Biking along the pacific coast

[benoweb]

Hello

We are three student who have decided to ride along The Pacific this summer. The problem is we don't bring our bikes with us (too expensive with the international flights). So we decided to rent or buy used bicyles next to Tacoma International Airport. Can you help us to find contacts (it is better to find shops because we need to buy three bikes from the same saler) I have already asked some shops by email but i have not received any answer and I don't know why.

The other point is about campsites. Actually, our aim is to sleep in the state parks. Do you think we should book before arriving. If it is, how many days before the night should we call or write an email ?

Thank you

Benoit

[Cosmoline]

Are you renting a car or just planning on bicycling out of Seatac? I'm afraid to DRIVE around that area! Personally I'd want to get clear of the sprawl and over towards the actual coast or up into the islands before getting on a bike.

I don't know about Washington as much, but state parks along the Oregon coast are fantastic.

http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml

Oregon also has a statewide bikeped program

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/

And a bicycle map for the Oregon Coast:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/ORE_COAST_BICYCLE_MAP_WEB_FINAL.pdf

If you head inland, Eugene alone has an amazing array of bike routes. In fact all this is making me miss my old home.

[benoweb]

Hello

Thank you for your reply.

We can buy or rent or bike next to seattle. (If we can take a bus). But we we dont know where to go.

Moreover, do you think it is necessary to book for state parks ?

Thank you

[jcm]

Hello

Thank you for your reply.

We can buy or rent or bike next to seattle. (If we can take a bus). But we we dont know where to go.

Moreover, do you think it is necessary to book for state parks ?

Thank you

You will need to reserve a campsite at most of the Washington State Parks out on the coast. Usually, right now is the time to do it. I don't know about Oregon. It is also possible to simply ask people along the way if you can camp on their property. I refer you to Greg's Greenlake Cycle in Seattle. Send a PM on this Forum to Bekologist. He works there and is an experienced cycle tourist.

This is the Official Parks website, but it has some problems with the on-line reservation tool. There are phone numbers.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/

NOTE: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is closer to Seattle than to Tacoma. About 17 miles (22km) to Greg's Greenlake Cycle.

[bikingshearer]

Get a copy of the book "Bicycling the Pacific Coast" by Vicky Spring and Tom Kirkendall. It will have all the information about the route, campgrounds, places to visit, and other services you need. It should be available thorugh Amazon.com if you cannot find it where you are.

Most of the route is very well served by campgrounds that have "hiker-biker" sites, areas that are kept available for people who come in on bikes or on foot even if the campsite is otherwise full. Sometimes it is a regular campsite, sometimes it is the day-use or other area. They usually have a special. lower camping fee, and generally have a two night maximum stay. You may also have to be out or move your stuff by a certain time. You also may have to share the site with other cyclists or backpackers.

This means that you are unlikely to need reservations, but get the book and let it guide you.

As for renting bikes in the Seattle area, I have no idea. I suggest that you try posting a question in the Pacific Northwest section of Bike Forums.

[benoweb]

Thank you very much. I bought yesterday this book. It will help us a lot. Our last worry is about how to get three bikes next to the airport and then to reach the coast.

[-pops-]

For your bike dilemma, try Arron's Bike Repair in West Seattle - fairly close to the airport area. He would probably be into your idea and be helpful.

http://www.rideyourbike.com (http://www.rideyourbike.com/)

[Bekologist]

aaron and his crewe would likely get them set up for touring using messenger bags on fixed gear bikes with no toeclips...

i'm reccommending Second Ascent for ALL their touring needs, and spending a couple of days in the city at the Green tortoise getting geared up.

Why suggest to cyclotourists to stay near SeaTac? blech.

www.secondascent.com

full service bike shop and used gear shop, and a lot more bikes to choose from. probably could get them going on Kona Smokes if they contact them in advance, second ascent ROCKS! so does recycled cycles, although their used selection is kinda slim sometimes.

[Losligato]

-The state parks coming down the west coast have hiker/biker sites. They charge a per person fee (between $3-5) and never turn away a person on a bicycle no matter how full they get.

-Last summer the west coast was colder and wetter we expected it to be. Be prepared for rain and cold.

-We cycled from Sea Tac to the closest state park (can't remember which one but here is our route (http://www.vwvagabonds.com/Bike/BikeRouteWestCoast.html))

-You might consider the REI in Seattle (http://www.rei.com/online/FindStores.do?state=WA&radius=900)as an option for purchasing your bikes and gear. REI is a nationwide coop with an excellent guarantee on everything they sell.

Happy travels

[jo5iah]

Aaron's and Second Ascent are both good options for Seattle bike shops. For a good selection of used bikes, don't miss Recycled Cycles:
http://www.recycledcycles.com/

[benoweb]

Thank you very much for advising us.

We are beginning to find a good plan. Actually, someone from BikeWorks answered me by email and will soon tell us what they can do for us.

We will bring from France as many as possible accessories for the bikes and camping. That's another reason why we want to keep apart three used bicycles in advance, to know exactly what we can bring from France. We have got numerous things since our first bike trip.

I received by airmail the book "Bycling The Pacific Coast" with all the infos about the road and the stateparks we need.

[fat_bike_nut]

aaron and his crewe would likely get them set up for touring using messenger bags on fixed gear bikes with no toeclips...

Hahaha, I guess I should head over to Greenlake when I plan on buying my Redline 9-2-5, then :D

[SesameCrunch]

Are you coming as far down as San Francisco? If so, I live right off Hwy1 just south of SF. You're welcome to a shower and a hot meal and even a floor to sleep on if you want!

[ollo_ollo]

One option you should consider: After purchasing your bicycles, when you are ready to start your journey, take a Washington State ferry across Puget Sound & circuit the Olympic Peninsula. There are many campgrounds & you can see some of our NorthWest Rainforest country. The interior of this peninsula was only mapped as recently as the 1940s. There is one ferry from West Seattle to Southworth that makes a stop at Vashon Island and other ferries which leave Downtown Seattle for Bremerton or Bainbridge Island. I believe the cost for a bike & rider is the same as for a walk on passenger and will only be a nominal amount compared to a car & driver. Don