I am a road, MTB and gravel cycling guide and the owner of @GravelGuideSF in San Francisco and Vine Trail Adventures in Napa Valley. For over 30 years, I’ve resided in, cycled and camped the San Francisco Bay Area and the Napa and Sonoma wine regions. After years of being a Backroads customer, I decided to become a guide myself to pass forward the delight of bike touring. Previously I was an executive at Google and the founder of multiple technology companies.
Contact me to hire me one-on-one or for group tours for a day or multiple days. You can also book my San Francisco/Marin cycling tours on GetYourGuide. For Napa Valley and Sonoma bike tours, you can learn more and book me or my bike guides on the Vine Trail Adventures website.
I can craft routes across roads and trails based on your desired difficulty levels and terrain preferences. If you’re up for some unexpected fun, I can also organize a Secret Rifugio Tour for you and your friends.
Depending on your needs, I will organize bike rentals, camping/glamping and boutique hotel stays. I am a native Spanish speaker and speak rudimentary Portuguese. As such, I am also available to organize bike tours in Spain, Portugal and the Dolomites, including shipping/re-assembling bikes, hiring additional guides if necessary and planning routes and stays. You can find me on Strava here. Below are more of my credentials:
Credentials
Safety
- I am Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified by NOLS
- I carry a Garmin InReach satellite communicator, so I can request emergency assistance when we are out of cell coverage or so loved ones can track our location and relay important messages to us.
- I am a volunteer with the Napa County Search and Rescue team
- My bike guiding business is insured and follows strict protocols (sorry, no e-bikes)
Bike Mechanic
Outdoors Experienced
- I completed Adventure Cycling Association’s Leadership Training
- I am an experienced bikepacker and backpacker and can supply camp stoves and water filters and rent additional equipment
- I am an Airstream owner and can help set up an small Airstream camps for those wishing to glamp
Bonus
- I have GoPro and Insta360 X3 cameras to create great memories of your tour
- I create customized routes with Ride with GPS and other tools
- I can transport four bicycles (unfortunately, I cannot transport guests)
- WSET 2 certified by Napa Wine Academy
Customer Reviews
★★★★★
What an amazing day on the bike! Gerardo was the perfect guide – fun, friendly, and very knowledgeable. He did a great job of explaining the trails and provided various route options to suit my preferences. Pretty spectacular to leave the hustle and bustle of San Francisco over the Golden Gate bridge and into the serene Marin headlands. Phenomenal trails, views, company, and idyllic pit stop at the Pelican Inn for a bite made for an unforgettable experience.
Will
★★★★★
Such a great morning in the Marin with Gerardo! Just enjoying the nature while getting a good workout. The amazing video shoot that I got of myself crossing the bridge was the cherry on top!
srulix
★★★★★
Such a fun day of riding with a fabulous guide who knew where to find the best views and virtually car-free back roads. Bike rental and logistics were a breeze! Gerardo tailored the route we rode based on my ability…and energy levels that day :). We wrapped the day with a wine tasting at a very cute winery right downtown. Bonus..Gerardo had lots of great tips of where to eat and what to do In Calistoga. I will definitely plan to ride with Vine Trail Adventures again lots more amazing cycling routes to enjoy soon!
GetYourGuide traveler
★★★★★
We recommend this tour with Gerardo! Great guide, kind and attentive.
Clara Cera
★★★★★
Gerardo was an excellent tour guide. Safety conscious and knowledgeable. Took a lot of pictures for my friend and I.
YQ Zhao
★★★★★
Had a great bike tour with Gerardo on Tuesday. He was very helpful with any issues we had with our bikes and with the tour in general. His highest priority was our safety and he always took the time to explain what was happening, where we were going and any possible issues we may have faced. Overall my wife and myself had a great time and a lot of this was due to Gerardo’s efforts.
Cameron McKay
★★★★★
Had a great time with a group of friends. The guide was absolutely wonderful. Full of enthusiasm. 10/10 would ride again.
Nick Bouwhuis
★★★★★
Amazing bike tour with our guide Gerardo ! Very nice and cool moment. A must do in SF !
Ski Lucci
★★★★★
Great day with such a wonderful guide: thanks for all, Gerardo!
Bruno M Fontes
★★★★★
We had a spectacular day touring the Alexander Valley with Vine Trail Adventures. Gerardo mapped out an ideal ride that combined a thigh-burning climb and stunning valley views with fun rollers along the vineyards. Lunch at Diavola was delicious and perfectly timed after our big climb. Can’t wait for our next ride with Vine Trail!
Terri Schmier
★★★★★
Gerardo took me on an amazing, and challenging, mountain bike ride above the Calistoga valley and then back to town to a cool local spot for drinks. Biking is always best when you’re being guided by someone who knows what to do and where to go. Gerardo is a very interesting and charming fellow. Highly recommended for your next adventure!
Ray M
★★★★★
Gerardo took us on a great morning tour from Calistoga to Healdsburg ending with fun lunch. The route was moderately challenging but it still gave a great workout. It was also nice not to be on well travelled roads by using the Vine Trail
John O
Gerardo Capiel, Private Bike Guide (@GravelGuideSF) 