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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2009
February 15-21

Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

San Francisco

Accommodations:

Vineyard Country Hotel, St. Helena

Mount View Hotel and Spa, Calistoga

Grape Leaf Inn, Healdsburg

Activity Level:

Moderate-Challenging
30-60+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

Variety

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2950
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $400

Bike Rental:
US $140

Tour de California, Biking

Race with the Pros through Napa and Sonoma Valleys

The Tour de Calfornia is fast becoming known as an exciting international race with superb routes and large fan support. As soon as the 2009 race route is confirmed, we'll have our itinerary up which will include at 3 or 4 days of race viewing and, as on all of our 'Tour with the Pros' trips, you will have the opportunity to ride sections of the official race routes, and meet the professional racers. We'll also include other rides on quiet roads with outstanding scenery, time for wine tastings and great meals. We'll stay in distinctive lodging and enjoy the hospitality of California!

Itinerary

Getting there :
Our trip will start from San Francisco.

What follows is a typical itinerary, and will be finalized once the official route is finalized.

DAY 1:
San Francisco - Our meeting time will be at 4:00 pm. We'll do bike fit between 4:00-6:00 and then head out to a favourite restaurant.

DAYS 2+3:
St. Helena - Departing from San Francisco, we'll make our way north to Sausalito on a classic cycling route, before joining Stage 1 of the Tour. Afterwards, we'll make our way to St. Helena, a trendy and pleasant town in the heart of Napa wine country. Next day, you'll have a choice to cycle part of the Stage 2 route or alternatively, ride up into the hills above the St. Helena valley, past forests of California redwoods to high altitude vineyards, which are gradually encroaching on old ranch lands. Then sweep back down the Pope Valley into St. Helena. Or meander through the Napa Valley, visiting Bale’s Grist Mill, which was a focal point for the valley’s settlement during the first half of the 19th century. Cross the Napa River, ride on the lower slope of Howell Mountain and into a rain forest. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy gorgeous scenery. Distances D2: 30, 60 miles; Day 3:18, 36 or 60 miles.

DAY 4:
Calistoga - Today’s destination is Calistoga, known for its thermal spas and mud baths. Take in Stage 3 of the Tour or take a shorter route in order to have more time to visit some of the historic vineyards in the region, including those that first put California on the oenological map. On the longer ride, you will have the opportunity to watch Old Faithful spout off, as well as to cycle to the historic Chateau Montelena winery, and simply enjoy more of the amazing diversity of this stunning California countryside.

Distances D4: 11, 31, 60 miles.

DAYS 5+6:

Healdsburg -If the race route allows, we'll provide an opportunity to see Stage 4 of the Tour. Afterwards, continue north into the Alexander Valley and then over the Mayacamas Ridge to leave Napa Valley and enter the Sonoma Valley. Pedal through the pretty valley of the Maacama Creek and onto the flat lands of the Russian River Valley. Explore extensive vineyards along the edge ofo the Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal field. Discovered in 1847, these amazing hot spots soon gave rise to the California Spa tradition. Is a massage that far off? Your day ends in the delightful town of Healdsburg. Next day, uncover the wineries of the Russian River Valley, and the unexpected hops industry as well. If you are feeling adventurous, take a side trip into the wild country along Porter Creek. Be sure to leave time to visit Healdsburg, a town with the best qualities of turn-of-the century America, yet with the ambiance of a European countryside. Discover its Spanish-style plaza, numerous museums and excellent antique shops before settling down to a scrumptious final dinner.

Distances D5: 21, 30, 60 miles; D6: 11, 39 miles

DAY 7: We'll provide transfers for on-ward travel after breakfast.