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 Cyclists and race enthusiasts worldwide anticipate watching the two biggest cycling events of the year – the Tour of California and Tour de France. But while these exciting races may be fun to see, just watching a race isn’t enough. Those looking to enjoy a remarkable ride can travel to San Luis Obispo for its unique combination of spectacular scenery, world-class wines and back-country roads.
Here in San Luis Obispo, we don’t just watch…we ride. And one of the most enjoyable ways to ride is through the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo wine country. Here in SLO, we like to stop for a little refreshment along the way (just not too much refreshment). So let us introduce to you the do-it-yourself- Tour de SLO Wine Region.
One of the unique ways to experience the San Luis Obispo Wine Region is to cycle through the scenic rolling vineyards and rustic ranch roads of the area. With over two dozen local wineries, there are plenty of places on your journey to stop, rest, relax and grab a picnic.
The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Coalition has put together a ‘San Luis Obispo Wine Country by Bicycle’ guide that you can download here. The guide maps out three scenic rides throughout the wine region ranging from 19.7 miles to 29.5 miles. Of course, the time it will take to complete the rides depends on how many ‘refreshment’ stops are made. All three rides begin right outside of the downtown core of the city of San Luis Obispo at the train station.
The first ride is the Tiffany Ranch Road Loop, which focuses on the Edna Valley appellation of the SLO Wine Region. On this ride, the first major road of the loop will be Orcutt Road. Orcutt is full of some of Edna Valley’s finest wineries. The first “refreshment stop” is Baileyana Winery, set in an old school house. As you tour the rest of the way down the road, you will see Wolff Vineyard, famous for its Petit Syrah, and Chamisal Vineyards, the very first vineyard in the Edna Valley. To head back into SLO, make a loop on Tiffany Ranch Road to Highway 227, where you’ll soon see the next stop at Kynsi Winery. Kynsi was an active dairy in the 1940s. Claiborne and Churchill is just a bit farther down the road on your way back and is famous for being a tasting room made out of hay…well, it’s a straw bale building, but it’s a great story and keeps the wine nice and cool. Sextant is located at the town site of Edna, in the old merchant building. As you keep heading back into town the last refreshment stop on the tour will be Tolosa Winery, named for the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in the heart of the city, which is also where some of the vines Tolosa uses to make its incredible wines originated.
The additional two rides that the Bike Coalition developed for cyclists in the SLO Wine Region are the Corbett Canyon Loop and the Tour d’Avila. The Corbett Canyon Loop highlights both the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande wine appellations and takes cyclists out past Lake Lopez, east of Arroyo Grande. The Tour d’Avila is a ride to the beach town of Avila and back into San Luis Obispo through See Canyon Road, famous for its apples. Each ride is picturesque and we recommend that you take your time and bring your camera.
There are many other great wineries in the SLO Wine Region to check out, either on one of the two other tours or by car. So be sure not to miss:
San Luis Obispo is well-known for its phenomenal rides and cycling events that take place throughout the year. Here are a few upcoming events:
 SLO GranFondo
This inaugural SLO GranFondo is set for October 23 and will challenge riders with some of the world's most beautiful terrain along the rugged coast of northern San Luis Obispo County. The ride offers three fully supported routes throughout San Luis Obispo County to suit the occasional rider or the seasoned competitor.
Both pro and amateur cyclists are welcome to journey throughout the beautiful California Central Coast on this ride.
Central Coast Cancer Challenge
The Central Coast Cancer Challenge will take place on Saturday, September 18 and will combine cycling and running with a wellness expo and and concert to raise funds for both national and local cancer support charaties. The event is family focused and the sporting events will include beginner, advanced and children's levels.
More information available soon! |
Always so much happening in San Luis Obispo...
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 SLO Wine and Grill Affair: A Perfect Balace Of Grill and Grape
Saturday, June 5
Join us for a day of grill and grape mastery on the historic Filipponi Ranch at Per Bacco Cellars, Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.
Local wineries will create delectable bites of signature grilled dishes paired with their own, select wines. A panel of local celebrity judges will be on hand to pick the best food and wine pairing. Attendees will also be treated to live music, art and samples of gourmet chocolate, olive oil and breads from local vendors.
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 SLO GALA presents Central Coast Pride with Pride in the Plaza
July 2-11
One heart, one world, one pride
Central Coast Pride week celebrates the healthy gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community of the Central Coast. The events are designed to be both fun and educational. The two main events for the week are the headliner show and Pride in the Plaza. The headliner this year will be comedian Lisa Lampanelli performing her comedy show the 'Loveable Queen of Mean' at the Performing Arts Center on Saturday, July 10. Pride in the Plaza will follow on Sunday, July 11, as a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment in Mission Plaza.
Click here for more information |
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 Festival Mozaic
July 15-25
Enjoy a celebration of five centuries of music held on California's picturesque Central Coast. From Bach and beyond to Mozart and more, this world-class festival presents dynamic international artists in unique venues to create the ultimate experience.
Click here for more information |
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 Concerts in the Plaza
June 4 - August 27
Join us every Friday evening throughout the summer in the beautiful Mission Plaza for a free live conert series.
Enjoy jazz, country, light rock and other contemporary styles. Soft drinks, local wines and beers available. 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Click here for the 2010 schedule of concerts |
Don't forget to check out these great shows...
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Ready to visit?
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San Luis Obispo's Great Outdoors
One of the best parts about coming to San Luis Obispo is all the great outdoor activities we offer here. From hiking to biking, kayaking to windsurfing - we have it all here! So don't forget to bring your tennis shoes, there is so much outdoor adventure waiting here in SLO for you!
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And every Thursday night...Farmers Market
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Downtown San Luis Obispo comes alive every Thursday night. Shop for the freshest produce and flowers in the county, devour delicious ribs and sandwiches, browse local shops open late, and enjoy live entertainment. Open 6-9 p.m. on Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo.
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Leave your car at home...and come Car Free and Care Free
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There are so many ways to enjoy San Luis Obispo without your car. So if you would like to leave it at home we are happy to help you enjoy your vacation without it. SLOCarFree.org will show you how to get to SLO without your car and how to get around while you are here Car Free. There is nothing you can't do here without your car!
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