Get acquainted with Northern California's Wine Country and the Pacific Coast on our six-stage Sonoma Bike Tour that even the pros would envy. We'll expose you to valleys of world-famous vineyards, forests of massive redwoods, perfect pastoral landscapes and the captivating California Coast. We spend the entire week in Sonoma, the neighboring county just to the west of Napa Valley. Sonoma's roads are exceptional for cycling accommodating a range of abilities. Our Sonoma Bike Tour has been designed to offer a comprehensive cycling experience within California's celebrated Wine Country.
This trip is designed as a loop so you can drive to and from the tour in case you prefer not to fly. Save $200 if you decide to bring your own bike.
Dates: Pick a date below or select your own date, starting on a Sunday. We are able to operate this tour with 4 or more people. Price changes may apply for 4 people. Given the unique circumstances surrounding travel we understand if you are more comfortable traveling in a private group.
There are no upcoming tours scheduled at this time.
Enjoy carefully curated bike routes, savor some delicious farm-to-table meals and sample local wines, experience a range of scenery from vineyards to Pacific Ocean vistas with rides among redwoods and along mountain ridges.
Includes
5 nights lodging, double occupancy; meals as noted in itinerary; activities as outlined in itinerary; ride-friendly snacks and beverages throughout each day; hybrid or alloy road bike rental – carbon road bike or E-bike available for an upgrade fee ($100 for carbon; $200 for e-bike); professional trip leader(s); van support & porterage service; reusable water bottle & luggage tags.
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
After meeting in Petaluma, CA (~10 am, less than 1-hr drive north of San Francisco) for introductions and a brief orientation meeting, you'll bike through rolling oak and grassy terrain, then continue through the Russian River wine growing regions into Healdsburg. We’re spending the duration of the 6-day trip in Sonoma County, the lesser known area just west of Napa County. Sonoma features world-class wine and dining as well as exceptional cycling routes. Tonight we enjoy dinner at a favorite spot in downtown Healdsburg. Sleep well in our lodging for the next three nights.
Beginning in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley we’ll ride north up to the overview at Lake Sonoma before we traverse east into the awaiting embrace of Alexander Valley, full of wineries and butted-up against volcanic mountains. This afternoon we’ll take the opportunity to visit a guide-favorite winery and enjoy a guide-prepared picnic. Dinner tonight will be at another favorite spot in Healdsburg.
After breakfast we’ll ride through another part of Alexander Valley for an honest climb up and over Chalk Hill, known for its excellent grape growing conditions, which delivers us along the edge of the Russian River Valley. This afternoon we’ll take the opportunity to visit another guide-favorite winery. Dinner tonight will be on your own with many selections to choose from in Healdsburg.
Today's ride will bring us into the heart of the majestic coastal redwoods – among the tallest trees on the planet. At Armstrong Redwoods State Park [Note: The park has been closed in the wake of fires from Aug 2020, but is due to reopen “sometime in 2021”. If it isn’t, rest assured we’ll still bike among redwoods on the route], you can enjoy an optional walk among 1,400-year-old trees that tower over 300 feet high and create a unique microclimate. After lunch on your own in one of the small towns along the Russian River, you’ll continue out to the rugged Pacific Coast and south along the Pacific Coast Highway to the town of Bodega Bay.
Highlights: Ride to Bodega Bay and celebratory dinner
Our route today brings us through the hamlet of Bodega, where parts of the Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds, were filmed. We’ll pedal back through the redwoods to the bohemian town of Occidental and on to one of our favorite routes, Coleman Valley Road, which has been featured in the Tour of California cycling stage race. Our final group dinner is at a nearby favorite spot where, among other regional specialties, you can enjoy some locally-grown oysters cultivated in nearby Tomales Bay as part of the aquaculture operations there.
Spin out the legs on a loop ride in Sonoma's golden farmland. Coastal views and rolling hills are the highlight for this morning's final cool down. After returning to Bodega Bay, you'll have time to clean up and check out before we'll transfer you (35-min) back to Petaluma (arriving ~ 12:30 pm) where we will say goodbye and you can continue your adventure as you please!
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Rolling hills
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
