Good morning, Escapists. The choice of this week’s destination — the pastoral, sprawling Santa Ynez Valley and all its delights — was inspired by a fellow traveler, retired winemaker Iris Rideau.

In this edition of Escapes, you’ll find Rideau’s recommendations, along with a few other treasures in the Santa Ynez Valley. What are your go-to spots along the Central Coast? Let me know and I may share them in a future edition.

Taking it easy is, well, easy in the Santa Ynez Valley, where leisurely wine-tasting outings are usually the main event for travelers. But the region also offers a number of stunning cycling routes for those who want to get some exercise and take a closer look at the winding country roads that connect the valley.

The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition is a great free resource for anyone interested in exploring the area by bike, with more than a dozen cycling routes covering Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Solvang and beyond listed online. Great for families and also more serious cyclists, they range from short two-mile jaunts to 10-mile treks around the region.

Need a bicycle, or don’t feel like lugging yours all the way to the valley? Full-day rentals at Solvang’s Wheel Fun Rentals start at $32.

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