San Francisco to Santa Barbara Bike Tour - NEW!
Follow the rugged California seacoast from the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge to Monterey to Santa Barbara! Debuting as an Epic tour last year, this 5-day bicycle tour is crafted for experienced cyclists who like to average 50-60 miles per day. Pedal stunning coastline, timbered slopes and the vineyards of the Central Coast. Tackle Figueroa Mountain in the heart of Santa Ynez, an epic route that is a favorite of Levi Leipheimer and Lance Armstrong. Finish off with a champagne toast at a secluded beach on the Pacific.
DAY 1
Meet in Sausalito or Mill Valley, both a stone's-throw north of San Francisco. Ride south to iconic, breathtaking Monterey Bay.
Day One gives you the option to ride the whole distance from San Francisco to Monterey: start at Fort Baker, head across the Golden Gate Bridge and then south to Monterey's Morro Bay (132 gorgeous miles if you do it all!) Or choose a slightly shorter option, from Morro Bay to Monterey - about 100 miles altogether. Either way, it's miles and miles of gorgeous riding along stunning California coastline.
DAY 2
Monterey to Ragged Point: one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Day 2's breathtaking stretch of road sweeps between rocky headlands and pastoral farmland, alongside swaths of glittering beaches and breathtaking miles of coastal views to a lodge nestled into a cliff just north of famed Hearst Castle. It's about 80 miles, should you choose to do it all.
DAY 3
Ride from rocky Ragged Point to Avila Beach, where hot springs and an 1890s lighthouse meet the warmest beach on the Central Coast.
Today's ride begins on the coast, swirls inland on little-used (but very scenic) Santa Rosa Creek Road, which climbs through pastoral farmland into the hills, with views reaching back to the sparkling Pacific. Cruise down again to Cambria, in Central California Coast's wine region, then back to the coast again for a finish at Avila Beach, a former fishing and apple-orchard community that boasts the warmest, most sheltered seashore on Central California's coastline.
DAY 4
Pedal from Avila Beach to Solvang, the Danish heart of California.
Pedal from secluded Avila inland to oh-so-Danish town of Solvang in the heart of Santa Ynez wine region. A frequent host to a start or finish stage of the professional Amgen tour of California Bike race, Solvang is one of the most bicycle-friendly towns in all of California. Each March, the town hosts the Solvang Century, a heart-disease fundraiser ride that lures up to 5,000 participating cyclists. Enjoy classic wine country cuisine at Mattei's Tavern, a beloved regional landmark.
DAY 5
Ride world-famous Mt Figueroa - or to secluded Jalama Beach. Or both.
Figueroa Mountain: 3,900' of climbing, a 9% grade and the ghosts of Team
Discovery. Panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Valley and the blue, blue
Pacific. Or choose a dreamier (and less intimidating) ride out to sparkling Jalama Beach. Combine the two 40-mile rides for a humdinger 80-miler on your last day. Either way, finish off with a world-famous Jalama Burger plus brew at a grill the locals adore.
Make your reservation now or (800) 443-6060.
Trip Details
Included Activities
Biking
Days
5 days - Monday to Friday
Levels
Intermediate to Advanced
Meals
All included
Daily Mileage
Standard route: average 55-80
Start/Finish
Start: Sausalito, CA / Finish: Santa Barbara, CA
2012 Departures
May 7. October 1.
2012 Price
$1,995
Travelling Alone?
Single Room
As an optional extra, a person traveling solo on any inn-to-inn trip may reserve a room for his or her exclusive use. This will guarantee you a private room and private bath every night. If you're willing to share a room, there is no extra charge for coming solo, no matter when you sign up for the tour - even if you wind up with a private room by default.
Additional Cost: $710
Make Your Reservation Now
