How to Bike the Pacific Coast Highway
Road biking has become a popular recreational activity. Enthusiasts can enjoy beautiful views of some of the nation's most captivating places, like the Pacific Coast, while getting a cardio workout.
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Instructions
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Decide which section of the Pacific Coast Highway you are interested in biking. The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 101, runs the entire length of Washington, Oregon and California. Most cyclists start in Tillamook, Oregon and go from north to south to put the winds at their backs.
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Consider the areas you want to see. This may help you to plan your route or choose a section of the Pacific Coast Highway to ride. A great place to stop for beach walks is Port Orford, Oregon. You should also consider the needs you will have along the way, such as food and lodging.
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Camp in the state parks to take advantage of the entire experience. If camping during the summertime, make reservations in advance. One of the best places to camp along the route is in Redwood National Park in California.
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Sample the best food along the way. For the best oysters, stop at one of the many great eateries in Bodega Bay, California, just north of San Francisco. Stop at Marin Headlands National Recreation Area, just outside of San Francisco, for a picnic with lovely views.
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Invest in a good biking guide, such as "Bicycling the Pacific Coast Highway: A Complete Route Guide, Canada to Mexico." This book is available at Amazon and other major book retailers.
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Bike smart and safe. This should include wearing all the protective gear, both on your person and on your bike. Practice smart and legal biking rules of the road. The Pacific Coast Highway is curvy and dangerous. Biking with a friend is also important.
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We'll be cycling the Pacific Coast in August this year to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. You can follow our journey on our blog - http://cyclepacificcoast.blogspot.ca/. Please comment, share and support! Thanks Holly and Dave.
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dondolese
May 16, 2010
(continued #2) The best way to learn how to tour is to tour. It probably took me 3 trips to really know what I was doing. But, man, was it worth it. Some of my best memories are of being out there on a bike. Hope you find that out for yourself. -
dondolese
May 16, 2010
(continued)...met. If you are going on a trip for the first time, consider taking an overnight ride near your home before you set out on your big adventure. It will get you in better shape, and alert you to any deficiencies in your equipment. And don't forget to pace yourself on your ride. Bike touring is NOT the same as bike racing. You can go a lot farther if you take it easy. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Well, it's true! When I tour, I usually rely on restaurants and grocery stores for food and drinks, but I always carry a little extra in case the unexpected arises. The coast route is well-traveled and is not an especially challenging tour, but you've still got to be prepared. It could rain for 5 days in a row, or the sun could burn you to a crisp. Don't be taken by surprise. Finally, you are not going to do everything right your first trip, so relax. ...
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dondolese
May 16, 2010
Not sure it's necessary to make reservations for the campgrounds along the route, as a number of them have biker-hiker areas that are available even when the campground says "full." These areas may be a little farther away from the facilities, but they are less expensive, and you'll meet other like-minded people there. A few extra yards to the bathroom shouldn't really matter to you considering you are biking hundreds of miles on a bicycle. As for riding with a friend, it's a heck of a lot more fun, but not absolutely necessary. I've done lots of trips with friends and trips without, and I have never had a problem. Most people you meet along the way are friendly to cyclists and will help you if you are in trouble. Go with a friend if you can, but don't let it stop you if no one else wants to go. Sometimes being alone allows you to meet people you otherwise might not have...
