When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!
Overview
From Santa Barbara in all its coastal luxury, we dissolve into the California of old: gracious, Spanish architecture, ranchland and oak groves, all crossed by wonderfully scenic cyclo-touring routes.
As you breathe in the sea air all along your ride on the coast, the next sense might be the heady board wax from a leisurely stroll past an iconic surf shop… or the scrumptious bouquet wafting from a world-class wine-tasting room.
Talk about transporting… From following the very same stage as the 2018 Amgen Tour of California (the second), we indulge in another very Californian experience: an afternoon at the spa for a relaxing massage if you so choose.* Welcome to Ojai and Santa Barbara.
*Spa treatments not included in tour price
Day 1-2: Meet-up in Santa Barbara. Shuttle to Ojai, a welcoming if nicely adorned small-town, all golden era California grace and humble lines. Getting the legs warmed up, we drop onto the Casitas Lake Loop. This ride is a favorite of Santa Barbara’s cycling community. A classic Central Coast ride, the loop checks all the ecological zone/topographical feature boxes unique to the region: high chaparral to Oak woodlands to vibrant fruit and vegetable orchards environs. Off the bike, we visit an artisanal olive oil press and celebrated producer, gaining knowledge and understanding of the process. Breaking out our hiking shoes, we range into the best wilderness within the nearby Los Padres National Forest: 342-sq mile wilderness called Sespe Creek. A 61-mile long stream, the Sespe symbolizes a glorious holdout: one of the last wild rivers in Southern California untouched by dams or concrete channels. Day Two, we saddle up in Ojai; our stage follows one beautiful bike path, a tasty combination of exposed and unexposed canopies (paved-off road trail). Sweeping into Ventura (pop. 109,592), a seaside city ringed by farmlands and the Los Padres NF, our route connects to another comfortably wide bike path. Surging north, along the coast, the path wends our peloton into Carpenteria, a small Oceanside city below broad hills, polo fields and horse ranches. Inhaling big miles and deep draws of scintillating sea air, we wrap in Santa Barbara.
Day 3-4: After some enjoyable downtime in tony Santa Barbara (pop. 91,196) we saddle up at the Hope Ranch Loop. This ride is more social climber than the literal type. Rolling in and out of hillsides, this 16-mile route sweeps past Santa Barbara’s 1%ers. Climbing 901-ft., only to descend an equal span, we pedal past the city’s rich and famous, if not some impressive equestrian settings amidst California live oaks. Slipping into walking shoes and sneakers, we next descend on Santa Barbara’s meticulously preserved Old Mission, marveling at surrounding gardens and gorgeous grounds. Veering into Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, a hipster quarter between the Pacific and downtown, we follow an urban wine trail to pop-up parties at art galleries. From surf shops to local distilleries and breweries, we linger long at some of the Central Coast’s finest wine-tasting rooms. The next day goes up country. From Santa Barbara, our group cycles into the Santa Ynez Valley. A rural enclave of horse culture, tourism, vineyards and high viticulture, some might recognize this stage as the backdrop for the critically well-received comedy, Sideways. Sweeping past ranchlands, through rolling countryside, we close out at Los Olivos (pop. 1132). Built in the 1880s, this refreshingly accessible town of shade trees and colorful gardens trends for its world class wine if not equally superb farm-to-table cuisine.
Day 5-6: Basing from the vineyards and ranches that ring Los Olivos, our time is divided between pool/spa and saddle. Refreshed and exfoliated, Day Five’s stage unfolds atop the Four Canyons loop. A visual/landscape mash-up of rural Sicily, Portugal and Hawaii’s backside, Four Canyons covers miles of quiet backroads. Through Drum, Foxen and Ballard Canyons, respectively, the route spills into Purisima Hills: gorgeous horse, cattle, goat and alpaca range.
The next day we throttle back a skosh, owing to time management and schedule. Our final stage egresses from Los Olivos vineyards, looping toward the Danish village of Solvang, (46-miles northwest of Santa Barbara); then back. Picture wide spread vineyards, lavender farms, fig trees and ancient oak groves. With a shuttle back to Santa Barbara we wrap with fond farewells.
Lodging
Accommodations may vary depending on your departure date. Call us at 1.800.596.2953 for more details.Night 1: Ojai Valley Inn | Ojai, CA
905 Country Club Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
Surrounded by scenic hills and mountains, this historic and celebrated resort features a full health spa and a championship golf course. Five restaurants feature dishes made from locally grown ingredients. An iPad and a flat-screen TV are included in every room. Rooms at the Ojai Valley Inn are decorated in Spanish Colonial style and feature in-room coffee machines. Spa Ojai bathroom amenities, a flat-screen TV and a radio with iPod connection are also included. Some rooms offer a fireplace.
Spa Ojai welcomes guests with warm, exotic rooms featuring a variety of massages and treatments. A long list of mind and body fitness classes is also available. In addition to the two pools at the spa, the resort offers a large, outdoor family swimming pool with food and beverage service.
“There aren’t enough stars available to properly rate this amazing place. The view, the food, the grounds, the sunet… I mean, where to start? I have never had a bad visit here, and I’ve stayed in a variety of rooms throughout the expansive property. The food is incredible, the spa is lovely, and I highly recommend long walks at sunset to see the “pink moment”. Amazing place.”
-SharonSdG
Night 2 & 3: Harbor House Inn | Santa Barbara, CA
104 Bath Street, West Beach
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Located one short block from the beach, the Harbor House is a small, quiet inn featuring seventeen one-of-a-kind guest studios. These boutique accommodations offer complete small kitchens, free wireless internet access and Smart Televisions, expanded cable television with Netflix & Hulu, private bathrooms and one queen or king-sized bed in each unit. Select rooms include a kitchen. All rooms offer air-conditioning as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary welcome breakfast basket. The property offers complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, and beach towels for the guest’s convenience.
“Amazing attention to every detail so that you are thoroughly comfortable and at home. Fully stocked Kitchen, bathroom touches like a holder for makeup and fresh clean towels, bed was comfy, smart tv with Netflix! Fabulous location near the ocean with free bikes to use on the beautiful bike trail along the ocean. No breakfast but such convenient breakfasts nearby, plus you have the kitchen if you wasn’t to make your own. Owner and staff could not be more accommodating! Highly recommend this lovely hotel. ”
-Nina
Night 4 & 5: Fess Parker Wine Country Inn | Los Olivos, CA
2860 Grand Ave
Los Olivos, CA 93441
Located in downtown Los Olivos, this quiet hamlet offers wine tasting in several different tasting rooms. The Bear & Star Restaurant, which features ranch-inspired refined cuisine, opened in May 2017. Fess Parker Wine Country Inn guests will also enjoy complimentary wine tasting for two at the Parker Family tasting rooms. The Spa and Boutique, also newly renovated, offer wine infused treatments, such as Vino Therapy and a variety of massages.
The rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and free toiletries. Guests can choose to unwind at the outdoor pool or the on-site fitness center.
“Breakfast service was excellent. The restaurant was really very lovely and the cuisine very good. Cocktails superb. Good selection wine list. Robert was extremely helpful both nights we dined. Message and facial also excellent. Enjoyed an afternoon sitting by the
pool.”
-Barry
Activities
This Trip is Rated Fitness Levels 1-4While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.
| Day | Activity | Easy | Moderate | Seasoned | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles | Feet Gain | Miles | Feet Gain | Miles | Feet Gain | ||
| Day 1 | Road Biking | Easy: 18 Miles | 929 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 51 Miles | 4530 Ft. Gain | ||
| Day 2 | Road Biking | Easy: 15 Miles | 207 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 36 Miles | 914 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 53 Miles | 1408 Ft. Gain |
| Day 3 | Road Biking | Easy: 16 Miles | 872 Ft. Gain | ||||
| Day 4 | Road Biking | Easy: 26.2 Miles | 1270 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 31 Miles | 1829 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 43 Miles | 5892 Ft. Gain |
| Day 5 | Road Biking | Easy: 19 Miles | 1147 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 29 Miles | 2030 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 58 Miles | 3688 Ft. Gain |
| Day 6 | Road Biking | Easy: 12.7 Miles | 606 Ft. Gain | ||||
Find out more about Choosing a Tour.
All-Inclusive Prices
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
Also Included on This Tour:
Specialized Carbon Road Bike RentalFree With Every Tour
Tour Bike
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. On every road bike tour, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our bikes meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have e-bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
Nite Ize Wraptor Smart Phone Mount
NiteRider Lumina Micro 650 and Sabre 80 Combo
Specialized Roubaix Disc (Included)
Specialized has perfected the road bike. Ride confidently and comfortably for longer distances on any of our trips around the world. All of our bikes are equipped with the latest components and our 2019 models include disc brakes.
Specialized Sirrus Hybrid (Included)
Specialized hybrid bikes are the most comfortable bikes available. Our most popular bike for multi-sport and moderate road bike tours is the proven Sirrus. This bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. This bike sits upright, is equipped with a very comfortable seat, and the gearing has a wide range of speeds.
Specialized Tero Hybrid E-Bike (Included)
For those of you who have always wanted to join a bike tour but feared your fitness would hold you or the group back, fear no more. Our incredible e-bike option allows you to do more, go twice as fast and far. The all new Specialized Turbo has one goal and one goal only—to inspire you to get out, get moving, and to have some fun along the way. E-bike available on most casual and luxury inn trips for an additional price.
Specialized Turbo Creo E-Bike ($100/day)
Take a deep breath, turn on the power and enjoy a beautiful adventure on the all new Escape Adventure’s Electric Road Bike. The new road e-bike from Escape Adventures now allows you to travel further distances and explore new areas. The pedal assisted technology also allows beginner and novice riders to join in on more challenging routes and terrain.
Why travel with Escape Adventures?
Our Commitment to You
For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised. * Scheduled Domestic trips only.
Our Commitment to the Environment
Our environmental commitment is second to none. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.
Exceptional Service and Exceptional Guides
Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.
The Best Support Vehicles
Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. For example, certain vehicles are specifically designed for the Canyonlands region of Utah, while others are designed for The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Each of our Trip Leaders is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced Trip Leaders make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, gear and plenty of drinking water to any location.
The Best Bicycles and Gear
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have ebikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
The Best Food
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food represents a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. On our inn tours most dinners and breakfasts unfold at local favorite restaurants. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you’re enjoying a ride. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! An increasing number of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we not only accommodate but also pleasantly surprise. Should you possess special diet requirements and/or limitations, just let us know at sign-up. We’ll work with you to meet those critical needs.
Scheduled Departure Dates
Luxury Inns & Restaurants: $4,699
Family Getaways & eBike Available May 2024
5/12 5/19 5/26June 2024
6/2 6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30July 2024
7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28August 2024
8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25September 2024
9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29October 2024
10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27November 2024
11/3 11/10 11/17 11/24December 2024
12/1 12/8 12/15 12/22 12/29Private & Custom Tours
The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.
Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:
- Clubs and co-workers
- Family reunions
- Corporate retreats
- Friends
To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.
Rates on Private and Custom Departures:
All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price. In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.
- 10+ GUESTS Price as advertised*
- 8-9 GUESTS +$400 per person to trip price*
- 6-7 GUESTS +$900 per person to trip price*
- 4-5 GUESTS +$1,900 per person to trip price*
- 2-3 GUESTS +$2,500 per person to trip price*
* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.
