What do you get when you mix warm weather, beautiful scenery, and a yummy British cycling guide? The ET spring training camp in Solvang, CA.
A group of cycling-seeking ETers hopped a plane to sunny California this March to test their bike legs (and their wine palates) while admiring the stunning vistas of the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang is a small city in Santa Barbara County originally founded on Spanish land by a group of Danish educators in 1911. The town holds on to its Danish heritage with replica windmills and traditional German style architecture. The trip was a great experience for all, giving the group the chance to swim, bike and run in temperatures far more favorable than could be found in Illinois.
After a drive from LAX to Solvang the group had a wonderful kickoff dinner at The Vineyard House, a local eatery immortalized in the Oscar award winning film Sideways. The subsequent days in Solvang included two group rides where everyone was able to enjoy lunch outdoors followed by tastings at the local wineries.
The group also had the chance to swim at the local YMCA with Coaches Joe and Patty providing their expertise. Post swim was an ET Power session of strength training. The trip wasn't all work though... The schedule allowed plenty of time for touring the surrounding area, hitting the many quaint shops of Solvang and frequent trips to the Bulldog for lattes.
Fate seemed to be pushing for ET to continue our California vacation when flights home for part of the group were canceled. Always a crowd that believes that when life hands you lemons you should make Gatorade, those who ended up spending an extra, unexpected day in LA squeezed in a casual afternoon trip to the beach before catching a flight the next day.
Eventually everyone made it home and our 2008 California ET Spring Training Camp was a resounding success.
Enjoy all the amazing photos at ET Photo.
