Our tour begins in the morning in the conveniently located Buellton, where we board our van for a shuttle ride to Paso Robles. Today’s ride winds through the vineyards and rolling hills surounding the town. Tonight’s stay is at the historic Paso Robles Inn. Distance: 25-45 miles.
Day 2: Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach
After a served to order breakfast at the Paso Robles Inn, we ride south along the inland country roads to Atascadero. We then head towards the coast on a delightful, long descent to Morro Bay. After we drink in our fill of the sea air, we return inland to the trendy college town of San Luis Obispo. Finally, we continue cylcling south for a few more miles to the tiny coastal town of Avila Beach. Tonight's stay is at the secluded and luxurious Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, where every room has its own private hot tub. Distance: 59 miles.
Day 3: Santa Maria
After another full breakfast at Sycamore Mineral Springs, we make the short ride back to San Luis Obispo, giving us access to the scenic inland country foothills to the town of Arroyo Grande. A winding route over the rural back roads takes us through the valley farming towns Nipomo, Guadalupe, and finally to Santa Maria, our destination for the day. Our lodging for the night is the historic landmark Santa Maria Inn, just loaded with decades of Hollywood history. Look for a star on your door—that means a Hollywood celebrity once slept in your room. Distance: 52 miles.
Day 4: Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez
After another hearty breakfast, we cycle out of Santa Maria Valley and inland once again through the rolling pastures and oak studded hillsides that recline beneath the majestic San Rafael Mountains. Our first town to visit is the Danish Solvang, known for its quaint Scandinavian architecture and Old World hospitality. After exploring Solvang for a while, we head to Los Olivos, a small town in the center of Wine Country with stylish cafés, innovative restaurants, and wine tasting rooms. We then head for our destination for the night: Santa Ynez, an even tinier hideaway. Our lodging for the night is the elegant and luxurious Santa Ynez Inn, a Victorian bed and breakfast. This would be a good time to schedule a massage. Distance: 52 miles.
Day 5: Figueroa Mountain
Since this is our final day, we thought it would be nice to finish off with a little climbing. We head out to test ourselves on Figueroa Mountain, a 4500' peak that looms over the Santa Ynez Valley. This is an out-and-back route, so turning around at any time is possible. From the mountainside, you can see a vast landcape rolling and stretching out to the Pacific Ocean. After returning through Los Olivos to the Santa Ynez Inn, we load up all the gear in the van and make the short drive back to Buellton, where our tour ends. Distance: 38 miles.
