Originally Posted by
ubermensch84
maybe better to fly to SF and then on the way back if you run out of time can always take the train from Santa Barbara to LA
This isn't a bad idea. I have to admit, I found that the riding got a bit boring south of Santa Barbara...
Because of the cost of flying with a bike, I'd probably suggest taking Amtrak to the Bay Area, riding from there to Santa Barbara, then hopping a train the rest of the way back to LA if time is in short supply.