Tour Summary

Cindy & I have used many cycling companies since we starting bicycle touring back in 1993: Back Roads, Bicycling Adventures, Timberline, Bike Alaska and Western Spirits to name a few. Since 2007 we've been fortunate enough to take another four tours with Cycling Escapes. We believe Cycling Escapes stands head and shoulders above the competition.
- Don & Cindy Beurman, MA
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Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Meals
4 Dinners
(Breakfast - Cont.)
Distance
402 miles
Elevation Gain
25,000 feet
2012 Dates
April 15-20
October 14-19
2012 Price
$2,255.00
Single Room
$350.00
Rider Limit
15 Rider Limit
Bike Rental
$245.00
Highlights
Solvang
Gainey Vineyard
Buttonwood Winery
Los Olivos
Santa Ynez
Lodging
Wine Valley Inn
Dining
Brothers Restaurant
Bit O Denmark
Los Olivos Cafe
Firestone Brewery
The Vineyard
Start / Finish
Solvang, CA
Airport Shuttle
Santa Barbara, CA
Sunday Shuttle: 12:00PM
We had a great time in Solvang. It was just what we needed – challenging biking during the day; great company and food at night. I can see myself repeating this trip.
- Mark Cotovsky

I just wanted to say Hello and Thank you to you all for a wonderful week of cycling and support!!! I think we had a great group, excellent weather and a terrific trip!!
- Melanie Sanders

The tour definitely made us stronger and we have results (in watts) to prove it.
- Jefferson Rodgers

Bicycle Tour of Solvang Wine Country

Day 1 - Shuttle / Meet in Solvang

Solvang, California is our destination on this challenging wine country tour. Fly into Santa Barbara on Sunday where a shuttle will pick you up and make the quick thirty minute drive to Solvang. Our home base for the week is the lovely Wine Valley Inn.

After checking into our hotel, you'll have the chance to get settled in, set up your bike and explore the town. At an early evening orientation, we'll provide an overview for the week, make introductions, and answer any questions you have.


Day 2 - Canyons & Vineyards


"Solvang is in the middle of California about 15 miles from the coast. It is like being in the middle of a Steinbeck novel. Huge valleys with lush pastures and private vineyards. Rolling hills with long narrow two lane roads. There is very little traffic and the people are generally friendly and accommodating. The best part is that during the day the temperatures reach the low to mid 70’s. In other words perfect riding conditions."

Quoted from U.S. Postal Training Camp article @ www.pezcyclingnews.com

70 miles / 3,969 ft. elevation gain

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Day 3 - Figeuroa Mountain Loop


Get ready for amazing views on the third day's ride! We'll do all the classic Solvang rides this week, including Figueroa Mountain, which rises nearly 4,500' feet above the Santa Ynez Valley. Lance Armstrong used this climb as part of a 100 mile training loop starting from Solvang. This is a climb you will not forget, and you'll earn the dramatic views before the giant descent into the charming town of Los Olivos. After the ride, join us for wine tasting at our favorite winery.

60 miles / 5,000 ft. elevation gain

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Day 4 - Jalama Beach


The fourth day finds us riding past vineyards through deserted canyons as we make our way toward the ocean and the panoramic views of Jalama Beach. A favorite with local riders, the approach to the beach is covered with wildflowers in the spring. After the ride, explore the town at your leisure, or join us as we visit a winery and sample their award winning selections. Tonight we dine in a wine cellar surrounded by vintages from around the valley.

76 miles / 4,764 ft. elevation gain

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Day 5 - Foxen Canyon Century


Day six we ride along the pastoral roads of Foxen Canyon as we wind up, down and around through the heart of wine country. Veering off from the wineries, we'll climb a deserted canyon road as we crest the mountains to the north of the valley, before descending back to Foxen Canyon and a surreal ride into Solvang. Afterward explore the shops of Solvang, sample the local fare, or go wine tasting at one of the many local wineries. Dinner is at Trattoria Grappolo, a transplanted authentic italian eatery in Santa Ynez.

101 miles / 6,046 ft. elevation gain



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Day 6 - Vineyards to Hill Country


Our final day we link up sections of popular local rides, including the Solvang Century, Harris Grade, Drum Canyon and the Old Wells Fargo Stage town of Los Alamos. We'll finish our ride with time to take a shower and check out of our hotel before shuttling to Santa Barbara.

65 miles / 3,051 ft. elevation gain

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Return Shuttle to Santa Barbara


After Friday's ride we shuttle to Santa Barbara.

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