CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY Sample 7-Day Cycling Tour

Transcription

1 CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY Sample 7-Day Cycling Tour

2 TOUR SUMMARY NAPA & SONOMA A Cyclist s Paradise TOUR LENGTH 7 Days / 6 Nights Napa and Sonoma Counties have some of the best and most-varied cycling in the United States. You start out in the wine valleys with hundreds of wineries: from internationally acclaimed powerhouses to small, biodynamic, family-run vineyards. You then cycle through mighty redwood groves where some of the trees are over 1,400 years old. Finally, you have the chance to ride along the ruggedly beautiful and pristine Pacific Coast. When you are done with riding, you can eat in anything from a Michelin-starred restaurant to a rustic, farm-to-table hole in the wall; the common theme being local ingredients and creative preparations. Paradise for cyclists, foodies and wine lovers. SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS Private transfer from your hotel with full route briefing and bike fitting at the start of your ride Accommodation and breakfasts On-call roadside assistance Optional transfers along the routes GPS units, maps, directions and a comprehensive guidebook Expert guides delivering superior service DAY-BY-DAY FLOW Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Napa to Calistoga Calistoga Loop Day Calistoga to Healdsburg Healdsburg Loop Day Healdsburg to Guerneville Guerneville Loop Day Guerneville to Bodega Bay Epic BIKES AVAILABLE Hybrid Road Premium Road ebike See Bike Choices page for bike rental rates START & END Napa, Santa Rosa, Sonoma or Sonoma County Airport BEST TIMES TO VISIT April to October Tours are available year round but it is cooler and wetter in winter OPTIONAL EXTRAS Alternative start/end locations in San Francisco or SFO Airport Cooking classes Wine tours Customize your route 2

3 ABOUT US WHY LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES OUR SELF-GUIDED TOURS At the start of your tour, your guide transfers you from your hotel, does your bike fitting, and gives you a full route briefing. They then take care of all the behind-the-scenes logistics while you guide yourself along the routes; riding at your own pace and choosing the route difficulty that best suits you. Our support vans are nearby should you need extra support. Your detailed guidebook tells you about the towns you will visit, sights along your route, and suggests places to eat and we are happy to help with reservations. This support and insight helps make our self-guided tours some of the most personalized and wellsupported in the industry. Feature LifeCycle Adventures Typical Group Tours Dates & Duration Fully flexible Fixed Accommodation A range Set Group Size Just your group 12 to 24+ Routes Up to four levels Some choice Ride Briefings Ride Support Lunches & Dinners Day 1 in person Daily by phone Van on call Not included (Help with reservations) Daily in person Van(s) trailing and guide on bike Some included (No choice) OUR COMPANY For 14 years, our unique blend of custom itineraries and personal service has been creating perfect cycling vacations for those who want to explore on their own terms. From the moment you contact us until the end of your trip, you will find us responsive, attentive and totally focused on ensuring you have the perfect cycling vacation. Our expert guides live in the areas in which they operate. They have the passion and dedication to deliver superior service and exceptional insight. As a company, we donate 10% of our profits to bicycling advocacy and other community causes. 3

4 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1 Napa to Calistoga The ride starts with a van transfer to the town of Napa from where you meander up the gently-rolling Napa Valley. Much of today s riding is along the Silverado Trail with a winery every mile or so: from the world-renowned Stags Leap to the art-laden Clos Pegase. Along the way you have opportunities for lunch in Yountville, Oakville, or at a winery. With the easy terrain and numerous wineries to stop at, this route provides a gentle introduction to your tour. riders will be transferred to Yountville or Rutherford, a little further along the route described above. riders explore the mountains around the Napa Valley along scenic, car-free lanes. Mount Veeder to the west and Howell Mountain to the east include plenty of tough-but-scenic climbing as well as spectacular views across the Napa Valley. Ride across the vinecarpeted Napa Valley; cycling on the Silverado Trail with a winery every mile 20 miles with 900 feet of climbing 30 miles with 1,200 feet of climbing 50 miles with 4,400 feet of climbing OVERNIGHT TOWN Calistoga Calistoga is a laid-back spa town with hot springs and mud baths. The town is well preserved and authentic. In 2001, it was designated a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Fast-food franchises are banned in the town by law. DAY 2 Calistoga Loop The ride starts with an easy cruise down the Silverado Trail. You then enjoy five miles of practically car-free climbing up Howell Mountain. A fast descent brings you back to the multiple eating options in St Helena including the majestic Culinary Institute of America. The institute also has cooking demonstrations if you want a change from cycling! It is a flat cruise back to Calistoga with as many winery stops as you choose. riders will loop between Calistoga and St Helena as described above but omit the loop up Howell Mountain. riders head to the Pope Valley - a world of peaceful farms and flower filled meadows. The ride starts with a 6-mile ascent over the shoulder of Mt St Helena. After passing through Middletown, you enter an arid, high-walled canyon before emerging into the lush Pope Valley. You climb out of the Pope Valley up the iconic Ink Grade before descending back into the Napa Valley. An Epic route follows the route to the Pope Valley and adds on an extra loop around the shores of Lake Berryessa. Enjoy car-free climbing up Howell Mountain followed by great eating in St Helena 20 miles with 750 feet of climbing 30 miles with 1,900 feet of climbing 60 miles 4,300 feet of climbing Epic 85 miles 5,500 feet of climbing OVERNIGHT TOWN Calistoga Calistoga is a laid-back spa town with hot springs and mud baths. The town is well preserved and authentic. In 2001, it was designated a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Fast-food franchises are banned in the town by law. 4

5 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 3 Calistoga to Healdsburg The route takes you through a series of valleys where you cycle past mixed-tree woodland and fertile vineyards. Most of the wineries you pass are in the Alexander Valley. Even if you are not planning to taste, these oases are great places to enjoy a picnic or simply rest in the shade of an oak tree. From here, it s an easy cruise across into the Dry Creek Valley and onto Healdsburg - your final destination. riders will take a van transfer over the first two climbs of the day to join the route described above at the start of the Alexander Valley. riders follow the route to the Alexander Valley but add on a fun in-and-out climb up the badly-named Pine Flat Road - a local classic. The Epic route also follows the route to the Alexander Valley from where it heads into the mountains for a roller-coaster ride along Geysers Rd to Cloverdale. You are rewarded with some of the best advanced cycling in California: tough climbing, impressive panoramas, and very little traffic. The vineyards of the Alexander Valley provide perfect oases in which to enjoy a relaxed picnic 10 miles with 210 feet of climbing 30 miles with 1,275 feet of climbing 50 miles 4,800 feet of climbing Epic 70 miles 5,500 feet of climbing OVERNIGHT TOWN Healdsburg Healdsburg is a prosperous but relaxed town centered on a shady plaza complete with a bandstand. The plaza hosts regular concerts and a farmers market. The town also has several bookstores, antique stores, and tasting rooms as well as many great restaurants. DAY 4 Healdsburg Loops (A) Today s route takes you into the Dry Creek Valley. From here, you look out across acres of vines with the Mayacamas Mountains framing the scene. In short, you will enjoy some truly classic wine country riding on back roads that snake past small farms and family-run wineries. Many guests collect a picnic lunch at the Dry Creek General Store to enjoy with a tasting in the gardens of one of the many vineyards. If you buy a bottle or two, let us know and we will collect them for you. riders do a slightly shorter version of the Dry Creek loop described above - focusing on the southern portion. riders head across to the Alexander Valley and then into the mountains following a classic route for local riders past active geysers to Cloverdale and then back through the Dry Creek Valley. The Epic route follows the intermediate route to the end of the Dry Creek Valley but rather than turning around it continues along remote roads deep into the Coast Range. The route returns to Healdsburg alongside the Russian River. Classic wine country riding on back roads that snake past small farms and family-run wineries 15 miles with 500 feet of climbing 30 miles with 1,150 feet of climbing 55 miles 4,600 feet of climbing Epic 100 miles 8,800 feet of climbing OVERNIGHT TOWN Healdsburg Healdsburg is a prosperous but relaxed town centered on a shady plaza complete with a bandstand. The plaza hosts regular concerts and a farmers market. The town also has several bookstores, antique stores, and tasting rooms as well as many great restaurants. 5

6 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 5 Healdsburg to Guerneville The route has 30 miles of fantastic wine country riding on scenic lanes that meander through the vineyards of the Dry Creek Valley before heading over a low pass into the Russian River Valley. Here you experience cycling in the shade of giant redwoods before arriving at the hippie town of Guerneville. This is a good day to do some wine tasting - maybe taking a picnic to enjoy at one of the many wineries. riders follow the above route except for cutting off the initial loop through the Dry Creek Valley. riders also follow the route above but add in a hilly detour that tests the legs with steep climbs high above the valleys on car free roads with stunning views across high, alpine meadows. The Epic route heads into the Dry Creek Valley from where it continues along remote roads deep into the Coast Range. Here, you ride for almost 50 miles without seeing cars, towns or any other sign of civilization. Head over a low pass into the Russian River Valley where you cycle in the shade of giant redwoods 20 miles with 800 feet of climbing 30 miles with 1,275 feet of climbing 40 miles 2,300 feet of climbing Epic 85 miles 8,100 feet of climbing OVERNIGHT TOWN Guerneville Guerneville is an old logging town picturesquely set on the banks of the Russian River. It is the gateway town to the stunning Armstrong Woods and, while the town is more modest than Healdsburg (Guerneville has a vibrant alternative community), it still has a number of excellent restaurants. DAY 6 Guerneville Loops The route loops between Guerneville and Occidental - and back again. Most of the riding is on gentle back roads in the shade of the forest but there are also a number of short-steep sections - just to help build up a healthy appetite for lunch! riders will head straight to the Armstrong Woods State Reserve to ride and hike in the shade of 1400-year-old redwood trees. riders follow the route to Occidental and then push into the Coast Mountains and down to the ocean. The route follows one of the classic climbs of the Tour of California bike race with views down to the Pacific Ocean. There are also great non-cycling options today. You can take a kayaking trip along the Russian River to where the river emerges into the Pacific Ocean. There are also great hiking or horseback trails that take you through the towering redwoods of the Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve up to the high alpine pastures of the Austin Creek State Park. Ride and hike in the shade of 1400-year-old redwood trees 10 miles with 150 feet of climbing 25 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing 40 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing OVERNIGHT TOWN Guerneville Guerneville is an old logging town picturesquely set on the banks of the Russian River. It is the gateway town to the stunning Armstrong Woods and, while the town is more modest than Healdsburg (Guerneville has a vibrant alternative community), it still has a number of excellent restaurants. 6

7 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 7 Guerneville to Bodega Bay - Last Day The route starts with a gentle descent alongside the Russian River before taking a scenic detour through the Redwoods to the small town of Cazadero: The Heart of the Redwoods. A short descent from here brings you to the Pacific Ocean where families of seals bask in the sun. After lunch in Jenner, you enjoy some classic Californian coastal riding south to Bodega Bay. Typically, the wind is at your back as you cycle past mile after mile of pristine coastline; all under the protection of the Sonoma Coast State Beach. Your tour ends in Bodega Bay overlooking the small fishing port. riders will follow the route to the Pacific Ocean where their tour ends in the small town of Jenner. There is also a shorter option available for those with less time. riders follow the route to Cazadero from where they head into the Coast Range before emerging from the trees, high above the Pacific Ocean. From here, you have stunning views down the coast and a fast sweeping descent into Jenner where you rejoin the route. Classic Californian coastal riding - with the wind at your back - all the way to Bodega Bay 20 miles 750 feet 15 miles 500 feet (short option) 35 miles with 1,800 feet of climbing 45 miles with 3,700 feet of climbing OVERNIGHT TOWN None As this is the last day of your tour, there is no overnight accommodation unless explicitly requested on booking. 7

8 ACCOMMODATION LUXURY Calistoga Solage Solage is the sister property to the prestigious Auberge du Soleil. It is set in private grounds just east of Calistoga with a trendy bistro, full-service spa and a 130-foot swimming pool. The resort is designed to be environmentally friendly and low impact. In short, it s a stylish destination that invites guests to relax and enjoy great food. Healdsburg Hotel Healdsburg Hotel Healdsburg is designed and decorated in the modern-minimalist style of boutique hotels; SoHo Grand comes to small town America. The hotel has excellent spa facilities and the restaurant, The Dry Creek Kitchen, is one of the best restaurants in town. Guerneville Applewood Inn - Suite The Applewood Inn is a casually luxurious hotel in its own grounds a short walk from the center of town. The hotel has private massage rooms as well as many quiet places to relax. The Inn also has a nice restaurant (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Rooms, in this Luxury category, are spacious suites with fireplaces and some have small terraces. ACCOMMODATION NOTES Properties in our Luxury category are some of the nicest full-service hotels in the area. They typically include spa facilities and a good restaurant. See page 2 for prices. Mix & Match You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices. Tips & Notes 8

9 ACCOMMODATION CLASSIC Calistoga Embrace The philosophy at Embrace is to blend old-world luxury with 21st century amenities. Built in 1873, the property is located in the heart of Calistoga and has a large wraparound porch; ideal for watching the world go by after a day s riding, enjoying complimentary wine and cheese, and where you will eat an outstanding breakfast. Healdsburg Haydon Street Inn Stay as the guest of John and Keren at The Haydon Street Inn. This Queen Anne Victorian B&B sits in pleasant tree-shaded grounds in a quiet residential neighborhood just a short walk from the historic plaza. John was a professional chef in his previous career and has cooked for several US presidents so expect a nice breakfast. Guerneville Applewood Inn - Queen The Applewood Inn is a casually luxurious hotel in its own grounds, a short walk from the center of town. The hotel has private massage rooms as well as many quiet places to relax. The Inn also has a nice restaurant (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Rooms in this category are standard (cosy) queen rooms. ACCOMMODATION NOTES Properties in the Classic category are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal service sometimes including wine tasting or evening hors d oeuvres. See page 2 for prices. Mix & Match You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices. Tips & Notes 9

10 ACCOMMODATION BUDGET Calistoga EuroSpa and Inn Stay as the guest of Bill and Joanne at the Calistoga Euro Spa & Inn. This clean-and-comfortable facility is sited at the end of a quiet residential street on the southern edge of town but is still just a few blocks from the main street. Rooms are simply furnished and most have fireplaces. There is a nice patio area with a small pool that backs onto vineyards. Healdsburg Haydon Street Inn Stay as the guest of John and Keren at The Haydon Street Inn. This Queen Anne Victorian B&B sits in pleasant tree-shaded grounds in a quiet residential neighborhood just a short walk from the historic plaza. John was a professional chef in his previous career and has cooked for several US presidents so expect a nice breakfast. Guerneville Fern Grove Cottages Stay as the guest of Jennifer and Sherman at Fern Grove Cottages. Jennifer goes out of her way to make you feel welcome. The cottages are scattered among the redwoods and are simple, spacious and comfortable. The property also has a small, saline pool. Breakfasts include homemade scones and breads. ACCOMMODATION NOTES Properties in our Budget category are typically simpler B&Bs and more modest inns or hotels. However, all the properties are well-kept with en suite facilities. See page 2 for prices. Mix & Match You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices. Tips & Notes 10

11 BIKES BIKE CHOICES HYBRID BIKE Hybrids bikes are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. They have a relaxed riding position and are great for beginners and intermediate riders. A typical model is the Trek 7.3 FX with Shimano components and high-pressure road tires for better cycling efficiency than your typical hybrid. ROAD BIKE Our road bikes are a racing style bike with drop handlebars. The road bikes are faster bikes than the hybrids with a less upright riding position and will be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced riders. A typical model is the Émonda ALR 5 with aluminum frame, carbon forks, and Shimano 105 components. PREMIUM ROAD BIKE Our premium road bikes are light and fast racing bikes. A typical bike in this category is the Trek Domaine 5.2: full carbon with Shimano Ultegra components. Experienced riders will appreciate the lightness, stiffness and mechanics of these high-end bikes. ebike Our ebikes are designed to give you a little extra assistance when climbing hills. The ride position is very similar to our hybrids. We typically rent Scott E-Sub bikes equipped with a 250W E-drive Bosch motor. If one rider in a couple is stronger than the other, an ebike can be a great choice for the lessstrong rider. YOUR BIKE If you have a favorite bike, we can help you get it to your destination as well as set it up once it is there. Please ask about options for bike shipping and assembly. BIKE RENTAL RATES Bike Per Day Per Week Hybrid $30 $180 Road $45 $270 Premium $70 $420 ebike $55 $330 OPTIONAL EXTRAS Receiving & Assembly $100 per bike charge to receive bike from shipper, assemble the bike and repack it and deliver it to a shipper at the end of the tour. Bike Boxes $100 a per box charge for the extra logistics needed to handle bike boxes during a tour. Note: this fee can be avoided if you leave your box with your start/end hotel. Tandem Bike $100 a per bike fee for the extra logistics to handle a tandem bike that is brought by a guest. 11

12 INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS SERVICES & OPTIONS THE TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: GPS units, cycling maps, directions and a custom guidebook; one set per couple. Private transfer from Napa, Santa Rosa, or Sonoma County Airport. Transfers are also available from San Francisco, San Francisco Airport or Oakland Airport for an additional fee (see Optional Extras below). Detailed map briefing and bike fitting at the start of your tour. Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning (unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier). Prices quoted are per person but assume there are two people sharing a room. We book standard rooms unless an upgrade is requested and then extra charges may apply. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking. As accommodation costs are significantly higher at weekends, there is a $150 per room supplement for Friday and Saturday nights. Guide available via phone 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On-call roadside assistance 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues. NOTES: Luggage transported between lodgings and wine collection service. Transfers along all or part of the route to coincide with luggage moves to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance. THE TRIP PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Lunches and dinners. Our guidebooks are full of great recommendations and we are pleased to make reservations for you. An on-bike guide. Activities such as wine tours, balloon flights and spa treatments. We are pleased to make reservations on your behalf. Transfers to wineries or sites to which it is not practical to ride. We are pleased to arrange for such transfers for a fee. OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Transfers from San Francisco and San Francisco Airport The charge for one-way transfers from Downtown San Francisco or SFO Airport is a flat fee of $225 for up to three people one-way. For larger groups or other pick-up locations, please ask us for prices. Wine Tours Please ask for details if you are interested in arranging any personal wine tours. Route Customization If you would prefer alternative routing staying in different overnight towns or with more or fewer loop days we would be pleased to customize this itinerary. 12

13 THE AREA NAPA & SONOMA ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATION You will be met at the time and place agreed when booking and listed in your tour summary typically this is one of the wine country towns, San Francisco or one of the local airports. Sonoma County Airport (STS) The most convenient airport for starting your tour is Sonoma County Airport (STS). There are flights to STS from many west-coast cities including Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Seattle, and San Diego. Getting to Napa from San Francisco Airport (SFO) If you are arriving into SFO Airport, Evans operate operates airport transfers as well as a scheduled service from SFO to Napa. (707) / Getting to Santa Rosa from San Francisco Airport (SFO) The Sonoma County Airport Express operates transfers from SFO to Santa Rosa. The service runs once an hour from/to SFO and once every two hours from/to OAK. You pay $34 per person one way for this airport shuttle. Getting to San Francisco from San Francisco Airport (SFO) If you are staying in San Francisco before your tour, there are several good options for getting into downtown San Francisco from SFO Airport: A cab will cost between $50 and $70 and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. There are a number of companies including Yellow Cab (415) / There are a number of shared van services from $17 pp including Airport Express (415) / BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) takes about 30 minutes and is a good option if you re staying downtown near Market Street and the BART line. It costs $8.10pp. Uber and Lyft operate throughout these areas. CLIMATE The best seasons to vacation in the Napa and Sonoma wine country are spring, summer and fall. In spring, temperatures rise and the pastures are carpeted with wild flowers. Summers are hot and sunny and the grapes begin to ripen on the vines. Fall is grapepicking season. In winter there are many warm days with clear skies. However, there is also the risk of rain and morning frosts. The charts to the right show the monthly average temperatures (in Fahrenheit) and rainfall (in inches) for Healdsburg, a town at the center of our tours. 13

14 THE AREA NAPA & SONOMA WHERE TO STAY BEFORE THE TRIP Guests typically stay in Napa, Santa Rosa, or San Francisco before and/or after their trip. We have had good feedback for the following hotels and B&Bs: Napa Hotels Silverado Resort and Spa Napa River Inn La Belle Epoque B&B Santa Rosa Hotels Flamingo Resort & Spa Marriott Courtyard. Astro Motel San Francisco Hotels Ritz Carlton (Nob Hill) Clift (downtown/union Square) Hotel Vitale (Embarcadero/waterfront) Petite Auberge (downtown/union Square) Marriott Fisherman s Wharf (Fisherman s Wharf) The Best Western Tuscan Inn (Fisherman s Wharf) Washington Square Inn (North Beach) SFO Airport Hotels Radisson Hotel San Francisco Airport at Sierra Point Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco South-Oyster Point Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco Airport North 14

15 THE FINE PRINT TERMS & CONDITIONS PAYMENT A payment of 10% of the total price is required to secure a reservation. Payment of the balance is due 60 days prior to the start of the trip. BOOKING FORM Once your deposit is paid, we will send you a booking form requesting details such as bike rental requirements, dietary restrictions, and an emergency contact. The booking form includes a Cycle Tour Accident Waiver and Release of Liability. A copy of this form can be found at Guests who fail to provide a signed waiver prior to the start of a trip will not be allowed to take part in the trip and the cancellation policy will apply. CANCELLATION POLICY We give a full refund less a $150 administration fee for any trip canceled over 90 days before the start of the trip. After this date, refunds are made according to the following schedule: From 61 to 90 days: 90% of the full trip price is refunded unless you choose to rebook a trip with a start date within 18 months of the original start date in which case your current payments will be applied to the new trip less an administration fee of $150. From 15 to 60 days of the start of the trip your choice of EITHER a 50% refund or 75% of the trip price applied towards a future trip with LifeCycle Adventures. The latter option only applies when the canceled trip has been paid for in full. Within 15 days of travel: sorry, no refund. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of having to cancel your trip. Unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon, the failure of a participant to be present at the start of the trip at the time and location agreed in the booking process will be treated as a cancellation and the cancellation policy will apply. Leaving your trip early for any reason will be treated as a cancellation and no refund will be given. TRAVEL INSURANCE In signing the Cycle Tour Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form you certify that you either have insurance to cover you in the event of needing medical treatment and to cover any losses associated with participation in the trip or you are prepared to cover these costs yourself. We recommend checking with your current insurance providers to understand your coverage. Should you choose to purchase travel insurance, the following sites aim to compare travel insurance policies and might be helpful: and ITINERARY CHANGES We reserve the right to make route, accommodation, date, and bike model changes as caused by circumstances beyond our control or unforeseen circumstances. If such changes become necessary, we will make like-for-like substitutions to ensure quality is maintained. In the event that we cancel a trip for any reason other than Force Majeure, you will be given a full refund that will constitute full settlement. We will not reimburse you for any personal expenses such as airline tickets, hotels or other travel expenses. We shall not be liable for any refunds or compensation in the event we cancel your booking due to reasons of Force Majeure. Examples of Force Majeure include Acts of God (including fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane or other natural disaster), epidemics, health risks and pandemics, government orders or actions, civil disturbances, war or threat of war, acts of foreign enemies, or terrorist activities. 15