The Specialists in California Bike Tours

Big Sur
Spectacular

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Days 5 Nights 4 2008 Starting Dates April 6 May 11 October 5 Start City San Jose— with shuttle to Carmel Valley Nearest Airports San Jose Level Moderate-Avid Average Daily Distance 30-72 miles Price (double occupancy) $995 per person Single Occupancy Supplement $311

California Bike Tour — Big Sur Spectacular

A California Pacific Coast Bike Tour

“The greatest meeting of land & sea”

This famous phrase describes Big Sur, the 90-mile stretch of rugged and awesomely beautiful Pacific coastline, bordered by Carmel to the north and San Simeon (Hearst Castle) to the south. Highway One winds along its length and is flanked on one side by the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains and on the other side by the rocky Pacific Coast.

Big Sur, The Undiscovered Country Way

Cycling the breathtaking coastline of Big Sur might just be the ultimate California bike touring experience, rated a Top Ten Touring Area by Adventure Cyclist Magazine. Such a special place demands a special biking tour, which is what we have in store for up to twelve fortunate guests. It starts with the times of year, Spring and Fall. This is when the weather is ideal for cycling: not too hot, not too cold, not to wet. It's also when the summertime tourists are gone, leaving the roads less traveled. Springtime brings the emerald green hillsides and colorful wildflowers. In Fall, the hills turn a golden brown, and the leaves begin to show their colors.

Then there are the places we choose to visit. We begin in Carmel Valley, a tranquil location ringed by mountains and dotted with vineyards. Soon we make our way through the waterfronts of Monterey and Pacific Grove to the world famous 17-Mile Drive, a fitting start to our trip. No other expanse offers the natural splendor of 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach as this road hugs the dramatic Pacific coastline and delves deep into the 5,000 acre Del Monte Forest.

Highway One takes us along the rugged cliffs and through the coastal forests of Big Sur, where we spend the night under the towring redwoods at the Big Sur Lodge. Then we continue south as we roll past Hearst Castle and on to the charming coastal town of Cambria, loaded with quaint shops and innovative restaurants. From Cambria, we head inland to the bountiful winery region of Paso Robles, where we will spend the night at the relaxing and historic Paso Robles Inn.

Return to Monterey Bay

After our night in Paso Robles, we take a quick shuttle north through the Salinas Valley, then cycle through the sun-drenched and rural Carmel Valley, where we began our journey. This completes our circular traverse through the varied terrain that defines Central California. The tour ends on a Thursday, so those who wish to can choose to stay another night and enjoy the sights of Monterey Bay (Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey Bay Aquarium, etc.).

The Big Sur region truly is a grand spectacle of natural beauty, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of our favorite places to share with our guests.

Extend your vacation

If you would like to take a longer tour, we have scheduled the Carmel Valley Weekend to follow Big Sur Spectacular. Adding the Carmel Valley Weekend turns the 5-day Big Sur Spectacular into an 8-day tour.

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