I am thinking of ride from San Luis Obispo to Vista after the Wildflower Century in April. The bike route from SLO to Santa Monica/Marina del Rey is pretty straight forward but I?m not too sure of the biking thru all the beach towns (Seal, Long, Huntington, Redondo, etc). Can anyone offer some advise on whether the ride thru these beach towns is worth it, dealing with traffic and traffic lights, or should I plan on stopping in Santa Monica and have someone pick me up? Thanks, Tom
It is a great ride you will enjoy it. Five of us did this in September. I may have the route on Ride with GPS. Going through Guadualupe there are not a lot of places to eat or drink so load up there before continuing. If you have ridden the Cool Breeze ride follow their route through Goleta, Santa Barbara and Carpenteria and follow the coast the rest of the way . Have a great adventure.
Dolores
From Long Beach home is a piece of cake.
I wouldn't ride from Santa Monica on PCH to Long Beach. A real pit loaded with lights and heavy traffic. But it can be done.
Good luck.
Dan
We used Adventure Cycling maps and Dave Whites' Cycling for Sight from Map my Ride. There is a bike path that starts in Malibu at Temescal Canyon Rd and continues around Marina Del Rey and down to Palos Verde. Palos Verde Dr. North to (just entering Wilmington area) right on Anaheim St. about 1 mile right on Wilmington Blvd. 1 block Left on W. G St > E. G St about 2 miles left on Watson Ave. 1 block Right on Anaheim St 2miles right on Pine Ave to Shoreline Dr in Long Beach.
Dee's got it right. And, if you have the time, go all the way around the Palos Verdes peninsula, and continue to San Pedro or do the very nice climb up Crenshaw, putting you right back on Palos Verdes Dr. N, where you continue with Dee's directions. I prefer the Crenshaw climb - some incredible views.
Have fun - Karl
Tom - I can provide Cycling for Sight routeslip (starting in Santa Barbara) if you like.
Enjoy, Dave White
Tom,
I would suggest getting off the hwy 1 bike route at some points.
In San Luis Obispo starting at the Amtrak station there is a bike path that takes you to Orcutt Rd. Take Orcutt through the Edna valley, very scenic and low traffic.
Then take Lopez Dr into Arroyo Grande where you can pick up hwy 1. This is way better than going through Pismo Beach.
Then further South you can take 135 to Harris Grade which takes you to Lompoc.
Just outside of Lompoc take Santa Rosa Rd to Buellton, this road is very scenic with vineyards and Walnut tree groves and low traffic.
Have fun.