Weather in October

[Chris_Grew]

I have a buddy visiting from the Uk in October and we are looking at doing our first big ride over here. Any suggestions? We were looking at San Fran to San Diego (mainly because we might luck up with the weather being so late in the year). Is there anywhere else that will still be ok that late on? Where do you think the best 500-600 mile bike is for beginner to medium level riders?

Thanks

[adventurepdx]

I rode from San Francisco to outside San Luis Obispo (between SF and LA) in October of 2006, and the weather was pretty darn fine. Rained once from what I remember. Yeah, there could be fog, but generally weather in October is still good. Highs 60s-70s F (15-25 C).

I wouldn't call the route "beginner" however. No mountains but lots of hills. I don't think it would be that big of a deal if you went easy on the first few days and then worked up to longer days from that.

[johnsondasw]

I have a buddy visiting from the Uk in October and we are looking at doing our first big ride over here. Any suggestions? We were looking at San Fran to San Diego (mainly because we might luck up with the weather being so late in the year). Is there anywhere else that will still be ok that late on? Where do you think the best 500-600 mile bike is for beginner to medium level riders?

Thanks

This would be a great ride at a good time.  I agree with advenpdx that is not an easy route at all. For much of the way it is constantly hilly, and I mean some pretty big hills.  I'd do some hill training.  Also, much of the Calif coast has no shoulder.  I'd use a mirror.  There are lots of older tourists in big cars.

[Pat]

Hi - I live in San Jose, and train outside year-around.  October is usually just fine, although there is some chance of rain, it is usually quite good.  At this point, the coastal areas start to become warmer than the interior (or is it that the interior gets cooler), and there can be some winds.  But they are usually pretty consistent, and I think North-to-South is still the best.

[valygrl]

I also have done SF-LA at the very end of October, and the weather was perfect.  Gorgeous route.  Definitely not for a totally-beginner bike rider, but perfect for a totally-beginner tourist.

[litespeed]

I rode Petaluma to Guadalupe at the end of October a few years ago. The weather was pretty miserable with two big storms rolling through - lots of rain and overcast. That's an iffy time of year. You might luck out with good weather but have your rain gear ready.