California Challenge Tour

Ride Where the Professionals Train

This trip debuted in 2006 as our first Epic trip.  For 2008 we’ve added a layover day, made some of the cycling a little less demanding, making it a perfect addition to our Challenge Collection.  Challenge trips are designed for intermediate to advanced cyclists who are looking for outstanding cycling with longer cycling days and more climbing.  They are indeed challenging, but less so than an Epic tour. 

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.  Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond trained here, and pro cyclist Levi Leipheimer still does.  The predecessor to the Discovery cycling team had winter training camp here, and the Coors Classic stage race was here when it originated in California.  Some of the roads we’ll travel over are well known to local cyclists: Skaggs Springs, King Ridge 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 spend two nights here to give us a chance to get a massage and explore this attractive coastal town with its many fine shops and art galleries, and walk along the bluff overlooking the ocean.  Several loop bicycle rides are also an option on your layover day.

Gorgeous Pacific Coast Views

Tuesday we cycle south along the Pacific Coast with the rocky shore on our right, the hills of the Coast Range on our left, and a helpful breeze at our back.  We spend the night near Gualala at the Sea Ranch Lodge, a destination resort overlooking the ocean.

Climb the Coast Range and Head to Healdsburg

Wednesday we ascend the Coast Range over Skaggs Springs Road.  This delightful road 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 is another layover day.  That means you 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.

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 who placed third in the 2007 Tour de France, described King Ridge as his favorite local ride in Bicycling: “There is one ride that 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 the Inn at the Tides.

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 — a mellow ending to a fantastic week.

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