Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway this summer

[James and Pierre]

Hi all,

My friend and I will be flying out from London, England, on June 12 to begin our ride down the Pacific Coast Highway. After a day or two in Vancouver we'll start pedaling south, with the aim of reaching the Mexican border in mid-August. We are very excited!

The camaraderie among cyclists is one of the highlights of touring here in the UK, so we're looking forward to listening to cycling stories from travelers in the USA. If anyone is cycling the PCH and spots us, please do say hello - there is a photo of us on our blog jamesandpierre.wordpress.com

I was also hoping to find out if anyone has come across any hiker-biker sites along the PCH that have been closed due to the troubled economic situation? I've heard rumour that some could shut, particularly in California.

Hope to see some of you on the road.

James

[JHamelman]

Hello James,

It looks like most of the California State Parks have been funded one way or another and will remain open:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/28/california-state-parks-closure_n_1635713.html

I hope this helps,
.Jennifer.

[Norsman]

If you get to an area that does not have a state park there are many county parks as well.  They are a little harder to find but are often very good.  You will even get some decent deals from private campgrounds.  I stayed at Manchester Beach State Park, which was awful, and then found out later that the KOA next door had a $10 hiker/biker rate.

[cgarch]

Most of the CA state parks are open. I second the recommendation to use the KOA at Manchester Beach - the state park might be one of the worst I've ever seen (a real embarrassment to the park system in my book). That part of the coast, Pt. Arena, seems to have a constant wind and the shelter of the trees in the KOA is welcome (not to mention the cooler with beer . .). The state park is completely exposed. As you get near the Sonoma Coasts, the county parks are quite nice - Stillwater Cove Regional Park is good logical stop before reaching Bodega Bay. Also there are lots of 1-way traffic controls through this area.

Craig

[James and Pierre]

Thanks to you all for the replies. We really appreciate your advice which has put our minds at rest. We'll also be sure to avoid Manchester Beach State Park! We fly out tomorrow from London and plan to start cycling on Friday - we can't wait.

Thanks again for your help.

James