"Tour of California"

Trip #1; February 13th to February 16th (after stage start), 2009

The first trip will cover the stages in Northern California, Napa Valley and the Bay Area. It takes place over Valentine's day which makes for a great extended week-end for cycling fans and active couples. We will see 3 stages of the Tour of California. Nights are in Wine Country and Bay area. The rides will take us through Muir Woods, over the Panoramic highway and through the vineyards of the Napa Valley.

Please read below for day by day description of the trip.

This trip is open to cyclists as well as those who prefer not to ride.

ITINERARY   -   What is included?   -   Options

- February 13th - Welcome to California!

We will be picking-up at Sacramento Airport at 2:30pm and will transfer to our initial hotel located in the heart of the Napa Valley — in the charming town of Yountville.

The Town of Yountville is renowned for its world-class restaurants and award winning chefs and has earned the unofficial title of 'Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley'.

Those riding will setup bikes and go for a short ride through the vineyards. We'll then gather for a welcome toast and dinner.

- February 14th -

Our first day on the Tour of California will likely include viewing along the stage course as well as in the State Capital itself. Typically the State's governor will hand out the first Leader's Jersey.

The exact viewing locations will be determined once the stage details have been released.

En-route to Sacramento, we do have a very nice 50 mile ride planned which will go by Lake Hennessy.

- February 15th -

Another great day of Tour viewing and riding! We'll leave by bike from our hotel and ride up to 55 miles to get to Santa Rosa, via a detour through the Pope Valley. Once again, our plans call to see the race in Santa Rosa at the arrival, but if the peloton goes over a nice mountain climb near the arrival (quite possible), we may alter our plans to see them at a slower pace going uphill.

Once the stage is over we will transfer to another wonderful hotel in Sausalito and enjoy a final dinner together.

- February 16th -

This is the final day of this trip and we will be viewing the stage from the start in Sausalito. First though, we have a great ride through Muir Woods, Panoramic highway, Scenic highway the Golden Gate National Park and riding the Golden gate bridge itself! Depending on how much of this ride you wish to do the options go from 27 miles to 45 miles. This is one ride well worth getting up early for!

Once the stage is off, we will transfer you to San Francisco airport.