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(604) 730-1247

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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2011

May 17-23

Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

2012

May 16-22 (TBC)

 

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

San Francisco/ LAX

Accommodations:

Hotel Vitale, San Francisco

Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, Monterey

The Morgan at San Simeon

Hadsten House, Solvang

Hyatt, Westlake Village

Activity Level:

Moderate with challenging options
40-60+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

Variety

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2450pp
Includes 7B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $450

Bike Rental:
(on request)

Marin Stelvio Carbon/ Shimano 105
US $180

Specialized Roubaix

US $280

Tour of California, Biking

Tour with the Pros

The Tour of California is recognized as one of the largest cycling events in the United States and Great Explorations will again be offering the opportunity to cycle the beautiful California routes and watch world-class cyclists including three-time winner Levi Leipheimer, Christian Vande Velde, Dave Zabriskie, Ryder Hesjedal and an international field that puts this race in the ranks of the Grand Tours.

In 2011 we are offering a trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles with the opportunity to see up to 4 stages live. You will have ample chance to mix with professional racers and be up close to the action. In Great Explorations style, we’ll take care of the logistics and ensure that you will enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Great Explorations has been organizing trips to ‘Grand Tour’ races for over 10 years (one of only two N.A. official tour operators of the Tour de France) and has unparalleled experience in trips of this kind

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• A ride you will never forget: from Monterey along Big Sur and through a cathedral of redwoods, ahead of the pros
• Private wine tastings at vineyards
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks
• Wine reception on arrival and final nights
• A Great Explorations custom jersey for each guest
• The opportunity to meet pro riders from top teams
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

*From our Tour of California trips, Great Explorations will be making a donation of $100 per guest to your choice of: the Lance Armstrong Foundation; Breakaway from Cancer Foundation; your local cancer charitable organization (subject to a minimum of 12 participants).

 

 

Itinerary

 

Tour of California- Getting there:
This trip starts in San Francisco and your hotel is included on arrival day.

DAY 1:

San Francisco – We’ll meet you at the Hotel Vitale, a stylish hotel on the waterfront in downtown San Francisco. For those that arrive early afternoon, take a warm-up ride over the Golden Gate bridge and out to Sausalito and back. We will meet for a wine reception at 7:00 pm, followed by dinner at a popular restaurant nearby.

 

DAY 2:

Monterey –From San Francisco we will leave the Golden Gate bridge behind and cycle south along the coast passing Halfmoon Bay and funky Santa Cruz to Monterey. There is usually a tail wind and the grades are moderate but challenge yourself as much as you like- the spa awaits in Monterey and the chic village of Carmel is close by. Ride Distances: 50, 75, 130 miles.

 

DAY 3: Stage 5: Seaside to Paso Robles (live viewing- start)

San Simeon- We are in the perfect position to watch the start and then follow the peleton south along Big Sur, the most scenic coastline in California. It’s 100 miles to San Simeon with just over 6000’ of climbing, but you can choose to challenge yourself with less mileage and shuttle when ready. Staying at San Simeon, we will have a chance to visit the Hearst Castle. Ride Distances: 50, 100 miles.

 

DAY 4: Stage 6: Solvang-Solvang (live viewing)

Solvang - Today’s destination is Solvang, a mecca for cycling enthusiasts. We will depart San Simeon and shuttle to Lompoc to ride one of the most scenic routes in Santa Barbara county passing several vineyards (including Stanford Winery from the film ‘Sideways’). We’ll be in Solvang to watch the exciting time trial and then afterwards, join in race festivities or for those that want additional mileage, we’ll ride north through quiet Los Olivos then through the Foxen Canyon Wine Country with tastings along the way. Ride Distances:30, 50, 70 miles

 

DAY 5: Stage 7: Claremont to Mt. Baldi

Westlake Village- Ride from Solvang through the Santa Ynez Valley to Santa Barbara (where we’ll tour Mission Santa Barbara, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch in a favorite bistrot), through charming Montecito finishing in Westlake Village, site of the next day's stage. Ride 40, 60, or 100 miles.

 

DAY 6: Stage 8: Santa Clarita to Westlake Village (live viewing)

Westlake Village- We’ll be up early to cycle through the Santa Monica Mountains to the coast at Malibu and back in time to watch the grande finale and join in post-race festivities in downtown Thousand Oaks. We’re staying at the Hyatt in Westlake, a short ride from the finish line. It will be a thrilling day as much for you as you total your cycling mileage and count the memories of a week of race festivities and fun. Ride 50 miles

 

DAY 7:

For those that wish to get one last ride in, climb through the Malibu hills along the route of last year’s Tour de California. Say farewell at 11:00 am to your guides and shuttle to LAX by 12:30-1:00.

 

If you are comparing our trip to others, be sure to consider the number of nights included, days riding (7 for us), time spent shuttling (when you could be cycling), the quality of lodging, bikes, guides and experience in planning trips of this type (+20 years). We hope you'll join us!