Sunday, June 04, 2006

the ever changing coast line

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Hills and curves -- next 63 miles

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by Monterey Bay

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Pigeon Point Lighthouse

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Bixby Bridge -- one of the highest in the world

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Bicycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles -- 800 kms.


A rolling bicycle tour, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, are you interested?

Background:

I am an avid cyclist and have toured various parts of the world seeking unique locations for each trip. During the last 10 years or so I have done about 50,000 kms in more than 15 countries. After a serious hip injury in August 2004, the one ride I wanted to repeat was along the Pacific coast from Vancouver to the San Diego and in particular, the stretch south of San Francisco for the simply reason that it is a uniquely spectacular experience.

Someone described this 800 kilometer stretch as one of rugged coasts, quiet beaches, lighthouses, giant redwoods and eucalyptus forests, famous wineries and world-class cities. To that I would add that it is magnificent cycling, with well engineered roads often hugging the coast, some challenging hills with long views, wide bike-lanes for most of the way, and during May and October, when I did my rides, traffic relatively modest and temperatures in the mid-teens and for comfortable riding, albeit, some stretches near San Francisco can be quite foggy.

In May 2006 I organized my first tour from SF to LA and 11 participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This will be the second tour and hopefully all of the minor kinks will have been removed for everyone's enjoyment.

The Proposed Tour:

For a group, maximum of 12 to ride 10 days from San Francisco to Los Angeles, from October 21, 2007. (There will be an option to end the tour two days earlier).

Are you interested?

Tour will include 10 nights of accommodations, and 8.5 days of challenging riding, for a total distance of about 800 kms. There is an optional rest day near the famous Hearst Castle near San Simeon or an extra day of riding for those who just want to ride.

We will be staying in national chain motels/hotels or good quality independently owned properties, including the renowned Big Sur Lodge amongst the giant redwoods.

This will be a fully SAG supported tour, using an experienced California based tour operator, with a mechanic, food, water, snacks during the mornings and afternoons of the tour.

It will include an accompanying riding tour guide, route instruction, maps etc.

A 12 passenger shuttle van with bike racks, luggage transfer to hotels.

Pick up at San Francisco airport and drop off at destination airport in Los Angeles.

This will be a custom tour, requiring the participation of at least 6 avid cyclists to have an experience of a life-time.

For further information on itinerary and pricing please contact Andrew at (416) 924-6171 or andrewjacob@rogers.com