The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Spring in Solvang - 2022

March 27th to April 2nd

Ride Director: George Ellis
Ride Co-Director: Dianne Olsen
Report by: Jim McKinley

The ride was last held in February of 2019, and this is its resumption after a COVID hiatus. The ride was also moved back on the calendar, to late March, to provide a better chance at good weather. The group was a mix of ride repeaters, experienced members new to the ride, and a few new members for whom this was the first BAC experience. The group was congenial; happy hours were lively and there were no scuffles.

Solvang is a tourism-centered town in the California Coast Ranges, founded in the early 20th century by mid-westerners of Danish extraction eager to escape the midwestern winters. The town adopted Danish-themed architecture after World War II, and became a tourist destination. According to Wikipedia, about 10% of the 6100 residents are Danish; the town nonetheless attracts the occasional visit by Danish royals. Because it attracts many visitors, the town has plentiful restaurants (some Danish), a Danish museum, and many shops.

The week began with what was predicted to be a day of 1” of rain; in the end, 0.01” were recorded, but most riders stayed in. As the week progressed, the weather remained cool but warming, providing ideal conditions for riding. We were given a daily choice of rides out of town into the surrounding countryside through vineyards, farms, and ranches. The county roads remain famously decrepit, not prohibitive for cycling if one were not obsessed with speed, and with the benefit of discouraging Formula One wannabees. The ride routes were delightful, through hills and hollers, long and short climbs, and with distances to suit.

George and Dianne were conscientious ‘hosts’ to us all. The week ended with dinner and lively conversation at a downtown restaurant.

Photo: Les gloats while Albert and Mary Lou fix his flat.