Lodging
We stay every night in hotels, inns or lodges—with a preference for intimate, historic inns. Almost all of the rooms are double occupancy and have private baths. Accommodations are picked for their comfort, quiet, uniqueness, and setting. Every once in a while, we'll discover a charming historic inn at an amazing location, but with shared baths. Ratings range from 4-diamond to “the only lodging in town”.
Meals
All breakfasts are included. These are either continental style, or sit-down order-off-the menu full breakfasts. We sometimes supplement continental breakfasts with fresh makings of our own.
Rather than providing lunch at a designated place and time, we encourage riders to stop at recommended spots along the daily route. This allows all guests to travel at their own pace, stopping whenever they wish. If there are no good options to buy lunch on a route, we will pre-order food and carry it in the van.
Dinners on most nights are included. We prefer restaurants with healthy meal options, a light and fresh style of dining that's often called "California cuisine". All dinners are a la carte—no limited menus.
Bicycles
Most of our guests are active cyclists who have a special connection to their bicycles. Because of this, we encourage everyone to bring his own bicycle. But if you prefer to leave your bike at home, we will provide a bike for you at no additonal cost. Our road bikes are high-quality Felt F75 models. If you prefer a hybrid style, we also have Marin hybrid bikes, but these are not the typically slow and heavy models provided by most touring companies. Ours are basically lightweight road bikes with straight handlebars. Each bike comes equipped with a trip computer, saddle bag with spare tube, tire levers, and CO2 tire inflator. We will fit your bike with the pedal style of your choice.
Social Hour
When the daily schedule allows it, we host a post-ride "social hour", with recovery drinks and snacks. This is an opportunity to gather, replenish our carbohydrates, sample some of the locally prepared food and drink, and chat about the day with other riders.
Ride Support
We provide daily route sheets and maps, with options for shorter or longer distances marked. There is van support on each day. The van carries water, snacks, and spare bike parts. If you and your bike want a lift, the host in the van will happily pick up you and your bike. There is at least one host on a bicycle, riding the same route. The host on bicycle is in radio and cell phone contact with the support van, and can call for van support.
Luggage Transfer
On days where we change nightly accommodations, we shuttle all luggage to the next inn.
Transportation
We provide all ground transportation during the trip. This includes traveling in our company’s van, in charter shuttles, and ferries, if any. For trips that start and end at different locations, we provide ground transportation for you, your bike and luggage, back to the starting point.
Accommodations Before and After
If you arrive before the start of the trip, you will need to purchase your own accommodations. We are happy to help you find a comfortable and convenient place to stay, and often we can get you a lodging discount. The same goes for accommodations after the end of the trip.
Transportation Before and After
We can help you find transportation to the start point, if you wish. Also, we can help you arrange transportation after the end of the trip. You are responsible for paying for this transportation.
Gratuities
We pay gratuties at all the hotels and restaurants we visit during the tour. Tipping your hosts is not expected, but if you wish to reward someone who has helped make your vacation particularly enjoyable, please feel free to do so.
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