Day 1 provides two challenging climbs through picturesque gold country starting and ending at our camp on the South Fork of the American River. The terrain is rugged, the climbs are steep, but the scenery is beautiful. You will be glad you added this route to your bucket list. After the climbs are over we head back to old town Placerville which provides many snacking opportunities before returning to the river. Camp is a stone's throw from the river at Camp Lotus where screams of white water rafters can be heard in the afternoon as they pass by. The gold discovery site of Sutter's Mill is a short walk or ride from the camp, as are several local shops and restaurants. Be on the look-out for gold nuggets if you go.

Alternates: STTS D-1 Medium STTS D-1 Short

Day 2 begins with two gentle 600’ climbs followed by downhill and flat terrain the rest of the day. The route which is just under 60 miles drops you out of Gold Country, past Johnny Cash’s famed Folsom, and then through Old Town Sacramento, both great places to test the local cuisine or to find that old time soda fountain. The route meanders along the American river on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail. Smith is credited with discovering the South Pass of the continental divide establishing the best route for the Oregon Trail. Just south of Old Town Sacramento is our resting place for the night along the Delta as Sherwood Harbor Marina.

Day 3 takes a pancake flat loop through the Central Valley Delta before heading to Davis and Winters. If your legs are feeling the pain, today offers a relieving 35-mile bypass option direct to camp in Lake Solano. Dinner is served right at our campground. Local peacocks will entertain you but may lose their appeal as they continue their chorus of cries into the night so don’t forget to pack ear plugs.

Alternate: STTS D-3 Short

Day 4 continues west via Hwy 128 and crosses the tour’s half way point. It climbs past Monticello Dam then up and over "Cardiac Hill" in Napa County. “Cardiac Hill” was coined by Iron Man Dave Scott as the best road in the area to get a good cardiac work out. Rest stop 1 is at Turtle Rock Bar and Grill, well worth a peek inside. Head north through vineyards and forest into Pope Valley and a shaded 4 mile 1000’ climb up Ink Grade Rd. Luckily, rest stop 2 at the Clif Family Farm is half way to the top. Your efforts will be rewarded with a magnificent descent into the Napa Valley, one of the most scenic of the tour, followed by a short 6.5 mile roll into camp along Silverado Trail. Camp is at Napa County Fairgrounds but Calistoga provides a great opportunity for a mid-week hotel splurge! Dinner tonight is on your own at one of the many great restaurants located downtown.

Alternates: STTS D-4 Short STTS D-4 Hard

Day 5 is a tour through classic California Wine Country with winery rest stops for some local tasting. Sag vans will carry your purchases to camp to enjoy with your fellow riders after a day in the saddle. Today is mostly rolling terrain with no major climbs to give your legs a rest as you travel along the Russian River dotted with small towns. Slip back into the 70’s as you roll through Guerneville and Monte Rio to enjoy a leisurely lunch or simply relax beside the river before taking a side trip through Armstrong Redwoods to ride among the majestic sequoias. Camp tonight is a few more miles to the west on the south side of the Russian River at Casini Ranch.

Alternate: STTS D-5 Hard

Day 6 is the day we eat our way down the Pacific Coast feasting on pastries, bread, cheese, oysters, and assorted other seafood. Start out your day with breakfast at the Cape Fear Cafe in Duncan’s Mills just 1 mile into the route. After breakfast, we head to the coast and travel down famous Pacific Coast Hwy 1 offering breathtaking views. An optional route up Bohemian Road takes you through the cute little town of Occidental past the famous Howard’s Café and into the Wild Flour Bakery in Freestone. Not to leave out the climbers, another optional route goes up Coleman Valley Road into Occidental the “Hard Way”. Routes come back together in Valley Ford which offers stores, shops and a deli that makes sandwiches to order. Next up is Tomales with another market and bakery. If you are still hungry after passing the great seafood at the Marshall Store or Tony’s you can fuel up at one of the many restaurants in Point Reyes Station before heading to camp 2 miles down the road.

Alternates: STTS D-6 Descend STTS D-6 Hard STTS D-6 Inland

Day 7 is the last and shortest stage of the tour. We get one final 2000’ climb through the coastal forest that takes us up the hip of Mt Tamalpais with stunning 360 degree views along the fabled seven sisters. After a quick and beautiful descent on the other side into Mill Valley, we follow a local favorite bike path along the Bay into Sausalito where coffee and shopping await. We finish our tour crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge into the city of San Francisco, through the Presidio and into Golden Gate Park. Our destination is the Old Speedway where a celebratory lunch awaits. Have a safe journey back to your home and we hope we see you on the road again soon.