April 11 - 16
June 11 - 16
THE COAST RIDE, REIMAGINED.
“Big Sur is the California that men dreamed of years ago, this is the Pacific that Balboa looked at from the Peak of Darien, this is the face of the earth as the Creator intended it to look.” - Henry Miller
For this journey, we will enjoy pacific views, quiet roads and some of the finest coastal climbing in the US - the quintessential Californian experience. Starting from the quaint village of Mill Valley, we pass over the Golden Gate Bridge, the ride follows the iconic Route One for much of the way, through Big Sur and the unheralded but stunning slopes of the Santa Ynez wine valley. Riders will dine on the finest cuisine and the wines of the Central Coast.
This trip will be delivered with traditional RAID Signature Support, incredible food, service, drink and accommodation.
Muir Woods - Mill Valley
D1 MILL VALLEY
STAGING
Today we stage amid the sunshine and mountain backdrop of Mt. Tamalpais, the birthplace of Mountain Biking and Muir Woods National Monument. This afternoon if time allows we will take a shakedown spin through Marin County. Tonight’s orientation and evening dinner will prepare you for the journey ahead.
O/N Acqua Hotel
Mt Tam - Mill Valley
D2 MILL VALLEY — SANTA CRUZ
95 mi / 6,410 Ft
Today begins with our route south and if we’re lucky we will have a tailwind which will blow us all the way into Santa Cruz. Today is filled with some amazing highlights; starting in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge and cycling along the scenic Great Highway 1 through Half Moon Bay, we will toss in a few secret side roads that will surely inspire before arrival into Santa Cruz.
Hwy 1
Santa Cruz coast
D3 MONTEREY — CAMBRIA
70 mi / 6,190 Ft
Grab a coffee for the 45 min. transfer to Monterey, from where we plunge south, beside the Santa Lucia Mountains and along the remarkable coastline that is Big Sur. No turns, no intersections, no stop lights for 70 miles. Let this stretch of road inspire you. We never tire of cycling with the sea on our right for the whole day and we are sure you won’t either.
O/N Cambria Pines
Rocky Creek Bridge - Hwy 1 Big Sur
D4 CAMBRIA — SOLVANG
61 mi / 4,764 Ft
Continue our sweeping ride south on Hwy 1 passing San Simeon, home to Hearst Castle and the sea lion rookery before turning inland for riding at its best. We tackle the demanding Santa Rosa Creek Road deep into the remote eastern hills behind Cambria. Enjoy the descent back beachside as we cycle through Morro Bay. A few more scenic miles brings us to the remote climb of Prefumo Canyon-take in the vast coastal views before we descend to often, mistakenly — overlooked, Avila Beach.
Morro Rock
D5 — SOLVANG
78.5 mi / 7003 Ft
Sufficiently rested, we load the bikes for a 1-hr transfer through the sleepy beach town of Pismo Beach as we head south, passing fertile fields of strawberries, broccoli, artichokes, and eventually find ourselves in the heart of the wine country - Los Alamos.
As training grounds for some of the biggest teams in the pro peloton, there is a reason why so many pros sneak into the Santa Ynez Valley to train each spring. Often compared to a classic European climb, Figueroa Mountain Road gains 3,000-plus feet on a narrow strip of pavement. There’s always an excuse to stop and take photos on this ride; golden hills, wild flowers and quiet seclusion surround you on this amazing loop. After we summit, you will be rewarded with a narrow and fast descent back out of the mountains and into the lush vineyard-adorned valley.
For those that prefer a more leisure ride into Solvang we will pass on the climb and head straight for the wine tasting rooms and celebrate a remarkable ride with a glass of Pinot. (45 mile ride)
A trip to Santa Barbara Wine Country isn't complete without a stop at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe. Serving local farm fresh wine country cuisine since 1995. Most of the produce is grown from their CCOF certified organic farm less than a mile away. The Wine Merchant boasts over 500 mostly local California Central Coast wines.
D6 TRANSFER
No Riding - Departure
No need to scurry home too quickly this morning, there is ample time for a bit more exploration seeing we are only a few hours from Los Angeles. For breakfast this morning embrace the institution that is Paula’s Pancake house. On our way out of town, we can pass through Santa Barbara for an espresso at Handlebar Coffee and a quick look around this stunning beach-side community.
You can elect to remain in Santa Barbara for further exploration and depart from the nearby airport in Santa Barbara or carry on to Los Angeles where we will deliver you to your hotel or L.A.X (2hr) for your return home.
Santa Barbara