bigcranks

Wondering about biking San Jose to San Luis in a 3 day ride going as light as possible. A newbie to Bike Forums... I am not planning on the coast route this time and with my time frame. Can you direct me to resources?

raybo

You might check out this page for the AIDS ride route. It goes inland at Monterey.

hueyhoolihan

there's a nice ride to Watsonville from San Jose, via Santa Teressa/Hale Ave and Morgan Hill. then it shouldn't be to difficult to get on that Aids route...

jamawani 

From Hollister south on Hwy 25 then on county roads south of Hwy 198 to San Miguel.
Frontage roads south of San Miguel, from Santa Margarita gotta get on US 101 downhill into SLO.
A very nice inland route with fairly light traffic most of the way.

spinnaker

Straight down the PCH on Route 1.

But I would not attempt in the winter time.

stevepusser

It all depends. If you had done the coast route in the last week here in California, you would have had warmish, wonderful weather, maybe even better than summer, when it can be fogged in and misty all day.

If you're going the inland route in summer, be aware that the Salinas Valley gets just as hot as the Central Valley, 100+ F is the norm.

bigcranks

Thanks. I would be the later half of March.

bigcranks

Your quick responses are very much appreciated!

BigBlueToe

From the top of the grade there's an alternative to 101 to get down to SLO - Stagecoach Road. It's a dirt road but I've ridden it plenty of times with my road bike (though never with a load.) It's hard to describe how to get on and off Stagecoach and I haven't ridden that way in a few years. Maybe someone else could chime in?

paxtonm

This time of year, if you're interested in an inland route, you should aim for Hwy 25. Order a Krebs Map, which are cycling specific. You'll want the Bay Area map. It outlines preferred routes, grades, places that you can get food and drink, lots of things cyclists depend on. From San Jose, I'd personally opt for Caltrain to Gilroy, because that piece of riding isn't too interesting. If you're determined to ride, seek out the Coyote Creek cycling trail, which leads from Hellyer Park in San Jose to Morgan Hill. Then south on old Monterey Road, staying on Monterey and off of 101 to Old Bolsa, which puts you right on Hwy 25. There are lodging and eating options in Hollister. Continue south on 101, 198, and the frontage road as outlined, and ask locals for the dirt alternative to Hwy 101 into SLO. I would never enjoy riding down the Cuesta Grade on 101. I'm not even nuts about driving it. You can expect to see a slice of California you probably don't think still exists. It's empty and beautiful, and just about perfect for a spring tour. Good luck!

Arnold Powers

To get onto stage coach just go into the turn off on the top of the southbound side and continue onto the dirt road that goes down, not the one that goes up. Riding down the grade isn't too bad though, the only hard part is not going too fast, of course that maybe the best part aswell.

stevepusser

The area is behind on rainfall this year, so if you do get drenched every day on your tour, the locals should give you a parade!

bigcranks

HA HA. I'll count on it!

bigcranks

sounds great, thanks very much!