Santa Barbara

Private Trip

US$3,995 (single supplement $600)

It’s quite simple actually, Santa Barbara was made for riding. It demands we eat up mile upon mile of black top; and that is exactly how we’ll spend our days. With possibly the most agreeable climate for riding, a local population that embraces the cycling scene, and scenery that would be worth driving even to see—you’ll see just why we love returning here to ride.

This itinerary is available on request for private groups. Link here to learn more about Private Trips and call us to put yours in motion.

Day-by-Day

Sep 15

We rendezvous this morning to be fitted for our R3 Team bikes, then we’ll hit the asphalt and climb out of Santa Barbara via the legendary San Marcos Pass Road, Route 154. Cresting the Santa Ynez Mountains we’ll drop down past Lake Cachuma and arrive in the town of Solvang, where we will stay for the next three nights. View today’s route »

Sep 16

Today we’ll push out on a classic loop ride that includes Mt. Figueroa, topping out at just under 4,500ft. Made famous by Lance and Co., this now popular training ride starts off innocently enough before pulling away steeply to include Category 1 and 2 sections of climbing. From the summit we’ll continue on through the town of Los Olivos before returning to Solvang. View today’s route »

Sep 17

Today’s loop ride takes us out to the northwest of Solvang and showcases just how spectacular the countryside is here, plus when combined with more climbing, highlights why it is considered as some of the best cycling, period.  For those who saw Sideways the movie, you’ll recognize the countryside, and while the vineyards and farms are picturesque, Drum Canyon and Foxen Canyon are the draw here as we climb and descend no less than three times before returning to Solvang. View today’s route »

Sep 18

After a couple of days of climbing we’ll leave Solvang by way of a short couple climbs before dropping down to the Pacific Coast, through Gaviota State Park and back into Santa Barbara. Today’s ride is predominantly flat once we have left the mountains behind but there are always options for additional kilometres and climbs. View today’s route »

Sep 19

Our final day’s riding together sees us take on two of Santa Barbara’s most celebrated climbs: Gibraltar Road and Old San Marcos Road. With average grades of anywhere between 6.5% and 7.5%, these are serious but stunning climbs through Los Padres National Forest, and we’ll be sure to encounter other cyclists training and testing themselves. Our ride finishes back in Santa Barbara where we’ll enjoy a final night dinner together. View today’s route »

Sep 20

We’ll say our goodbyes after breakfast this morning.

Story of the Ride

Cycling in Santa Barbara is, quite simply, world class.  There is a good reason why the pros train here:  it offers riders the best of all worlds, like warm weather, epic climbs and long stretches along the shimmering Pacific Coast. Our routes strive to get off the beaten path and challenge us. The region’s vibrant cycling culture provides a great backdrop for our trip.

Accommodation

Hotel Corque
Really great staff and setting; the city of Solvang wears its Danish heritage proudly and sits beside the Santa Ynez mountains. The Corque is a popular spot for people drawn to region for the wine and not the riding! Rooms are well equipped and comfortable.

Hotel Oceana
Colourful hotel ideally located in Santa Barbara’s ocean-front downtown district. It has expansive garden courtyards, two outdoor pools, fitness center and free Wi-Fi. It’s a short walk to the pier and State Street.

What’s Included

  • All accommodations on a shared twin/double room basis
  • Use of a Cervélo R3 Team
  • Cervélo Pro Travel kit by Castelli
  • The opportunity to test ride an Cervélo S5 Team bike
  • Use of a Garmin Edge 800 with preloaded routes
  • Services of a Ride Leader and soigneur
  • Most meals
  • All transfers and baggage handling
  • Full ride support from a support vehicle
  • All gratuities to porters, drivers, restaurants and other service staff

What’s Not Included

  • Hotel early check-in & late check-out
  • Other meals where not mentioned in the program
  • Overweight luggage
  • Personal expenses, laundry, mini bar, etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel visas
  • Other services not listed in inclusive column
  • Gratuity for your local guide(s) and Ride Leader