About this project
Concept
Simply put, Whereabout provides accommodations and food for bicycle tourists on the central coast of California. Whereabout is a premiere bike tour company offering plush outdoor accommodations and professionally catered local foods and wines.
San Luis Obispo Bike Travel
San Luis Obispo is quickly emerging as a well-known travel destination. San Luis Obispo made the LA Times’ top ten places to visit in 2013. Like Europe, SLO county has constellations of unique cities separated by long stretches of natural beauty, an ideal setting to be taken in by the pace of the bike tourist. Plus, the San Luis Obispo dry, mild climate is perfect for a long season of camping, biking, and growing food.
Bikes mean business! According to a recent report on bicycle travel in Oregon, the state bicycle related expenditures were upwards of $400 million and supported 4,630 jobs. Local bike advocates are positive that this County can benefit financially from our bike-friendly roads. Plans are approved to connect the entire county by bicycle. The active-travel trend is growing and this county is a perfect match for this newfound enthusiasm. With a model that encourages a variety of vendors, Whereabout will consciously channel those bike tourism dollars to businesses that support locals and their families.
Whereabout Difference
Whereabout crafts a balance between camping and booking a room. Unlike other tours where the tourist has to get reacquainted with new lodging and find food or set up a new campsite, Whereabout sets up a sustained village and local products are brought to guests at camp.While relocating the village the staff will also transport cyclists belongings to lighten their touring load. We have delivery agreements with local stores to further compliment shopping cyclists.
Bikes + Farms + Tourism = Happy Campers + Happy Communities
Bicycle tourists do not have the same parking and circulation impacts as traditional campers and staying only one night at each location lessens the footprint. This difference translates to a special opportunity for bicycle tourism and agricultural tourism to unite. If we can maintain high standards in environmental protection, boost the local economy, and provide a one of kind luxury travel experience for healthy tourists, EVERYONE WINS!
Stewardship
The appeal of the agricultural landscape depends on preserving its charm. As with any responsible travel, Whereabout is dedicated to serving visitors, community members, and the environment. We strive to promote the business, farms, and wineries of the central coast of California while having conscious impact on the land where we set up camp. The bathroom and shower trailer gives Whereabout sustainable autonomy. Our water and waste requirements will have minimal impact to the physical site and agricultural processes.
Whereabout Compatibility Quiz
- I have a group of friends that I love to go on adventures with.
- I support the local foods movement and patronize local businesses.
- I am over 18 and under 120 years old.
- I would like to be active with friends for a bachelor/bachelorette gathering.
- I don’t always want to be responsible for a car on vacation.
- I consider myself a food or wine connoisseur.
- I lead or attend retreats for work, school, or personal growth.
- I like camping with my partner but I prefer biking with others similar to my pace.
Are most of the above statements true? Yes? Well then, Whereabout hits the spot for you too!
Risks and challenges
The unique, transformative element of the nomadic village required that all the equipment was designed to be relocated daily. Because of the local-centric goals of the project, the equipment needs to be built here in San Luis Obispo. Getting everything locally sourced was not always easy or cheap but we continue to make that a priority. More of the same challenges may occur as we continue to grow but we do everything possible to remain authentic.
Bicycles as transportation continues to be scrutinized. Breaking down misconceptions about safe cyclists promoting the economy is a challenge we are passionate about. With years of research, community involvement, and bicycle safety education, we are excited and prepared to promote empowered bicycle travel. Luckily, San Luis Obispo is a bicycle friendly community and we have received abundant support for the idea.
Other setbacks would include the same for any event coordination and the solution is making sure to have redundancy in vendors and services, which we do. Whereabout is not exclusive to any caterers or services and we encourage partnerships with many local businesses as long as they align with the priority to support at the local level.
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Funding period
- (30 days)