Summer Cycling California Pacific Coast Trail

[chrisshinn]

Hi All,

My wife and I are contemplating cycling the Pacific Coast trail this in part of July and August: Crescent City to San Diego.  Our two boys are teenagers and would join us.  We already cycled the northern route across Oregon and Washington last summer.  My concern is the tourist traffic and highway 101 making the experience less than satisfying since it is peak tourist season.  This is the only time we can do it.  Any comments from those who have done it?  Any regrets or recommendations?

Thanks,

Chris

[hikerjer]

Rode it two summers ago as far  south as San Francisco and while there was traffic, it wasn't bad. There are a lot of dedicated bike paths along the way and even the roads were pretty good as far s traffic was concerned. The only time it gets iffy is when you get close to San Francisco and the development intensifies but even that wasn't real bad. The real disappointment was the Golden Gate Bridge and the hundreds of tourists on rental bikes riding across the bridge.  It was so crowded with people that probably hadn't been on a bike since they were kids, if then, that it was ridiculous. 

I found that anytime I got disorientated, I'd just ask a local and they were more than willing to help.  Very friendly folks.

Definitely worth doing.

[erniegrillo]

My wife and I did Seattle to Santa Barbara in 2 sections.  One year Seattle to Crescent City and another year, Crescent to Santa Barbara.
We had no issues on the Calif section (none in WA or Oregon either) Traffic, especially logging trucks, were very considerate, waited and gave up plenty of room.
Even on Leggett Pass, they waited until they could pass safely.  I found the Ca section to be hillier and harder but the scenery and riding made it all worthwhile.
Campgrounds are not as nice in CA as they are in Oregon but, few states have camps as nice as OR. We stayed at a hotel north of Sausalito so we could hit the
Bridge earlier in the day. We walked across the Bridge with our bikes. It was awesome. People watching, and a view to die for, It was a rush. I didn't want it to end.
I loved each state and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. Each had things that make you want to go back and ride again. If you did WA and OR, you will not have a problem in CA.  Enjoy the adventure and check out the Montara Lighthouse south of San Fran.

[IdleAl]

Hi, did the entire coast Van to SD last August/September and had no problems with traffic. Sure, it gets a little dodgy in some of the larger towns, and SFO and LA, but common sense, a good mirror, at least two flashing tail lights and acceptance that you really don’t have any authority on the road then you shouldn’t have any problems.