Easygoing E-Bike Tour: California Wine Country

The tour operator recommends the following transportation options from the airport to downtown (the trip takes 30–40 minutes). All prices and times were accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change. Please call each company directly for the most current information.

Taxis from the airport to downtown cost about $65.

SuperShuttle

(www.supershuttle.com; 800-258-3826 or 415-558-8500) has 24-hour service to downtown San Francisco on-demand. After claiming your luggage on the lower level, proceed to the upper level and outside to the outer curb. Follow the SuperShuttle signs to an SFO agent, who will arrange your transportation. Reservations are recommended for airport pickups though not required; you can reserve your seat online or by phone. The cost for shared van service is about $19 per person; groups of up to nine people can charter a van for $75( gratuity not included). To return to the airport, call 24hours in advance to reserve your space. Note: SuperShuttle only accepts bicycles if the van is chartered.

GO Lorrie's Airport Shuttle

(www.gosfovan.com; 415-334-9000) provides shared van transportation to downtown San Francisco for about $17 per person or a private van for $80 (up to eight people). Call to request a pick-up, and the shuttle will meet you within 10–15 minutes outside at the center island on the upper level in the red zone. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance for return shuttles to the airport. If you're bringing a bike on the shuttle, let the reservations agent know at the time of booking; your bike must be in a bike box, and the additional cost per bike is $5.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

(www.bart.gov) provides train service from the airport to downtown San Francisco for about $9 per person. Please contact your pre-trip hotel to determine which BART station is closest to your lodging. The Marker (the Pure LuxuryTransportation pick-up location - see the next FAQ) is a 10-minute walk from the Powell Street BART station. Purchase a Clipper Card, the re-loadable all-in-one transit card for the Bay Area ($3 from a vending machine at any BART Station or online at www.clippercard.com).

Pure Luxury Transportation

(www.pureluxury.com) provides shuttle service from The Marker in downtown San Francisco to Napa for $93 per person. This is a special service available only for your scheduled Backroads trip start date; if you'll be arriving early, please arrange for alternative transportation. Boxed bikes are accepted free of charge on a space-available basis. Reservations are required and must be made at least 2 weeks prior to your Backroads trip. Reservations made within 2 weeks of your trip will be accepted based on availability. A minimum of four passengers is required for this service to run.

Payment by any major credit card is required at the time of reservation; 72 hours' notice is required for cancellation without penalty. To reserve a space, please call 800-626-5466 or 707-775-2920, Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time. When reserving your shuttle, you'll need to provide the following information:

• The trip name and meeting location (Kennedy Park in Napa)

• The date your trip begins.

• The name of the downtown San Francisco hotel (The Marker) where you will be picked up at 8:30 a.m.The Marker (415-292-0100) is located at 501 Geary Street. Please note that gratuities for your Pure LuxuryTransportation shuttle driver are not included in the transfer price.

IMPORTANT: Pure Luxury is a private shuttle company not affiliated with Backroads. The company runs on a tight schedule and must leave at the designated departure time. If you're late and miss the shuttle, please be aware that you may incur no-show penalties and will need to arrange alternative transportation to the Wine Country.

California Wine Tours

(www.californiawinetours.com; 800-294-6386 or 707-253-1300) provides transportation directly from the San Francisco airport to the Wine Country; meet your driver (who will be holding a sign with your party's name) in the luggage area. The cost for a sedan, which accommodates up to three people and luggage, is around $240 (including toll, parking, tax, fuel surcharge and gratuities). If you're interested in a more environmentally friendly ride, ask about a vehicle in the company's "Green Fleet." For parties of up to six people, roomier Suburbans are available for about $280.

Apex Limousine Service

(www.apexlimoservice.com; 888-999-2891) provides transportation directly from any destination in the San Francisco Bay Area to the Wine Country. They also offer a special airport service. The fleet of luxury vehicles include sedans, town cars, SUVs and stretch limos that can seat up to nine passengers.

The tour is 6 days long with all 6 days being cycling days.

Every trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. The tour operator knows your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your travelling companions may differ somewhat from yours. So they present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Easygoing daily routes are typically 2-4 hours of biking per day, approximately 10-30 miles (16-48km) and vary from level to rolling with a few steeper climbs. The custom e-bikes allow you to pedal effortlessly or if you prefer to pedal without power then regular road bikes are available by request.

Each of your Trip Leaders plays many roles during your vacation: guide, host, caretaker, naturalist, chef, historian, troubleshooter, interpreter. These remarkable individuals have highly developed instincts for making people comfortable, for seamlessly handling the logistics of travel and for successfully navigating a wide range of unexpected situations.

They're passionately committed to ensuring you enjoy an exceptional vacation—smooth, flexible and tailored to your needs. With their knowledge, professionalism, enthusiasm and service ethic, they're the number-one reason people return to travel with the tour operator again and again.

Gratuities for most services during your trip are included in the price. While the tour operator has thought about including a Trip Leader tip as part of the overall trip cost, they acknowledge that gratuities are often customary as a way to recognise excellent service on a more personal level. They offer specific Trip Leader tip recommendations because guests have consistently asked for them.

The recommended gratuity for this trip is $190 per guest. While cash gratuities are always preferred, checks (on UStrips only; payable to a Trip Leader) or PayPal are also available options. At the beginning of the trip you'll receive a contact list with your leaders' email addresses, which also serve as their PayPal IDs. Regardless of the number of leaders on your trip, you can pay the full amount to any one of them. All gratuities are then divided among your leaders.

Cell phone and data service is available in nearly all of the areas you will visit on this trip, but reception can be spotty when you are near the coast. All of the hotels have internet access, although the connection may be slower than ideal.

Food is an important part of the tour experience. For lunch, the tour operator looks for the best way to capture the essence of the region. It may be a Grand Picnic, where your Trip Leaders prepare the freshest and healthiest local fare at a carefully chosen setting along the day's route; a boxed lunch; a packed lunch; a meal together at a favourite restaurant; or the opportunity to have lunch on your own.

Dinners feature meals at some of the region's best restaurants, specializing in fresh, locally sourced Californian cuisine.

Alcoholic beverages at meals are not included in the trip price, unless otherwise noted.

All breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners are included in the trip price. One lunch and one dinner are on your own. Be aware that vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free and low-carb dishes are not always available. If you have special dietary requirements, please indicate them on booking.

Sophisticated-casual attire is appropriate at the restaurants on this trip. For men, the tour operator recommends collared shirts and slacks. For women, they suggest dresses, skirts or dressy pants.

Nice jeans are fine, but please do not wear shorts or athletic shoes to dinner.

Visiting wineries is a favourite activity on this trip, and the tour operator has made sure to incorporate tours and tastings into the itinerary, in addition to highlighting prestigious wineries along the route. Because wineries often change ownership and sometimes close, it's possible that you may not be able to visit all of those mentioned in your itinerary. However, the tour operator is always on the lookout for new and noteworthy wineries, which they will weave into your itinerary if they feel they'll enhance your experience. Your tour leaders will inform you of any updates on your trip.

Wineries typically charge tasting fees between $10–$25 and this fee is waived if you purchase wine. Unless noted, these tasting fees are not included in your trip price.

On Day 4, dinner is on your own in Healdsburg; listed below are some favourite restaurants. Because these spots are extremely popular, the tour operator recommends calling several weeks prior to your trip to make a reservation. All restaurants are within walking distance of your hotel.

Brass Rabbit (thebrassrabbithealdsburg.com; 707-473-8580; 109 Plaza Street)

Located directly on the square, this hip new restaurant is known for offering high-quality farm-to-table new American fare and delicious crafted cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bravas Bar de Tapas(www.starkrestaurants.com/bravas; 707-433-7700;420 Center Street)

Located in a small quaint cottage two blocks north of the plaza, this tapas bar's bites are traditional with California flair. Try the tuna belly salad with squid-ink vinaigrette or a rich bocadillo with ham and manchego. Great outdoor seating.

Campo Fina (www.campofina.com; 707-395-4640;330 Healdsburg Avenue)

Small plates, outdoor seating and dedication to traditional Italian cooking set this restaurant apart from other Healdsburg selections. A great choice for anyone who likes woodstove pizzas, classic cocktails, and house-made gelato.

Chalkboard (www.chalkboardhealdsburg.com;707-473-8030; 29 North Street)

A Michelin BibGourmand*, this contemporary bistro has a wonderful interior and open kitchen. Chalkboard sources their ingredients from a 3-acre garden at nearby Chalk Hill Winery, ensuring that while the menu changes daily, the ingredients are always fresh, always seasonal and always local.

Valette (www.pizzandohealdsburg.com; 707-473-0946; 344 Center Street)

With a beautiful ambiance and superb food, this locally owned farm-to-table restaurant might be the new kid on the block but has quickly become everyone's favourite! Want to be pleasantly surprised? Try the Chef's "Trust Me" tasting menu for a fun culinary experience.

Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar (www.starkrestaurants.com/willis_seafood.html;403 Healdsburg Avenue)

If you're looking for a fun atmosphere and an eclectic menu, Willi's is a good choice. The small plates are generous and perfect for sharing, the selection of oysters (if you're a bivalve fan!)is quite impressive and the patio is the place to be on a balmy summer evening. Save room for their famous banana split dessert.

*A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant offers good food at a moderate price. A Bib Gourmand designation means that you enjoy two courses, and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

Northern California's Wine Country is famous for its resort spas, which offer an array of treatments including mud and mineral baths. Spa treatments are not included in the trip price, except where noted. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Also, be sure to review the spa's cancellation policy to avoid any unexpected charges on your credit card.

Note: You may need to shuttle part of the day's biking route in order to make your spa appointment.

Floating over the vineyards is a great way to see the Wine Country. If you're interested in ballooning, you can make reservations at the beginning of the trip or even before you arrive in the Wine Country. Schedule your balloon ride for the morning of day 5 in Healdsburg. Rides start at dawn, and the entire experience usually lasts about an hour.

Ballooning may interfere with your morning bike ride, but you should be able to meet the group at lunch. Be sure to let the company know you're on a Backroads trip and they will do their best to accommodate having you back in time for the morning ride. This activity is not included in the trip price. The tour operator recommends the following company in Healdsburg:

Up & Away Hot Air Ballooning (www.up-away.com;707-836-0171)

The standard package is $219 per person and includes pre-flight refreshments and a post-flight sparkling wine toast.

Each season in the Wine Country is unique. In the spring, the days are warm and the evenings are cool. A layer of low clouds and fog often moves inland during the night and retreats mid-morning. Summer evenings bring cooler temperatures. Rainfall is negligible June through September.

In the fall, warm weather continues with October being characterized by spring-like temperatures, but with rain likely. Guests on trips departing in March, April, November and December especially should come prepared for rain and cold weather. Temperatures are always cooler near the ocean. When biking along the coast, you’ll encounter a variety of conditions: fog, sun and wind are all possible. Be prepared for all types of weather to ensure that your trip is enjoyable.

The more you know about your destination before you go, the more you'll appreciate all that you'll see when you get there. The tour operator has selected a few of their favourite books to help capture the essence of the region.-

- Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk From a Master Sommelier, Andra Immer Robinson

- The Accidental Connoisseur: An Irreverent Journey Through the Wine World, Lawrence Osborne

- The Winemaker's Dance: Exploring Terroir in the Napa Valley, Jonathan Swinchatt & David G. Howell

Unexpected wildfires are a possibility in the western United States. They may cause the closure of roads, trails or accommodations and can obstruct views. If unexpected fires or smoke affect the area, the tour operator may make a change to your trip itinerary. Trip Leaders are well-trained to respond and adapt to these situations, which may include changing planned routes. In very rare cases they may be forced to adjust accommodations or even cancel your trip due to extreme conditions.

Springtime is hay fever season in the California WineCountry (gesundheit!). If your trip takes place during the spring and you suffer from allergies, be sure to bring medication. If you wear contact lenses, it's a good idea to carry eyedrops in your bike bag.

Yes, you can choose from 3 different types of bike.

If you'd prefer to have your own pedals, helmet or seat, feel free to bring these along. Your own gear can help to make your time on the bike as comfortable as possible, especially if you're someone who likes to log a lot of miles. Your leaders will be happy to put on your pedals and seat for you at the beginning of the trip.

The following items are included with all titanium bikes. Trip Leaders also have full tool kits on hand and are available to do mechanical repairs.

• bike helmet

• two water bottles

• safety triangle

• lock and cable

• tube and patch kit with tire levers

• pedals (with toe clips/straps, if requested)

• rear rack and reflective trunk bag

• map case

• wide range of gears

• GPS device

Yes. If you plan to bring your own bike, it should be tuned and in excellent mechanical condition and ready to ride before the trip starts. Otherwise, you are welcome to use the tour operator's bikes.

If your bike is new, ride it at least 50 miles (to break it in) and then have it adjusted by a professional mechanic. Please bring only one bike per person.The following items on your bike should be properly adjusted and in good condition: brakes and brake pads; the headset, pedals, cranks and hubs; gears; derailleurs; handlebars; tires and tubes; brake and derailleur cables; and the chain. Make sure the bike is well lubricated, the wheels are true, and the seat, seat post and handlebars are adjusted and tight.

If you are bringing your own bike and are comfortable doing minor on-the-road adjustments, you may want to bring a multi-tool. If your bike is highly specialised, bring any tools—and extra spokes and tubes!—that are specific to your bike. Use the list on the previous FAQ as a guide for recommended equipment if you are bringing your own bike.

The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organisation and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired May 11, 2023.

Effective June 1, should a guest choose to travel when positive or symptomatic with COVID-19, they will be required to wear a mask indoors and in vehicles, and to dine separately from the group.

Additionally, travelling unvaccinated may cause trip disruption. Backroads will not offer refunds or expense reimbursement to those unable to join a trip or take part in certain activities due to not meeting requirements. We ask that all guests carry a mask, as local regulations or vendors may require them in certain settings.

Travel Insurance: In the event a physician recommends you discontinue travel or not join your Backroads trip due to COVID-19 or other illnesses, consider trip insurance to help protect your travel investment.

Regional Entry Requirements: Please note that some regions (especially international destinations) have COVID-19 requirements and/or documents needed for entry.

Last update: Oct 2023