Warm Winter Bike Tour—California Desert Escape
Daily Itinerary
Stage 1: Palm Springs to Indian Wells
Our tour begins in the morning, in the desert resort town of Palm Springs. We gather near the Palm Springs Airport, at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. Here we will fit everyone on their bicycles, then take a relaxing warm-up ride along the desert floor with a stunning view of the San Jacinto Mountains, arriving in Indian Wells at the Miramonte Resort, our lodging for the night. Dinner at one of the fine local restaurants. 25-44 miles.
Stage 2: Indian Wells to Borrego Springs
After our night's stay in Indian Wells, we head south underneath the tall date palms of the Coachella Valley to the Salton Sea. From here, we head west through the badlands of the Anza-Borrego Desert to Borrego Springs, an oasis of a town surrounded by desert and ringed on three sides by high mountains. Lodging for tonight is at the Borrego Springs Resort. 70 miles (30-50 with shuttle), 0-1400' vertical.
Stage 3: Borrego Springs to Warner Springs
We bid farewell to our desert oasis and climb up the specatular Montezuma's Grade, known for its views as "the glass elevator", over the San Ysidro Mountains to Warner Springs, a stopping point on the historic Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Route, and site of Warner Ranch, a way station for large numbers of emigrants heading to California from 1849 to 1861. Here we spend a relaxing evening at the Warner Springs Ranch Resort. 30 miles (with longer options), 2500' vertical.
Stage 4: Warner Springs to Temecula
Today's ride takes us out of the mountains, through the rolling grasslands and pine forests, to the Temecula Wine Country. Dinner and lodging at the South Coast Winery and Spa. 30-60 miles, 1000-2000' vertical.
Stage 5: Temecula Circuit
Every long stage race includes a rest day, and UDC follows this tradition. But professional cyclists always ride on a rest day to stay fresh, and so will we. Today's optional ride is not too challenging, just a spin to give the legs a stretch. Dinner again at the South Coast Winery. 30-40 miles.
Stage 6: Temecula Promenade, Shuttle to Palm Springs
Today we have breakfast at the South Coast Winery, followed by a leisurely morning "promenade" ride through the countryside of Temecula, returning to the South Coast Winery with plenty of time to shower and change before check out time. Finally, a private coach will transfer all the cyclists back to the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. 28 miles, 1200' vertical.
