Originally Posted by
valygrl
Ok I totally didn't understand your route!
Anyway, yeah, the Sierra Cascades is not an entry level tour. The Pacific Coast IS an entry level tour. If you start in San Francisco instead of LA, you'll have a couple of weeks under your belt heading down the coast before you make a u-turn and hit the mountains. Or just start in Seattle or Portland, just ride the Coast. Forget about the S-C for now. Yes, I know this costs more money because you have to get to the SF start/end point. I still recommend it.
I'd budget 50-65 miles/day on the coast and 40-45 in the mountains.
Maybe I'll do that, but the budget is already slim. I'll have to read up more on the S-C. I mean, can it really be a show stopper? I'm a spritely, young 24 year old...anyone else second this idea?