Cancelled - Spring in Solvang 2020

This Ride has been Cancelled

This ride is a fixed-base or semi-fixed-base ride, please read the ride description for more details.

† 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, California, a village with a distinct Danish flair on the Central Coast, about 40 miles north of Santa Barbara.  This will be at least the 23rd time that this tour has been conducted.  This region is distinguished by horse ranches, vineyards and historic missions, as well as mile after mile of wonderfully scenic cycling back roads.  Attesting to the wonderful cycling in this area, professional cycling teams train here during the winter months. There is not one specific group ride required each day.  There is flexibility according to preference, ability and terrain.

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% grade, but other routes can 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.  The road surfaces on some of the roads in the Solvang area have deteriorated from lack of road maintenance over the years (some worse than others), but we’ve heard very few complaints.  The beauty of the area and the lack of traffic more than make up for the road conditions.   Cyclists with 25mm or 28mm tires shouldn’t have any problems.

WEATHER:  The weather in California's Central Coast varies in March, but is usually more than acceptable for cycling.  It is best described as “crisp in the mornings, but sunny and warm in the afternoons.”  Average historical temperatures for March range from a high of 72° to an overnight low of 42°.  Average rain accumulation for the month of March on a sliding scale is 3.3 inches on the first of March, rapidly decreasing to 1.6 inches on the last day of March.  After years of perfect weather in mid-February, in 2019 we had 3 days of rain out of 6 riding days (although several riders went out anyway).  We are attempting to dodge the rain next year by moving this tour from mid-February into late March.

LODGING & MEALS:  The Wine Valley Inn (1-800-824-6444), 1564 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA, 93463) is the base for our tour.  It is within walking distance of the entire downtown area.  The BAC Solvang Tour has operated from this hotel for many years.  The hotel provides a complimentary 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.  BAC has negotiated a limited number of rooms that will be available for reservations made before 2/22/2020.  The room rates vary from $125.91 per night on weekdays, to $182 per night on Friday and (if desired) Saturday.  All prices include 12% hotel tax and $2 per day tourism tax.  The sooner you confirm your reservation, the better your chance of getting the room of your choice.  Parking is available and is included in the cost of the hotel.

Due to the popularity of this Ride, early reservations are recommended.  PARTICIPANTS MUST ARRANGE THEIR OWN LODGING BY CONTACTING THE HOTEL DIRECTLY at 1-800-824-6444.  Be sure to identify yourself as a BAC member and confirm the special lodging rate.

LOGISTICS:  The ride begins on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 4:45 PM for happy hour in the breakfast room of our hotel.  The ride concludes after breakfast on Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is the closest airport to Solvang.  Solvang is a scenic 40 mile drive from SBA and takes around 45 minutes.  Traditionally, many Solvang Tour participants who live within a reasonable distance drive to Solvang.  It is also accessible from Santa Barbara via hired car or taxi service.   You can even take a bus or train from Los Angeles or San Francisco; however most who travel from out of state typically rent cars.  It can be handy to have a car for visiting local wineries, historic missions and other points of interest on the Central Coast as well as for remote start rides.

Dr J’s Bicycle Shop, the only bike shop in town is three blocks from the hotel.  They are a full service bike shop that offers high quality rental bikes as well as any supplies or services you may need.  They can accept shipped bicycles as well.   They can be reached at 805-688-6263. Arrangements for renting bicycles must be made directly with the bike shop, and are the sole responsibility of the trip participant renting the bike.  Tandems are welcome.   If you're considering an E-Bike, please talk to the Ride Leader before signing up for this tour.

COST & ADMINISTRATION:  The $340 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 group dinners, evening happy hours with appetizers, wine, beer, juices, and soft drinks. In addition there is a $50 non-refundable BAC fee (also paid online).   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.  Our experience is that participants quickly find common interests and lively dinner groups flourish.

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY:  If you are a single rider, we will assist you in finding a suitable roommate. Or, you may prefer having a room all 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

CANCELLATION POLICY:  The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee is 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 cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  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 submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description.  When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List.  At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable $50 BAC ride registration fee and the tour cost ($340) by credit card.  As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List.  To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.