Touring - Salinas Amtrak to Pacific Coast Trail

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davisprof
07-16-06, 07:00 PM
Is there a decent route from Salinas Amtrak Station to the Pacific Coast Bike Trail?

Just finished the Pacific Coast Bike Trail from SF to Monterey. We would like to pick up this ride in Monterey continuing south to San Luis Obispo by riding Amtrak to Salinas, CA, and returning via Amtrak at San Luis Obispo.

valygrl
07-17-06, 12:06 AM
See if you can find this Krebs Cycle map. http://www.krebscycleproducts.com/T2.html

I haven't ridden that particular stretch, but I've ridden in the area. The map recommends Hwy 68, takes you pretty much straight from Salinas to Seaside, about 20 miles. You could also take Reservation Road from Salinas to Marina, and then the bike path back to Monterey.

I hope you are going to ride the Big Sur coast, that's the best part!

Anna
davisprof
07-17-06, 09:49 AM
Thanks much Anna. We will ride through Big Sur !

Does anyone know what HWY 68 is like for riding?

super-douper
07-17-06, 11:51 AM
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/page/?o=lt&page_id=4333&v=0

these people did from big sure to salinas. They mention G16, but I don't know where that is. There's a pic of that road too, the shoulders look real nice!
paxtonm
07-19-06, 12:01 PM
Hi,

Hwy 68 is do-able. I've ridden it a number of times. It's very busy, and not pleasant riding at all. Best to head south out of Salinas on Main, then to take Reservation Road to the cycle path along the coast. It's a delightful ramble. You should have a great ride. Going north to south this time of year virtually guarantees tailwinds. Advice for Big Sur: this time of year, Highway 1 is swarming with rented motorhomes. The drivers are often clueless -- used to driving Camrys rather than trucks. It's best to get on the road early and to get off early. It's not particularly perilous, in my opinion, but having a rearview whipping by your shoulder is a little unnerving.
jamawani
07-19-06, 06:19 PM
Warning -
Amtrak is having huge problems this summer - especially on its Coast Starlight route. The train is running 4, 8, even 12 hours late - every day. Part of the problem is Amtrak's - but most of it lies with Union Pacific - the private railroad that owns the tracks Amtrak must use. Just like FEMA, Amtrak is letting the private railroads destroy it since those running Amtrak want it eliminated anyway. Taking Amtrak to Salinas is an invitation to a nightmare. Just a warning.