Touring - Pacific coast: better Guadalupe-Lompoc alternative?

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Niles H.
04-16-07, 04:21 PM
Most people follow the usual route; but a local cyclist who lived in that area said that there is a significantly better way. Instead of staying on Hwy 1 until Harris Grade Road, you turn off on Black Road, where the sign says 'Casmalia'.

It's supposed to be less of a climb, with less traffic and better scenery.

Does anyone know anything about this road?

Robert_in_ca
04-16-07, 06:41 PM
I made some Routeslip routes for you...

Black Rd
http://www.routeslip.com/routes/32427

HWY 1
http://www.routeslip.com/routes/32429

Looks like it's more climbing doing black rd.

Here's some other routes taken in the area.
http://www.routeslip.com/discover/USA/CA/Lompoc
Niles H.
04-16-07, 08:18 PM
Thanks for those.

What about Harris Grade? That's the route most often taken. (As a better alternative to Hwy 1, which apparently has some drawbacks (traffic?).)

raybo
04-16-07, 08:47 PM
Harris grade road is a curvy, low-gear climb of about 2 miles (wild guess from year-ago memory) that has some steep parts but for the most part is just a tough slog.

Once at the top, you have a great view of the valley below and curvy coast down the hill. You can just about coast from the top of the grade into Lompoc.

This page will give you some information about Harris Grade Road: http://www.myfacilitate.net/ray/sf2labiketrip/day5.html

Ray