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We start in fabled Santa Barbara on Day 1 just below it’s Landmark Spanish Mission for an orientation and bike fitting, and probably a meal near the beach.
On our first day of riding on Day 2 we’ll get our legs warmed up in the rolling hills above the town, before climbing to beautiful Lake Casitas. After a pleasant stop near the reservoir, we return to Santa Barbara, then ride along the coast back to the city center and our hotel. The ride can be shortened by riding the loop around Santa Barbara without going all the way up to the reservoir. 62 miles, 5252 ft. of climbing for the entire route.
Day 3 we say goodbye to the hip, coastal town and travel over Old San Marcos Pass. On the way, we included the detour around Painted Cave. where views of the entire California shoreline opens up before you. We scream down from the heights, taking side roads where possible, then continue past Cachuma Lake Recreation area and on to Solvang, known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. Here we will spend our last three nights in the charming Corque Hotel. 36 miles, 3800 ft.
Day 4 of the tour takes us back out to the coast to visit the Vanderberg State Marine Reserve – a destination in itself. The return is by the same route, or let the van whisk you back for some R&R. 65 miles, 2394 ft. if you ride all the way back.
Day 5 will be the ultimate ride through Four Canyons. We start by biking through Ballard on Alamo Pintado, before entering Foxen Canyon and its many wineries. Sisquoc is our northernmost point, then we head back south through Cat Canyon to Los Alamos. We’re not done yet, as spectacular Drum Canyon calls, popping us out into the Santa Ynez River valley and our return to Solvang. 60 miles, 4010 ft.
For our final Day 6 of riding we return to the coast by the spectacular Refugio Pass – adjacent to Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo, and a no holds barred decent down to Refugio Beach. Side roads and bike paths along the beaches like El Capitán State Beach, and a few miles on the famed California Highway 101 bring us back to Santa Barbara for the conclusion of our tour. 39 miles, 2450 ft.
