Overview

Welcome to California’s South Central Coast! Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Santa Barbara Inn at 10:30 AM to kick off your cycling adventure. After a brief round of introductions, they'll review bike safety and dial in your fit to ensure you’re comfortable on your Trek bike for the week. Today’s ride begins with a scenic warm‑up along Santa Barbara’s beautiful Channel Drive, a favorite local stretch that hugs the shoreline beneath swaying palms. From here, you’ll turn inland toward East Valley Road and climb gradually into the quiet, oak‑lined lanes of Park Lane. Enjoy sweeping mountain views as you wrap a loop around the town of Montecito before descending back toward the waterfront. You’ll roll into the Funk Zone, an industrial-chic district of galleries and tasting rooms, for a well-earned lunch before heading back to the hotel for the afternoon. After the ride, unwind before gathering for social hour and dinner, where your guides will preview the ambitious riding ahead.

Overview

Get ready for a standout day on the American Riviera as you take on one of California’s most celebrated climbs. After a short warm-up from the hotel, you’ll turn onto iconic Gibraltar Road—a demanding 7.2-mile ascent that gains roughly 2,800 feet and winds through eucalyptus-lined slopes, with broad Pacific views unfolding as you gain elevation. At the summit, you’ll have the option to turn right for a stunning out‑and‑back ride along the southern stretch of East Camino Cielo, or begin your return toward Santa Barbara. The descent back to the Santa Barbara Inn is narrow and technical in sections, so feel free to take it at a comfortable pace and soak in the views. Once back in town, enjoy lunch on your own—State Street offers plenty of great spots to choose from. The afternoon is yours to explore Santa Barbara or simply relax by the pool. You'll reconnect with the group for dinner at the hotel’s oceanfront restaurant, Convivo, where we’ll toast to the day and savor coastal cuisine.

Overview

Today’s ride is a true California classic, blending fresh ocean air with big-mountain scenery. Start with a bike path spin south toward Ventura, tracing the shoreline before leaving the path for the 18-mile climb toward Casitas Springs. The grade builds gradually through citrus groves and urban backroads, setting you up for Casitas Pass climb, a local favorite for its steady ramps and rewarding descent. You'll arrive at Lake Casitas Recreation Area—host site for canoeing and rowing events during the 1984 Summer Olympics—for a signature Trek Travel picnic. Once you're ready to continue, you'll have two final kicker climbs, each about a mile long with average grades of 8%. A fast, satisfying descent follows, heading back toward the Pacific where you'll join the Ralph Fertig Memorial bike path for a cooldown pedal back to the hotel. This evening, the choice is yours. Celebrate your big day on the bike at a seaside spot with sunset views or with a glass of wine shared in good company at a cozy wine bar.

Overview

This morning begins with a focus on the coast, offering a blend of relaxed seaside riding and one solid climb to keep the legs sharp. You’ll roll out along the California shoreline toward Rincon Point, an iconic surf break and a highlight of the California Coastal Route. The route then goes inland toward the day’s primary challenge: Toro Canyon, a steady climb of just over three miles. Near the top, you’ll turn onto Ladera Lane, where pitches reach around 15% as the road winds past impressive hillside homes. After cresting the climb, head back into town on a series of rollers with majestic views of the ocean. You’ll finish on lively State Street, where the afternoon is yours to choose a lunch spot and take in the scene. This evening, wander Santa Barbara's downtown or unwind back at the hotel, then toast the day with a sunset cocktail and enjoy dinner at any one of Santa Barbara’s acclaimed restaurants.

Overview

Today delivers the Queen Stage of the week, with more than 9,000 feet of cumulative climbing on Santa Barbara’s most storied roads. After a short warm-up, you’ll turn onto Painted Cave Road, a twisting 6.5-mile ascent with pitches reaching 14% and a striking section near Painted Cave State Historic Park, where traces of Chumash history remain etched into the landscape. A long descent carries you to Cold Spring Tavern—originally a stagecoach stop dating back to 1868—for a quick lunch. For added mileage, choose the avid option to spin along the steady out-and-back of Paradise Road. The climbing then resumes as you take on San Marcos Pass and the northern stretch of East Camino Cielo, a 7-mile climb gaining roughly 1,600 feet. Around mile 60, you’ll crest the final sustained summit before descending back to the hotel for some well-deserved down time. This evening, enjoy drinks and dinner at one of the area’s most celebrated restaurants for a fitting close to a week defined by diverse terrain, incredible scenery, and unmistakable California character.

Overview

It’s our final morning in Santa Barbara, a chance to savor the coastal setting one last time. Those feeling energized can join the guides for a relaxed recovery spin along the oceanfront, loosening up the legs and enjoying the Pacific shoreline. If you prefer a slower start, take the morning to wander Santa Barbara's boutiques or stroll its palm-lined streets. Afterward, you’ll have time to freshen up and check out before your guides shuttle you to Santa Barbara Airport at 12:00 PM.