bikefor2

Does anyone know if there is AT&T voice and data coverage along this route?
Also, would riding in keen cycling sandals in mid-April be appropriate if one took rain booties along to use when it rained?

raybo

This is a real dry year. Haven't had much rain the entire winter. While it is possible in mid-April, it is unlikely. Be aware that rain in California tends to come in heavy storms and might be particularly unpleasant to ride in. Check the weather forecast (a full 10 days is shown on yahoo weather) before you leave.

As for cellphone coverage, there will likely be some spots on the Big Sur coast where phone reception will be non-existent or weak. There may be a few others spots, as well. Say, Highway 1 from Lompoc to 101.

sstorkel

In 2009, I found AT&T coverage to be almost non-existent between Carmel and San Simeon. I managed to get a weak signal when I stayed at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Can't remember if there was signal at Gorda or Lucia; I tend to think not. As raybo suggests, I also lost signal south of Lompoc and didn't get it back until Highway 1 joins up with 101 just north of Santa Barbara. Seemed like there were a few places between Oxnard and Malibu where signal was temporarily unavailable; they usually didn't last very long.

Be aware that data rates may be extremely slow in areas where the population is low. There were lots of places where I got enough bandwidth to send an e-mail or tweet, but not enough to upload photos or download map tiles before I got tired of waiting and gave up...