- Bicycle California stylebiking at the beach image by Ryan LeBaron from Fotolia.com
When it comes to bicycling environments California has something for everyone--ocean views, hot deserts, flat roads, mountains and forests. California bicycle vacation options include long day trips, supported tours, credit card tours or touring on your own. The different environments and types of tours allow for participants of varying interests and fitness levels. - At the "easy" end of bicycle vacations are simple day trips. Order a free visitor's guide to California for ideas on where to go. Set up a "base camp" where you will sleep and keep your supplies. Ride to local areas that are within a day of travel, meaning you can get there and back within a day. Depending upon your location, you will need to take food and supplies with you or plan on buying as you go. Local bicycle organizations also may have organized bike trips in your area of interest.
- Bicycle vacation tourists may take advantage of organizations or touring companies that provide supported and guided tours. In a supported tour, vehicles carry your main supplies--food, clothing and shelter--to checkpoints. At checkpoints, you can use your equipment or catch a ride to the next checkpoint. Guided tours have a guide who has prepared the route for you and keeps the group moving and together in order to get to specific locations.
- If you have money to burn and an independent streak, a "credit card tour" in California may appeal to you. Pick a location that appeals to you--wine country, along the Pacific coast, around public parks--jump on your bike and simply pay as you go. Sleep in hotels and buy food when needed.
- More intense bicycle tour vacations are tours undertaken completely on your own. You pack everything you need and head out on your bicycle. You can follow a preplanned route or just head in any direction that appeals to you. Parks make popular destinations or areas to explore.
- Locations, vacation time and riding activity typically define California bicycle vacation tours. Wine county, the Pacific coast, redwood forests, mountains and the desert are all popular destinations. Total time at these locations can vary from short three- to four-day weekend excursions to longer five- or six-day weekday events or week-long power trips. Novices and advanced riders can find an activity level that suits their needs as daily rides range from "easy"--10-20 miles per day--to "grinding" 60-120 miles per day. Pick what works for you.
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