Santa Barbara County has some of the best biking in California and, frankly, the entire United States. With a moderate climate, nearly 80 miles of Pacific coastline and mountains rising over 6,800 feet, there are countless cycling routes to fit all abilities and interests. But cycling is not all Santa Barbara has to offer. We’ll also indulge you with wine tastings, delicious meals and luxurious accommodations. So join us for a Santa Barbara bike tour, it's quintessential California cycling!

Itinerary

Day 1: Biking Santa Rosa Road (27 miles) We’ll meet in Santa Barbara and you’ll kick off the trip with a relaxing 80-minute train ride hugging the beautiful Pacific coast up to Surf Beach, on the outskirts of Santa Barbara wine country. Here, your guides will get you fitted to your rental bike and conduct a brief before your first ride. Lightly-trafficked Santa Rosa Rd is an ideal cycling route, offering gentle grades and vast stretches of vineyards, farmland and bright fields of marigolds. Along the way you’ll visit a tasting room to sample the varietals featured in the area – primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Meals included: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Biking Foxen Canyon‍ (18, 29 or 40 miles) After breakfast, we’ll shuttle you to the nearby bustling town of Santa Maria. Today’s ride takes you through the Santa Maria Valley on scenic Foxen Canyon Road. While the quiet country road is perfect for cycling, the wines you’ll taste along the way are truly worth the trip. With a long period of ripening due to the cool climate, the Santa Maria Valley produces complex wines with exceptionally balanced natural acidity and intense flavors. You’ll cycle back to Santa Ynez where you’ll have the afternoon to relax and explore the town before we head out for dinner at another delicious restaurant in the area. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Biking Happy Canyon (24 or 47 miles) Today you’ll pedal east from Santa Ynez into the bucolic Happy Canyon. Surrounded by horse ranches and hillside vineyards, you’ll experience a quiet and thoughtful contrast to the typical bustling wine route. The warmer temperatures in this region welcome Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. After the ride, you’ll have time to explore the Danish-inspired town of Solvang. Once you’ve settled in and had some time to relax, we’ll reconvene for another dinner in Santa Ynez. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Biking Camino Cielo to Santa Barbara (up to 42 miles) This morning we’ll shuttle to an old mountainside Western saloon along the appropriately named Stagecoach Road. From there we’ll saddle up and head uphill to the famed Camino Cielo or “Heaven Road” that undulates along the ridge line of the Santa Ynez mountains offering the opportunity for amazing panoramic views of the city down below and on clear days out to the Channel Islands. We’ll roll down Gibraltar road, past the historic mission and into the heart of the “American Riviera”, Santa Barbara. Tonight you are free to explore dinner options on your own. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Biking to Ojai via Montecito (35 or 70 miles) Today offers you the chance to pedal through the upscale community of Montecito, home to many of the Hollywood elite, to the charming resort town of Ojai. You’ll pedal through pastoral landscapes past avocado farms and along bike paths with the opportunity to head back to Santa Barbara along the Pacific Coast. Your free to enjoy lunch at the place of your choice, but may we recommend a stop for fish tacos? Tonight we’ll enjoy an exceptional dinner together in Santa Barbara. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Biking Santa Barbara (16 or 30 miles) This morning you’ll head out for a spin along the coastal Santa Barbara bike path and through the community of Hope Ranch, or if you’d rather, you may choose to spend more time relaxing at the hotel. However you decide to spend the morning is your choice. Following some time to relax and pack up, we’ll all meet for a final meal overlooking the rugged coastline before we say goodbye. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Lodging

Santa Ynez Inn - 3 nights Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country, the luxurious Four Diamond rated Santa Ynez Inn delivers a unique hotel experience with sophisticated grace and warm hospitality. Enjoy made-to-order full gourmet breakfast, tastings at over 20 local wineries, evening wine hour, and late tea & cookies during your stay!

Spanish Garden Inn - 2 nights A jewel among Santa Barbara luxury hotels and your intimate retreat in the heart of downtown. Revel in genuine boutique accommodations, elegantly appointed and nestled in lush garden surroundings. Discover for yourself the tranquil ambiance and ever attentive service that have made them a top-ten rated hotel in Southern California by Condé Nast Traveler.

Pricing & Inclusions

Trip 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

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 ‍‍ 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 ‍‍ 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.

Pricing & Inclusions

Trip 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

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.

Pricing & Inclusions

Trip 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