Originally Posted by travelinhobo

Looking at the titles of posts here, not sure if I should post this here, but what the heck.

I recently finished a 3 week tour of southern California and had a great time (perhaps because I hadn't been on a bike in 7 years or had a tour in 8). I think it's worth recommending if anyone is looking for a short tour with a variety. I started to write up a trip report, but I got bored doing it. So if you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly.

My tour began in Oceanside and headed south along the coast road into San Diego. I went as far as possible riding thru Coronado and visiting the Tijuana River Sanctuary Research Ctr. Then I headed northeast to the Otay Ranch area in order to get east and out of SD. I travelled along Rt. 94 (the furthest road south possible) which crosses the mountains, but is one of the lower points to do so, I believe. Along this route I saw the Wall which borders the 2 countries and lots of border patrol. Some scenic parts. From Rt. 94 at Jacumba, I took I-8 down to Ocatillo. This is the beginning of the desert. I travelled on Rt. 98 as 2 locals told me that the road into El Centro is bad, even in a car. Good road to bike on and it includes a section of desert about 10 miles or so, Yuha Desert. Then abruptly the desert ends and you enter into farmland. From Calexico (nice border town), headed north thru the little towns sleeping next to hay bales and countercircled Salton Sea. My tour officially ended at the northern point of the sea. However, I did go up to Indio and then returned on the other side of the Sea. I call it The Ocean to The Wall to the Train Tour. Because once you hit Calexico and do north, the train accompanies you (50 trains travel the route every day).

This is a tour for late fall/winter due to high temps east of the mtns.