Originally Posted by
divtag
I usually stick to Santa River Trail or Mountain to Sea as driving with cars stresses me way too much and makes riding less enjoyable. However, I'd like to get some rides in down to Crystal Cove from HB to get into hill climbing shape. The section through CDM looks especially sketchy. Is there anyway through instead of the narrow PCH with car doors flying open on the side?
If its hill workouts you want to do, you don't need to go through Corona del Mar. From H.B. just go south on PCH and turn left on Avocado and go up to San Joaquin Hills Rd. where you turn right. Cross MacArthur and take San Joanquin all the way up to Ridge Park Road turn right and it will cross Newport Coast Dr. take that up and take a right on Vista Ridge Road. There will be a fast descent and you will be back on Newport Coast Dr. Turn left on Newport Coast and descend to S. Pelican Hills Rd. Turn right and take that loop till you get back on Newport Coast Dr. Turn left and descend down to PCH. Make a U Turn and go up Newport Coast Dr. If you can do it, go up Newport Coast and turn left on San Joaquin Hills Road for a nice descent. That will take you back to Avocado and then PCH.