Come to Paso Robles and Experience the Great Western Bicycle Rally

By Nicole Adams, Promotions Assistant at Tri-California Events

Cyclists from near and far will converge on the Paso Robles Fairgrounds this Memorial Day weekend for 3 days of bicycling around the Central Coast in an event known as the Great Western Bicycle Rally. RV’s will roll in, tents will be set-up, bikes will be tuned and riders will fuel up on Santa Maria style BBQ while they map out their bike routes.

The Rally, now in its 48th year, attracts cyclists of all ages and levels to come together and explore Paso Robles & the central coast from a two-wheeled perspective. Lots of great activities and rides are planned, so pack up your trusty steed and come enjoy this popular annual extravaganza. View the complete schedule of events.

• Festivities kick-off on Friday evening for the GWBR Open House and Bike Swap. Participants are encouraged to bring old bicycles, spare bike parts, and other related items to sell.

• Saturday and Sunday offer riders the chance to participate in supportive group rides, or head out on a solo adventure of the area. Twenty-five pre-mapped “rally rides” are available for interested riders, ranging in distance from 3 to 100 miles and with varying degrees of difficulty.

Here are just some of the Rally Rides to choose from:

• Paso Robles Roundabout – 8 miles: A short and pleasant excursion around Paso Robles. View some of the Victorian houses that make Paso Robles so picturesque. Cross over the Salinas River for some great views of the city.
• Star Farms Stopover – 25 miles: The most popular ride in the Rally. Dean Porter of Star Farms opens his unique property for Rally participants to come hang out for the day. Can you say sandy beaches,  tiki huts, and volleyball courts?!
• Wine Taster’s Tour – 30 miles: This annual ride gives participants the chance to visit five local wineries: Peachy Canyon, Castoro Cellars, Donati Family, Norman, and Halter Ranch. Don’t worry about lugging around your bottles! The Rally will pick it up for you and bring it back to the Fairgrounds!
• Velo de Femme – 42 miles: A ride for women only! Enjoy the female camaraderie and take on a tough ride without the guys.  Along the way, enjoy stops at Le Vigne Winery and the Templeton Farmers Market!
• Great Western 100 Century – 100 miles: This epic ride will showcase the magnificent coastal range of Westside Paso Robles and the caost. You will need to use all your gears on some of the most beautiful climbs in California, including Old Creek Rd., Santa Rosa Creek Rd., and finishing with Peachy Canyon Rd. This ride is fully supported.

Visit www.greatwesternbicyclerally.com for detailed information on the event. Come experience Paso Robles from a different angle!

Tri-California Events is located in both Pacific Grove and Paso Robles, and has been serving the triathlon community since 1982.  We specialize in producing, managing, and running high quality events focused on the needs of our athletes. We produce "The One and Only" Wildflower Triathlons, The San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz, The Triathlon at Pacific Grove and Scott Tinley's Triathlon.

The Woodstock of Triathlon: Avia Wildflower Triathlon

By Nicole Adams, Promotions Assistant at Tri-California Events

Paso Robles has a lot of to offer in the way of great wine, gourmet restaurants, and boutique shopping. But many visitors don’t realize that it’s also the home base to one of the largest triathlon events in the world. A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event combining swimming, biking, and running in one race.

For 30 years, thousands have been converging on California’s Central Coast each May to take part in an event commonly referred to as the “Woodstock of Triathlon,” and a well known “icon,” in the ever growing triathlon industry. The AVIA Wildflower Triathlons Festival is more than just triathlon racing. For many loyal participants, the event stands for tradition and community, offering an experience with a lasting impression.

A scenic 45-minute drive northwest from Paso Robles (and past Lake Nacimiento) will lead visitors to Lake San Antonio, home of Wildflower. Taking place May 4^th-6^th, this three day festival will attract over 7,500 athletes and 20,000 spectators! What makes it so special? A weekend full of camping, live music and entertainment, wine tasting, a healthy lifestyle expo, and of course some world-renowned triathlon racing! 

Wildflower features the following three triathlon races:

Long Course Triathlon: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run

Olympic Triathlon: .93-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike, 6.2-mile run

Mountain Bike Triathlon: .25-mile swim, 9.7-mile bike, 2-mile run

Camping spaces are available on a first come, first served basis and passes are available for purchase here. Spectators not interested in camping will need to purchase a Festival Entry Pass and a Daily Parking Pass. View the complete schedule of events for the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to join in the fun and experience what makes Wildflower so unique!

Tri-California Events is located in both Pacific Grove and Paso Robles, and has been serving the triathlon community since 1982.  We specialize in producing, managing, and running high quality events focused on the needs of our athletes. We produce "The One and Only" Wildflower Triathlons, The San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz, The Triathlon at Pacific Grove and Scott Tinley's Triathlon. 

Getting Around Paso Wine Country: Cycling Concierge

by Tina Swithin,Travel Paso Robles Alliance

Paso Robles and surrounding areas have quickly become one of the most sought after areas for cycling in the state of California.  You would be hard pressed to find an area that has more breathtaking views.  The vineyard roads that meander through the valleys and hillsides are a cyclist’s dream come true.  If you are like me, and would love to experience the countryside by bicycle but don’t know where to begin—this is your lucky day.  Grab your "gorp" (cycling lingo for trail mix) and enjoy the best of the wine country by bike with the help of a fabulous new service called Cycling Concierge.

Take a Hike in Paso Robles

TAKE A HIKE: Three Local Areas to Hike this Fall

Guest Blogger, Samantha Sales
Promotions Assistant for Tri California Events

Currently, over 300,000 people claim the Central Coast to be home, and for many reasons: great weather, friendly people, a brilliant mix of land and water, and thousands of opportunities to stay active and healthy.  In Paso Robles, any back-country road can serve as a beautiful hike or challenging bike ride, but these following trails are some of the local favorites. 

Long Valley Loop @ Lake San Antonio
Fast Facts
Trail Length: 7.1 miles
Highest Elevation: 1,115 feet
Trail Type: Loop, dirt road
Difficulty: Moderate

Lake San Antonio is home of one of the biggest triathlons in the world – Wildflower: The One and Only. It serves as a magnificent race spot because of the great weather, challenging course, and close amenities. For these reasons, it is also a great place to spend a local weekend getaway. Even if it is just for the day. The drive out to Lake Valley Loop is beautiful and so you’ll want to take a camera if you’ve never been.
 
Just along the south side of the lake alone there is over 26 miles of hiking and dirt bike trails, not to mention the countless areas you can explore on your own. The area is chock full of gentle deer, countless birds, and beautiful sunsets. If you forgot to bring snacks, water, a bathing suit, or anything else, you can always stop by the marina grocery store located next to the boat drop off. 

You can easily make a hiking, or mountain biking, weekend out of this area – a great “stay-cation” for locals! For information on camping, boating, or trails near Lake San Antonio visit http://lakesanantonioresort.com/camping.html

Oak Knoll and Quail’s Roost Trail at Lake Nacimiento
Fast Facts
Trail Length: 1.5 miles
Highest Gain: 100 feet
Trail Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy

This trail, nestled not too far from Lake San Antonio, also provides breathtaking views of Lake Nacimiento and the Nacimiento Dam. This pleasant leisure trail should only take you about 45 minutes, which is great for the beginner hiker. Not far from the trail is a local grocery store, Oak Hill Market, which serves delicious, fresh made deli sandwiches and specialty products that are great for the barbeque.
 
On your way to the trail, grab a sandwich from this local grocery store—my personal favorite is the Teeny Bikini—and fill up the car with gas so that you can go a scenic drive after the hike. The trail is located just past the market on your way in, so grab some snacks and enjoy part of the 165-mile shoreline of the area.

Salinas River Parkway @ Larry Moore Park
Fast Facts
Trail Length: 2.2 miles
Highest Gain: 80 feet
Trail Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

If you are looking for a trail that can accommodate the whole family, including your dog, this trail is it! With mixed terrain it provides a good amount of sidewalk, dirt, and oak groves and is located in a safe area just off the101 freeway. It includes a short stint through a residential area, where a cul-de-sac serves as the turn around for the trail.

The trail is used year round and is most popular in the early mornings and evenings. The short trail offers beautiful fall colors, birds, and other wildlife, but is conveniently located just a few miles from the City Park.

For more information on these, and other trails, please visit Paso Parks and Trails and Must-Do Hikes for Everyone By Brian Milne.

Amgen Tour of California Comes to Paso Robles

By Lisa Solomon, Paso Robles Chief of Police and Chair of the Paso Robles Organizing Committee for Stage 5 of the Amgen Tour of California

On Thursday, May 19th, 2011 Paso Robles is the host city for Stage 5 of the Amgen Tour of California, the largest spectator sport in the United States, witnessed live by over a million spectators each year.

Discover Paso Robles -- It's a Good Life!

By the Travel Paso Robles Alliance

Want to see what you are missing? Check out our new TV commercial showcasing our beautiful vineyard covered hillsides, green and grassy downtown square, fun-filled farm excursions and farmers' markets, amazing dining, wine tasting, spas, shopping, golf and a plethora of outdoor activities! Come discover Paso Robles, you'll be glad you did!

“COME FOR THE RACE, STAY FOR THE WINE” SWEEPSTAKES are open for entries!

By Travel Paso Robles Alliance

From May 19-22, the City of Paso Robles and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance will host two consecutive high profile events - the AMGEN Tour of California Stage 5 Finish on May 19, followed by the renowned 29th Annual Wine Festival taking place May 20-22.

Your guide to a romantic Valentine's Day weekend in Paso Robles

By Nancy Hoover

With breathtaking natural beauty, sophisticated and affordable wines, hiking and biking trails galore and delicious bites, Paso Robles is where you’ll want to be this Valentine’s Day weekend.  Cuddle up close to your sweetie and let Paso Robles take you on a romantic weekend getaway!

Cycling, golf, family farms and more!

By Nancy Hoover

While known as a food and wine destination, be sure not to overlook Paso Robles as a mecca for outdoor activity.  Year-round bike trails, golf courses, lakes and farms consistently attract avid outdoor adventurers to the region.  Enjoy the panoramic views of beautiful Paso Robles wine country while you explore the plethora of activities that that make Paso Robles a well-rounded vacation destination.

Check out this sampling of some popular pastimes to keep you active and outdoors in Paso Robles:

Incredible Cycling – Paso Robles is known in the cycling community for its winding back roads that amble through gorgeous wine country, which were traversed by Amgen Tourof California cyclists in 2009, and has played host to the annual Great Western Bicycle Rally since 1979.  Choose your route here; most range from ten to 100 miles and are classified as rolling hill to flat.  Beware, the trails that trek from the Pacific Ocean to Highway 101 should be considered mountainous and reserved only for the advanced rider.

Celebrated Golf – Paso Robles boasts a four and one-half star golf course at Hunter Ranch. Located just a few miles from downtown Paso Robles and in the heart of Paso’s East Side wine country, Hunter Ranch Golf Course is surrounded by vineyard landscapes that create a beautiful backdrop for a great day of golf.  Enjoy lunch at The Grill on the course, or head into town for a delicious meal at a variety of Paso Robles restaurants, like Berry Hill Bistro, where the gourmet salads, paninis and pizzas await you.

Exhilarating Water Sports –Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, Paso Robles has access to the many lakes captured in the nearby water basins.  Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio are mountain lakes that offer boat rentals for fishing, water skiing, wake boarding and tubing.

Natural Hot Springs – A historic tradition in Paso Robles, natural mineral hot springs have been drawing tourists to the region for almost 200 years. Relax and unwind at River Oaks Hot Springs, a spa retreat located just a few miles from downtown Paso Robles.  Take your pick between indoor or outdoor mineral tubs; but I recommend the outdoor tubs surrounded by majestic oaks for full star gazing potential.

Fantastic Farm Fun– Visit Jack Creek Farms this October for their much anticipated U-pick Pumpkin Patch.  Bring the kids for a fun day on the farm, full of rustic activities like the Hay Maze, Lasso a Dummy Steer and the Petting Zoo.  Sample apple cider slushees and pomegranate juice granitas made fresh from the Jack Creek Farm’s fruit trees! Click here for information on other amazing agricultural adventures.

Paso Robles offers accommodations to fit every budget. From upscale lodging properties, to well known and comfortable brand hotels, many of which have been built in recent years, there are many to choose from. No matter what type of pastime you are looking for, Paso Robles offers great outdoor family fun, group activities and couples getaways that please more than just the palette. Enjoy!! 

Photos by Cloud 9 Living and Jack Creek Farms