Recently, I had the opportunity, along with three other members of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, to ride my bicycle across the United States. During the two-month journey from San Diego to St. Augustine, Fla., we visited town after town that unfortunately were either dead or dying. This observation got me thinking about how fortunate we are to live in the Napa Valley but also caused me to question why all these towns are in serious economic decline while our county is growing. Riding your bicycle for 8-10 hours per day gives you time to contemplate issues such as this, and here are my observations. Read more: