Training camps are not just for the pros you know! Many pro cycling teams have been using the Santa Monica Mountains in California for their winter training camps and we decided we can too.

Seven of us set our sights on an escape to sunny California and secured a roomy beach house, located right on the water in the seaside town of Oxnard.

This location provided us with a perfect jump off point for some beautiful riding along the California coast and in the Santa Monica Mountains.

It’s arguably the best cycling in California because of its diverse climbs and peak to peak rides. 

During our five days, we had fun exploring the canyon roads north of Malibu as well as a loop through Ventura County.

We got in some solid miles and made some new friends. We had some tasty homemade meals and tested a pretty good variety of California wines too.

We didn’t get sunshine every day but we did get a solid boost to our fitness. And we all agreed that a winter trip to Southern California will have to become an annual thing.