Northern California
Epic Tour

Award-Winning Tour

When it debuted in 2006, the Northern California Epic tour promptly won Outside Magazine's Trip of the Year award. Though missing for a few years, its time has once again arrived. Like our other Epic tours, it's crafted for advanced cyclists who like to ride hard all day. And then do it again. Though the routes are longer and much more challenging, the breathtaking scenery plus deluxe lodging and gourmet dining make it worth your while. And our support van and peerless guides are always there, should you need a break.

Ride Where the Professionals Train

Northern California, between Santa Rosa in the wine country and Mendocino on the coast, has some of the most scenic and inspiring bicycling anywhere.  Country roads with very little traffic pass by vineyards, redwoods, and rolling hills covered with oak trees. The early Discovery cycling team held winter training camp in this region. Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond trained here; professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer still does. Some of the roads we’ll travel over are well known to local cyclists: Skaggs Springs, King Ridge Road and Coleman Valley, to name three.

Through the Vineyards to Mendocino

We meet in Santa Rosa on a Saturday morning and cycle north through the vineyards of Sonoma Country’s Dry Creek Valley past Healdsburg to Hopland, where we spend the night at a country inn.

Sunday we leave the vineyards and climb oak-covered hills over the Coast Range to Mendocino.  We'll enjoy lunch in the redwoods and fern forest of Montgomery Woods State Reserve before cycling onward to the oceanfront Mendocino Hotel, voted “Best Hotel in Wine Country for 2009” by readers of the San Francisco Chronicle. We'll spend two nights here to give us a chance to enjoy a massage and explore this charming coastal town with its many fine shops and art galleries, and walk along the bluff overlooking the sea. On Monday, we offer a choice of several phenomenal rides, as well as hiking options for those who wish them.

Gorgeous Pacific Coast Views

Tuesday we cycle south along the Pacific Coast with the rocky shoreline to our right, the hills of the Coast Range to our left, and a helpful breeze at our back.  We spend the night near Gualala at the Sea Ranch Lodge, a serene eco-resort overlooking the ocean. Its restaurant has won awards from both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast for the wine-friendly menu offerings.

Climb the Coast Range and Head to Healdsburg

Wednesday we'll climb the Coast Range over the iconic Skaggs Springs Road. This delightful route meanders through oaks and redwoods and ultimately drops us down to Lake Sonoma and the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley.  We spend two nights in Healdsburg at the Hotel Healdsburg, which features upscale rooms and a full service spa, and is right on the town plaza.

Thursday you'll have a choice of staying in town to explore the excellent shops, restaurants, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms near our hotel, or go for a ride. The roads through the vineyards of Alexander Valley are perfect for an easier ride, while winding roads into the Mayacamas Mountains serve up several challenging loops with fantastic vistas. It's your choice!

Riding Along the Russian River

Friday’s ride is the big day that takes us past vineyards and redwoods along the Russian River.  Then we head uphill to the small town of Cazadero and King Ridge Road.  This road has sweeping views of the hills and coast as it climbs over the Coast Range.  You’ll see why some riders call it the most beautiful road they’ve ever ridden. Levi Leipheimer, the professional cyclist from Santa Rosa, winner of the 2008 and 2009 Tours of California (and the 2007 Tour de France's third place winner) described King Ridge as his favorite local ride in Bicycling: “One ride stands a little bit apart from the rest. The highlight is King Ridge Road, a narrow winding stretch past grass-covered mountains, redwood forests, oak trees, small vineyards, ranches and old barns.  There are no people, no cars.” Our ride ends with a fun, twisty descent to the coast, then goes south along the coast to Bodega Bay, where we spend the night at gorgeous Bodega Bay Lodge.

Final Climbs Before We Say Farewell

Saturday we climb over the hills one more time on Coleman Valley Road, crossing high open ranchland with more panoramic ocean views.  We ride into the Santa Rosa area from Occidental, past fruit orchards and farmland, finishing with lunch at a beautiful winery.

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