Solvang Santa Barbara Bike Tour
A Classic California Bike Tour in Santa Barbara Wine Country
Why Solvang? Why Santa Barbara County?
Why pick the sleepy Central California town of Solvang in Santa Barbara County for a bike trip? Basically, because it's a a great place to cycle. Nestled in the peaceful Santa Ynez Valley, an abundant variety of quiet country roads make possible all different sorts of enjoyable biking rides. Long stretches of asphalt extend through coastal farming valleys. Winding back roads roll past the Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Rolling black ribbons ramble through cattle grazing land to the rugged Pacific Coast. Twisted roads climb steeply into the nearby mountains to challenge even the strongest professional rider. Solvang cycling is as diverse as the bicycling population.
Excellent Climate
If California has great cycling weather, Solvang's weather in Winter, Spring and Fall is nearly perfect: not too hot, not too cold, not too wet. There are an average of 340 days of sunshine per year. In fact, Solvang in Danish means "sunny fields".
| Solvang Weather | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Month |
Av High Temperature |
Av Low Temperature |
Sunny Days |
February |
66 F |
44 F |
21 |
March |
68 |
46 |
24 |
November |
70 |
45 |
26 |
The Choice of Professionals
With the great combination of terrain and weather, it's no wonder that Solvang is a favorite training ground for several professional cycling teams. The pros typically hold their first training camp of the year here, in January. It's not unusual to see a famous pro rider on the road or relaxing in a local coffee house. The Amgen Tour of California professional race holds a time trial in Solvang just about every year.
Solvang: The Heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country
Finally, Solvang is a great town to visit. It was founded by Danish people from the Midwest who yearned to create a little Denmark in California. What evolved is a picturesque community with Danish-style architecture, including windmills. Many Danish foods, bakery products and crafts are seen in town today. More recently, an ever growing number of wine tasting rooms have been opening, a testament to the excellent wines produced in Santa Barbara County. Dining in Solvang is a real treat—food lovers really appreciate Solvang and the nearby towns of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos, and there's nothing quite like enjoying a great meal after a long day in the saddle.
All these ingredients combine to make an ideal spot for a cycling trip. In Winter, it's a welcome getaway from the chill and an opportunity to get in some pleasurable early season training. Any time of year, it's a relaxing weekend getaway and a chance to enjoy the scenery, wineries, and dining opportunites.
