Northern California - Rides near Monterey

I'll be in downtown Monterey this weekend, and I'm thinking out lound about bringing my road bike and doing some rides around the Monterey area. Does anyone have any suggestions on routes and/or group rides? I really enjoy climbing, so that would be a plus, but isn't necessary.

Thanks in advance.

TJ

There is a paved bike trail that starts in the town of Marina, and goes all the way to Pacific Grove. It's about 20 or so miles long, but goes thru Monterey, past Fisherman's Warf, and thru Canery Row, and the Aquarium. Plenty of spots to stop and rest, or enjoy a snack. It was the route that the train used, and is has been paved over into a bike path right along the coastline. Not very "hilly", but a nice ride.

Thanks. I'll try it out.

This link has a list of the local rides. A few also have maps if you want to head out on your own.
http://www.vcmonterey.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=31

The SMR's all go through Pebble Beach along basically the same route. Somewhere around 1700' of overall climbing. Beautiful ride. There will plenty of cyclists on this route.

As mentioned previously, the MUT starts in PG and goes a few miles past Marina. About 30 miles round trip. You can continue to Castroville after the MUT ends on a road that usually doesn't have much traffic. This is about 40 miles round trip. On the weekend the trail between Monterey and PG will be busy with little kids and people just walking and taking in the sights, so take your time.

It's a great place to ride so bring your bike and have a good time.

Thanks fflyr. Can you confirm that cyclists are, in fact, allowed on the "17 mile drive" on weekends?

I've ridden the 17-Mile Drive on weekends before, so I am pretty sure that you should not have a problem. It's great because it's free (cars pay a stiff entry fee).

For some Monterey group rides and ride ideas, this page should be very helpful: http://www.velobella.org/rides_monterey_bay.htm

ROJA is correct. No problem on the weekends and it's free. All the Sat morning rides go through Pebble on the 17 mile drive.

I couldn't make it to a group ride, but I rode the 17-mile drive ride twice. It was beautiful! On Monday, the weeather was perfect for cycling. I dream of moving to Monterey just so I can ride that route every day.

If you care to go long, here's a Monterey-Big Sur out and back route sheet (http://www.oaklandyellowjackets.org/memberaccess/member_routesheets/montereybigsur_estrada.pdf) I authored a few years ago. My in-laws used to live in Monterey and I used to ride this as often as I could. Easily one of the most spectacularly scenic bike routes in the whole country. Best part is that, since it's essentially and out-and-back, you can tailor the distance easily by simply turning around when you feel like it.