off road tour chania

THE 5 BEST 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Platanias, Greece

4wd, atv & off-road tours in platanias.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Gear Rentals
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Crete Private & Luxury Tours by Snami Travel
• The Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves
• Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill
• Chania Adventures
• White Mountains (Lefka Ori)
• Samaria Gorge National Park
• Manousakis Winery
• Karavitakis Winery
• Elafonissi Beach
• Uncharted Escapes
• Falassarna Beach
• Balos Lagoon
• Olive Tree Museum of Vouves
• Gorges of Theriso
• Oinos Experience
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. White Mountains - Semi Private Safari Tour with Tastings & Lunch

2. Private - Jeep Safari Tour with Lunch and Tastings

3. Private: Jeep Safari in 2 Wineries and Samaria Gorge with Lunch

4. Explore the Secrets of Wine and Olives in Chania

5. Chania Luxury Jeep Safaris: Balos Beach. A Lagoon For Bliss.

6. Custom Jeep Tours: A Consummately Curated Odyssey from Chania

7. Chania Luxury Jeep Safaris: Elafonisi Pink Sand & Falasarna Beach

8. Chania Private SUV Wine and Olive Oil Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari

Full-Day Samaria Gorge Chania Guided Tour

Crete Jeep Safari to the south coast

Paragliding Tours in Crete

Quad ATV Safari from Georgioupolis Area

Half-Day Small-Group Boat Safari in Crete

Rethymno eBike Tour

Samaria Fygou and Agia Irini gorge Loop Day Hiking tour

Half Day 55 Km Quad Safari Rethymno Crosscountry Experience

River Trekking at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Rethymno-Crete

River Trekking Adventure in Crete at Kourtaliotis Gorge

Eleftherna E-Bike and MTB Tour - Experience The Authentic Crete

Explore the real Crete

Premium - day sailing catamaran trip in group, Rethymno, Crete

Rock Climbing in Crete with a Guide in Rethymnon, Plakias beach

Canyoning in the water - Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Private River Trekking and Gorge Walking Adventure in Crete

Rock Climbing with a Guide in Therisos Gorge Chania

Spearfishing in Chania, Crete (price is per group)

Private fishing trip Chania, Crete (price is per group)

Samaria Gorge Transfer from Chania (price per group of 6)

Full-Day Private Seitan Limani Boat Tour from Chania

What travelers are saying.

• Milia Mountain-Safari tour with Wine - Olive Oil Tastings & Lunch
• Wine & Olive Oil Tastings - Semi Private Safari Tour with Lunch
• White Mountains - Semi Private Safari Tour with Tastings & Lunch
• Battle of Crete Full Day Private Tour in Chania
• Chania Morning Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling and Lunch

Off-road in Chania

Milia mountain retreat semi private tour with tastings and Lunch

Discover mainland Crete during this semi-private tour with wine and olive oil tastings followed by a typical Cretan lunch!

Private tour to Elafonisi and Falasarna from Chania

Ob this tour you'll visit Elafonisi and Falasarna and enjoy swimming in the crystal waters of the Cretan sea and admire the unique Cretan landscapes.

Balos Lagoon and Falassarna beach jeep tour with lunch

Discover Balos lagoon and Falassarna beach during this jeep tour and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

Small-group tour to Apokoronas and Profit Ilias villages from Chania

Immerse yourself in Cretan culture with this small group-tour and enjoy an off-road adventure, discovering Apokoronas and Profit Ilias villages.

Popular experiences in Chania

Chania - Chania self-guided audio tour on your smartphone

Leisurely stroll through the old town of Chania with an audio guide on your phone. Listen to fascinating stories and discover the highlights of the city.

Chania - Day trip of Chania from Rethymno

Discover Chania from Rethymno during this day-tour with pick-up and immerse yourself in the amazing atmosphere of this city.

Chania - Balos Lagoon and Falassarna beach jeep tour with lunch

Chania - Private tour of the Cave of Zeus and Knossos palace from Chania and Rethymno

Discover Knossos Palace and the Cave of Zeus from Chania and Rethymno during this tailored-made private tour.

en,  fr,  de,  ru,  nl 

Chania - Chania and Kournas lake tour from Rethymno

Visit Chania and Kournas lake during this private tour from Rethymno. Enjoy the peace of the lake and the active life of the city.

Chania - Elafonisi beach guided tour from Chania

Discover Elafonisi beach during an amazing guided tour from Chania and rest assure to remain speechless in front of the beauty of this pink beach.

Chania - Guided tour of Gramvousa and Balos lagoon from Chania

Discover the castle of Gramvousa and Balos lagoon from Chania. Enjoy a relaxing swim and a wonderful day learning more about ancient civilizations.

Chania - Easy guided tour of Samaria gorge from Chania

Discover Samaria gorge during this guided. Explore the beauty of nature of this amazing place and visit some small villages of the island.

Chania - Preveli guided tour from Chania

Discover Preveli in Crete during this guided tour from Chania. Enjoy your ride and get relax on an air-conditioned vehicle.

Chania - Tour of Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Chania

Enjoy a tour of the Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Chania onboard of a premium-class vehicle and relax during a traditional Cretan wine tasting.

Chania - Private tour of Elafonissi beach from Lassithi Elounda and Agios Nikolaos

Enjoy a private tour of Elafonissi beach with pick-up from Lassithi and discover in one day all the best spots of the Western part of Crete.

Chania - Private tour of Knossos Palace and Cretan villages from Chania

Discover Knossos Palace and the Cretan villages privately during this VIP tour with pick-up from Chania.

Chania - Day trip to 7 Traditional Cretan Villages from Chania

Kickstart your adventure in Crete and discover 7 of Crete's traditional villages! Get ready to be amazed by picturesque scenery and local vibes.

Chania - Cave of Zeus & mountainous East Crete private tour from Chania

Explore the mountainous region of Lassithi, visit a ceramic workshop and learn more about local traditions.

en,  fr,  de,  ru 

Chania - Milia mountain retreat semi private tour with tastings and Lunch

Chania - Small group tour with lunch to Elafonisi and Milia Mountain Retreat

Swim in the crystal clear waters, sunbathe on the reserved sunbeds, enjoy lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat, learn about Cretan culture and history.

Chania - Kissamos: Greek Night - Plate Breaking, Dancing, and Cretan Buffet

Chania - Falasarna sunset from the beach with transport and driver guide

Relax on the transport and on the award-winning beach. See the ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city. Plus, marvel at the sunset considered the best in all of Crete.

Chania - White Mountains small group tour with tastings and lunch

Visit an olive mill and winery, explore Crete inland in a 4wd vehicle, visit a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, enjoy the biodiversity of the island.

Chania - Chania's old town food and wine walking tour with lunch

Taste 3 local wines from indigenous grape varieties, enjoy local products at a traditional Greek restaurant, meet with locals and visit the most famous sights.

THE 10 BEST 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Chania Town, Greece

4wd, atv & off-road tours in chania town.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Uncharted Escapes
• MOYSIDIS TRAVEL
• Chania Adventures
• Manousakis Winery
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. White Mountains - Semi Private Safari Tour with Tastings & Lunch

2. Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch

3. Explore Chania Town, Venetian Harbor, and Ancient Aptera.

4. Explore the White Mountains of Crete

5. Elafonisi & Milia Mountain - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch

6. Crete White Mountains Safari Including Lunch

7. In Crete Discover the miracle of Olive Oil and Organic Fruits

8. Private - Jeep Safari Tour with Lunch and Tastings

9. 3 Hour Manousakis Winery Taste with Shuttle Service

10. Private: Jeep Safari in 2 Wineries and Samaria Gorge with Lunch

11. Private Exclusive Manousakis Winery and Vineyard Tour in Chania

12. Private Tour to Elafonisi and Falasarna

13. Chania Old Town, Public Market and Chrisopigi Monastery Tour

14. Explore the Secrets of Wine and Olives in Chania

15. Chania Shore Excursion to the White Mountains

16. Private Full Day Tour To Balos Lagoon and Falasarna

17. Private Sunset Tour and Dinner at Falassarna Beach

18. Private Cretan Treasure Hunt Tour

19. Chania Luxury Jeep Safaris: Balos Beach. A Lagoon For Bliss.

20. Half Day Private Tour to Botanical Garden in Chania

21. Chania Premium Sunset Safari Tour

22. Full-Day Private Tour in Cretan Villages of Apokoronas

23. Explore Ancient Aptera and taste Cretan wine at Dourakis Winery.

24. Private Tour in Chania Monasteries

25. From Chania to Kalypso Beach Private Tour of the Crete Paradise

26. Rethymno Town and St. Irini Monastery Private Tour from Chania

27. Custom Jeep Tours: A Consummately Curated Odyssey from Chania

28. Chania Private Tour To Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula

29. Chania Luxury Jeep Safaris: Elafonisi Pink Sand & Falasarna Beach

30. Private Selfie Tour in the Cultural Landmarks of Chania

What travellers are saying.

• Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania
• Snorkeling and Boat Tour in Crete
• Full-Day Samaria Gorge Chania Guided Tour
• Wine & Olive Oil Tastings - Semi Private Safari Tour with Lunch
• Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch
• Exclusive Travel Services
• Cretan View
• jeeppaddletour

CHQ03. Chania Premium Sunset Safari Tour

• Semi private tour up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle
• Sunset panoramic view of Chania
• Uncharted off road routes in Non-touristic areas
• Traditional villages
• Five wines tasting and Meze platter

4 - 5 Hours

• Difficulty 3.0

Pick Up Times

17:20 Souda

17:30 Chania Town

17:35 Nea Chora

17:40 Golden Beach

17:45 Agioi Apostoloi / Galatas

17:50 Kalamaki

17:55 Stalos

18:00 Agia Marina

18:05 Platanias

18:10 Gerani

18:15 Maleme

18:20 Tavronitis

18:25 Kolymvari

May - October: Monday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday

89.00€ Adults and Children (Aged 7+)

The prices are for group participation with minimum of 4 pax to start

Price Includes

• Free hotel pick up and drop off.
• Premium offroad vehicles (7 or 9 seater) driven by multilingual escort-drivers
• Five wines tasting with Meze platter.
• Liability insurance and local taxes.

Price Does Not Include

• Extra wine consumption

Description

Prepare for a captivating journey through Northwest Crete's breathtaking landscapes with our Premium Sunset Safari Tour. Designed for intimate groups of 6 to 8, this adventure spans 4-5 hours, promising panoramic views, cultural immersion, and a delightful wine experience.

Off-Road Exploration and Panoramic Vistas: Embark from Chania city center aboard our premium off-road vehicles, navigating uncharted mountain trails in the White Mountains. Guided by seasoned escorts, witness the untouched allure of Northwest Crete's wilderness. Capture the essence of sunset at exclusive stops, taking in the awe-inspiring panoramic views along this off-road odyssey.

Wine Tasting Exprerience: Commence your expedition by indulging in an exclusive wine tasting at Manousakis Winery. Surrounded by the region's natural beauty, savor a selection of five Cretan wines paired harmoniously with authentic local delicacies. This remarkable experience sets the tone for the enchanting adventure ahead.

Cultural Immersion Amid Villages: Traverse off-road paths through valleys adorned with citrus trees and charming villages like Patelari, Varipetro, Alikianos, and Vatolakkos. Immerse yourself in the heart of Cretan culture, culminating at the Vatolakkos hilltop for an unparalleled sunset vista. Continue your journey through picturesque Cretan Villages, enriching your understanding of this vibrant region.

As the tour draws to a close, carry with you the unforgettable moments of this enriching adventure. Your return to accommodations will echo with the warmth of premium service, leaving indelible memories of the stunning Chania landscape etched in your mind.

CHQ03 Chania Premium Sunset Safari Tour, Itinerary:

00:00 - 01:00: Collection of Participants (1 hour) 01:00 - 01:30: Travel to Manousakis Winery (30 minutes) 01:30 - 02:30: Manousakis Winery Experience (1 hour) 02:30 - 02:50: Journey to Valsamiotis Dam (20 minutes) 02:50 - 03:00: Scenic Photo Opportunity (10 minutes) 03:00 - 03:30: Off-road Drive to Vineyards (30 minutes) 03:30 - 04:00: Sunset Viewpoint & Photography (30 minutes) 04:00 - 05:00: Return Drive to Pick-up Points (1 hour)

* Sunset view point or time may vary depending on Sunset time. Time schedules may vary depending on group size and weather conditions

Road-Map Summary

Download the CHQ03. Chania Premium Sunset Safari Tour by downloading the PDF or by printing it.

Don't Forget

Essential Items for Your Journey:  Remember to pack comfortable shoes, such as trekking shoes or sandals, a camera to capture memorable moments, and sun protection. During spring and autumn, consider bringing a jacket to stay comfortable.

Important Considerations:  Please note that this trip is not recommended for individuals with car sickness, mobility or kinetic issues, back problems, pregnant women, or children under 7 years old, as we do not provide baby seats. Additionally, individuals taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg may find the trip challenging. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for minors under the age of 18.

Flexibility in Program:  Uncharted Escapes prioritizes your safety and comfort. We reserve the right to make minor adjustments to the program if necessary, especially in the case of unfavorable weather conditions. Such changes may occur without prior notice, ensuring the best possible experience for our guests.

Reservation Guidelines:  To secure your spot, reservations must be made at least 24 hours before departure. Cancellations should adhere to our cancellation policy outlined in our "Terms & Conditions" section. Please familiarize yourself with these policies to ensure a smooth and transparent booking process.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:  Late cancellations, made within the specified timeframe in our Terms & Conditions, will not be eligible for a refund. In the event of tour cancellation due to insufficient participants or adverse weather conditions, Uncharted Escapes will refund 100% of all payments made.

For a detailed understanding of our terms and conditions, please visit:  Terms & Conditions

Adventure Tips

Immersive Experience for All: Our trip is crafted for those seeking an extraordinary adventure, catering to diverse audiences including youth groups, solo or couple participants, families with older children, and corporate teams. Discover a journey beyond the ordinary.

Thoughtful Guided Stops: Enjoy the journey with guided stops strategically placed every 30-40 minutes, ensuring everyone's comfort and providing ample opportunities to soak in the surroundings.

Customized Culinary Delights: Uncharted Escapes prioritizes your dining preferences. When meals are included, inform us in advance about any vegetarian preferences or dietary restrictions, including food allergies, allowing us to prepare suitable alternatives tailored to your needs.

Traveler's Assurance Amid COVID-19: Your health and safety are paramount. Committed to premium standards, Uncharted Escapes adheres to all government-mandated measures, staying updated with guidelines from The World Health Organization and the National Public Health Organization. Welcoming you responsibly, we ensure you can relax, enjoy, and dream during your holidays with family and friends.

Your Well-Being Matters: Recognizing the importance of your holidays, we are dedicated to ensuring you can unwind, relish, and dream as you wish. Count on us to make your experience not just enjoyable but also secure, reflecting our unwavering commitment to your well-being.

• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum
• To the West
• Mont St-Michel an...

Mont St-Michel and someone with difficulty climbing?

We want to visit Mont St-Michel, but my friend finds steep climbs challenging. Any suggestions? How difficult and long is the walk to the Abbey? Are there any creative solutions?

And has anyone stayed at Mont St-Michel for retreat?

A few months ago a nice lady (was it Judy?) asked the same question, she stated she was older and stated she was concerned, how steep was it. Half the repliers said: it's pretty steep! and half said, oh it's not that bad, you can do it. When she got back after her trip, she posted here and said it was steeper than she had expected, she finally made it but was about at her physical limit. So on behalf of your friend, don't under-estimate the steepness! There are no creative solutions, your friend will have to walk it if she/he wants to tour the abbey interior.Using the search box you can probably find the prior posts on exactly how steep various people thought it was. Someone without a mobility issue might lightly say, no problem--but be cautious here if your friend's mobility issue is significant, as it seems to be from your brief description. Worst case, he/she can try it and simply turn around or stop off at one of the cafes that lines the lower part of the climb and have a glass of wine while you tour. I guess that's the creative solution!?

More specifically, she said that while she had anticipated the many stairs, she didn't expect how steep some of the pathways are.

There are plenty of places to rest on the way up - it doesn't have to be done all at once. But it is a lot of climbing. And it can be wet. So I would urge your friend to do as many stairs as possible before leaving and wear shoes with good traction.

Sherry, Here's Judy's post.

( http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/17851/mont-st-michel-im-back.html )

I agree with previous poster, be careful, Mont St Michel is not friendly to those with any mobility issues. I suggest you leave friend at hotel for the day ( she is a grownup and can entertain herself for a day right? ) and you go on your own, it would be foolish ot miss it because of your friend, and a good friend would insist that you go on your own. My mom travelled for years with a friend with MS, they often split up and did things seperately because of friends mobility issues.

My family and I did this several years ago. There should be no problem with climbing up to the Abbey -- there are plenty of places to stop and look at fantastic views along the way. I suggest that if your friend is still skeptical, he/she should take along a bottle of water and a good book, and if the climb is too difficult (not knowing physical condition) he/she can perch on one of the beautiful wall areas and read while you continue.

Sherry, We returned from MSM and yes, the climb is steep, but take your time. It actually isn't a long climb to make.

Once your friend gets there, there's plenty of shops to poke around. That may help her "climb" not so strenuous if she stops every so often to shop at postcards, t-shirts, etc.

There are hotels at MSM but I found them to be not private. Tourists like me were poking their heads in their room (well the windows were opened!) and people dont' leave until well past 11 pm.

I'd stay off MSM if you're looking for privacy.

I was just there last week on a Saturday. I am a 61yr old woman in reasonably good shape. I found that on the way up, the tour guide didn't stop often enough and set too fast a pace. I think if you really take your time, the climb up is fine. If you have to rush...it is a challenge. There is only one little main street and it is heavily cobbled so, the walking is uneven. The view from up top is wonderful and I think well worth the effort. It was very, very crowded on Saturday and I wonder if it is less so on a weekday. The tour buses have the up front close parking but, I don't know if you can drive up in a private vehicle to unload passengers or not. If you take the trip all the way there and have your own vehicle, stopping along the WWII sites like Omaha Beach and the American cemetery and all the surrounding areas were just beautiful.

You have basically two options for reaching the abbey. You can follow the main road through the town, which winds slowly upwards, with a couple of areas where the incline gets a bit steeper. Or, you can climb about 20 feet of stairs immediately and walk along the ramparts. The walk along here is much more level, only ascending by one or two steps at a time...until the end, when it ascends sharply over a narrow staircase. Both of these options terminate in the same area. Unfortunately, the only way to reach the abbey from here is up a fairly long staircase. So, yes, if mobility is a problem, there really isn't an easy way to the abbey.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

THE 10 BEST 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Chania Town, Greece

4wd, atv & off-road tours in chania town.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Uncharted Escapes
• MOYSIDIS TRAVEL
• Chania Adventures
• Manousakis Winery
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. White Mountains - Semi Private Safari Tour with Tastings & Lunch

2. Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch

3. Explore Chania Town, Venetian Harbor, and Ancient Aptera.

4. Explore the White Mountains of Crete

5. Elafonisi & Milia Mountain - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch

6. Crete White Mountains Safari Including Lunch

7. In Crete Discover the miracle of Olive Oil and Organic Fruits

8. Private - Jeep Safari Tour with Lunch and Tastings

9. 3 Hour Manousakis Winery Taste with Shuttle Service

10. Private: Jeep Safari in 2 Wineries and Samaria Gorge with Lunch

11. Private Exclusive Manousakis Winery and Vineyard Tour in Chania

12. Private Tour to Elafonisi and Falasarna

13. Chania Old Town, Public Market and Chrisopigi Monastery Tour

14. Explore the Secrets of Wine and Olives in Chania

15. Chania Shore Excursion to the White Mountains

16. Private Full Day Tour To Balos Lagoon and Falasarna

17. Private Sunset Tour and Dinner at Falassarna Beach

18. Private Cretan Treasure Hunt Tour

19. Chania Luxury Jeep Safaris: Balos Beach. A Lagoon For Bliss.

20. Half Day Private Tour to Botanical Garden in Chania

21. Chania Premium Sunset Safari Tour

22. Full-Day Private Tour in Cretan Villages of Apokoronas

23. Explore Ancient Aptera and taste Cretan wine at Dourakis Winery.

24. Private Tour in Chania Monasteries

25. From Chania to Kalypso Beach Private Tour of the Crete Paradise

26. Rethymno Town and St. Irini Monastery Private Tour from Chania

27. Custom Jeep Tours: A Consummately Curated Odyssey from Chania

28. Chania Private Tour To Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula

29. Chania Luxury Jeep Safaris: Elafonisi Pink Sand & Falasarna Beach

30. Private Selfie Tour in the Cultural Landmarks of Chania

What travellers are saying.

• Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania
• Snorkeling and Boat Tour in Crete
• Full-Day Samaria Gorge Chania Guided Tour
• Wine & Olive Oil Tastings - Semi Private Safari Tour with Lunch
• Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch
• Exclusive Travel Services
• Cretan View
• jeeppaddletour

USCX Releases 2024 Cyclocross Race Schedule, Adds Trek as Title Sponsor

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Cyclocross GC at Tour of California

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Peter Sagan rules the CX GC so far. Via Flickr by smthcriminal29.

by Josh Liberles

Nowhere was the prevalence of cyclocrossers at the top end of pro road cycling more apparent than during stage 4 of the Tour of California. The day’s decisive four-man breakaway contained three ‘crossers – Jeremy Powers (Jelly Belly on the road, Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com for the real racing), Rob Britton (Bissell roadie, frequent ‘cross dabbler) and current Danish national and former world champ Lars Boom (Rabobank all the way around). A three-man chase group even included Davide Frattini (Team Type 1), who races an extensive domestic ‘cross calendar.

Lucas Euser (SpiderTech-Planet Energy) relayed a great quote from Belgian national champ and cycling superstar Tom Boonen, who was obviously impressed by Boom’s resiliency and refusal to call it quits in his eventually unsuccessful bid to win the stage: “Lars Boom should get a medal for today, a medal that says, ‘go back to cyclocross.'” Euser went on to clarify, “Boonen said that because Boom is an animal. We all have mad respect for him. He personally made an entire peloton suffer all day long.”

US national champ Tim Johnson, who’s been quick to comment via Twitter on online cycling trends since he’s been laid up with an ankle injury, is happy to not have to follow Boom’s wheel off road. “Uh, no thanks. You keep him.” Speaking of Johnson, the UnitedHealthcare captain is keeping busy by providing some race analysis for ESPN.com and will also be answering your questions via Cyclocross Magazine ‘s new “Ask A Pro” column, launching this weekend.

Before stage 4 even got started, Powers had Tweeted that Boom was killing all challengers in the ‘cross GC, but he was clearly overlooking a dark horse challenger for the actual (let alone CX) overall podium, Peter Sagan. Although Stage 5 didn’t feature the same prevalence of ‘cross riders sticking it to the peloton off the front, 20 year-old Slovakian phenom Sagan (Liquigas-Doimo) took the stage win in impressive fashion in front of overall GC leaders Michael Rogers (HTC-Columbia) and Dave Zabriskie (Garmin-Transitions). Sagan, lest you forget, was the runner up in the 2008 Junior World Cyclocross Championships in Treviso, Italy and took home the rainbow stripes in the MTB World Championships the same year. He currently sits in fourth overall in the Tour of California GC.

So, here’s our stab at a Cyclocross GC for the Tour of California, through Stage 5. It’s a fine line, but we’re going to exclude guys like Armstrong, who famously ” ‘crossed” through a field in the 2002 Tour de France and raced CrossVegas a couple of years back, as well as his teammate Chris Horner, who dabbled in ‘cross for a bit. Did we miss someone in our roundup? Drop a comment below!

Next post Breaking News - Szczepaniaks Receive Doping Suspensions, U23 Podium Resolved

Previous post a 50-mile mtb race reteaches old lessons - a column by lee waldman, related posts, the uscx cyclocross series to be streamed online.

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Santa Cruz Life

Beyond the Beach: A Family Road Trip Up Highway 1

By Christine Candelaria

When you drive north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, you don’t need much of a plan.

You could spend days exploring less crowded beaches alone—from Fern Grotto to Año Nuevo and everywhere in between—but this iconic stretch of coast-hugging asphalt also leads the way to unique destinations beyond the beach and perfect for families.

Roadside U-pick farms, a nature and history center, and even seasonal train rides are all within a scenic 45-minute drive from the outskirts of town.

We’ve made planning a one-day road trip with the kids easy so all you have to do is pack a picnic, or better yet, bring an empty basket and fill it along the way.

Now choose the panoramic setting on your camera and go!

Wilder Ranch State Park

34 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails make Wilder Ranch a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, but it’s the grounds of the historic dairy ranch that will attract kids to run, climb, play hide ‘n’ go seek, and visit with farm animals.

Spread a blanket on the front lawn and enjoy a shady picnic with old farm buildings, heirloom gardens, and Victorians as the backdrop.

Wilder Ranch is great to visit anytime, but on weekends, at 1 p.m., you can join a 1-hour tour that includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1896 water-powered machine shop, and 1856 Gothic Revival farm house, plus barns and other historic buildings.

Living history demonstrations are also offered throughout the year, giving children a chance to go back in time and learn about early ranch living through Victorian games, hands-on activities like butter churning and roping, and wagon rides!

Road Trip Tip : Keep an eye out for Peanut the Goat…she even has her own Facebook page .

Fambrini’s Farm Fresh Produce Stand

Famous for its organic strawberries, Fambrini’s is a fun little stop to get out and stretch your legs.

Here you’ll find both organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables along with locally-made gift items.

Outside, a picnic table with a beautiful ocean view and fun wooden cutouts make for great photo opps with the kids. Added bonus: a convenient sink to wash your produce before you hit the road. You’ll be lucky if those strawberries last 10 minutes!

The first thing you’ll notice as you approach Davenport are the speed limit signs officially welcoming you to a section of Highway 1 known as the Slow Coast. If you hadn’t already left the bustle of daily life behind, Operation Take Your Sweet Time begins now.

Davenport packs an impressive collection of wining, dining, and shopping experiences into a small, picturesque area.

Baked goods and coffee at Whale City Bakery are a win-win for kids and parents. Looking for a meal? Davenport Roadhouse has a kids menu.

Shop in a 1954 Airstream Trailer loaded with local artisan goods and award-winning goat cheese while your kids record their memories on the Slow Coast chalkboard.

And while we wouldn’t necessarily call wine tasting family friendly, it’s worth taking some well-behaved kids (and dogs) to visit the Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room for the unexpected treat of playing dress up and taking pictures in a flying space ship shaped like a cigar.

You read that right—picture a dress up box, green screen, and camera set up to capture some hilarious moments that you can then email to yourself.

Mental note: Come back without the kids for a true wine tasting experience.

Swanton Berry Farm U-Pick

The name Swanton is well known among berry and jam lovers. U-pick signs along the road and a bright yellow farm truck out front beckon you to stop and experience this Highway 1 gem.

Outdoors and in season, the kids can pick organic strawberries or visit the field when it’s transformed into a pumpkin patch. Indoors, nostalgia reigns supreme with an honor till, classic toys, vintage games, and shelves filled with books and old-fashioned knick knacks.

Let the kids settle into a game of checkers while you contemplate the variety of freshly baked goods—pies, scones, cobblers, bettys, shortcakes, cheesecakes.

A jam tasting station will wake up your taste buds with samples of tayberry, loganberry, ollalieberry, and good ole strawberry jam.

If you left your sweet tooth at home, not to worry. Swanton has a daily savory offering of hot soup or a personal quiche they will even warm up for you if you ask. Now that’s hospitality!

Road Trip Tip : Visit Swanton’s sister U-pick farm, Coastways Ranch , just 9 miles north on Highway 1. When the strawberry pickings are slim at Swanton, chances are they are great at Coastways which also offers ollalieberries, tayberries, blackberries, and the unexpected star of the winter U-pick scene: Kiwis! Coastways provides wagons for kids to pull along as they collect their fruity treasures.

Swanton Pacific Ranch & Railroad

Talk about best kept secrets!

Everyone with kids should know about Swanton Pacific Ranch , a working ranch that provides hands on learning, research, and professional experience to the students of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Unfortunate for the students, it’s located 178 miles from their campus. Lucky for us, an organic U-pick apple orchard is open to the public seasonally and offers 16 distinct varieties, progressively ripening throughout the fall.

That means early in the season you could be juicing Holsteins, baking with Newton Pippins mid-season, and making sauce with Golden Russets toward the end. Yum!

Also located on the 3200-acre property is the Swanton Pacific Railroad , a miniature railway built to one-third the size of a standard railroad with three miniature steam locamotives.

In addition to special occasions by appointment, steam train rides are available twice per year—Al Smith Day in April and Cal Poly Day in September—at events featuring ranch activities, live music, BBQ lunch, and tours of the facility.

In December, your family can ride a Diesel locamotive to a Christmas tree farm and cut down a tree!

Events are reservation-based, so be sure to call ahead.

Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center

Rancho del Oso may be named after a grizzly mammal (“oso” is Spanish for bear), but it’s a great place to introduce your kids to the wonders of nature, especially the world of reptiles and amphibians.

Events throughout the year, like Snake Park Saturdays, Salamander Saturday, and Newt Night, give kids the opportunity to hold live animals and learn about their role in the diverse ecosystems surrounding the center.

Families can sit down to nature-themed craft activities, explore interactive exhibits highlighting the cultural and natural history of the area, and join guided walks featuring the rich plant and animal life of the Waddell Valley.

If you’re looking for a fun, educational weekend outing for the whole family, get to know Rancho del Oso. Family Days, a spring Wildflower Festival, and summer Grizzly Bear Festival will keep you coming back for more.

This laid-back roadside farm stand will charm the pants off you, or at least motivate you to undo a button or two.

That’s because Pie Ranch is a pie slice-shaped farm that also happens to grow and raise organic ingredients for delicious, homemade pie—cows for milk and butter, chickens for eggs, wheat, and seasonal fillings of fruits and berries.

Hot coffee and a small children’s play area add to this perfect slice of heaven, but there’s much more beyond pie, baked goods, and fresh (sometimes pickled) organic produce at this rustic Highway 1 destination.

Pie Ranch is also a non-profit, educational farm that trains emerging farmers and works with high school youth to connect them to the land and teach them about where their food comes from.

This mission is at the forefront of the entire ranch operations and is extended to the public through opportunities to be involved, such as U-picks, community work days, tours, potlucks, old-fashioned barn dances, and cooking and gardening workshops.

Pie Ranch staff encourage you to ask questions, take a self-guided walk, explore the farm and animals, and buy pie, of course—every dollar helps fund the educational programs that connect our youth to the land.

Road Trip Tip : Roadtrips are for trying new things, so don’t shy away from unfamiliar pie flavors like Walnut or Lemon Buttermilk—just get a mini pie, perfect for sharing. And do not leave without some Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies for the road…enjoy after the kids have fallen asleep on the way home!

Map Your Road Trip

Use the map below to chart your journey up the coast:

View full page map

For more Highway 1 adventures within 45 minutes north of Santa Cruz, check out the following.

North County Beaches

• Old Cove Landing/Fern Grotto
• Scott Creek
• Greyhound Rock
• Rodoni Farms Pumpkin Patch – Go for the pumpkins, stay for the ocean view.
• Seaside Pumpkins – Rodoni’s second site with an even closer view of the ocean.
• Rancho Siempre Verde Christmas Tree Farm – Check out their many swings.
• Harley Farms Goat Dairy- Go in the spring to see all the baby goats!

Overnight Adventures

• Costanoa Lodge
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel
• Butano State Park (Tent and RV Camping)

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Christine Candelaria

Christine Candelaria is a local mom of four who enjoys sharing her Santa Cruz adventures. You can follow her #santacruzlife on Instagram at @theaumsmama .

My sister and brother-in-law are visiting from Australia between Nov 30th and December 11th. Can you give me feedback on anything and everything family and adults activities we can do those weeks?

Thanks. ~Rebeca

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