Classic California Coast
October 11, 12-19, 2008                   California
380 Miles/8 days (6 days riding, 2 rest/activity days) - lots of options for additional activities
$1100/$350 Deposit    Rating: E30-A85
Balance due by: August 20, 2008

This new HeartCycle tour visits the mountains and coast of central California - one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world.

From the tour start in San Luis Obispo, we will head west to Morro Bay where we will take a brief look at the Pacific Ocean before heading inland to our first night at Paso Robles. From Paso Robles, we will follow quiet inland valleys and oak woodlands to the Salinas Valley farming town of King City, deep in the heart of the "Salad Bowl of the World." The next day's ride will start off with an intimate tour of the lettuce fields before turning into the heart of the coastal ranges. We'll finish the day with a long downhill run through Carmel Valley before turning north to our lodgings in the Fisherman's Wharf area of Monterey.

Following a day of activities in Monterey (the wharf, aquarium, kayaking, and 17-Mile drive are all temptations), we embark on the highlight of the tour - the rugged Big Sur coastline. At 85 miles, this is our longest day (with quite a bit of climbing), but the scenery, the sea otters, and the prevailing tailwinds will all make this day seem too short. After a night in our lodgings perched on the cliffs at Ragged Point, an easy ride past basking elephant seals will bring us to a tour of Hearst Castle then on to Morro Bay, where we will spend our second rest/play day. A picnic lunch at Montana de Oro and a 30 mile hop bring us back to San Luis Obispo on the last day.

Tour Leaders: Dan Pappone and Duncan Rollo
For more information contact Dan @ 408-316-1667 or email daniel.pappone@ge.com or Duncan @ 970-224-2783 or e-mail  dtewell123@msn.com