roadraccer

I'll be up in Northern California for the week on business. This weekend I would finally take sometime as I would like to ride from Monterey to Pacific Grove through 17 mile drive into Carmel and back to Monterey. So tell me how is the ride through there? Are there bike lanes through the route? How about rough roads to deal with? How is the elevation through out. Is there any steep climbs I would have to contend with which I don't prefer at this time. I have been through here years ago but can't remember the details. Let me hear your feedbacks on this ride? Thanks!

SteveE

I haven't biked that area too much but this map seems to agree with what I remember: https://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/bike-Monterey.html

I'm sure someone who lives in the area can give you more detailed advice.

- Steve

roadraccer

Any locals on the forum that can give me some input?

FrenchFit 

You can search MapMyRide for The Scenic Twenty. You can add your own twists, some of them are mapped on MMR. I did it on a fairly low traffic day, very pleasant. Stopped often for pics, snack in Carmel. I spent a lot more time on the ride than I planned. However, climbing out of Carmel was work, I was in my granny gear part of the time. Again, pleasant on a low traffic day, no issues... I might think twice about doing on a nice, touristy weekend, or at least I'd go out early. And, check the forecast for winds.

gpelpel

That's an easy ride, not much climbing, just a few little bumps here and there, none long enough to worry about.

Traffic wise it depends of the time of year. It's not heavy tourist season yet so you shouldn't have any issue. During the Summer it would be a different story though with heavy bus traffic.

Tycho Brahe 

I'm a local.

The map Steve linked to is a good one. If you stick to the bike path/road close to water, you will not have any long and steep sections. The multi-use path from Fisherman's Wharf to Pacific Grove is normally packed with tourists, so expect to go slow. 17 Mile Drive is a paid road ($9.75 for cars, free for bikes), so traffic is actually not that bad outside of the main tourist season.

The path from Fisherman's Wharf to Seaside is perhaps my favorite and not that bad with pedestrians. Make sure to do the steep section with switchbacks, it is worth it. Fort Ord Dunes park in Marina is wide open with no car access, but no water view.

Let me know if you want to do some climbing.

MarkoPolo

Here's my favorite Monterey Loop to take visitors to the area as it optimizes staying close to the water. The first few miles follow a busy multiUse trail, but the rest are on roads with not too much traffic, especially if you go early in the day. The route through Carmel has lighter traffic than most other routes (you still have to climb back up to the top of Carmel Hill). The short stretch on Hwy 1 has a very wide shoulder, except the actual exit to Aguajito, which I suggest you just take the lane for as the shoulder is very uneven and torn up.

If you want to avoid the climbing, but still go to Carmel, simply reverse your route back through Pebble Beach and PG. you'll still have a few short climbs, but nothing too brutal.

Have fun!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2252045

roadraccer

Thanks guys for the great input. It's looks like Saturday will be a cool winding day there. Don't know how that would be with all that wind. I'm still trying to decide as this is my opportunity as it isn't easy for me to come up here often. I'm going to keep an eye on the weather to see if the winds will dye down.

Tycho Brahe 

I agree with the last statement. Simply head back the same way if you want to avoid climbing. The hill up to Highway 1 is the biggest climb. I just do it from 17 Mile Drive, but I seek climbs. Highway 1 might be technically car-only at that point, but it is short, so I would not worry. Besides continuing up Aguajito, there is a short bike path just past it just before you enter Highway 1 from 68 again.

https://maps.google.com/?ll=36.57443...6,,0,13.7&z=17

Going into Carmel from 17 Mile Drive, look for the Carmel Gate sign. Don't pass it, if not you will be doing the climb up to the Highway 1 Gate. I also would not worry about winds that much. I find riding in the fog in Pebble Beach interesting.

Tycho Brahe 

Did you end up riding? You inspired me to ride to Pebble Beach as well, although I took the reverse route (going up Aguajito into 17 mile drive).

Saw some touristy looking cylists on the bike path that looked lost, but I felt silly asking if it was you. Did you have SF jerseys on?