Originally Posted by
pnob32
The sections I am concerned about right now is the stretch between Santa Maria and Santa Barbara: should I take the Lompoc route or follow the 101?
Also, the section between Carpenteria and Ventura: should I take Hwy 1 or the Lake Casitas route?
I am mainly looking for the quickest, but also safe route.
I've done the SLO to Santa Barbara section both ways. I felt that they were both safe and the route that jumped on and off of 101 was definitely quicker. Going via Lompoc there was a significant climb before the Vandenburg entrance and then a longer climb shortly after leaving Lompoc. Going along the 101 route was much flatter and therefore faster. The sections that were on 101 had adequate shoulder widths so I always felt safe - but it can be a bit noisy with all the traffic. OTOH, the Vandenburg - Lompoc - Gaviota route had little traffic which made for more pleasant riding.
Beyond that point I've only taken the coastal route so can't give a comparison.