Northern California - San Fran to Los Angeles
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cyclingfanatic
07-21-08, 10:30 AM
A friend and I are looking to travel from San Fran to Los Angeles in a few weeks and I am having a hard time finding information on a route. Does anyone know of a route or where I could go to find a good route? Thanks in advance.
SesameCrunch
07-21-08, 10:50 AM
I don't personally know the routes, but you might try Adventure Cycling. They make maps for this purpose. Here's the link: http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/pacificcoast.cfm
ConstantRider
07-21-08, 12:37 PM
Along with the Adventure Cycling maps, another good resource for this ride is the book Bicycling the Pacific Coast (http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Pacific-Coast-Complete-Canada/dp/0898869544/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216658753&sr=1-1).
Also, check the Pacific coast tour diaries (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/categories/?o=3Tzut&category_id=107&doctype=journal) at Crazyguyonabike.com (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com).
mayukawa
07-21-08, 02:40 PM
Couldn't you just take the route taken by the AIDS LifeCycle Ride from SF to LA?
Couldn't you just take the route taken by the AIDS LifeCycle Ride from SF to LA?
Indeed, here (http://experience.aidslifecycle.org/2008/routesheets/alc7_routesheets.pdf) are all seven days of route sheets for this year's ALC. Note that you're on your own when it comes to rest stops, although the longest stretch between actual services is never more than about 40 miles, I think.
Also note that for various reasons, this route is *not* the most direct route (even for a bicycle) from SF to LA. In particular, there's no good reason to visit Santa Maria when you're doing this ride by yourself.
You'll enjoy a good tailwind going SF to LA, it's easy to average over 20mph even solo while on Hwy 1 between SF and Santa Cruz. It's probably similar on other parts heading south down Hwy 1! It's quite scenic although I've just done the first leg down to Monterey. Don't forget your arm warmers, full fingered gloves, etc... it's chilly in the mornings with fog.
oaklandcyclist
07-23-08, 01:59 PM
Couldn't you just take the route taken by the AIDS LifeCycle Ride from SF to LA?
Biggest drawback of this option is missing one of the greatest sights to behold in this whole state entirely: the central coast. Seriously, that run from Monterey to Cambria ALONE is worth planning the journey from SF to LA.
Don't get me wrong, I think ALC's route is special in itself (I've done it 5 times), but a coastal ride is infinitely more rewarding for the traveling adventure cyclist.
+1 on Aventure Cycling, and take the 17-Mile Drive through Carmel. :thumb: