Fall is a special time on the Central Coast: The days get shorter but warmer, shadows grow longer, the afternoons usher in slightly chilly breezes, and it’s time to enjoy the autumnal colors. Yes, the Central Coast does put on a fall show. To see it, you need go no farther than the vineyards that climb along the local hills.
Freed of their bounty and spent from a season of production, the wine vines give in to the promise of a restful dormancy and allow their broad leaves to brown and drop. The process promises a succession of pale yellows, fiery oranges, and rusty browns set against the golden hills of the Santa Maria Valley.
One of the best ways to see this brilliant show of colors is by touring on bike. Fortunately, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club have teamed up to present just that opportunity. Tour and Taste the Valley is a collaborative effort between the nonprofits to bring the community out for a fun time while raising funds.
The Tour and Taste event combines a bike ride with a festival featuring scrumptious bites prepared by local caterers paired with refreshing brews and tantalizing wines. Riders can participate in an easy nine-mile ride, a challenging 25-mile, a strenuous 50-mile, or a legs-of-steel 62-mile bike ride—and then participate in festivities of a more relaxing nature. For people who are better at cheering than pedaling, tickets are also available for the festival alone.
Either way, the event is a good time, and the riders will find the course to be much easier when they realize they’re riding for the benefit of local youth.
“We had a great turnout last year, and we expect the same this year,” said Brettly Biedinger, marketing coordinator for the Santa Maria Valley YMCA. “In fact, we’re expecting it to be an even better event this year.”
Last year’s inaugural event saw between 350 and 400 festival attendees and more than 100 riders. The courses will take riders out along back roads to Graciosa Road and to Tepusquet, depending on which course they’re following. Rides have staggered starts, beginning at 8 a.m., and the festival starts at 11 a.m. The bike ride is perfect for riders of all levels of expertise, from beginner to pro. Biedinger stressed that the ride isn’t a race, but a chance to get outside and enjoy the scenery.
“The bike ride is just a ride,” she said. “It’s non-competitive and really just showcases the beauty of our Valley.”
Most of the roads are back roads and relatively flat, making for an enjoyable ride. Participate in a ride and tour the valley—even grab some amazing pictures—and then head back to the festival and reward yourself with a little celebratory feast. Or skip the ride altogether and go straight to the festival, which is sure to drum up a lively atmosphere in Orcutt Union Plaza. Taste food and wine while listening to the band Freight Train. During breaks, DJ Melody Music will keep things upbeat.
“The festival is really a festival for the senses, with local beer and local wine and good food from local caterers,” Biedinger said.
So far, about 30 wineries and caterers have signed up, and Biedinger said they’re still taking signups and expect more.
Last year’s event raised $20,000, which was split between the Boys & Girls Club and the Santa Maria Valley YMCA. This year, with any luck, the nonprofits will win again, topping last year’s attendance record—and participants will get another great taste of the valley.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone is wishing a fond farewell to summer. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 6-13, 2011.