The Grand Loop
The Grand Loop – the inspiration behind cycleCalCoast
An epic, multi-day ride
Where to begin? Consider taking the AMTRAK Surfliner from Los Angeles or San Diego – your bike rides free.
This route hits all the highlights the coastal region has to offer. Follow prior year's routes of the Amgen Tour as you loop around Lake Casitas.
Amenities to match
Hotels, food and beverage – you’ll have many to chose from as you traverse this well-signed route. Local breweries will quench your thirst at the end of a long day’s ride. Wine tasting rooms are scattered throughout Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone awaiting your explorations.
Spend a day or a week
Let this Grand Loop be just the beginning of your cycling adventures – the Santa Ynez Valley offers several beautiful routes along wine country's quiet roads.
Ventura, Santa Paula, Ojai Loop
Ventura – Ojai Loop
Rabalais' Bistro in Santa Paula
A classic 50-mile loop ride, starting in Ventura
Highlights
Do the work, put in the effort and after 9 miles of climbing you'll be rewarded with a long downhill all the way back to your starting point.
How to get here
Take the AMTRAK Surfliner to Ventura, where you'll easily intercept this route.
The Route
This challenging loop offers spectacular views as you crest and enter the Ojai Valley. Consider riding counterclockwise. As you make the turn and head south to Ventura jump on the Class 1 Ojai Valley Trail that connects to the Ventura River Trail taking you all way downtown.
Lake Casitas Loop
Lake Casitas Loop
Above Lake Casitas
Start this loop from Ventura or Santa Barbara
The Route
This 70-mile loop ride is a great workout. After a long warm up along Route 192 through Montecito you climb to meet Toro Cyn Road. The next highlight is Gobernador Canyon Road, which features great scenics before connecting you to Route 150 where you'll begin the ascent to Casitas Pass.
Highlights
On this segment of The Grand Loop you'll enjoy cool coastal breezes as you climb along a favorite route of the Amgen Tour.
Insider Tip
Pack a lunch.
Grand Loop West
The Grand Loop West
photo: Jeff Clark
Searching for world-class cycling possibilities? This Grand Loop route offers the ultimate in-town experience
Highlights
From the ocean to the mountains, from Santa Barbara to Carpinteria and Goleta – this Century ride may fall slightly short in mileage, but not in breadth of terrain and elevation.
The Route
Featuring some of the most rigorous riding in the region, this route attracts the most experienced cyclists. Like a collection of the best day-rides, like the Lake Casitas Loop, Gibralter Road and the much tamer Mesa Loop, this route and derivatives of it, are often featured in local century rides.
Designed for counterclockwise riding you'll enjoy cool coastal breezes as you fly down the coast to Carpinteria. The first of many climbing treats, Gobernador Canyon Road offers barely a hint of what's to come.
Insider Tips
A spectacular riding experience with a route bookended by Santa Barbara's finest hotels. Local wines and produce combine to make your evening's dining exceptional. If you're searching for the ultimate cycling destination, look no further.
On Mountain Drive at Cold Springs