Day Two: Rollering down the California Coast
Having lived overseas for nearly a decade, I’m semi-literate in a handful of languages; converting metric to statute translations is also one my many skills. I can tell…
”The roads are succulent and bountiful, and the food and wine leave you breathless. The Pinarello bikes are to the highest standard of the purest gourmand. The personalities are rich and bold, yet full of subtle surprises. All is to be savored—and devoured.
Bill StricklandBicycling Magazine
19 Mar 2024
23 Mar 2024
Paso Robles
When we think of early season miles, we think of Paso Robles. It has been a favorite of the inGamba family for many years, not just for its diverse terrain and predictably amazing weather, but also for its proximity to our home in San Francisco. It has the best roads in the state, with incredible scenery and very little traffic. There are hilly routes to the west and rolling terrain through farmlands to the east, and despite being so close to the bay area, it remains the hidden gem of Californian cycling. It’s an intoxicating blend of river valleys and undulating farmland, modern vineyards and old, charming homesteads set amongst undulating hills.
We’ll once again be taking over the Hotel Cheval, which TripAdvisor just named the #1 small hotel in the country. Making sure you’re fueled for the ride, renowned chef Laurent Grangien will be on board, combining his flare for French cuisine with the very best local, seasonal ingredients. And to cap it all off, Paso Robles was named Region of the Year in 2013 by Wine Enthusiast, so you know the Beve will be just as good as the Mangia and Bici!
Included With Trip:
- All food and beverages**
- Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
- Daily Bike Wash
- Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
- Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
- Laundry service for cycling clothing
*Lodging is not included in this trip. We have reserved rooms at Hotel Cheval for your convenience.
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges
MEET THE GUIDES
EROS POLI
THE CHAMPION
The night before Eros Poli took victory atop Mont Ventoux he couldn’t sleep. It was not like he was dreaming of victory or even had the slightest idea the next day’s stage would change his life forever. It was just that it was hot. Unbearably, unsleepably hot in his less-than stellar French hotel. His roommate had taken his mattress off the bed and was sleeping on the small balcony outside their room. And the man who would shortly become known as Monsieur Ventoux was watching football, Italy vs. Brazil in the World Cup final, to be exact. Italy lost. The following morning as Eros dragged his weary, tired legs out of bed and down the stairs, as there was no lift, James Brown came into his head. “I feel good, I knew that I would now,” started to repeat over and over in his head. As it would the rest of the day. He felt good and the rest, as they say, is history.
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
START LOCATION:
FINISH LOCATION:
TOTAL ELEVATION:
TOTAL DISTANCE:
332km
DAYS RIDING:
4
GROUP SIZE:
8-14
LONGEST DAY:
Day 2 – 100km
Pozo Canyon
BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:
Day 4 – 1,273m
Old Creek Road
DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN
PINARELLO DOGMA F
Seven of the last 11 Tours de France have been conquered on a DOGMA, and the latest generation is now ready to continue that legacy of success. Whatever the road throws at you, the DOGMA F is always the right bike.
WHEELSET:
Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless
FRAMESET:
Pinarello Dogma F
COCKPIT:
ZIPP Service Course SL
TIRES:
Vittoria Corsa
GRUPPO:
SRAM RED eTap AXS
BOTTLE CAGES:
Elite Custom Race
PEDALS:
Speedplay
BIDON:
Elite Corsa Team
SADDLE:
Prologo
COMPUTER:
Garmin Edge 1030
COLOUR:
InGamba Red
