Big Sur Spectacular Bike Tour — California USA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average daily mileage?
The Big Sur Spectacular covers a lot of terrain over six days of riding, with short and long options. The average short distance is 37 miles, the average long distance is about 60 miles. In case you want to ride farther, we can give you some options for additional miles. If you want to ride less, you can catch a ride in the support vehicle. By using the support vehicle, the mileage on any day can be reduced by as much as you wish.
What is the pace of the riding?
The pace is whatever each cyclist wants to ride. We encourage all of our cyclists to ride at whatever speed they wish. We will be there to support each rider throughout the day, no matter how slowly or quickly they travel.
What is included in the price of the trip?
- Use of a high quality, full carbon road bike with Ultegra components
- Five nights lodging in Big Sur, Ragged Point, Cambria, Paso Robles
- Five breakfasts
- Four dinners
- Nutrition during the rides
- Daily route sheets and maps
- Support from team staff
- Support from team vehicle
- Mechanical support for minor bike repairs
- Two water bottles
What isn't included?
- Transportation to Monterey at the beginning of the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Meals during the rides (we recommend places to stop for lunch on the ride route, at your leisure)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hotel charges for incidentals (phone calls, etc.)
- Gratuities at your discretion
What is the weather going to be?
Spring and Fall weather in Big Sur and Central California is generally mild, and the days are mostly sunny. Mornings can be cool and afternoons inland can be quite warm. There always is a chance of rain any day of the year. Our best advice is to be prepared for changing weather conditions—the SAG van will carry your extra clothing if you don’t need it.
| Weather Averages for Big Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Month | High Temperature | Low Temperature | Sunny Days per Month |
| April | 67 | 45 | 24 |
| May | 72 | 47 | 27 |
| October | 72 | 48 | 27 |
How much traffic will there be? "Highway 1" sounds like a busy road.
Biking on quiet roads is much more pleasant than the alternative, which is why we always pick routes that minimize vehicle traffic. Although the road through Big Sur has the word "highway" it its name, it is about as far from a traditional highway as it gets. It is a winding, scenic road, not a route for high speed drivers to get from point A to point B quickly. The traffic is low for two reasons: drivers have other roads that get them where they are going more quickly, and most of the Big Sur Coast is undeveloped.
What type of dining will we be doing?
When researching a trip, we seek out dining options with healthy, fresh choices typical of the California cuisine style of cooking. The restaurants we choose are among the highest rated in the area.
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, which is why we don't offer restricted menus. Feel free to order anything on the restaurant menu. The only thing that isn't included is alcohol.
Breakfasts are either continental, buffet style, or made to order.
Where do we meet at the start of the trip?
We meet at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip in Monterey, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. Amtrak travels directly to Hyatt Regency, for convenient transportation from San Jose. Alternatively, Monterey Airbus will shuttle you from either the San Francisco Airport or the San Jose Airport to Cannery Row in Monterey. From there, it is a short cab ride (or long walk) to the start. Vehicles may be parked at the Hyatt Regency for the duration of the tour.
Where does the trip end?
The trip officially ends in the late afternoon on the final day of the tour, in Paso Robles. Transfer by Amtrak back to the Hyatt Regency Monterey is included as part of the tour. Cyclists who wish to continue on to San Jose or San Francisco may purchase a ticket on the train.
What should I bring?
Cycling Clothing
Cycling shorts, cycling jerseys, cycling socks, cycling shoes, gloves, helmet (mandatory), 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, business casual evening wear.
Other Items
Sunscreen, lip balm, prescription medicines, chamois cream, toiletries, identification, medical insurance card, camera.
More Questions?
Some other common questions are addressed in our General Questions section. If you don’t find an answer to your questions there, please contact us.
