Overview: This 15-day tour visits some of the most iconic locations of coastal California from the San Francisco Bay to Los Angeles. We will cycle the Golden Gate Bridge and 17-mile Drive, overnight on the Big Sur coast, visit California wine vineyards, historic missions, and experience the diverse cities and landscapes from San Francisco to the Santa Monica Pier. The majority of the route borders the Pacific Ocean. We will have up-close encounters with elephant seals, sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, Coast Redwoods, and crashing waves.  Seven of the historic California Missions are on the route and tell part of the region’s history through the last 250 years. A bicycle is the ultimate vehicle for experiencing the California coast.

Day 1: Arrive Oakland.  Assemble or pick up bikes. Social hour and group dinner.

Day 2: Oakland to San Francisco (via ferry). Required cycling to our hotel near San Francisco's Fisherman’s Wharf is less than 3 miles. The optional “Golden Gate” loop ride (approximately 25 miles in length) includes many iconic Bay Area experiences, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and a ferry ride return to San Francisco.

Day 3: San Francisco to Half Moon Bay. 36 miles. 2336’ climb. The ride traverses the city of San Francisco and begins our southward travels along the coast. Highlight: “Maverick’s”, the premiere big wave surfing destination in the continental U.S.

 Day 4: Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz.  54 miles.  2,987’ climb.  This rolling coastal ride will travel through rural landscapes. Overnight in the college town of Santa Cruz.

 Day 5: Santa Cruz to Monterey Peninsula. 51 miles. 2,360’ climb. We travel the length of Monterey Bay to the Monterey Peninsula. 

 Day 6: Monterey Peninsula. Rest Day. Optional ride: 26 miles. 1,350’ climb. Highlights: “17-Mile Drive”, Carmel, Point Lobos Reserve, and Mission Carmel.

 Day 7: Monterey Peninsula to Big Sur Lodge. 32 miles. 2,382’ climb. The first of two days on the Big Sur coast. This relatively short ride introduces us to picturesque  Big Sur and allows time for a hike in a mature redwood forest.

 Day 8: Big Sur Lodge to Ragged Point Inn. 49 miles. 4,542’ climb. This section of Big Sur highlights the rugged beauty and isolation of this area.  The road is winding and rolling.  Vista points are many. .

 Day 9:  Ragged Point Inn to Pismo Beach. 68 miles. 2,655’ climb. The ride transitions to the gentle hills of southern California. Highlights: San Simeon “Castle”, elephant seals, sea otters, and Morro Rock.

 Day 10: Pismo Beach to Solvang. 62 miles. 2,519’ climb. We turn inland and travel backroads through rolling oak woodlands, and grape vineyards on our way to the Danish town of Solvang.

 Day 11: Solvang to Santa Barbara. 42 miles. 3,008’ climb. This is an unusual route that avoids miles of freeway.  Our quiet backroad route includes walking the bike uphill (approx. 9% grade) for up to 2 miles through an oak woodland. The winding, paved downhill will bring you back to the wide shoulder of the only coastal road, Highway 101, on our way to Santa Barbara.

 Day 12: Santa Barbara. Rest day (with optional cycling routes). There is so much to do in Santa Barbara, often called the “American Riviera”.  Highlights: Historic downtown, S.B. Mission, and Presidio.

 Day 13: Santa Barbara to Ventura. 28 miles. 744’ climb on the coastal route. 41 miles. 2,498’ climb for the inland hilly route via Lake Casitas for lunch and the Ventura River bike path to Ventura. 

Day 14: Ventura to Santa Monica. 59 miles. 1,656’ climb. Most of the riding will be along the coast with low to moderate traffic. Urban riding skills will be needed traveling through Malibu. The final miles will be on the famous Venice Beach bike path to the historic Santa Monica Pier.  

 Day 15: Santa Monica departure.

---- Health and Safety: Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

---- Ride Rating: This ride is rated 2B! based on the required riding days. 6 days exceed either climbing or mileage for 2B (Day 4 is 54 miles and 2,987’ climb. Day 8 is 49 miles and 4,543’ climb. Day 9 is 70 miles and 2,656’ climb. Day 10 is 61 miles and 2,515’ climb. Day 11 is 42 miles and 3,008’ climb. Day 14 is 59 miles and 1,656’ climb).  There are two “rest” days with optional bike routes on those days.

Most routes follows the Pacific Coast on California’s Highway 1. The routes include urban areas with busy traffic, two-lane roads with a shoulder and bike paths.  We will deviate from the typical coastal route between Solvang and Santa Barbara and walk on a gravel fire road for up to 2 miles and will then ride approximately 10 miles on the wide shoulder of Highway 101 towards Santa Barbara.

Most road grades are below 8%. The Big Sur coast has occasional sections that are steeper.

The leaders have biked and scouted this route.

---- Route MAPS and GPS FILES: The ride leaders will provide RWGPS files approximately 1 month prior to the start of the tour.  Participants will receive an email containing a link to the EVENT file. Participants will need to have downloaded (at the minimum) the free version of the RWGPS app to receive the voice turn by turn directions.  The routes can be run on a Garmin device and or smartphone.  Participants wanting cue sheets will need to print their own from the file provided. 

---- Luggage & van support: Luggage will be transported by van between Oakland and Santa Monica.  Luggage allowed includes one bag that should not exceed 35lbs, and one smaller bag or backpack.  The van is not a SAG vehicle.  Riders must be able to ride the distances.   In the case of an emergency such as injury or illness or bike mechanical issue that cannot be fixed on the road, a ride may be provided on the days the van is available.  Cyclists are expected to be able to do minor bike repairs and change a flat tire and should carry at least two spare tubes. 

---- Bikes: The entire route is paved. A road, gravel, or touring bike is recommended. Riders are responsible for making their own arrangements for rental bikes (see below). Tandems and e-bikes are welcome.

---- Weather: September and October are generally dry with mild temperatures (Average daytime highs in the 60s and nighttime lows of ~55⁰). Temperatures will likely increase as we head south.  The prevailing winds typically provide a tailwind for southbound cyclists. Rain is unlikely, however drizzle is possible and a waterproof jacket is advised.

---- Lodging:  Lodging will generally be in 3-star hotels. Most hotels do not have included breakfasts, but have a restaurant with breakfast for purchase.  The van will have bars, nuts, fruit, cereal, and yogurt or milk for riders.  Every night, except two, of the trip will be within walking distance to the Pacific Ocean. 

There will be a Social Hour every evening with the exception of the two rest days in Carmel and Santa Barbara. Social Hours will generally include light snacks and drinks. there will be a group dinner on three nights.

Our Oakland and Santa Monica hotel group rates will be available to those wishing to add a night before or after the BAC tour. 

---- Logistics: Our ride will begin September 24, 2027 in downtown Oakland at our 5pm social hour followed by a group dinner. Our ride ends after breakfast on October 8, 2027 in Santa Monica.

Bike boxes can be transported to Santa Monica. Those returning to Oakland can leave bike boxes in their car or at the Oakland hotel luggage storage.

Oakland arrival: Both the Oakland and San Francisco Airports are accessible to our hotel via BART; with Oakland (OAK) being closest.  For those driving to Oakland, lower per-day rates are available at one of the many private parking lots near the airport. Amtrak trains service Oakland and the stop is less than ½ mile from our hotel.  Because Amtrak’s downtown L.A. Union station is accessible by light rail from Santa Monica. It may be possible for those close to Amtrak service routes (Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner, Sunset, or Southwest Chief) to arrive and depart by train.

Santa Monica departure: Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is approximately 45 minutes from our hotel via taxi or shared private shuttle.  The Santa Monica hotel does not have an airport shuttle. The hotel will assist with procuring a taxi/Uber to LAX (approximately 45-minute trip).

Tour Van Logistical Support: The tour van will return to our starting hotel in Oakland on October 8 and can transport personal or rental bikes to Oakland.  The drive will take at least 7 hours. As a result, personal bikes can be picked up at our Oakland hotel that evening. 

Rental Bicycles: The recommended option for renting a road bike is Sports Basement Berkeley (SBB). Arriving a day early to Oakland (Sept. 23) is recommended for those renting bikes. This will allow sufficient time for travel to SBB (accessible via BART), bike fitting, and road testing. SBB is approximately ½ mile from the Ashby BART station. 

Ride leaders can return rental bikes to SBB in Oakland the morning of October 9, the day following the end of the tour in Santa Monica. Bicycles rented from any other location can be transported to Oakland but their return will be the responsibility of the renter.

---- Cost & Administration:  The tour cost covers 14 nights in 3 star hotels, luggage van, 11 social hours, 3 group dinners, 2 hotels include breakfast (riders responsible for breakfast on other days).  Additionally, the estimated cost includes the contingency of bus shuttle around any closure of the Big Sur coast due to landslides.   All unspent funds will be returned to riders after the ride.

Not included in the cost: Transportation to the starting hotel in Oakland or from the final hotel in Santa Monica. The ferry ride from Oakland to San Francisco (approximately $5) will be self-pay. Most hotels do not include breakfast (but have a restaurant). The tour van will have some typical cold breakfast items (bars, yogurt, cereal).

---- Singles & Solos Policy: It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single rider without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until Feb 1, 2027 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the $1,790 Solo Supplement and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.

The solo supplement payment of $1,790 is due by Feb 1, 2027 and can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle: a) In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org,  b) Initiate a payment, c) In the Message block, enter the name of your ride.  If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

---- Cancellation Policy: The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. 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. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. 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 the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. 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 might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

---- Insurance Statement:  BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered).

---- 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 terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is an $85.00 domestic ride fee. 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.