California route from Long Beach to Eureka? with info?

[justinfox]

Hello!

I'm brand new to this, and this is my first post I'm dreaming of riding north from Long Beach to Eureka (even though I heard southward was better) on my Jamis Aurora touring bike, and I have no idea what I would need, how long it'd take, how I should train, etc... Is there anyone here that could direct me to some info on this idea?

Thanks so much!

Justin

[John Nettles]

Justin,

Welcome to the ACA Forums!  I am a bit confused as to your question.  You are going from a coastal town to a coastal town and ACA has a well researched and well ridden Pacific Coast Route. 

Are you asking for a different route or ?  The PC route is a very good route.  However, you REALLY should go N to S as the winds will definitely favor you.  I did a north bound route and while it was doable, it was definitely more work.  I was an uninformed 22-year old at the time but I would not do the same mistake again if I had a choice.

ACA produces very good maps for cyclists.  All touring related services are mapped out (bike shops, some cafes, some hotels, campgrounds, etc.).  The popular route is time-tested.  Yes, there is some areas with traffic but you will be riding in California along the coast.  Take the weekends off if you are in a touristy area as traffic increases on the weekends.

As far as learning, there are a few books out there.  However, a lot of it is learn as you go.  I would suggest you go over to CrazyGuyonaBike.com and look at the journals of the PC Route.  You can glean a lot of info form the journals written by regular folks, not professional travel writers.

Tailwinds, John

[John Nelson]

Fantastic ride! At least after you get past  the first two days and are north of Santa Barbara. You might want to consider getting a ride to Santa Barbara and start there.

But then you get to explore the Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Golden Gate Bridge and the Avenue of the Giants. What a trip!!

It will take you 16 days, plus or minus an hour.

[justinfox]

Thanks for the encouragement! The reason I want to ride north is kind of a symbolic reason; we are planning on possibly moving back to my hometown from many years in Southern Cal, and I am considering the ride for a possible nonprofit fundraiser, as well. Do you think it’s almost unbearable or not even enjoyable to ride north instead of south? Thanks for your reply!

[John Nettles]

Riding northbound is obviously possible and it (touring) can be enjoyable northbound assuming you are at least a moderately strong rider.  Regardless, I would say it will noticeably, materially, definitely, (or whatever word you want to choose) make a difference between riding north or south.  Southbound is just easier.  There is a reason that probably 90% of the people ride southbound and most of that is due to the wind.

The other big reason people ride southbound is that the ocean in on your right as opposed to across the street on your left which surprisingly hides quite a bit of the view.  Every time you want to stop and see the view, you have to cross over.  Granted, typically not a big deal but the reasons add up as to why people ride southbound. Also, you definitely will have more opportunity to ride with others heading southbound.

I distinctly remember one day riding northbound.  The wind was very strong.  I was a young 22 or 23 year old who was a strong rider and I was in my granny gear the entire day almost.  It sucked.  People riding the other direction were just smiling and waving and singing and just so glad to be alive while I just wanted the day to end to put it mildly.  Of course, not every day was like this but it was memorable.  I want to say (but not positive) that the only time I seemed to get a tailwind for the day was during bad weather.

That said, I get your reason for wanting to ride northbound as your return home.  To me the big question is will you get more enjoyment overall from an easier ride going southbound or from riding to your hometown riding northbound.

Tailwinds, John

[WilliamJack]

Well, I have never had such a ride from Long Beach to Eureka, so I cannot tell you if it is unbearable or enjoyable. But, I can tell you that I am curious about such a ride, so I would be likely to go for it in the near future. My brother has completed this ride, and he said that he enjoyed it really much. By the way, how did your non-profit fundraiser go?!

[WilliamJack]

Well, I have never had such a ride from Long Beach to Eureka, so I cannot tell you if it is unbearable or enjoyable. But, I can tell you that I am curious about such a ride, so I would be likely to go for it in the near future. My brother has completed this ride, and he said that he enjoyed it really much. By the way, how did your non-profit fundraiser go?!

[WilliamJack]

Well, I have never had such a ride from Long Beach to Eureka, so I cannot tell you if it is unbearable or enjoyable.