Bikes, Beaches and Beers in California

Ride the magnificent Californian coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles taking in superb ocean views, meandering up and through majestic mountain ranges and indulging in fabulous food and wine. California is blessed with amazing beauty, rich history, fantastic climate and outgoing and welcoming locals. This tour is designed for avid cyclists who enjoy challenging and rewarding rides. Join Montcyclingtours for an unforgettable experience.

Group size is a maximum of 12. Please register your interest by email via the contact page
Securing your position with us will only be possible with a deposit of $1000.00 AUD

$6,850.00 Per Person | Click here to download your booking form and secure your position today.

Day 1 – 11th Septmeber 2016

You will be greeted at San Francisco airport to take you to our hotel for the night. Once we’ve got you settled in, we will help you assemble your bikes and take a short local ride to make sure you and your bike are in good working order. Perhaps take on the steep streets of San Fran or cross the Golden Gate bridge in the late afternoon. Tonight we will have a welcome dinner in this beautiful city where you will meet your fellow travelers and our staff, who will answer all your questions on your upcoming adventure.

Day 2 – 12th September 2016

After breakfast, we will drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley where we will stay for the next three nights. Mill Valley offers a picturesque location near the base of Mount Tamalpais. This landmark overlooks majestic mountains, the Pacific Ocean and lush valleys and is only minutes away from the vibrant city of San Francisco. Today we will ride the popular “Petaluma Loop” taking you through some coastal hills and home via the idyllic farmland of Chileno Valley. This is a great scenic ride to start our trip. Evening free to dine in one of the many local restaurants.
Ride: Intermediate, approx 110kms with 1300m of climbing.
Hotel: Mill Valley, Marin County – 3 nights.

Day 3 – 13th September 2016

Today we will tackle the “Seven Sisters”, locally referred to as the “Seven Bitches”.The last few kms are easy, and offer outstanding views of The Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands and the City beyond. On clear days, the Farallon Islands may be seen in the distance from the lookout, 50kms away. Evening free to dine in one of the many local restaurants.
Ride: Intermediate/Advanced approx 95kms with 1700m climbing

Day 4 – 14th September 2016

After two reasonably difficult days, today’s ride will be a welcome relief. “Stinson Beach loop” is another world-class ride, incredible views, over 900m of climbing and will make you wish this was your local training ride. This ride has a bit of everything; climbing, descending, coastal views, the lot. Dinner provided at a local restaurant.
Ride: Moderate/Intermediate approx 46kms with 900m of climbing

Day 5 – 15th September 2016

Today we leave Mill Valley and head towards Carmel by the sea, 3 hours drive south. Our hotel for two nights is set against the compelling backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and nestled in a Pine forest. The unique and sleepy village of Carmel is like no other offering a peaceful atmosphere which implores you to relax. Carmel is known for it’s exclusive shops, galleries, restaurants, fifteen championship golf courses and pristine white beaches. Today’s ride will be an easy flat one on the exclusive “17 mile drive” next to the ocean through private estates, golf courses and forests. Dinner tonight at Clint Eastwood’s “Mission Ranch”.
Ride: Easy – Afternoon ride of the famous “17 mile drive”.
Hotel: Carmel – 1 nights

Day 6 – 16th September 2016

We leave Carmel bound for Santa Barbara for the next three nights via the famous Pacific Coast Highway One, one of the most coveted cycling routes in the world. It takes in many notable landmarks including Big Sur and The Bixby Bridge. This is a day you will never forget – bring your camera.

Santa Barbara is a vibrant town that offers beautiful beaches, mountains and wine country. Some notable people including Oprah Winfrey, Tom Curren, Jack Johnson and 10 x Surfing World Champion, Kelly Slater, call Santa Barbara home. The city lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.This stretch of coast along southern Santa Barbara County is often referred to as the “American Riviera” due to it’s geography and similar climate to that of the French and Italian Rivieras. Dinner provided at a local restaurant.
Ride: Moderate/Intermediate of approx 150kms with 1,500 m of climbing.
Hotel: Santa Barbara – 3 nights

Day 7 – 17th October 2016

After an invigorating swim in the Pacific Ocean before breakfast, it’s time to test yourself on one of the areas most famed rides, up Gibraltar Rd. If you like to climb, then this is for you. A tough but extremely scenic route through rugged roads , steep gullies and descents. Evening free to dine in one of the many local restaurants.
Ride: Advanced – approx 90kms with 2,100m of climbing

Day 8 – 18th October 2016

After two solid days riding, we have some more sedate routes to choose from which we will do first thing in the morning. We also have plans for a late lunch at one of the wineries on the Santa Rita Hills Wine Trail, which is where the Hollywood movie “Sideways” was made and you don’t have “to drink merlot” either. Evening free to dine in one of the many local restaurants.
Ride: Advanced/Intermediate – 40 – 90 kms

Day 9 – 19th October 2016

Today we will drive to Santa Monica for our final two days. This beach front city is located west of Los Angeles. Many pro cycling teams use the Santa Monica Mountains for their winter and spring training camps and now you can too. The Santa Monica’s tower above Malibu and the Pacific Coast like a jewel carved just for cyclists. The area is superb and very cyclist friendly.

There are many riding options but one example is the Piuma / Old Topanga / Fernwood ride. Piuma may be one of the most scenic bike climbs in all of southern California. It follows a thin ridge up the mountains to top out with 360 degree views all around. It’s also 8kms of 6-10% grades. Rest up on the descent because Fernwood is another 8kms bike climb that starts with 10-12 % grades. Dinner provided at a local restaurant.
Ride: Intermediate/advanced – 100kms with 2100m of climbing.
Hotel: Santa Monica 2 nights

Day 10 – 20th October 2016

Today is our final full day and we are going to tackle Latigo Canyon which is one of the classic cycling climbs in the area. It is just over 14kms in length with steady grades and constant views of the Pacific Ocean. The route will take you along Zuma Beach and Point Dume in Malibu, California. A farewell dinner provided at a local restaurant with selected wines at a local restaurant.
Ride: Intermediate – 75kms with 1400m of climbing

Day 11 – 21st October 2016

After 11 action packed days it’s time to say good bye to beautiful California and it’s amazing people. The Montcycling team will take you to Los Angeles airport for your onward journey.