1:30 is a good time for a massage
Tell me about the staff?
The staff is an inspiring and spirited group of women!!! You will have the chance to play with women who are both phenomenal athletes and articulate teachers. You will receive cutting-edge instruction with heartfelt support and encouragement. The high staff-to-camper ratio allows opportunity for individual guidance, safe supervision of all activities, and personal attention to your feelings and needs. We organize the groups to accommodate all fitness levels and levels of experience. We will also have a sag wagon if you don’t want to ride very much or if you get tired. Don't worry if you haven’t been on a bike for a while, if you have not done much hiking, or your if this is your first experience with yoga - we LOVE to introduce new people to the joys of these activities!
Am I in good enough shape to do the retreat?
Most Likely! We adapt to all levels of fitness. You can choose to walk/hike, walk/run, or run. We teach you practical skills for biking-useful for both beginners and experienced riders. We have a variety of route options for biking, and for walking/hiking/running. Groups are formed according to each woman's level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge herself. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out, play and be active several days a week.
 What airport should I fly into?
Please arrange to fly into the San Francisco International Airport.
From the airport, you can rent a car and drive to Healdsburg (~1.5-2 hour drive) or you can join us on our private Women’s Quest shuttle. We will depart the airport at 1 pm on the first day of camp and will return to the airport by 1 pm on the last day of camp. The cost for the shuttle will be $40-$50 each way depending on how many people participate. The retreat starts at 5:00 pm on the first day****Please email me or call the office to let us know if you plan to ride the private shuttle as we have to make sure we have a large enough vehicle….Thanks
Who can help me with my travel plans?
If you need help making travel plans, contact Heather Ross, a very helpful travel agent with whom I have been working for 20 years. Heather is at The Travel Society has been coordinating cycling trips for years and can help you with whatever you need.
Heather Ross, The Travel Society
3000 Center Green 220
Boulder CO 80301
Ph 303 381-7423 Fax 303 381-0609
email heatherr@travelsociety.com
How do I get there if I want to drive?
The Bishop’s Ranch is 75 miles north of San Francisco, southwest of Healdsburg on Westside Road. Please note that parking is limited at the Ranch
.From the San Francisco Airport: Start going towards the Airport Exit. Take US-101 North towards San Francisco. Take the I-380 West exit (towards San Bruno I-280). Take the I-280 North exit towards San Francisco. I-280 North becomes CA-1 North (19th Avenue). Stay on CA-1 and drive through Golden Gate Park. CA-1 North then becomes Park Presidio Drive. Go over Golden Gate Bridge. CA-1 North becomes US-HWY 101 North. Stay on US-HWY 101 North to the Central Healdsburg Exit. At the second stop light, make a hard left onto Mill Street which becomes Westside Rd. Drive approximately 5 miles. Just beyond the Bucher Dairy, look for The Bishop’s Ranch sign on the right.
From the South: Take 101 North to the Central Healdsburg Exit. At the second stop light, make a hard left onto Mill Street which becomes Westside Rd. Drive approximately 5 miles. Just beyond the Bucher Dairy, look for The Bishop’s Ranch sign on the right.
From the North: Take 101 South to the Westside Road/Guerneville Exit. Turn right onto Westside Rd and continue 5 miles to The Bishop’s Ranch entrance. The address for The Bishop’s Ranch is 5297 Westside Rd and they can be reached by phone at 707-433-2440.
What time should I arrive?
Registration for the retreat starts at 5 pm on the first day of camp. See Driving Directions above if you plan to drive to the retreat.
What time does the retreat end?
We will conclude by 10am on the last day of camp. The private Women’s Quest shuttle will depart at 11 am to return to San Francisco airport by 1 pm. We suggest you schedule a late afternoon or evening flight.
 What is the reservation and cancellation policy?
A $250 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. Your spot is not reserved until we receive your deposit. The balance of the payment is due 60 days prior to the Retreat. If you need to cancel anytime between 60 days and 15 days prior to the Retreat, 50% of the payment, less the deposit, will be refunded. We are not able to provide refunds for cancellations less than 15 days prior to the Retreat. Please note that injury or illness does not disqualify you from the cancellation policy. We are unable to transfer deposits and/or payments from one year to the next. We reserve the right to cancel any Retreat and will not be responsible for travel or other costs incurred by you as a result of any cancellation. In the unlikely event that a Retreat is cancelled, we will promptly refund any money you have sent us. We reserve the right to change or amend this policy at anytime.
How can my family reach me while I am at the retreat?
Your family can leave you a message with the office at The Bishop’s Ranch. The number to the office is 707-433-2440.
"There
is no end, believe me, to the happiness your body is willing to
bear."
--Mary Oliver
 
|
