Vancouver B.C to L.A. need help
#1
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Vancouver B.C to L.A. need help
Hi I am planing to ride from VAncouver to LA, end of June , will complete in ride in max 12 days traveling from 200km (125 mi) - 300 km(186 mi) perday.
I am looking for any help on good routes, cheap places to stay and do's and don'ts, I live in eastern Canada and i am clueless about the west, i am in great shape and ride and ride very fast
I am not carrying much gear mid size backpack and possibly a seat post rack. this is not really touring, this is basically sleep ride and sleep and ride. So please any help would be most appreciated.
PS. last summer Montreal Canada to Albany NY in days, so if anybody is riding to NY I can help
I am looking for any help on good routes, cheap places to stay and do's and don'ts, I live in eastern Canada and i am clueless about the west, i am in great shape and ride and ride very fast
I am not carrying much gear mid size backpack and possibly a seat post rack. this is not really touring, this is basically sleep ride and sleep and ride. So please any help would be most appreciated.
PS. last summer Montreal Canada to Albany NY in days, so if anybody is riding to NY I can help
#2
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I think I'd consider going with panniers or a trailer--basically anything other than a backpack. While a minority like them, most people (myself included) find them uncomfortable for anything but a short, utility, ride. I can't imagine using one for a 12 day, death-march pace, ride.
Why so fast a ride?
Why so fast a ride?
#3
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
Bikes: Trek7300, GT Palomar
The book, Bicycling the Pacific Coast, is what you want. If you have specific questions ask away, I've done the route. Though I did the western portion in Washington, seems like you'll want to stay off the ferry and skip Port Angeles and go straight through Seattle.
#4
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Originally Posted by OregonBound
I think I'd consider going with panniers or a trailer--basically anything other than a backpack. While a minority like them, most people (myself included) find them uncomfortable for anything but a short, utility, ride. I can't imagine using one for a 12 day, death-march pace, ride.
Why so fast a ride?
Why so fast a ride?
My ride hinges on planning so my stops must be pretty accurate because i will be staying in motels and with a few friends along the way. This allows me to ride with a small pack.
#5
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Originally Posted by hotwheels
The book, Bicycling the Pacific Coast, is what you want. If you have specific questions ask away, I've done the route. Though I did the western portion in Washington, seems like you'll want to stay off the ferry and skip Port Angeles and go straight through Seattle.
thank you so much
#6
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Joined: Jun 2003
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There is a big difference between riding along the coast and riding an inland route. The coastal route is harder and longer. The coastal road is seldom straight or flat, at least in Oregon. Several inland routes are generally flatter, though you will have to cross a mountain range or two. What's you proposed route?
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2004
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From: BC, Canada
Bikes: Trek 520, Norco MTB
The authors of Bicycling the Pacific Coast set out a 35 day journey from Vancouver, BC to the Mexican border, averaging about 53 miles per day. If you follow their route it is 1816.5 miles to the border (minus about 120 miles if you end your trip at LAX). You would have to average a little more than 142 miles per day for 12 days to get to LAX (151 to Mexico). Not impossible but I wouldn't want to try it.
The one thing they are insistent upon is the only way to do the route is from the north to the south. Prevailing winds make the reverse trip very difficult.
The one thing they are insistent upon is the only way to do the route is from the north to the south. Prevailing winds make the reverse trip very difficult.
#8
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Vancouver BC area
Bikes: Trek 5200 2004, Trek 520 2003
I would actually suggest the coast for large wide shoulderin most places and also for the scenery. Even if you're not one of those tourist, please your eyes and keep distracted a bit while riding your 300 km per day.It's a bit hilly at times but very doable, especially if you travel light. Astoria visitor center give away a free cycling map of the Oregon Coast. This has been most helpful to me. Accomodation can be sketchy in certain areas of California, so make sure you plan ahead, unless you can ride all night too!!! Be ready for some cool mornings, and for fog in Washington state and Oregon, at any time of year. Makes for cold riding and cool nights should you camp.
I am most impressed with your choice of touring, (am the 65 pounds load, 100-170 km per day type) I think I understand your philosophy a bit coming from an endurance and endorphins background .Cheers and good luck. Kati
I am most impressed with your choice of touring, (am the 65 pounds load, 100-170 km per day type) I think I understand your philosophy a bit coming from an endurance and endorphins background .Cheers and good luck. Kati




