Pacific Coast 2012

[Jambi]

I'm planning on cycling the Pacific Coast (Vancouver - San Diego) in late summer 2012. I was wondering what kind of timeframes people have on this kind of trip (It took me 75 days to do San Francisco - Washington DC this summer) and what the best time of year to start would be (I'm thinking late August). I like to take things fairly leisurely and plan on hanging out for a few days in San Francisco and a few other places.

All info welcome,

Jake

[staehpj1]

I think it is best to start Oregon around labor day or just after.  The traffic is much lighter after.  I don't think it is as critical to do the Washington section before labor day.  It is pretty consistently hilly so keep that in mind when figuring how long to allow.

It is a great ride, have fun!

[ChromolyWally]

I've done the Oregon and Northern California sections twice.  First start was August 10th, 2008, second was September 17th of this year.  Got rained on both times, but much more so this year.    Also had some foggy days, as well as a few with a lot of sun.  As far as traffic, I was hoping for a big decrease by starting in September but was quite disappointed.  There was still a lot of traffic, especially in Northern Oregon.  It did lighten up once I got South of Coos Bay. 

If you've never ridden it before, it's a spectacular ride in terms of scenery.  I think people usually take a month or so to do the whole thing.  It would take me about 6 weeks.  I like days off.

[Jambi]

I hear Washington can get pretty wet. I think perhaps start in Vancouver August 20th? I have no idea what day Labour Day is but I don't suppose it's too late on in the year. I think I would rather deal with the heat than the cold.

[Moni]

I did it in 2010.  Started July 27, but from Seattle, going north, to go to Victoria first.  It was way COLDER than I ever imagined.  Not much rain, but also very HILLY!

We took 54 days to do the distance we rode, but only 44 days were riding days.  We do enjoy days off.

You can read about our trip here:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/waterletmeseewater

[msullivan]

The California Coast Classic is from Sept.9 to 16th in 2012. Goes from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Might be fun to join this organized ride on your way down from Seattle.