Hi All,

First of all I think this forum is great! I've found so much useful information here.

So this Thursday I plan to bike from San Francisco to Santa Cruz and I've collected a couple of different routes. I need your input on choosing between them and maybe add new ones. My first priority is safety.

1., All the way down on HWY-1. Problems: Devil's Slide, no shoulders around Pacifica and Montara.
2., Skyline Blvd (HWY 35) => HWY-92 => Half Moon Bay => HWY-1; I read terrible things about HWY 92.
3., Skyline Blvd (HWY 35) => Canada Rd => Woodside Rd (HWY-84) => Mountain Home Rd => Portola Rd => Old La Honda Rd => HWY-84 => HWY-1
4., Same as (3) but straight on HWY-84 to HWY-1

My only concern about (3) and (4) is the climb. Which one is easier? Is it doable for a beginner? Do you know easier and safer routes to Santa Cruz?

Thank you!