JDRF Ride to Cure Venues

Santa Rosa, CA – Sonoma County               

Get ready to Ride through Sonoma County Wine Country!  Join us at one of the best hotels and spas that Sonoma has to offer. The Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa is located in the historic Railroad Square of Santa Rosa.  The richly detailed Mediterranean architecture provides guests with magnificent views of Sonoma Wine country and charming lush gardens giving the feeling that they are in their own private palazzo! Enjoy shopping, local culture and the Charles Schulz Memorial Park, just steps out the front door.

In addition to the spectacular Ride on Saturday, riders will have time to explore the area with visits to Sonoma’s finest wineries (which include Chateau St. Jean, Chateau Souverain, Clos du Bois, Kendall-Jackson and Korbel Champagne), make a tee time at one of Sonoma Country’s premier golf courses, Oakmont, or peruse the spa services and treatments at the Vineyard Creek Spa.

Whitefish, MT                

Head out to Big Sky Country this summer with over 200 cyclists and experience breathtaking scenery in Whitefish, Montana - the gateway to Glacier National Park.  Whitefish is located on the western slopes of Montana's northern Rocky Mountains and provides the picturesque setting of the Old West.  Built in 1904 as a stop along the Great Northern Railway, Whitefish was initially called Stumptown, reflecting the large clearing of forest to create room for development. 

Riders will stay at the hallmark Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish and experience rustic Montana elegance.  Prior to Saturday’s ride, riders will have time to explore Glacier National Park, fly fish, golf or just kick back in town. From the historical railroad depot to charming Central Avenue, Whitefish was built on the personalities, generosity and wisdom of its residents. Cafes mingle with gourmet restaurants, general stores share the downtown area with galleries and boutiques, and a variety of western bars will suit any mood. You will find yourself surrounded by sophisticated amenities.  There is only one Whitefish!

Asheville, NC                

Join us as cyclists ride through the lush countryside of Appalachia in Asheville, North Carolina.

The City of Asheville's vibrant downtown is filled with wonderful restaurants, galleries, and shopping opportunities. The surrounding area is home to such wonderful sites as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chimney Rock, and, of course, one of the biggest attractions to Asheville to date - the home built by George W. Vanderbilt, the Biltmore Estate. America's largest private residence, the Biltmore was the brainchild of the famous architect Richard Morris Hunt. The construction lasted five years, requiring the additional erection of Biltmore Village to house the hundreds of workers required for the task. The end result is no less stunning than the great rolling mountains surrounding it.

Cyclists will have the unique opportunity to ride through some of the most colorful scenery just prior to the peak season. In addition to the Ride on September 6, riders will have time to explore nearby attractions, go golfing at the Grove Park Inn, or just kick back at the spa.

Death Valley, CA                 

Located in southern California, Death Valley is one of the most otherworldly of America’s natural wonders - an eerie panorama of salt flats, pre-historic rock formations and varying elevations. 

With rolling hills and steep mountains, Death Valley is famous for Badwater - the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level. Badwater also happens to be the first checkpoint on the Ride route!  The area where we’ll be cycling is also historic - actually pre-historic. Geologists say its rock formations date back to the Pre-Cambrian Era. Native Americans first settled here 9000 years ago!  Back then Death Valley had lakes, plentiful wildlife and vegetation. But by the first century, time and weather had sculpted in into a majestic landscape.

Riders will stay at the Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort surrounded by the desert of Death Valley National Park, CA - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Opened in 1927 by the Pacific Borax Company, this resort is a tribute to the historical riches of California’s past.  Furnace Creek Ranch will be our home base during the Ride weekend. The average temperature on Ride weekend can vary between low 80’s to low 90’s. But don’t forget to bring a jacket because the desert evenings can dip into the 40’s to cool you down.