Cambria to Morro Bay Route Suggestion

[asiamj]

Hi Folks,

I'm heading down from Carmel to Morro Bay during the first week of June for a light tour. For some reason, when I try to map out a route via google maps, the bike route from Cambria to Morro Bay is telling me to go eastward and that's an extra 31 miles vs. the car coastal route. I rather take the coastal route if that's possible. I thought I heard that there was a bike coastal route, but if there is, google doesn't no about it.

I 'd appreciate if someone can give some ideas on a route from Cambria to Morro Bay. Also, if the route is hilly or flat, and what kind of weather I should expect, just trying get an idea.

Thanks all.

[calamarichris]

The route is rolling hills and fast-moving traffic, but it also a nice wide shoulder, as far as I can remember. Keep an eye out for "Bicycles Must Exit" signs, because there are some frontage roads that run parallel to the 1. Especially just before Cayucos when it becomes a divided four-lane highway.
The weather is usually cool, cloudy and pretty windy (especially in Morro Bay for some reason) but you if you get lucky and get sunshine, it's magic. Have a fun time and take plenty of pics!

There's a touristy little souvenir village with some seafood restaurants in Morro Bay worth checking out IMO.

[allroy71]

The route looks do-able according to the sites below.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/63009792
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/166730312

[cdp8]

I think Chris is correct about the shoulder around Morro Bay. I seem to recall that stretch from the SLOB's Lighthouse Century. However, the stretch from Carmel through Big Sur is really really narrow and is popular with RVs in the summer. You may want to look at google streetview to see what I mean. I know there are washed out/rebuilt sections through there that don't even have a centerline it's so narrow.

A friend rode from SF to SM pier in October and said it was great; very little traffic. Good luck. I know I wouldn't feel safe riding Highway 1 between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

[tony2v]

I rode in the SLO area last Sept. The shoulders are wide along Hwy 1, but be sure to exit the freeway at Cayucos and follow the bike lane through town. I remember seeing condors flying along the coast with me, so cool!I rode from SLO to Old Creek Rd (not for beginners!) up to Hwy 46 out to the coast back to Morro Bay, then Los Osos Valley Rd to SLO. Checkout this site:http://www.lkjh.org/bike/california/index.html

[Durockrolly]

Make sure you try the crab omelet at a place called The Coffee Pot in the little village at Morro Bay!

[KevinSCo]

Ignore your google map results. I rode the SLOBC Lighthouse Century, which follows the coastal route from Morro to the lighthouse North of Cambria then back. The shoulder is plenty wide and the scenery is fantastic. However, lots of distracted tourists driving rental cars, so I'd keep your eyes open and wear something eye catching. Bring lights if you'll be on the road early or late.

[asiamj]

Make sure you try the crab omelet at a place called The Coffee Pot in the little village at Morro Bay!

Crab omelet...I'm there! Thx.

[asiamj]

Ignore your google map results. I rode the SLOBC Lighthouse Century, which follows the coastal route from Morro to the lighthouse North of Cambria then back. The shoulder is plenty wide and the scenery is fantastic. However, lots of distracted tourists driving rental cars, so I'd keep your eyes open and wear something eye catching. Bring lights if you'll be on the road early or late.

Hopefully, there's not too many distracted tourists during the first weekend of June. Thanks for your response.

[asiamj]

The route looks do-able according to the sites below.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/63009792
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/166730312

Thanks for the routes!

[asiamj]

The route is rolling hills and fast-moving traffic, but it also a nice wide shoulder, as far as I can remember. Keep an eye out for "Bicycles Must Exit" signs, because there are some frontage roads that run parallel to the 1. Especially just before Cayucos when it becomes a divided four-lane highway.
The weather is usually cool, cloudy and pretty windy (especially in Morro Bay for some reason) but you if you get lucky and get sunshine, it's magic. Have a fun time and take plenty of pics!

There's a touristy little souvenir village with some seafood restaurants in Morro Bay worth checking out IMO.

That's what I heard at first. We may just play by ear when we get there. Thanks for the info.

[Ray R]

The frontage road off Hwy 1 southbound takes you through a quaint little cemetery in Cayucos. It's a quiet place for a rest stop.