October 31, 2010
December 26, 2010
March 20, 2011
April 17, 2011
May 15, 2011
October 16, 2011
October 30, 2011
November 20, 2011
December 26, 2011
Start City
Paso Robles
Nearest Airport
Santa Barbara
Activity Level
3-4
Daily Distance
30-60 mi.
Price per Person
$1887
Single Occupancy Supplement
$499
California Bike Tour — Central Coast
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Paso Robles to Avila Beach
Our tour begins when we meet in the morning in the Wine Country town of Paso Robles. After a brief introductory meeting, we make sure all of our bikes are fitted correctly, then we head out for our ride.
Today's route heads south along the inland country roads to Atascadero. We then head towards the coast on a delightful, long descent to Morro Bay. After we drink in our fill of the sea air, we return inland to the trendy college town of San Luis Obispo. Finally, we continue cycling south for a few more miles to the tiny coastal village of Avila Beach. Tonight's stay is at the luxury oceanfront resort Avila Lighthouse Suites, overlooking the ocean a few steps away. Distance: 54 miles.
Day 2: Avila Beach to Santa Maria
After breakfast in Avila Beach, we make the short ride back to San Luis Obispo, giving us access to the scenic inland country foothills to the town of Arroyo Grande. A winding route over the rural back roads takes us through the valley farming towns Nipomo, Guadalupe, and finally to Santa Maria, our destination for the day. Our lodging for the night is the historic landmark Santa Maria Inn, just loaded with decades of Hollywood history. Look for a star on your door—that means a Hollywood celebrity once slept in your room. Distance: 52 miles.
Day 3: Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez
After another hearty breakfast, we cycle out of Santa Maria Valley and inland once again through the rolling pastures and oak studded hillsides that recline beneath the majestic San Rafael Mountains. Our first town to visit is the Danish Solvang, known for its quaint Scandinavian architecture and Old World hospitality. After exploring Solvang for a while, we head to Los Olivos, a small town in the center of Wine Country with stylish cafés, innovative restaurants, and wine tasting rooms. We then head for our destination for the night: Santa Ynez, an even tinier hideaway. Our lodging for the next two nights is the elegant and luxurious Santa Ynez Inn, a Victorian bed and breakfast. Distance: 52 miles.
Day 4: Santa Ynez
Since we are staying two nights at the Santa Ynez Inn, today is a day of options. Since every day of our tour has a ride offered, you may choose to join a casual ride to explore more of the local area. You may wish to revisit Solvang and its myriad shops and tasting rooms. Or you may decide to luxuriate at the Santa Ynez Inn's spa. Distance: 15-30 miles.
Day 5: Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara
This morning we say goodbye to Santa Ynez and head to stylish coastal city of Santa Barbara. Lying between the Santa Ynez valley and our destination are the impressive Santa Ynez Mountains, with the La Cumbre Peak looming almost 4000 feet above Santa Barbara. These mountains invite us to do some climbing on our route today. Departing on San Marcos Pass Road, we first pass by Lake Cachuma before the road turns upwards, then we exit the main road in favor of some old back roads. When it looks as though we've attained the summit, we turn east to ride the spectacular spine of this range, with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. A long, winding, and picturesque descent brings us down to the water's edge and our hotel for the final night: Harbor View Inn, Santa Barbara's “premier luxury boutique beach front resort hotel”. Distance: 45 miles.
Day 6: Santa Barbara
Our final day begins with a short optional ride along the Santa Barbara waterfront, ending at the Harbor View Inn, where we check out. A quarter mile away is the Amtrak Station, where we board the Coast Starlight train for a comfortable and scenic ride back to Paso Robles. The Coast Starlight route follows roadless sections of the coast, offering views few get to see. Try to find a seat on the left side of the train, or in the observation lounge with its walls and ceiling of glass. The Coast Starlight arrives in Paso Robles at 4:45 PM. Distance: 20 miles.
