Solvang Winter Break 2018

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Check out Bob Lynn's Youtube of Solvang, 2016  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=habbRXekP3o     

OVERVIEW:  Join us for a 6-day fixed-base tour out of Solvang, CA, a village with a distinct Danish flair on the Central Coast of California, about 40 miles north of Santa Barbara. This region is distinguished by horse ranches, vineyards, and historic missions, as well as mile after mile of wonderfully scenic cycling back roads. Professional cycling teams train here during the winter months. There is not one specific group ride mandated each day. There is flexibility according to preference, ability and terrain. The weather in California's Central Coast in February varies, but usually it is more than acceptable for cycling. It is best described as “crisp in the mornings, but sunny and warm in the afternoons”.  The ride meets at 4:45 pm, Sunday, February 11, 2018. Checkout is Saturday, February 17, 2018.

RIDE RATING: There are multiple cycling options for average to accomplished riders. The terrain is as varied as it is beautiful with daily averages of 35-40 miles and roughly 1,600 feet of elevation gain. This tour has a 2B ride rating. Because this is a fixed-base ride there are no mandatory ride days and IT IS NOT SAG VEHICLE SUPPORTED. Some of the routes have 2 plus mile climbs that average 7-8%, but other routes may be substituted. Because the rides originate from a fixed location, participants can adjust the length and type of terrain over which they prefer to ride.

LODGING: The Wine Valley Inn (1-800-824-6444), in Solvang, CA, is the base for our tour. It is within walking distance of the entire downtown area. Also, there is a bike shop near the hotel. The BAC Solvang Tour has operated from this hotel for many years.  The hotel provides a daily hot breakfast featuring: cereals, fresh fruit, baked goods, sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, and coffee/tea/juice.  Reliable Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility. 

Lodging is NOT included in the deposit, but BAC has negotiated a block of rooms which will be available for reservations made until 1/01/2018. 

The negotiated BAC room rate is $112 per day Sunday through Thursday, and $162 per day on Friday, double occupancy, excluding taxes of 12% + $2 per day tourism tax.  Due to the popularity of this Ride, early reservations are recommended.  PARTICIPANTS MUST ARRANGE THEIR OWN LODGING BY CONTACTING THE HOTEL DIRECTLY.  Be sure to identify yourself as a BAC member and confirm the special lodging rate.

SINGLES POLICY:  If you are a single rider, we will assist you in finding a suitable roommate. Or, you may prefer the solitude of a room to yourself. Let the Ride Director know your preference. The Wine Valley Inn room rate is the same whether there are one or two occupants.

LOGISTICS:  While many participants drive to Solvang, it is also accessible from the Santa Barbara Airport via hired car or taxi service. Most who fly from out of state secure rental vehicles, which are handy for visiting local wineries, historic missions and other points of interest on the Central Coast as well as for some remote start rides. Some riders who sign up for this tour also participate back to back in the Paso Robles BAC Tour which starts after Solvang ride is finished and is about 95 miles to the north.

ADMINISTRATION:  The $280 deposit, which is paid online by credit card, is the only payment made to the Ride Director. This deposit covers organizational costs, cue sheets, Garmin GPS files, route maps, two dinners, and evening happy hours with appetizers, wine, beer, and soft drinks. In addition there is a $50 non-refundable BAC fee (also paid online).  The estimated cost listed above is for reference only.  Participants need to make their own hotel reservations and those fees are paid directly to the hotel.

Lunches and snacks are not included. There are many places to explore and to find sustenance on the road. Four of the six nights you will be on your own for dinner. BAC's experience is that participants quickly find common interests and amiable dinner groups flourish.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:  Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed. 

SIGN-UP: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($50) and tour deposit of $280 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.