Mastering the Terrain:
Cycling the Santa Ynez Valley & Solvang
November 10-14, 2010
Ascendant's co-founders learned over time how being physically active - moving our bodies in an activity we loved - was a powerful antidote to the counter productive mind chatter and stressed-out body we knew from the workplace and the demands of life.
The two of us share a love of cycling, and together or alone found that being out on our bikes on the back roads of the Sierra foothills or Sonoma wine country gave us a way to unwind, rejuvenate and get clear on our lives and our business.
This five-day Active Learning Journey (ALJ) is designed to create an environment for you to ask and answers questions about what you wish to create in your life and to aid you in moving past the blocks and self imposed limitations that may prevent you from having the life of your design. You will be in the company of other like-minded participants exploring the same terrain together led by two master facilitators and avid cyclists, Ray Arata and Chris Kyle.
The bike in many ways serves as a metaphor for our lives. We have observed countless times how what happens on the bike happens in life...
- On the bike, the terrain and conditions often change and how we respond is very important... Maybe you are ready for a career change.
- When riding with groups the dynamics shift and the tactics change so you respond quickly... Maybe you're ready to face some relationship challenges with family or colleagues.
- Out on the road, you push it to test your fitness and ability to work to move it to the next level... Maybe you're ready to take your business or career to the next level.
- You may simply wish to be the best you can be on the bike and may want to focus on your internal training... in addition to your on the road training
- Maybe it's time for you to go from success to significance
- Maybe you are ready for some new roads to roll down, for some life changes.
Regardless of what it is, getting away from your environment to experience the potent combination of group dynamics, personal positive introspection with outdoor adventure, amazing food and plain old fun will give you some fresh perspective and focus on what type of life you wish to create for yourself going forward.
We'll explore the powerful metaphor of the bike and the road mirroring our lives, and how the lessons of the ride can inform our personal and professional journey. The cuisine and wine will be locally influenced.
We invite you to come experience our first ALJ and assist us in this pilot excursion to create the model going forward.
In The Saddle - The Logistics
The Location
The Santa Ynez Valley Wine country in Santa Barbara County is considered one of the best cycling regions in the United States. Many cycling teams, including Lance Armstrong's US Postal Team have frequented the valley for their seasonal training. Located just south of San Luis Obispo and east and north of Santa Barbara, the valley offers a respite from the typically inclement weather of Northern California often experienced in late February.
Arrival and Departure Times
Plan to arrive no later than 5 pm Wednesday February 24th. We will have an orientation meeting and a short spin around our guest lodge on that first day. We will end no later than 3 pm Sunday February 28th. Please plan your flight departure time out of Santa Barbara airport no earlier than 5 pm.
The Rides
There will be four official ride days. Our rides will meander through the vineyards and rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Olivos and Solvang and ultimately climbing Figueroa Mountain ("picking the Fig"). Ride details to follow. Plan on rides of varying lengths ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 hours.
The Accommodations
Our base for this program is the Retreat House at Restoration Oaks Ranch near Solvang, California. It has been fully remodeled and still holds a beautifully appointed rustic feel with a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and other modern amenities including large flat screen monitors for viewing DVDs or computer presentations and wireless internet throughout.
There are 3 bedrooms upstairs, and a bunkroom/lounge area downstairs. Each upstairs bedroom has its own bathroom with shower. A combination of twin, king, and bunk beds can accommodate up to 16 people.
The Food
Ray and Chris are foodies, so we will be eating fresh, organic meals through out the trip prepared by our own personal chef. The meals will be hearty and creative and will be paired with fine local wines. Healthy snacks after rides will be available each day.
The Daily Routine
- Each day will have a group session to start followed by a ride.
- The facilitated sessions will support and challenge you to look at you life from a different perspective.
- Each day will have a ride of approximately 2-3.5 hours.
- Each ride will correlate with the material/focus of the day.
- Down time/free time will follow the ride.
- Each day a second group session will precede dinner.
- Dinner is all about fun and food and connection...no exceptions.
Post Ride - Outcomes for You
What happens when a bunch of guys who like bikes who are at various stages in their life get together, get real, and decide to make the most of their experience in a way that will serve all of them going forward, not just while together but after? We believe that some or all of these will occur for you:
- Alignment of values for your next phase in life
- Valuable life insights to serve you going forward
- Deeper awareness of what is needed now in your life
- A network of individuals to support you on your path
- Greater purpose and focus in life
- Lots of fun and fitness
- Lasting memories
The Preparation for the Ride of Your Life
A questionnaire will be sent out to aid you in focusing on outcomes that you seek for yourself by the end of the ALJ. We ask that you treat this seriously if you want to get the most out of your experience.
You will receive a pre-departure packet and a final itinerary 45 days prior to the start date of the program.
What You Get
- 4 nights lodging in double occupancy rooms
- All meals (Wednesday Dinner through Sunday lunch)
- Facilitated group sessions every day
- One-on-one sessions during the ALJ
- 4 post-ALJ facilitated group calls – held weekly
- One post-trip individual planning consultation (90 min, a $345 value)
The Cost
The price of the program is $1295 per person all-inclusive except for airfare and other transportation to our Lodge. A deposit of $300 is required to hold your spot and is non-refundable inside of 30 days from the date of the trip. Please click on the link below to register.
Please join us for this extraordinary adventure!
Call us at 415-516-2202 or email Ray at rarata@ascendantcompany.com if you have any questions about the program or want to reserve your spot.
Click here for our training registration form >
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