With over 300 days of sunny weather, the southern California Wine Country made famous in the movie "Sideways" is an ideal place to put some miles on those winter legs.
Our base camp on this cycling vacation is Solvang, a small Danish Village in the heart of the Santa Ynez Wine Region. You'll enjoy exploring the shops and delight in sampling the local wineries after each day's ride.
Apr |
Weekday |
Ride Day |
2023 Cycling Route |
Elevation Gain |
Miles |
2 |
Sunday |
... |
Check-in & Orientation |
--- |
--- |
1 |
Solvang Cruise |
2,000' |
30 |
||
3 |
Monday |
2 |
Canyons and Vineyards |
4,000' |
70 |
4 |
Tuesday |
3 |
Figeuroa Mountain Loop |
5,000' |
60 |
5 |
Wednesday |
4 |
Jalama Beach |
4,764' |
76 |
6 |
Thursday |
5 |
Foxen Canyon Century |
6,046' |
101 |
7 |
Friday |
6 |
Vineyards to Hill Country |
3,051' |
65 |
... |
... |
Return
to Santa Barbara |
--- |
--- |
|
... |
. |
... |
Total |
25,000' |
402 |
Scroll Down for 2023 Itinerary
Solvang, California is our destination on this challenging wine country tour. If you are Flying into Santa Barbara you will need to rent a car to make the quick Forty minute drive to Solvang. A rental car can come in hadny for the week if you want to visit local wineries in the area. Our home base for the week is the lovely Wine Valley Inn.
We meet at 12:00 Noon. After a short orientation we will set up bikes before going for a 20-30 mile ride around the Santa Ynez Valley. Afterward, explore the Danish town and maybe go wine tasting before dinner.
"Solvang is in the middle of California about 15 miles from the coast. It is
like being in the middle of a Steinbeck novel. Huge valleys with lush
pastures and private vineyards. Rolling hills with long narrow two lane
roads. There is very little traffic and the people are generally friendly and
accommodating. The best part is that during the day the temperatures
reach the low to mid 70’s. In other words perfect riding conditions."
Quoted from www.pezcyclingnews.com
70 miles / 3,969 ft. elevation gain
Get ready for amazing views on the third day's bike ride! We'll cycle all the classic Solvang rides this week, including Figueroa Mountain, which rises nearly 4,500' feet above the Santa Ynez Valley. This is a climb you will not forget, and you'll earn the dramatic views before the giant descent into the charming town of Los Olivos. After the ride, join us for wine tasting at our favorite winery.
60 miles / 5,000 ft. elevation gain
The fourth day finds us cycling past vineyards and through deserted canyons as we make our way toward the ocean and the panoramic views of Jalama Beach. A favorite with local riders, the approach to the beach is covered with wildflowers in the spring. After the ride, explore the town at your leisure, or join us as we visit a winery and sample their award winning selections.
76 miles / 4,764 ft. elevation gain
Today we cycle along the pastoral roads of Foxen Canyon as we wind up, down and around through the heart of wine country. Veering off from the wineries, we'll climb a deserted canyon road as we crest the mountains to the north of the valley, before descending back to Foxen Canyon and a surreal ride into Solvang. Afterward explore the shops of Solvang, sample the local fare, or go wine tasting at one of the many local wineries.
101 miles / 6,046 ft. elevation gain
Our final day we link up sections of popular local bike rides, including the Solvang Century, Harris Grade, Drum Canyon and the Old Wells Fargo Stage town of Los Alamos. We'll finish our ride with time to take a shower and check out of our hotel before shuttling to Santa Barbara.
65 miles / 3,051 ft. elevation gain
After Friday's ride you will have time to return to Santa Barbara, California with time to catch a flight after 3:00 pm.
Lunch on ride days is always included. On this Tour 1 group dinner is included and riders are on their own for the remaining, with suggested seating times for those wishing to dine with others. A continental breakfast is always included of Greek yogurt, a selection of natural cereals, Bagels, cream cheese, etc. Hot breakfasts are on your own and require eating early at local restaurants.