2018 Paso Robles Ramble

† 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

OVERVIEW:  Join us again for a 6 day fixed base tour of California's stunning Central Coast area. Paso Robles offers exceptional cycling on lightly traveled roads that are bordered by Native oaks, fruit, nut and olive orchards, old ranches, 200 plus vineyards and wineries, beautiful Pacific Ocean, and the San Andreas Fault. Paso Robles is a poplular destination for bike riding in the spring. There is one specific group ride each day, with numerous other rides to choose from based on your riding expertise, preference and terrain. Morning rides can be frosty, foggy and in the high 30's F. Winter rains are quite possible! The average temperature is often in the upper 50's and low to mid 60's. Our first ride meeting is 4:45pm, Sunday February 18, 2018 at the Paso Robles Inn (PRI). The last day of organized riding is Saturday, February 24, 2018 with checkout that day after riding. 

RIDE RATING:  Cue sheets, maps and Ride with GPS LInks will be provided for 9 rides. For the 9 rides that will be offered, the average elevation is 2,600 feet and average mileage is 44 miles with a 3B rating. Individual ride ratings are: 1B (2 rides); 3B (5 rides); 4B (1 ride) and 3C (1 ride). One route has a more than 11% incline. Longer and shorter options are available. Several of the rides are horse farms of Creston and Parkfield (also home to an earthquake monitoring system and the earthquake capital of the world). In addition, we have a loop over the Coastal Range to the Pacific Ocean and Cayucos, and a ride along the coastline from Cambria to Ragged Point (for Elephant Seal watching). Other rides may be possible. Because this is a fixed base ride there are not mandatory ride days and IT IS NOT SAG VEHICLE SUPPORTED. 

LODGING & MEALS:  The Paso Robles Inn (1-800-676-1713) is the base for our bike tour. We will spend 6 nights there (Sunday through Friday evening). The historic Paso Robles Inn is conveniently located on the square within walking distance of shopping and restaurants. Many riders come early and stay later. Lodging is not included in the deposit, but BAC has negotiated a block of rooms, which are available at BAC group rates. There are several hotels and motels nearby, which have reasonable rates as well.

There will be two group dinners provided Sunday night at Il Cortile Ristorante, and Friday night at Thomas Hill Organics. Both restaurants are highly rated. Six (6) happy hours with appetizers, wine, beer, and soft drinks will also be provided Sunday through Friday evenings.

LOGISTICS:  Paso Robles, CA is on Hwy 101, roughly midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you are flying to California, consider using the San Jose Airport, 160 miles north, or Santa Barbara, 125 miles south, and then renting a car. The drive along Hwy 101 is quite pleasant. 

The 1st meeting starts at 4:45pm, Sunday February 18, 2018 in the Ride Leader's Suite, followed by a 6pm Group Dinner at Il Cortile Ristorante, a short 5 minute walk from PRI. The ride will officially end on Saturday, February 24, 2018 with Friday Night's Group Dinnner at Thomas Hill Organics, a short walk from Paso Robles Inn. 

ADMINISTRATION: The $310 deposit, which is paid online by credit card, is the only payment made to the Ride Director.  In addition there is a $50 non-refundable BAC fee (also paid online).  The deposit covers organizational costs, cue sheets, Garmin GPS files, route maps, two dinners, and evening happy hours with appetizers, wine (with emphasis on Central Coast wines) beer, non-alcoholic refreshments, fruit, vegetables, nuts, cheese platter, crackers, chips, guacamole and hummus. Riders will receive instructions on how to make (and pay for) their own reservations at the Paso Robles Inn (PRI) AT A GROUP RATE OF $58.50 per person, per night, double occupancy, plus taxes. Friday, Saturday and Holidays are $84.50 per person. Larger rooms are avaiable for slightly higher charges.  

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

CANCELLATION POLICY:   The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds of tour payments 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 are completed.  The BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

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 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.

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 that you go back to the BAC web site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($50) and tour deposit of $310 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 my contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description. 

Updated:  03/2017