1. CALIFORNIA'S WINE COUNTRY

Spin past old-growth redwood forests and vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties, braking only for wineries, coastal views, and some of the classiest inns north of San Francisco. 16–55 miles per day, $2,598; backroads.com

2. THE TOUR DE GEORGIA COURSE

Test your mettle for six days on the scenic roads lacing the southern Blue Ridge Mountains near Atlanta between stays in the Peach State's finest resorts. 40 miles per day, $2,995; trektravel.com

3. THE SONORAN DESERT

Pedal lightly trafficked roads past the giant cacti and red-rock canyons outside Tucson, Arizona, for six days, enjoying light-pollution-free nights at historic guest ranches. 24–40 miles per day, $2,195; gosojourn.com

4. VERMONT'S CHAMPLAIN VALLEY AND ISLANDS

Sign up for a six-day circuit through the rolling, postcard-perfect countryside of Lake Champlain, with stop-offs in classic New England B&B's. 10–33 miles per day, from $1,395; vbt.com