A storied region along California’s western edge boasting a rich history, Big Sur is a rugged expanse of coastline and mountains w‍‍hich has been called “the greatest meeting of land and sea.” From Carmel to San Simeon, cycling the breathtaking 90-mile stretch of coastline is a must-do for any adventurous cyclist. With the wind at your back, you’ll be transported to a higher level of ewephoria as you find the rocky Pacific coast and Santa Lucia mountains commanding for your attention. So come join us for our Big Sur Bike Tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Meet San Jose, Monterey to Big Sur – up to 43 miles with 2,800 ft gain & 2,600 ft loss After meeting in San Jose, your guides will then shuttle you to our starting location in Monterey. Today’s route takes us along 17-Mile Drive through famous Pebble Beach to Carmel-by-the-Sea, then south along Highway 1 for our journey along the coast. You’ll pass over the iconic Bixby Bridge and into the welcoming embrace of Big Sur, eventually arriving at our lodging for the night, Glen Oaks. We’ll enjoy a team dinner this evening at a nearby restaurant perched on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 – Big Sur to Ragged Point – up to 63 miles with 7,800 ft gain & loss Today we dive into the heart of Big Sur, witnessing the raw and rugged beauty on offer at every twist in the tarmac. The route is long and challenging, with three categorized climbs along Highway 1 and small rolling terrain in between. After a stop on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you can choose to tackle the daily Bighorn Ride on the out and back spur to the summit of Nacimiento Ferguson Road. 7 miles up, 7 miles down and a perfect 10 in our book. Today’s destination is the Ragged Point Inn, perched on a cliff over the ocean with no shortage of memorable vistas. Every room has a full or partial ocean or mountain view to compliment the crashing sound of waves that are ready to lull you to sleep. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Ragged Point to Cambria – up to 24 miles with 1,000 ft gain & 1,300 ft loss There’s no rush this morning as we have a shorter course to tackle on mostly flat terrain to the quaint town of Cambria. We recommend you stop along the way to see an elephant seal rookery to witness these massive marine mammals that were once hunted almost to extinction. Thankfully today their population has rebounded. Enjoy an optional stop at Hearst Castle if you’re interested in learning about the history and fame of this media magnate. Our lodging for the next two nights is in Cambria at the Pelican Inn, a hotel with a view of Moonstone Beach. Take the time to get settled and kick the legs up before taking a walk of the town to check out the shops and cafés. Dinner tonight is often a favorite of the week. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 – Rest Day or Optional Ride to Morro Bay – up to 54 miles with 3,600 ft gain & loss We will spend an additional day exploring the regions around Cambria, so cyclists may choose to join an optional bike ride down the coast to Morro Bay, stroll the charming shops of Cambria or Moonstone Beach or schedule a massage at a day spa. If you came for the riding and seek another dose of that ride-fueled endorphin rush, then follow your guide up Old Creek Road before a technical descent of Santa Rosa Road back to the hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own, so cyclists may choose any one of the great restaurants within walking distance of the Pelican Inn. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 – Cambria to Paso Robles – up to 40 miles with 4,200 ft gain & 3,500 ft loss Today we travel inland, heading away from the coast and into the wine region of Paso Robles. To get there, we spin along a beautiful creekside country road – but the cost of this beauty is one of the steepest grades in all of California. Then it’s on to our feedzone stop at a winery, a great place to stretch and rest the legs followed by a descent past countless rows of vines into the town square. A tasting is included today if you’re interested in sampling some local wines. Our lodging tonight is at Hotel Cheval. Explore their beautiful grounds and be sure to stroll through town before we reconvene for a final team dinner at one of the highest-rated restaurants around. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 – Peachy Canyon Loop, Depart San Jose – up to 32 miles with 2,600 ft gain & loss The final day of the tour heads deep into the Paso Robles wine country on one of the prettiest cycling roads anywhere: Peachy Canyon, with its winding curves through vineyards and walnut groves. We then return to Paso Robles to shower, pack up, and grab a bite to eat in town. A final van transfer will deliver you back to our meeting location in San Jose. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Lodging

Glen Oaks Big Sur – 1 night Chic, vintage-style rooms feature gas fireplaces and free Wi-Fi. All have rustic bathrooms with recycled stone flooring and walk-in showers.

Ragged Point Inn – 1 night Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Cliff-side rooms provide breathtaking views of the ocean.

Pelican Inn – 2 nights Nestled off scenic Highway 1 in the coastal town of Cambria, Pelican Inn & Suites invites travelers to practice the art of California relaxation.

Hotel Cheval – 1 night With exceptional, personalized service and thoughtfully designed and refined accommodations, Hotel Cheval is the perfect place to call home during your visit to Paso Robles and its environs.

PUBLIC DATES AND AVAILABILITY