Women's Gravel & Beaches - Carmel & Monterey
Epic gravel, coastal beauty, local flavors, and women's camaraderie —classic a Monterey Peninsula tour.
Enjoy California’s central coast with a group of women cyclists, where the wildflowers bloom across rolling hills, the Pacific sparkles under spring sunshine, and the air carries the scent of cypress and sea. This 4-night Otter journey blends the thrill of world-class gravel riding with the beauty, flavor, and laid-back elegance of Carmel and Monterey.
Your days begin with a hearty breakfast before venturing out on guided rides along remote roads, through oak-dotted valleys, and over coastal ridgelines with sweeping ocean views. We’ll tackle iconic routes that mix hard-packed gravel, flowing dirt tracks, and scenic pavement connectors - each ride designed for challenge, reward, and plenty of time to stop and take in the landscape. There will always be 2 route options to choose from, ranging from 25-35 miles and 1,000 to 1,500 feet of elevation gain for the day's shorter ride to 40-50 miles and 3,000 to 4,000 feet of elevation gain for the day's longer ride. Premium gravel bikes, professional mechanical support, gourmet lunches and snacks, and a dedicated support vehicle ensure every mile is yours to enjoy.
Afternoons invite you to slow down and savor the region’s coastal charm. Stroll along Carmel’s white-sand beach, explore art galleries and boutique shops, or wander Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. Optional experiences include private wine tastings in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a sunset kayak in the bay, or a round of golf on one of Pebble Beach’s legendary courses.
Evenings are a celebration of California’s culinary bounty. We’ll dine in a curated selection of acclaimed local restaurants - think fresh-caught seafood, locally grown produce, and innovative farm-to-table menus paired with wines from nearby valleys. Your accommodations are equally memorable: a luxury private villa in the hills of Monterey, where warm hospitality meets coastal sophistication.
DESTINATION
Monterey Peninsula, California
Spring is one of the most captivating times to experience Carmel, Monterey, and the greater Monterey Peninsula. The coastline comes alive with wildflowers, crisp mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons, and the Pacific sparkles against rugged cliffs. For cyclists, this is a dream season: gravel and road routes weave past cypress groves, rolling vineyards, and iconic stretches like 17-Mile Drive, offering both challenging climbs and leisurely scenic rides. Carmel’s white-sand beaches or Monterey’s historic Cannery Row and world-class aquarium are just several examples of the treasures that can be found and explored. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and cycling-friendly roads, the Monterey Peninsula in spring is the perfect balance of adventure and coastal charm.
DETAILS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Your home base for the long weekend is a private estate in the hills of Monterey, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With a pool and hot tub and ample indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy, you'll be rewarded with creature comforts in your time off the bike.
Highlights:
Private luxury estate with spacious social spaces plus quiet nooks for private downtime
Ensuite bathrooms in every bedroom, stocked with premium bath products and bathrobes
Fast, reliable WiFi throughout the property
For solo travelers choosing double occupancy, privacy screens and sound machines are provided for added comfort.
The Farm Stand, Otter's signature self-serve table of coffee, refreshments, and snacks, is available at all hours throughout your stay and is replenished frequently with fruits, fresh baked goods, chips, bars, and drinks.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP
We believe your trip should feel effortless and free from distracting logistics and the hassle of constantly opening your wallet. That’s why we include more. With Otter, every detail is handled and every experience is designed so that your energy stays focused on adventure, connection, and relaxation.
Accommodations
Thoughtfully selected accommodations that embody the true character of the region
Luggage and gear transfers, as needed
Transportation
Airport transfers in a luxury van
A support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, assists with mechanical issues, and offers lifts
Transportation to and from daily activities
Ad hoc local transportation to explore your surroundings, subject to availability. If unavailable, we are always happy to help you arrange transportation.
Meals
We design all of our meals to cater to active athletes with discerning palettes. Food will be plentiful and there will be options to satisfy a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and high protein options at every meal. We source food locally and seek organic ingredients where possible. Travelers will also have the opportunity to inform us of any needs or special requests before the trip.
Daily (4) hearty breakfasts with diverse offerings, but always including premium rich coffee or made-to-order espresso, fresh fruits, an egg dish, breakfast meats, pastries and baked goods, yogurt and homemade granola.
Daily (3) picnic lunches and snacks, served mid-ride and designed for efficient energy transfer, including ice cold water and sports drinks
Daily (4) après ride gatherings, including varied offerings of satisfying appetizers and signature cocktails, craft beers, and local wines
2 dinners at our favorite local restaurants
1 dinner prepared in-house
“The Farm Stand,” Otter's signature self-serve table of coffee, refreshments, and snacks, is available at all hours throughout your stay and is replenished frequently with fruits, fresh baked goods, chips, bars, and drinks.
Gear
Premium bicycles and bike accessories, optimized for the riding conditions and your preferences. For guests who choose to bring their own bike, Otter will receive (if shipped), assemble, and tune it prior to your arrival, and will dissemble and package it for its return home.
Daily bike cleaning and tuning, to ensure optimal performance
A swag bag including an Otter jersey, local treats, and items to make your trip more enjoyable
GPS
Activities
Guided and fully supported daily rides
Morning yoga
1 massage
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Private pick-up from Monterey Regional Airport and transfer to our private residence in the hills of Monterey
Bike fittings; time to explore the grounds and settle in
Short evening ride in the local hills to get excited about what's to come
Welcome reception with wine and local hors d’oeuvres, followed by a chef-prepared dinner highlighting seasonal California flavors
Days 2 & 3 – Rides & Local Delights
Hearty breakfast followed by poolside morning yoga
Supported gravel ride through rolling coastal hills, past cypress groves, and along stretches of ocean-view ridgelines
Mid-ride gourmet lunch, snacks, and ice cold drinks to reward and refuel
Afternoon excursions to walk the white sands of Carmel Beach, enjoy a massage, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore Cannery Row, or browse the quaint shops and galleries of Carmel
Casual coastal dinner at one of Monterey's acclaimed restaurants and a night to explore the local cuisine and culture on your own
Day 4 – Final Adventures and Farewell
Grab and go breakfast of smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries to fuel, followed by a memorable sunrise ride
Farewell poolside brunch and goodbyes
Private transfer to Monterey Regional Airport for your flight home
Additional Activities
Sunset kayak in the bay, wine tasting in the Santa Lucia Highlands, additional spa treatments
Our Nonprofit Beneficiary
Propelle, a nonprofit that promotes women in the outdoors
Propelle aims to increase the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities and ensure a future where all women and girls – regardless of background, race, ethnicity or identity – have the confidence and skills to thrive in the outdoors. Propelle believes in making outdoor spaces open and inclusive and empowers women and girls to lead and succeed through outdoor pursuits and wilderness exploration.
TRIP FUNDRAISING ESTIMATE
$6,400+
Guests will receive a donation receipt documenting their tax deductible contribution within one week of the trip conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe your trip should feel effortless and free from distracting logistics and the hassle of constantly opening your wallet. That’s why we include more. With Otter, every detail is handled and every experience is designed so that your energy stays focused on adventure, connection, and relaxation.
Accommodations
-
Thoughtfully selected accommodations that embody the true character of the region
-
Luggage and gear transfers, as needed
Transportation
-
Airport transfers in a luxury AWD SUV or Sprinter van
-
For bike tours, a support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, assists with mechanical issues, and offers lifts
-
Transportation to and from daily activities
-
Ad hoc local transportation to explore your surroundings, subject to availability. If unavailable, we are always happy to help you arrange transportation.
Meals
We design all of our meals to cater to active athletes with discerning palettes. Food will be plentiful and there will be options to satisfy a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and high protein options at every meal. We source food locally and seek organic ingredients where possible. Travelers will also have the opportunity to inform us of any needs or special requests before the trip.
-
Daily hearty breakfasts with diverse offerings, but always including premium rich coffee or made-to-order espresso, fresh fruits, an egg dish, breakfast meats, pastries and baked goods, yogurt and homemade granola.
-
Daily lunches (unless noted, as in ski days) and nutritious snacks
-
Après festivities, including varied offerings of satisfying appetizers and signature cocktails, craft beers, and local wines
-
Gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants, renowned culinary establishments, or prepared in-house at private estates (unless noted as free nights)
-
“The Farm Stand,” Otter's signature self-serve table of coffee, refreshments, and snacks, is available at all hours throughout your stay and is replenished frequently with fruits, fresh baked goods, chips, bars, and drinks.
Gear (activity dependent)
-
Premium bicycles and bike accessories, optimized for the riding conditions and your preferences. For guests who choose to bring their own bike, Otter will receive (if shipped), assemble, and tune it prior to your arrival.
-
Premium trekking/mountaineering gear
-
Complimentary Otter gear and a swag bag
-
Daily gear cleaning, maintenance, and storage of gear to ensure optimal performance
-
GPS for rides
Activities
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All activities as outlined in the trip itinerary, except those noted as “Additional Activities”
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Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
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Gratuities for baggage, porters, and service related to accommodations
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Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge, where applicable
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Airfare (unless noted, as in Private Charter trips)
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Dinner on free night(s)
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Lunch when noted (as in ski days, to accommodate on-mountain flexibility)
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Spa services and other additional activities not specifically mentioned in “What’s Included.”
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Excursions and activities not outlined in the itinerary or referred to as “additional activities.”
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Gratuities for Otter guides
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Travel protection
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Ski gear (available on request)
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Ski lift tickets (since many guests will have passes)
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Otter partners with nonprofits to provide them with risk-free and effortless fundraising. We commit to guaranteeing 10% of the trip's proceeds will go to donations, with the possibility of additional funds raised through activities (such as trunk shows where the vendor donates a portion of the sales) and in-kind donations. There will be no active fundraising or "hard sells" on the trip, but you will receive more information about the nonprofit you are supporting, and guests will always have the option to donate more if moved to do so.
Guests will receive a donation receipt from the nonprofit within one week of the trip's conclusion, along with "total funds raised" for the trip.
A $750 per person no-risk deposit is required to confirm your reservation. This deposit is fully refundable until the final payment due date.
Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. At that time, any unpaid balance will be charged, and the deposit becomes non-refundable. Reservations made within 75 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
Guests will receive an email reminder of the upcoming payment one week before it is processed, and will have the opportunity to change the payment method on file.
Up to 75 days before departure: Your deposit and any payments made are fully refundable.
45–74 days before departure: You will receive a 50% refund of the total trip cost.
15–44 days before departure: You may apply 50% of the total trip cost as a credit toward any future Otter & Co. trip, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation.
Within 14 days of departure: All payments are non-refundable.Certainly. It's important to share the fun with friends and loved ones, even for those not interested in the primary activity. On most trips, such as ski trips, non-participating partners will have endless options to fill their days. On others, such as point-to-point cycling tours, they may need to be comfortable with some van rides (and time by the pool). If you'd like to hear more about what a "day in the life" would be like for a non-participating guest on a specific trip, please reach out and we can get into more detail about the logistics and the experience.
Absolutely. We're happy to accommodate and offer e-bikes for all trips, unless specifically noted. Batteries will be charged each night and spares will be carried in the support vehicle to ensure you always have power.