OMC Ride to Cold Springs Tavern (Santa Barbara) / SAT 27 JUN 2026
OMC Ride to Cold Springs Tavern (San Marcos Pass, Santa Barbara)
SAT 27 JUN 2026
Oedipus MC ride to Cold Springs Tavern outside of Santa Barbara
Cold Springs Tavern is in the San Marcos Pass with the earliest recorded mention in the early 19th century as the connection between Mission Santa Barbara and its farm at Rancho San Marcos in the Santa Ynez Valley. John Fremont and his troops traveled the pass during the Mexican-American War (1846–1848) on their way south from Monterey to Los Angeles. By the late 1860s the demand had grown for improved roads over the pass and Llewellyn Bixby and others incorporated the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Turnpike Road Company in 1868 and operated a stagecoach company that provided passenger service and carried mail. The turnpike company completed construction on the San Marcos Pass Road by 1870. The horse drawn stage line ceased operation in 1901. Motorized vehicles took the place of the stagecoaches and so passed one of the most romantic eras of our American history. Wagon wheel ruts can be seen in the stone along the old pass.
Cold Spring Tavern has been a haven for hungry travelers since 1868 and provides hearty meals and a wide selection of spirits with outside dining.
An optional visit to Mission Santa Barbara may be included.
ROUTE: TBA