Socalcycling

this looks like a fun section

NuBiker

Where is this picure taken, i live in Central Coast and this one looks like SLO.

Markio

Well when you're as fast as they are... hahaha

jschen

A 50 mile loop of mine has a brief freeway section since there's no other roads within miles that covers that short distance. There's some construction going on in the direction I'm going, but they have a bike lane set aside separated from the cars by concrete blocks. I don't like that section of the ride, but it gets the job done.

hellon2wheels

It seems like it's Northern or Central California as a sign shows Santa Barbara and Los Angeles on 101 South direction.

Speaking of riding on freeway, I see "bunch" of riders riding on shoulder section of 126 up by where I live which is Valencia / Santa Clarita area.

CardiacKid

There is a section of freeway, near my house, that alot of us ride on, but it has little traffic and a wide shoulder. I was amazed the other day to see a moron riding down a shoulderless portion of the freeway during rush hour traffic, for the sole purpose of avoiding 1 stoplight on the access road.

'nother

There are several sections of freeways in CA where bicycles are permitted. U.S. Route 101 in the San Luis Obispo area (most likely what is pictured here) is one of them. I have ridden along 101 around Atascadero many times. It ain't so bad.

There's even a short section of Interstate 280 here in the S.F. Bay Area where bicycles are allowed.

BillyD

There's a road near my house, state route 9W, which is a major north/south artery and the preferred alternate to the NY State Thruway less than a mile away. Has only one lane in each direction, it does have wide, 5 to 6ft shoulders, but it is a hairy road to ride on.

Huge trucks at all times of day and night. There are no turn lanes with which to make a left turn, so if a biker happens to be riding by when someone stops to make a left, you are in immediate danger of getting run over on the shoulder as people go around the turning vehicle.

And it happens to be the only way for me to come and go from my house on my rides. Thers's no way to avoid it. Talk about scary!! I think I'd rather have my house on a 10% hill.

I've cursed that 9W many a day after more than one close call.

koine2002

While travelling to a speaking engagement in Dallas last weekend, I saw a guy chugging along on I35 South near Market Center in Dallas--shirtless with his camelback. Not only is it illegal, we're also talking about Dallas drivers here! I used to be one of them.

Socalcycling

I think it is in Santa Maria..

Nachoman

There is nothing worse than being on a freeway shoulder and getting passed by a gigantic semi, traveling about 70 miles per hour. Just hold on for dear life!

jschen

Yes there is! That exact scenario can happen on a busy highway (freeway or not) at a portion with a minimal shoulder or no shoulder. And, of course, with a tailgating truck not far behind to nail you if you should get caught in the first truck's wake.

Warblade

Isn't that the truth. Scary as hell when it happens for the first time.

Paniolo

Exactly what I was thinking! ... 2 lane road, gravel shoulder and 60 mph semi's. Literally moved me and a riding buddy right over the gravel and down in the grassy ditch ... which was a lot better than the alternative!!

DannoXYZ 

There's a difference between a highway and freeway...

AzureDrpTp

I believe that was taken in Solvang.

Socalcycling

The 101 does not go through Solvang.

AzureDrpTp

my bad. i thought it would be Solvang since they're having camp there.

NoRacer

In Maryland, northeast side, we have US 40. It's has a bike lane, but it's posted speed limit is 55 MPH. Of course, no one drives 55, so when a semi comes by... it's time to practice picking up the draft! (from the bike lane)

The attached is the Route 24/I-95 junction. It's legal to bike on Route 24, which is posted at 55 MPH and has no bike lane. The junction is a challanging, nearly suicidal area to bike through with high speed traffic going on and off the ramps to I-95.

joetronic

My grandparents live near there. Driving that junction is hard enough, I wouldn't even think of riding it.

John Wilke

A few years ago during "Superweek" a bunch of the Dutch riders that were racing here got caught riding on the freeway. The cops weren't too pleased, but had a soft heart for these fit riders who struggled with their english explaining what they were doing on the freeway, so they gave the group a police escort to the nearest exit. The local riders with "BOB'S CYCLERY" all over their clothes just hid in the back of the group and had a blast.



jw

Mo'Phat

That's the 1/8 mile stretch across Lake Hodges, right? Wasn't it fun when they diverted the bike lane to the dirt backfill a couple of weeks back? It was even more fun when, on Christmas day, some guy hit a full-sized deer on the freeway. The clean up crew just tossed it over the bike lane dividing barrier...I had to look at it the next day. Mmm, venison.

The way going South is okay unless there's some guy pulled over. Onramps are for people who are looking left and inadvertently drift to the right.

That stretch of the 78 just East of the Wild Animal Park is pretty fun too. 70+ mph semi's with no shoulder in a 15-25 mph headwind. Good times.

platypus

fixed it for you.

jschen

Yup. Seems like you know exactly what I'm talking about. Trying to get to the left turn lane at the offramp can be a bit problematic, too. People can be still going at 60-70 MPH, and I can only sprint so fast uphill. If I don't have a clearing to get across both lanes at once, I simply won't even try.
I haven't been there for a while, so it looks like I missed out on the venison.
Never rode there, but isn't it also up a hill (if going west)? The apple pie group ride this Saturday uses that section on our home stretch! We'll be sure to be really careful there.

timmhaan

ah, yes, 9w! i've ridden that many times. some parts are decent, but yes, some sections are pretty hairy. it makes me pretty nervous sometimes.