Tour of California - Sea Otter Classic

CALIFORNIA TRIP DETAILS

• Date: Tuesday, April 16th – Saturday, April 20th, 2024
• Duration: 5 days | 4 nights
• Location: Malibu to Monterey, concluding at the Sea Otter Classic
• Accommodation: Luxury
• Total Distance: 600 km
• Elevation Gain: 9000m
• Group Size: 10 - 12 Guests
• Price: Starting at £4200
• Difficulty Level: 3/5

INTRODUCTION

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the untamed landscapes of the Santa Barbara Wilderness, Midwest Sunset Oil Fields, Vineyards, and Pacific Coast Highway. This unique route will take you off the beaten path, offering stays at historic ranches, private cliff-top homes, and fabulous local food and dining. Expect to cover approximately 120 km per day with an average ascent of 1800m.

Stage 1 - Malibu to Ojai (101 km, 1610m climbing)

Our journey commences with a 101 km ride from Malibu to Ojai, leading us inland through the scenic Santa Monica Mountains National Park. Passing through Thousand Oaks, we reach Ojai, our first overnight stop. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and gentle climbs.

Stage 2 - Ojai to Taft (128 km, 2130m climbing)

Leaving Ojai, we pedal onward towards Taft on a 128 km route. The initial stretch is a steady 50km climb summiting as we conquer Pines Peak, venturing through the Matilija Wilderness and the southern reaches of the Los Padres National Forest. Descending into the arid Cuyama Valley and Kern County, we traverse oil country on our way to Taft, known for the famed Midway Sunset Oil Field.

Stage 3 - Taft to Paso Robles (High Ridge Manor) (148 km, 1520m climbing)

Stage 3 treats us to breath-taking scenery. We traverse the arid plains of Carizzo salt flats, wind through the Machesna Mountain Wilderness, and ride through valleys adorned with vineyards. Departing from Taft, we follow the valley north through Fellows and McKittrick, ultimately reaching the beautiful Santa Maria Valley. After descending into the Carizzo Plains, we journey through rolling hills and more vineyards, passing through Creston and arriving in Paso Robles. That evening, we'll explore the incredible light installations at Sensorio in Paso Robles.

Stage 4 - Paso Robles to Big Sur (Lucia) (130 km, 1960m climbing)

Our ride from Paso Robles takes us through the picturesque San Marcos Valley, passing by the Chimney Rocks on our way to Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio. We'll then descend from the epic Plaskett Ride, covering 1000m of descent in just 12 km, before reaching Lucien in Big Sur, where we'll spend our final night.

Stage 5 - Lucia to Monterey (100 km, 1810m climbing)

On the last leg of our journey, we'll follow the Pacific Coast bike path for a final 100 km stretch into Monterey. This iconic route takes us across the Bixby Creek Bridge, with the majestic Ventana Wilderness to our east and the stunning Pacific coastline to our west.