Big Sur road bike tour
Our tour is curated to contain all the biggest highlights of this little stretch of the Golden State’s coast. The view from your bike seat is animated by breathless sea cliffs, breaching Gray whales, and furtive sea otters. We’ll encounter rolling wine country and take on the iconic Highway 1, and hike amongst the noble Redwoods. From the burly rawness of Big Sur to the picturesque Santa Barbara’s coastline, our brushstrokes in the saddle sweep past peaceful farmland and great spans of ocean. A dreamy, essentially California-quality light outlines each successive landscape.
Highlights
- Big Sur
- 17-miles drive
- Cambria, Elephant Seal viewing point
- Solvang, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Monterey
- Point Lobos
Details
| Type | Road bike, hybrid bike, E-bike |
| Duration | 6 days |
| Level | Easy, moderate, challenging |
| Support | Guided |
| Group size | min. 6 max. 13 |
| Lodging | Casual Inns |
| Bicycle | Included |
| Month | June, July, August, September |
| Start | Santa Barbara |
| Finish | San Jose |
| States or country | California |
| Airport start | Santa Barbara airport |
| Airport finish | San Jose Int. Airport |
Starting from $ 4,979.00
*Please note the prices are subject to change depending availability *
Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Barbara
Meet in Santa Barbara, upscale tourist resort college town. Then a short shuttle to Los Olivos (pop. 1138): one of a handful of small communities dotting the bucolic Santa Ynez Valley. Saddle up for a legwarmer ride, sweeping past the rich vineyards mixed with humble farmlands of the Santa Ynez.
Our second stage ends at Solvang, (Danish for “sunny field”). Some 46-miles northwest of Santa Barbara, Solvang (pop. 5245) is a 107-year old Danish-Lutheran colony, replete with windmills and characteristic half-timbered Scandinavian architecture. Besides Euro-centric shops next to
handsome dining spots, the area around Solvang claims many wine and olive oil tastings.
Total Easy Mileage | 12.7 Miles | Feet Gain | 606
Inn | Fess Parker Wine Country Inn
Day 2: Pismo Beach
Waking to the valley’s cool, embracing air, Day Two’s first stage shoots toward the coast. We stop in Los Alamos, hailed as “the coolest town in Santa Barbara County.” Picture Tuscany meets Taos: low slung, no fuss Old West stagecoach stop turned hip getaway destination. The next stage follows gorgeous back roads, a superb cyclo-touring route that swerves into Pismo Beach, a classic Central Coast community (pop 7931). Stopping at the Monarch Butterfly Grove, we take in more orange and black than the Sturgis or Laughlin Harley-Davidson runs. Walking distance from the ocean, tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies gather here in stands of Eucalyptus and Cypress.
Total Easy Mileage | 33 | Feet Gain | 569
Total Moderate Mileage | 43 | Feet Gain | 1429
Total Seasoned Mileage | 63 Miles | Feet Gain | 1615
Inn | Inn at the Pier
Day 3: Big Sur / Central Coast
Day Three, surge up the ruggedly beautiful Big Sur/Central Coast, all bluffs, sea and sky: a holy trinity that blesses our ride. The area’s dramatic atmospherics, alternately bruised or golden viscous light and moody weather, not unlike Ireland’s or Scotland’s west coast drew the likes of Henry Miller, The Beats and Kerouac, finding a rich font of inspiration. Following the dotted line, we sweep toward Cambria (pop. 6000), a low-fi art colony tucked into the Pines. Passing Morro Bay, Estero Bay, as well as the
Harmony Headlands State Park, our routing flows across rolling hills overflown by Giant Pelicans, not to mention a host of other sea and shorebirds.
Total Easy Mileage | 27 | Feet Gain | 1100
Total Moderate Mileage | 50 Miles | Feet Gain | 1810
Hike 2-5 miles on the coast ,optional
Inn | Blue Dolphin Inn
Day 4: Ragged Point
Egressing from Cambria the next morning, powered-up by great coffee and exhilarating sea air, Day Four’s first stage shoots north. Paralleling the coast we might catch glimpse of either Grey or Blue whales in the near distance. This stage is suffused with sights and Central Coast culture. At the Piedras
Blancas Lighthouse, we roll up to a historic 70-ft light station. Built in 1874, atop white rocks on a jutting spit of headland, we’re welcomed to Piedras Blancas by a chorus from the resident, if occasionally raucous sea lion colony. At McWay Falls, amidst a secluded cove, we glimpse an 80-ft plume of freshwater emerge from a granite cliff, spilling onto the sandy beach below. Overnight in Big Sur Village, its seaside cliffs framed by Redwoods.
Total Easy Mileage | 23 Miles | Feet Gain | 1047
Total Moderate Mileage | 37 Miles | Feet Gain | 4700
Total Seasoned Mileage | 74 Miles | Feet Gain | 8100
Inn | Big Sur River Inn
Day 5: Monterey
The day’s opener beelines from the Big Sur coast toward Point Lobos: a broad sweep of raw coastal park with a refreshingly anti-industrial tourism/keep-it-real vibe. A made-for viewing spot, we peer out, hoping to see Grey or Blue whales, harbor seals or sea lions. After a lunch in the park, a short shuttle delivers us to Carmel by the Sea. We overnight here on the ocean. From rare and unique shops, shaped by local ocean-going culture, our early afternoon might also fit in the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, the
standard bearer for viewing sea-life. A wonderfully repurposed sardine cannery, The Monterey Aquarium is defined by soaring glass walled tanks that showcase 35,000 animals plus 550 plant species.
Total Moderate Mileage | 22 Miles | Feet Gain | 1927
Inn | InterContinental The Clement Monterey
Day 6: 17 Mile Drive
Our closing stage transits the world-famous 17-Mile Drive. Privately managed and minimally traveled, this phenomenal cycling route follows a smooth roadbed that hugs the coastline, from Pebble Beach to Pacific Grove. Sweeping through a wind sculpted grove of Cypress trees, we take in visually arresting mansions and unique, architecturally significant dwellings. The trip culminates with a shuttle back to Santa Barbara, if not warm and hearty goodbyes.
Total Moderate Mileage | 17 Miles | Feet Gain | 1467
* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.
Bicycle
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. On every road bike tour, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. We provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our bikes meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride.
Garmin Edge Explore GPS
All of our road bike trips include a Garmin GPS device to help you navigate through each day safely and smoothly. You’ll know how far, fast, and high you’ve ridden on the flats or climbs or on your way through each day. Simply turn it on and start riding. No paper maps needed!
Specialized Roubaix Disc $352.00
Specialized has perfected the road bike. Ride confidently and comfortably for longer distances on any of our trips around the world. All of our bikes are equipped with the latest components and our 2019 models include disc brakes.
Specialized Sirrus Hybrid $270.60
Specialized hybrid bikes are the most comfortable bikes available. Our most popular bike for multi-sport and moderate road bike tours is the proven Sirrus. This bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. This bike sits upright, is equipped with a very comfortable seat, and the gearing has a wide range of speeds.
Specialized Turbo Hybrid Ebike $379.00
For those of you who have always wanted to join a bike tour but feared your fitness would hold you or the group back, fear no more. Our incredible e-bike option allows you to do more, go twice as fast and far. The all new Specialized Turbo has one goal and one goal only—to inspire you to get out, get moving, and to have some fun along the way. E-bike available on most casual and luxury inn trips for an additional price.
Specialized Road E-bike $ 541.25
Specialized Turbo Creo E-bike. Take a deep breath, turn on the power and enjoy a beautiful adventure on the all new Electric Road Bike. The new road Ebike now allows you to travel further distances and explore new areas. The pedal assisted technology also allows beginner and novice riders to join in on more challenging routes and terrain.
All of our road bike trips include a Garmin GPS device to help you navigate through each day safely and smoothly. You’ll know how far, fast, and high you’ve ridden on the flats or climbs or on your way through each day. Simply turn it on and start riding. No paper maps needed!
Lodging
Night 1: Fess Parker Wine Country Inn | Los Olivos, CA
Located in downtown Los Olivos, this quiet hamlet offers wine tasting in several different tasting rooms. The Bear & Star Restaurant, which features ranch-inspired refined cuisine, opened in May 2017. Fess Parker Wine Country Inn guests will also enjoy complimentary wine tasting for two at the Parker Family tasting rooms. The Spa and Boutique, also newly renovated, offer wine infused treatments, such as Vino Therapy and a variety of massages. The rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and free toiletries. Guests can choose to unwind at the outdoor pool or the on-site fitness center.
Night 2: Inn at the Pier | Pismo Beach, CA
Overlooking the golden sand of Pismo Beach – just footsteps from the pier and boardwalk – you’re invited to experience Inn at the Pier. Located on Cypress Street, this upscale, craftsman-style oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach features boutique guest rooms and first-class amenities reminiscent of a luxurious beach house. Choose one of 104 boutique hotel rooms on Pismo Beach – beautifully appointed with flat-screen TVs, private balconies, and indulgent bath amenities – while most rooms offer sparkling ocean views. Cool off in the rooftop dipping pool seven days a week and escape the everyday at The Rooftop, a restaurant and bar overlooking the coastline with 360 degree views, salty ocean breezes, and refreshing cocktails. Or join us at Blonde, our full-service restaurant where classic meets contemporary California.
Night 3: Blue Dolphin Inn | Cambria, CA
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Moonstone Beach, this inn is 10 minutes’ to the Hearst Castle. A fireplace, bathrobes and slippers are provided in all rooms. Moonstone Boardwalk is 100 feet away. Bedside chocolates are provided in the evenings. Select rooms feature a full or partial ocean view at Blue Dolphin Inn. To allow guests to start their day at their leisure, a boxed breakfast is delivered daily to each room at Blue Dolphin Inn. Many guests have their boxed breakfast on the beach. Free afternoon tea and coffee is featured in the afternoon from 1400 – 2000 daily.
Night 4: Big Sur River Inn | Big Sur, CA
Adjacent to the Big Sur River, this California hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar. Pfeiffer Day Use Beach is a 10 minutes away. A private entrance, free toiletries and a private bathroom are featured in each room at Big Sur River Inn. Rooms provide wood accents, white linens and artwork inspired by nature. After a day of riding, relax in the seasonal outdoor swimming pool. On-site shopping opportunities available at River Inn Big Sur. Hiking trails through the Redwoods are 3 miles from Andrew Molera State Park.
Night 5: InterContinental The Clement Monterey | Monterey, CA
Located in the heart of Monterey’s historic Cannery Row, InterContinental The Clement Monterey features elegant accommodations, on-site dining options and modern amenities. The rooms offer a TV and in-room movies, an electronics charging station, a coffee machine, and a mini bar. The private bathroom includes bathrobes, a soaking tub and a separate shower. There is also a on-site spa services and a state-of-the-art business center. Only steps from the Clements front doors, guests will find a variety of area attractions. Beautiful seascapes and wildlife, charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and an exciting nightlife are all within walking distance from the hotel.
While we do our best to bring you the above hotel accommodations, lodging may vary depending on your departure date
Included:
- 5 nights in casual Inns
- Guides
- All meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day, Snacks.
- Support Vehicle
- First Aid
- Bike Maintenance
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS
- Park fees
Not included:
- Airfare to and from our departure point
- Lodging before or after the tour.
- rental bikes
- Gratuities guides
Pricing / Tour dates
Tour price 2024: $ 4,979.00 pp. Ask for single fee
Rental Bike:
Included
Tour dates 2024:
26 May – 31 May
01 Sep – 06 Sep
08 Sep – 13 Sep
15 Sep – 20 Sep
22 Sep – 27 Sep
29 Sep – 04 Oct
06 Oct – 11 Oct
13 Oct – 18 Oct
Conditions
Deposit $500.- pp
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price
Information
Santa Barbara is a city on the central California coast, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as dramatic backdrop. Downtown, Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage. Upscale boutiques and restaurants offering local wines and seasonal fare line State Street. On a nearby hill, Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, houses Franciscan friars and a museum.
SANTA BARBARA AIRPORT
500 James Fowler Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
(805) 683-4011
https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California. SBA covers 948 acres of land. It is near the University of California, Santa Barbara and the city of Goleta.
MEETING LOCATION
HOTEL CALIFORNIAN
36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 882-0100
https://www.hotelcalifornian.com
DEPARTURE TIME
9:00 AM on the first day of the tour.
RETURN TIME
Around 7:00 PM on the last day of the tour.
How to prepare
Road bike
For optimal physical preparation, we recommend that you ride at least several hours per week during the month preceding the tour. During the tour you will be on your bike every day, and we can assure you that an unprepared bottom is a sore one! If you can’t ride your bike, or don’t own one, take a spin class at your local gym a few times a week.
Hiking
To prepare for the tour, we recommend that you hike, jog or run at least several hours per week during the month preceding the tour. Walk/run in the shoes and sock you are bringing on the trip. This will help prevent blisters and sore feet.
Weather
Weather predictions in California can be unreliable, so it is best to be prepared for cool evenings and some inclement weather. Please use the following locations when checking the weather online: Santa Barbara, Solvang, Monterey
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food is a big part of the experience. Many of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we are more than happy to accommodate. On inns tours our Trip Leaders prepare all of your picnic style lunches ( with an emphasis on fresh, local and organic foods, ensuring you have the fuel you need to ride, and a delicious, meal at the same time) and breakfasts and dinners are served in the best local restaurants If you have special diet requirements or limitations, just let us know when you sign-up and we’ll work with you to meet your needs.
