Sonoma Bike Tour

The heart of California’s wine country

Price:  $2,795+

Duration:  6 Days / 5 Nights

Level:  Advanced

Terrain:  Flat / Hilly

Get acquainted with Northern California’s Wine Country and the Pacific Coast on our six-stage Sonoma Bike Tour that even the pros would envy. We’ll expose you to valleys of world-famous vineyards, forests of massive redwoods, perfect pastoral landscapes and the captivating California Coast. We spend the entire week in Sonoma, the neighboring county just to the west of Napa Valley. Sonoma’s roads are exceptional for cycling accommodating a range of abilities. Our Sonoma Bike Tour has been designed to offer a comprehensive cycling experience within California’s celebrated Wine Country.

ITINERARY

Day 1 ‍-‍‍ Meet San Francisco, Ride Petaluma to Healdsburg – up to 53 miles with 2,600 ft gain & loss Meet in San Francisco and we will shuttle you the rest of the way to our starting location for o‍‍ur Sonoma bike tour. Once in Petaluma, after introductions and a brief orientation meeting, you’ll bike through rolling oak and grassy terrain, then continue through the Russian River wine growing regions into Healdsburg. Tonight’s team dinner is at Spoonbar Restaurant for “some of the most satisfying and modern food in Sonoma County”. Sleep well in our lodging for the next 2 nights at the h2hotel Healdsburg. Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 – Dry Creek & Chalk Hill Loop‍‍‍ – up to 62 miles with 2,700 ft gain & loss We offer up a route today that is pure perfection, starting and ending in Healdsburg. Some of the nation’s best-rated wineries are on this route, but we’ll prove to you that it’s the cycling that truly makes this region iconic. Beginning in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley, we’ll traverse east into the awaiting embrace of Alexander Valley, full of wineries and butted-up against volcanic mountains. Then it’s an honest climb up and over Chalk Hill, known for its excellent grape growing conditions, which delivers us along the edge of the Russian River Valley. Treat yourself to splendid vistas of vineyards and the surrounding mountains throughout the day. This afternoon, it’s time to sample what we’ve been seeing, so we’ll take the opportunity to visit a guide-favorite winery and explore the Sonoma varietals that put this region on the map. An extended Bighorn Ride tackles an additional loop in Dry Creek before heading back to Healdsburg to enjoy the rest of the day in town. Dinner tonight will be on your own with many selections to choose from. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 – Healdsburg to Timber Cove via King Ridge Road – up to 61 miles with 4,600 ft gain & loss Today we leave the vineyards behind us as we ride through the redwoods of the Russian River to the tiny bohemian town of Cazadero. From there, we have a significant ride up King Ridge Road, one of the greatest cycling routes anywhere. It climbs steeply through a dense redwood forest, emerging into sunlight and grassy meadows of the coast range. Ride from hotel to hotel with the Bighorn option, or shuttle the first 25 miles and take time to visit the Armstrong Redwoods State Park before hopping on the bike. King Ridge undulates along the crest of this coastal range before plummeting through the redwoods back to the sea. Our lodging and team dinner tonight are at Timber Cove, a quiet and calming resort with amazing views of the Pacific. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 – Timber Cove to Bodega Bay – up to 41 miles with 2,800 ft gain & loss Enjoy the morning with a leisurely breakfast after yesterday’s big effort. Today’s ride will hug the Pacific Coast along Highway One, arguably one of the most scenic roads you’ll ever experience. There is very little development on this section so the traffic is minimal as the road twists and turns along this rugged and unspoiled section of the Pacific’s edge. The sound of waves crashing below will carry you south to the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa, our home for the next two nights. Here you can enjoy the views of the bay from your patio, or better yet, unwind with a massage. Dinner tonight is at the hotel’s restaurant, Drakes Sonoma Coast Kitchen. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 – Occidental Loop‍‍‍ – up to 49 miles with 3,800 ft gain & loss Roll out south from Bodega Bay along Highway One for several more miles to the town of Freestone and home to one of the best bakeries we’ve visited. Grab a snack and enjoy that espresso, then it’s through the redwoods again to the bohemian town of Occidental. Here, you can opt for our Bighorn Ride extension along the Bohemian Highway to the town of Guerneville and back along rolling country roads to Occidental before rejoining the main route. Round out the circuit with an ascent of Coleman Valley Road, a challenging climb featured in the Amgen Tour of California professional stage race. Later this afternoon, we thought you might enjoy a toast to a week of rock-solid riding, so we’ve arranged a tasting at another Sonoma standout winery to raise a glass and cheers your friends, both old and new. The final group dinner this evening is at the nearby award-winning restaurant, Terrapin Creek Cafe. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 – Coastal Roll, Depart San Francisco – up to 23 miles with 1,900 ft gain & loss Spin out the legs on a loop ride in Sonoma’s golden farmland. Coastal views and rolling hills are the highlight for this morning’s final cool down. After returning to Bodega Bay Lodge, you’ll have time to clean up and check out, and we’ll transfer you back to San Francisco where we will say goodbye and you can continue your adventure as you please! Meals included: Breakfast

Lodging

h2 Hotel – 2 nights A LEED-certified “green” hotel ideally located in downtown Healdsburg. Features a living roof, bamboo flooring, solar heating, a heated pool, bar and restaurant. 

Timber Cove – 1 night Perched on a dramatic bluff high above the Pacific Ocean lies Timber Cove: iconic, reimagined. A one-of-a-kind hotel situated within California’s ruggedly breathtaking Sonoma coastline, Timber Cove is a magical place where stately redwoods pay homage before the vastness of the sea. Guests experience a deep connection with nature, both land and sea, while relaxing in a casual, sophisticated space. 

Bodega Bay Lodge – 2 nights This fantastic accommodation is a AAA 4-diamond lodge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Doran Beach State Park and the spectacular green bluffs of Bodega Head. All 84 guestrooms have ocean views, sweeping vistas, and sea breezes all enhanced by bird calls and calming sounds of the distant fog horns. Full service spa with pool and hot tub, and “one of the most romantic restaurants in Sonoma County”.

PRICING & INCLUSIONS

PRICE INCLUDES:‍‍
  • Lodging as outlined in lodging section above based on double occupancy
  • Meals as noted in itinerary above
  • Non-optional activities as outlined in itinerary above
  • Ride-friendly snacks and beverages throughout each day
  • Hybrid or alloy road bike rental – carbon road bike or E-bike available for an upgrade fee
  • Services of professional trip leader(s)
  • Van support during the trip & porterage service
  • Black Sheep Adventures reusable water bottle, wool (baaaah) socks & luggage tags
TRIP PRICE EXCLUDES:
  • Pre & post tour travel
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities such as spa treatments
  • Gratuities for your BSA guides

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