Solvang Century
10-11-18, 08:51 PM
#1
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Solvang Century
Anyone done it before, and can share personal experiences? Signing up for March '19 for the first time.
10-11-18, 10:11 PM
#2
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I’m planning on it, never done it before.
10-11-18, 11:21 PM
#3
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Only done the double, put on by a different group,
but the course is good w/ moderate climbs, not many in-town miles, & some farm land (w/ possible chemical spray).
Solvang & surrounds is entertaining for the non riding family.
but the course is good w/ moderate climbs, not many in-town miles, & some farm land (w/ possible chemical spray).
Solvang & surrounds is entertaining for the non riding family.
10-11-18, 11:42 PM
#4
Easily Led Astray
I did it a couple of times several years ago.Interesting route, great rest stops, plus I love central California. If you're planning to arrive the day before, reserve a room now as the hotels all fill up; the first year I slept in my car, the next two years in a motel in Lompoc which is 25 miles away. The ride is so early in the season, there is a slight chance of rain.
Have fun.
Have fun.
10-12-18, 04:39 PM
#5
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There's a casino out there just east of Solvang that's got nice rooms- not cheap though.
The ride is super pretty- rolling hills... good support and SAG stops... it's a great ride.
The ride is super pretty- rolling hills... good support and SAG stops... it's a great ride.
10-12-18, 05:25 PM
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pretty area...especially in the spring. fun roads. decent pavement for the most part. plenty of "diversions" counting wineries. the hamlet of los olivos
has a decent resto or two along with a figueroa mountain brewery tasting room. the previously mentioned casino is also out there. and there's always the hitching post 2
for steaks and pinot noir...
has a decent resto or two along with a figueroa mountain brewery tasting room. the previously mentioned casino is also out there. and there's always the hitching post 2
for steaks and pinot noir...
Last edited by diphthong; 10-13-18 at 10:00 AM.
10-12-18, 08:38 PM
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2000 jersey still fits!
Too much good stuff.
Great scenery, good organization, poorly maintained farm roads. Every year I say it's my last ride on those roads. I keep coming back, every year except 3 since 2000. There used to be 2 rides a year, March and November, only March now. Last year it rained, so I only did the half. 50 miles in the rain was plenty. Bad roads aside, it's a great ride, just do it!
Last edited by Slightspeed; 10-12-18 at 08:50 PM.
10-13-18, 10:15 AM
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I haven't ridden in it for well over 23 years. It's a well organized, fun ride with several hills. My suggestion is to sign up early and get a room as early as you can. Due to the popularity of the ride many room options disappear early in the year. Also, be prepared for any type of weather. I remember it must have been in the low 40's when we left and about 80 when we got to the finish line.
10-13-18, 01:54 PM
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pretty area...especially in the spring. fun roads. decent pavement for the most part. plenty of "diversions" counting wineries. the hamlet of los olivos
has a decent resto or two along with a figueroa mountain brewery tasting room. the previously mentioned casino is also out there. and there's always the hitching post 2
for steaks and pinot noir...
has a decent resto or two along with a figueroa mountain brewery tasting room. the previously mentioned casino is also out there. and there's always the hitching post 2
for steaks and pinot noir...
from a couple weeks ago.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
10-13-18, 08:17 PM
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10-15-18, 09:58 AM
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I live about an hour away and travel there often for weekend rides, wine tasting weekends with the wife, family jaunts, etc. It's a great area full of wineries, fantastic foodie restaurants, christmas ornament/etc. type stores, and the like.
The ride, itself, is always good. The routes are usually pretty similar, year-to-year, but there have been a couple different organizations who host centuries up there. They have all seemed to do a good job of it.
If you can get a room in Hotel Corque, get it! It's a great place to stay and often hosts the start/finish. The rooms are really nice (some with hot-tubs!) The in-hotel restaurant is excellent.
If you can swing it, stay for a day or two before/after the ride and avail yourself of the wine tasting and food options in the region -- it's well worth it.
For a more budget option a little out of town, check out the small town of Los Alamos for a great couple of little motels and clutch of restaurants. It's also a great spot to start a ride loop to/from Solvang on the day(s) you're not actually riding the century.
The ride, itself, is always good. The routes are usually pretty similar, year-to-year, but there have been a couple different organizations who host centuries up there. They have all seemed to do a good job of it.
If you can get a room in Hotel Corque, get it! It's a great place to stay and often hosts the start/finish. The rooms are really nice (some with hot-tubs!) The in-hotel restaurant is excellent.
If you can swing it, stay for a day or two before/after the ride and avail yourself of the wine tasting and food options in the region -- it's well worth it.
For a more budget option a little out of town, check out the small town of Los Alamos for a great couple of little motels and clutch of restaurants. It's also a great spot to start a ride loop to/from Solvang on the day(s) you're not actually riding the century.
