Sonoma Bike Tour (TourzPlus)
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.
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your TourzPlus tour at the
TourzPlus Tour Style page.
Tour Dates & Prices
Aug 9-14, 2020
USD$2795
USD$895
Sep 6-11, 2020
USD$2795
USD$895
Oct 4-9, 2020
USD$2795
USD$895
Jun 13-18, 2021
USD$2795
USD$895
Aug 8-13, 2021
USD$2795
USD$895
Sep 12-17, 2021
USD$2795
USD$895
Oct 3-8, 2021
USD$2795
USD$895
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
- Trip At-A-Glance
- Tour Summary
- Daily Itinerary
- Map
- Reviews
Trip At-A-Glance
Trip At-A-Glance
- Length / 6 Days
- Total Distance / 465 km (289 miles)
- Avg. Distance / 78 km (48 miles) per riding day
- Tour Level & Tour Style / 3.5
TourzPlus
- Countries / USA
- Begin/End / San Francisco / Bodega Bay
- Price / From USD$2795
Tour Summary
Tour Summary
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Highlights
Enjoy carefully curated bike routes including King Ridge and Coleman Valley Road, sleep in style at three of our favorite hotels in Sonoma, savor some exceptional 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.
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Includes
5 nights lodging, double occupancy; meals as noted in itinerary; non-optional 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; $200-300 for e-bike); professional trip leader(s); van support & porterage service; reusable water bottle, wool socks & luggage tags.
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your TourzPlus tour at the
TourzPlus Tour Style page.
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Arrive / Depart
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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Overall Tour Level
3.5 
Terrain is rolling to hilly. Level is novice to advanced.
Daily Itinerary
Download Itinerary
DAY 1: Meet San Francisco
Highlights: Ride Petaluma to Healdsburg
Meet in San Francisco and we will shuttle you the rest of the way to our starting location for our Sonoma bike tour. Once in Petaluma, after 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. Tonight's team dinner is at Spoonbar Restaurant for "some of the most satisfying and modern food in Sonoma County". Sleep well in our lodging for the next 2 nights at the h2hotel Healdsburg.
- Distance: 85km (53mi)
- Meals: Dinner
- Lodging:
DAY 2: Dry Creek & Chalk Hill
Highlights: Loop ride, winery visit
We offer up a route today that is pure perfection, starting and ending in Healdsburg. Some of the nation's best-rated wineries are on this route, but we'll prove to you that it's the cycling that truly makes this region iconic. Beginning in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley, we'll traverse east into the awaiting embrace of Alexander Valley, full of wineries and butted-up against volcanic mountains. Then it's 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. Treat yourself to splendid vistas of vineyards and the surrounding mountains throughout the day. This afternoon, it's time to sample what we've been seeing, so we'll take the opportunity to visit a guide-favorite winery and explore the Sonoma varietals that put this region on the map. An extended Bighorn Ride tackles an additional loop in Dry Creek before heading back to Healdsburg to enjoy the rest of the day in town.
- Distance: 100km (62mi)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Lodging:
DAY 3: Healdsburg to Timber Cove
Highlights: King Ridge Road, Armstrong Redwoods State Park
Today we leave the vineyards behind us as we ride through the redwoods of the Russian River to the tiny bohemian town of Cazadero. From there, we have a significant ride up King Ridge Road, one of the greatest cycling routes anywhere. It climbs steeply through a dense redwood forest, emerging into sunlight and grassy meadows of the coast range. Ride from hotel to hotel with the Bighorn option, or shuttle the first 25 miles and take time to visit the Armstrong Redwoods State Park before hopping on the bike. King Ridge undulates along the crest of this coastal range before plummeting through the redwoods back to the sea. Our lodging and team dinner tonight are at Timber Cove, a quiet and calming resort with amazing views of the Pacific.
- Distance: 98km (61mi)
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Lodging:
DAY 4: Timber Cove to Bodega Bay
Highlights: Scenic roads along the Pacific Coast
Enjoy the morning with a leisurely breakfast after yesterday's big effort. Today's ride will hug the Pacific Coast along Highway One, arguably one of the most scenic roads you'll ever experience. There is very little development on this section so the traffic is minimal as the road twists and turns along this rugged and unspoiled section of the Pacific's edge. The sound of waves crashing below will carry you south to the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa, our home for the next two nights. Here you can enjoy the views of the bay from your patio, or better yet, unwind with a massage. Dinner tonight is at the hotel's restaurant, Drakes Sonoma Coast Kitchen.
- Distance: 66km (41mi)
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Lodging:
DAY 5: Occidental Loop
Highlights: Wine tasting, final dinner
Roll out south from Bodega Bay along Highway One for several more miles to the town of Freestone and home to one of the best bakeries we've visited. Grab a snack and enjoy that espresso, then it's through the redwoods again to the bohemian town of Occidental. Here, you can opt for our Bighorn Ride extension along the Bohemian Highway to the town of Guerneville and back along rolling country roads to Occidental before rejoining the main route. Round out the circuit with an ascent of Coleman Valley Road, a challenging climb featured in the Amgen Tour of California professional stage race. Later this afternoon, we thought you might enjoy a toast to a week of rock-solid riding, so we've arranged a tasting at another Sonoma standout winery to raise a glass and cheers your friends, both old and new. The final group dinner this evening is at the nearby award-winning restaurant, Terrapin Creek Cafe.
- Distance: 79km (49mi)
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Lodging:
DAY 6: Last Coastal Ride
Highlights: Depart San Francisco
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 Lodge, you'll have time to clean up and check out, and we'll transfer you back to San Francisco where we will say goodbye and you can continue your adventure as you please!
- Distance: 37km (23mi)
- Meals: Breakfast
Map
Reviews
Gentle
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 4 - 4.5
For experienced riders who love to climb (and descend) and enjoy a few longer days in the saddle.
Browse Level 4 - 4.5 Trips
Level 5
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.
Read more about ExpeditionPlus!
Terrain Definitions
Gentle
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.
Browse Level 1 - 1.5 Trips
Level 2 - 2.5
Suitable for riders who enjoy hills and the occasional steeper climb.
Browse Level 2 - 2.5 Trips
Level 3 - 3.5
For riders who prefer hilly terrain most days and/or longer mileage days.
Browse Level 3 - 3.5 Trips
Level 4 - 4.5
For experienced riders who love to climb (and descend) and enjoy a few longer days in the saddle.
Browse Level 4 - 4.5 Trips
Level 5
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.
Read more about ExpeditionPlus!
Style Definitions
These are the definitions...
