Gliding through the citrus groves of Central California. Courtesy Backroads
California Biking Adventure Snapshot
Duration - 6 days, 5 nights
For experienced bikers, bikes included
Travel Style - small group, significant physical requirements, luxury
Includes accommodations at boutique luxury hotels along California’s south-central coast.
Overview
Bike the scenic Santa Ynez Valley, stopping to taste vintages from the state’s most esteemed wineries along the way. Discover world-class accommodations and a sizzling food scene in addition to Santa Barbara’s world-class biking. It’s a cyclist’s ultimate dreamcation. Explore Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone, a hub for creatives and local business owners featuring art galleries, street art, breweries, restaurants and shops. Cruise on two wheels down serene palm-fringed roads that spread out along the sun-kissed coast of Santa Barbara. Follow a designated Scenic Byway from Ojai up through rugged mountain terrain to some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes you’ll encounter on the trip!
Pacific on the left, winery on the right, in the middle of heaven! Courtesy Backroads
Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 - Shuttle into Santa Barbara’s Wine Country for a bike ride in the Santa Ynez Valley with views of coastal mountains, vineyards and rolling countryside • Sample Syrah made from the region’s oldest vines • Follow country roads past ranches and stands of live oaks right up to the gates of Neverland Ranch • Explore scenic Ballard Canyon on a favorite route of local cyclists • The town of Los Olivos welcomes us with Victorian architecture, an eclectic art scene and friendly tasting rooms • Discover the old-world charm of Solvang, a thriving slice of Denmark in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Accommodation: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern; once a Gold Rush stagecoach stop, this luxury Auberge hotel in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley is now an impeccably restored wine country retreat. (pool, spa)
Day 3
Bike a stunning ridge road in the Santa Ynez Mountains, which offers panoramic views out over the city, the Pacific and the Channel Islands • Pedal along the waterfront, scanning the water for sea lions, harbor seals and even whales, if you’re lucky! • Fast-forward to cutting-edge contemporary with a one-night stay in Santa Barbara’s hip Funk Zone. • Explore a variety of galleries, shops, restaurants and wineries in this unique art and business district.
Accommodations: Hotel California; this globally inspired Martyn Lawrence Bullard-designed hotel spans three city blocks. Situated just steps from the beach and the city's vibrant Funk Zone, it blends Spanish Colonial Revival design with Moorish- and Moroccan-inspired interiors. (pool, spa)
Day 4-6
Begin the day with a classic California Coast ride featuring stellar ocean views and cool sea breezes. Bike the scenic Ojai Valley Trail, stopping along the way for a beachside lunch. Relax with a glass of wine, go for a swim or indulge in a famous Ojai spa treatment at our elegant resort. Enjoy the luxurious amenities and stunning grounds that have drawn Hollywood’s elite to the Ojai Valley Inn for decades. The dramatic mountains of Ojai and the Los Padres National Forest provide the backdrop for an exhilarating bike ride through some of the most varied and picturesque terrain in the region. Admire the pink Topa Topa Bluffs at sunset.
Accommodations Ojai Valley Inn; Where Hollywood’s glitterati come to be pampered! This stylish and historic resort offers something for everybody—including a luxurious spa and award-winning restaurant—in a beautiful park-like setting with hillside views in every direction. (pool, spa)
Bike. Wine. Bike. Wine. Repeat. Courtesy Backroads
What’s Included?
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage
Booking This Adventure
This adventure is available several times a year. It is recommended for experienced bikers. The company has frequent specials so check with your Cloudburst travel advisor, [email protected], for pricing details. I recommend booking this several months ahead since its Spring Break and everyone will want to do it! Space is limited because this is a small group adventure. For flight information, I start with Skyscanner to get an idea of air travel costs. For this adventure I recommend flying in and out of Los Angeles, CA. The button below is a link to Sherri’s calendar so you can schedule a complimentary consultation at a time that works for you!
Download the Cloudburst Welcome Guide for my vision of how we will work together!
