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California Gold Country Bike Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average daily mileage?

The average daily mileage is about 45 miles, with options for riding more or less than that.

How should I train?

The best training advice we can give is just to go out and get some saddle time! The more time you spend riding, the more fit you become, which adds enjoyment to your trip. Your body needs time to get used to being on the bike. If you can't spend as much time on the bicycle as you want, any sort of aerobic activity that gets you breathing through your mouth will help. Jogging, fast walking, swimming, skating, or cross country skiing are good choices. Most gyms will have a good selection of exercise equipment: treadmills, stationary bikes, stair steppers, etc.

If you've been riding for less than a year, your confidence handling a bike in traffic may need improvement. Going on rides with more experienced cyclists is very helpful in this regard. If there are bicycle clubs in your area, consider joining one of their scheduled rides. Attending a local bicycle safety class for adults is also a very good idea -- even for experienced riders.

What is included in the price of the trip?

Lodging, most meals, snacks, afternoon get-together, guide on bike, route sheets and maps, turn markings on the road (where possible), van support, luggage transfers, ground transportation.

What isn't included?

Transportation to the start of the trip, lodging before and after the trip, most lunches, alcoholic beverages, incidentals, gratuities at your discretion.

What is the weather going to be like?

The average high temperature in the Gold Country in March is 65 F; in October it is 78 F. Mornings in March can be quite cool, usually in the low 40s. Rain is possible any time of the year, but more likely in March than October. There are an average 23 days of sunshing in March, 28 days in October. We suggest dressing in layers; the support van will take your extra clothing when it warms up—or your rain gear when it stops sprinkling.

What type of dining will we be doing?

When researching a trip, we seek out restaurants that serve healthy, fresh choices typical of the California cuisine style of cooking. In Folsom, we'll have a made-to-order breakfast at the Natoma Bar and Grill the first morning of the trip. On Saturday night, we will treat ourselves to fine dining at the historic St. George Hotel, voted “Best Fine Dining in Amador County”. On Sunday morning, we will sit down to the St. George’s extensive continental breakfast before heading out on our bicycles once again.

Nobody goes hungry on an Undiscovered Country trip! One of the joys of riding several hours per day is getting to enjoy the dinner afterwards. We give you the choice of ordering anything on a restaurant's menu — there are no limited selection menus on an Undiscovered Country trip. Order appetizers, soup, salad, entree, dessert, and beverages. The only thing that isn't included is alcohol.

Where do we meet at the start of the trip?

We gather on the first evening of the trip in Folsom, at the Lake Natoma Inn. We will spend the first night there and eat breakfast at their Natoma Bar and Grill before heading out on our bicycles.

Where does the trip end?

The trip officially ends in the early afternoon on Sunday the trip, at the Lake Natoma Inn in Folsom.

What should I bring?

Bicycle

Don't forget to bring your bicycle.

Cycling Clothing

Cycling shorts, cycling jerseys, cycling socks, cycling shoes, gloves, helmet, wind jacket or vest, rain gear (jacket, pants, helmet cover, shoe covers), sunglasses. For colder weather: arm warmers, knee/leg warmers or tights, full fingered gloves, shoe covers, beanie.

Other Clothes

Hat, bathing suit, sweater or jacket, comfortable shoes, casual evening wear.

Other Items

Sunscreen, lip balm, prescription medicines, chamois cream, toiletries, identification, medical insurance card.

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Reserve Your Trip Now

With the popularity of this Gold Country trip, it's best to book a space early. We only visit this unique region three times a year and limit the number of guests to 12, so don't delay. Reserve your space now!