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.

bike route california


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.

tour of california

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.

california by bike

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.

cycling california

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.


From commuter to Unbound 200 winner: Meet Rosa Klöser

The German rider won the world’s biggest gravel race despite having only started cycling competitively in 2022 – all while completing her PhD at the same time

READ MORE
‘It has felt like cycling doesn’t want me anymore’ - Heidi Franz on fragility, resilience and holding on to the dream

After being part of three teams in a row which have faced closure, the 29-year-old discusses the fragility of women’s cycling and how she’s picked herself up against the odds

READ MORE
From Melbourne to the WorldTour: How Maap’s founders are ‘making cycling as cool as it can be’

Rouleur sits down with MAAP co-founders Oliver Cousins and Jarrad Smith to talk about how the Australian brand has grown and what’s coming next

Precision in every stitch: MAAP’s new road collection elevates performance and aesthetics for everyone

Rouleur speaks to the VP of product at the Melbourne-based brand to find out more about what it takes to develop and design a new collection

READ MORE
‘We need to continue to talk’ - Haley Smith on mental health advocacy and falling back in love with her sport

The Canadian mountain biker and gravel racer explains why her goals in cycling are much bigger than just race results

READ MORE
Building sisterhood with Lifeplus-Wahoo

Episode one of the Lifeplus-Wahoo 'Made This' series documents life in the team house leading up to the biggest races of the season

READ MORE
Inside cycling’s holy week with Lifeplus-Wahoo

A look at the ups and downs of racing the biggest Classics in the world

READ MORE
‘Bikes are celebrated here’ - Exploring Amsterdam with MAAP

Rouleur heads to one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world to find out why Amsterdam is the place that Australian clothing brand, MAAP, has decided to open its first store in Europe

Exploring the Alt_Road: MAAP’s latest gravel collection review

The Australian brand’s Alt_Road gravel collection aims to open up the sport to a wider range of riders

READ MORE