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Day 1 - Shuttle / Meet in Solvang

Solvang, California is our destination on this challenging wine country tour. Fly into Santa Barbara where a shuttle will pick you up at 2:00pm 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

71 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.

46 miles / 4,742 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 / 5,764 ft. elevation gain

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Day 5 - Santa Ynez Valley Loop

Day five is a recovery day! We'll cruise the valley past vineyards and rolling estates as we ride through the quiet towns of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. After the ride, we'll tour a local winery and roam through their cellars as they explain the process of making fine wines. After the tour, pick up your complimentary glass and sample wine from the same oak barrels you just strolled past. Dinner is at the Cold Spring Tavern. Situated on the Old Wells Fargo Stage Route, this secret local favorite serves such delicacies as duck and crocodile.

55 miles / 2,800 ft. elevation gain

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Day 6 - 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 7 - 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. There will be time for exploring all the shops in Solvang, and wine tasting at the local wineries made popular in the film "Sideways", before we say our goodbyes over dinner at the elegant Vineyard restaurant in Santa Ynez.

61 miles / 3,051 ft. elevation gain

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Day 8 - Return Shuttle to Santa Barbara

Today we say goodbye to our new cycling friends, and for those with flights, an early morning departure for Santa Barbara.

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