Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort / Patty Wilding Photography
With scenic country roads set against a backdrop of rolling hills and mountains, it’s beautifully obvious why the Santa Ynez Valley has long been a revered cycling destination and training ground for top competitive cyclists. But this summer, even beginners will have a chance to traverse the picturesque terrain through a new guided-cycling package offered by Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, a 10,000-acre property hidden in the heart of California’s central coast, about 40 miles north of Santa Barbara. All six trails travel through Solvang, a quaint town filled with Danish architecture, crafts and culture, but from then on, it is rider’s choice. Novice riders can enjoy a leisurely ride past green wine valleys on Foxen Canyon Road (Alisal can incorporate a vineyard tasting for an additional fee), while expert riders can choose the ambitious Highway One Loop, packed with strenuous climbs. alisal.com