A committed cyclist is nothing if not a good martyr. Suffering is just part of the equation. But after submerging yourself in a mix deep bath of anaerobic threshold efforts, all-out sprints, and Ducati-speed descents, there’s nothing better than trading your two-wheeled steed, hydration drinks, and energy food for something more refined. You deserve it. Check out the rides below where you can pedal hard and be pampered just as hard.
SB100 Flyer’s Club
Santa Barbara, California
With four routes including a mellow 32-mile option and maxing out at the 100-miler that includes a challenging 9,000 feet of climbing, the SB100 is one of the best rides in the US for three reasons: location, location, location. You’d be challenged to find a prettier place to pedal than Santa Barbara. The event takes place every October. Sign up for the Flyer’s Club and enjoy perks like a limited edition cycling kit, VIP pre-event party on Friday night as well as post-party on Saturday complete with a massage as well as other perks like reserved parking, bike valet, and on-call bike mechanic. And since all proceeds benefit the charity, the $1,500 fee is tax-deductible.
Clip in With Christian
Aspen, Colorado
Spend the day pedaling at altitude with ex-pros at altitude in Aspen and nights enjoying some of the best food and wine on the planet at the world-famous, The Little Nell. You’ll likely spend as much time in the pain cave as The Little Nell’s wine cellar, sampling hard to get vintages and listening to hip hop, the only music played in the cellar curated by master sommelier and serious cyclist, Carlton McCoy, who can even suggest vino based on your fave hydration drink. No need to bring your bike, Scott USA will provide a personalized road bike of your choice, like Scott Solace Premium Disc road bike or Scott Addict SL.
Hotel Domestique
Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina
With three US Professional Road Race Champion titles under his belt as well as a record-tying 16 completed Tour de Frances, supporting champions like Alberto Contador, Cadel Evans, and Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie needs no introduction. The 13-room boutique Hotel Domestique is his hotel. Opened in 2013, it’s a cyclists’ paradise. Mountain bike tours are available every month but January and include two days of guided riding in Pisgah or Dupont forests and high-end bikes. The roadie package also includes a few full-body massages. Or pull out all the stops with one of the ride packages that include a high-end Trek professionally fitted just for you and pedaling with pros like Hincapie himself as well as some of his homies. Play your cards right, and with a little luck, you may even beat a pro–or get a pro lead out– in a town line sprint. Included is a custom Hincapie cycling kit and there are even couple’s packages, whether you both want to ride or not.
Roll Your Own–Custom Packages
Wherever your heart desires
There’s a good chance there’s a custom bike in your garage, why shouldn’t your bike trip be the same? Trek Travel is run by the bike company with the same name. Regular mountain bike options include Bend, Oregon, and Whistler while the road options are too many to list, but the highlights include Glacier National Park in Montana (Road to the Sun is all time!), family trips to the San Juan Islands, and New Mexico jaunts. Choose from a selection of high-end Treks, outfitted with Garmin GPS units. There are even electric assist options for cyclists who want a little help (or “mechanical doping”) as well carbon wheel upgrades. And once the trip begins, everything from post-ride activities to gratuities are included.
The Coast Ride with inGamba
San Francisco, California
We’re just going to come out and say it: the California Coast is the most beautiful cycling road in the world. Sorry Italy. Sorry France. Big Sur and the road to and from has you beat. This inGamba ride goes down at the beginning of the year, rain or shine. They provide the bike that’s as sexy as the scenery is epic: the Pinarello Dogma F8 for the 600km, four-day trip.
