Touring - Where's a good place to do a 1 week tour in March?

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gdtrfbuva
01-07-13, 11:46 PM
Can anyone suggest a good place - in the US - to do a one-week tour in March. My primary concerns are weather, scenery/interesting places to stop and check out, safety and terrain. I'm in pretty good shape (3300 miles last year) and do most of my riding in the west hills of Portland, Oregon (no bike lanes, but bike-friendly motorists).

This will be my first tour and I'm looking to camp (rather than stay in hotels), but eat my meals out (rather than cook them myself) so I I'll need campgrounds to sleep in and towns to eat in. In all likelihood, I'll be doing it solo. I'd like to ride 50 - 60 miles a day; I think I could do more, but want to leave time to take in the sights. I prefer a "point-to-point" or a loop instead of an "out and back" route.

I've considered San Fran to Santa Barbara, but am a little nervous that March is still in the rainy season along that stretch. I've also thought of going San Diego to Palm Springs .. or a loop that starting in San Diego and heading north and west.

Any ideas? Anyone?? Bueler??


imi
01-08-13, 03:36 AM
A couple of years ago I toured around the desert regions of Southern California. For a week's tour I wouild suggest taking Amtrac to Barstow, then heading for Joshua Tree and Anza-Barrago national parks. If you time it right, you'll catch the desert in bloom....
Might even see you there! :)

p.s the nights may still be a bit cold, so take a good sleeping bag

Cyclebum
01-08-13, 05:39 AM
Might want to find a way to throw the Salton Sea loop into imi's suggestion. Gonna do that myself in late March from Phx. Slab City/Salvation Mt are the weird attractions there. Featured in "Into The Wild."

How 'bout Death Valley? Be nice in March. And always memorable.


fietsbob
01-08-13, 09:44 AM
I started My Irish West Coast Trip, in March.. I planned for rain..