Half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles sits the expansive central California coast. With its ideal combination of mild weather and vast countryside, the central coast draws tens of thousands of cycling enthusiasts and pros alike every year. From the Great Western Bike Rally to the Solvang Century to training camps held for international cycling teams, there seems to be no limit to the variety of great opportunities when it comes to two-wheeled travel. Experience this magnificent region yourself on our Central California Coast Bike Tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Meet San Jose, Paso Robles Loop (29 miles)
Our tour begins this morning in San Jose. After meeting, we transfer south to the wine country town of Paso Robles. Upon arrival in Paso, we take a warm-up ride through the rolling orchards and vineyards surrounding the town. Tonight’s stay is at the H‍‍otel Cheval. Meals included: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 – Paso Robles to Cambria (48 miles)
After breakfast in Paso Robles, our first full day of riding‍‍ takes us ‍‍ through the rolling hills of wine country. With over 32,000 acres of planted vineyards, today’s ride is sure to be scenic. We’ll pay a visit to a well-known producer and taste some of the Zinfandel and Rhone varietals that thrive in this region. A challenging climb and exhilarating descent deliver us to the seaside community of Cambria, where we will call home tonight. ‍‍ Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Cambira to Avila Beach (34 – 55 miles)
After breakfast, our route along Santa Rosa Creek brings us up into the coastal range before a stunning descent back to the Pacific Coast and the harbor town of Morro Bay. Enjoy lunch at the water’s edge, where you can watch the fishing boats, sea birds and harbor seals search for dinner. If you choose to tackle the Bighorn Ride extension, you’ll continue through San Luis Obispo county to Avila Beach, a tucked away ocean gem. Our lodging for the night is at Avila Lighthouse Suites and we’ll reconvene this evening for another team dinner walking distance from the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 – Avila Beach to Santa Ynez (50 – 82 miles)
After a hearty breakfast, you can pedal from the hotel if you desire some extra miles or opt to shuttle by van to access the best part of the cycling route. We pedal out of Santa Maria Valley and inland through the rolling pastures and oak studded hillsides that recline beneath the majestic San Rafael Mountains. Here we are treated to one of the best bike rides around, which courses along Foxen Canyon and Ballard Canyon. Remote and scenic, this route rolls past quiet pastures and wineries with unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. Our first town to visit is the Danish influenced Solvang, known for its quaint Scandinavian architecture and Old World hospitality. A final leg brings us to our destination for the night: Santa Ynez, an even tinier hideaway. Lodging for the next two nights is provided at the elegant and luxurious Santa Ynez Inn, a Victorian bed and breakfast. This evening you have an on your own dinner and the chance to explore town independently. Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5 – Rest Day or Ride a Santa Ynez Loop (up to 42 miles)
Day 5 in Santa Ynez is officially a “rest” day. But since cyclists on a multi-stage tour know that riding on “rest” days is a good idea, there are a few rides to choose from. You may choose to embark on an epic challenge up Figueroa Mountain, join a casual ride to explore more of the local area, revisit Solvang and its eclectic mix of shops and tasting rooms or you may truly want a rest day to luxuriate at the Santa Ynez Inn’s spa. It’s your vacation, so we’ll leave it up to you. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 – Ballard Canyon Loop, Depart San Jose (17 miles)
The final day of the tour is a morning promenade on another great ride that roughly follows the individual time trial route the pros rode in the Amgen Tour of California. We once again get to experience that little slice of cycling heaven, Ballard Canyon, but this time in the opposite direction. Then it’s a fast spin back to Santa Ynez to clean up before we transfer you back to our meeting location in San Jose. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Lodging

Hotel Cheval – 1 night
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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.

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

Avila Lighthouse Suites – 1 night
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An all-suites hotel overlooking the ocean at Avila Beach. Every suite overlooks the ocean from its own private balcony or patio. There is a full service day spa, pool and hot tub.

Santa Ynez Inn – 2 nights
Four-star elegant Victorian with lavishly appointed rooms. The inn has an outdoor whirlpool tub, a fully equipped fitness room with sauna, a private massage room, spa services and beauty treatments on site. Some rooms have their own private whirlpool tubs. Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and a full gourmet breakfast in the morning.

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