Vancouver, Canada to San Fran

[freerider]

Hello.
I am just starting to plan a trip from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco. I have a helpful little book of routes and tips by Vicky Spring and Tom Kirkendall, which I was hoping to supplement with other people's experiences.
I am wondering, of those who have done this trip, or portions of it, how long they took to do it, what they found were the toughest regions, etc.
Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

[FredHiltz]

I followed the ACA Pacific Coast route. Compared to the big mountains, it is easy. However, there are plenty of short hills scattered throughout. As you already know, the scenery is superb. You can find hundreds of trip logs at crazyguyonabike.

Fred

[litespeed]

The steep climbs are along the California coast down to a little north of San Simeon. But there was nothing that I couldn't handle. You will, however, need low gears.
The state parks/campgrounds in California aren't as well maintained as the excellent ones in Oregon. Winos are a nuisance the further south you get down the California coast.
Between October and about April storms roll through regularly. They can be pretty miserable.
I found it surprisingly difficult to get a good, hearty meal. Lots of touristy, frou-frou restaurants. No good truck stop restaurants. Keeps your weight down.
The campgrounds usually have a cheap biker section with lots of friendly touring cyclists to swap tales and information with.
Bring a good pair of walking shoes and give yourself a few days to walk all over San Francisco and Sausalito.
The west coast is spectacularly scenic. Every touring cyclist should do it at least once.

This message was edited by litespeed on 4-17-07 @ 6:44 AM

[erniegrillo]

The best bicycling guide to Oregon's Pacific Coast route is published by the state of Oregon and it's free. You can send for it or pick it up at a tourist info booth when you get into Oregon. It shows the suggested route, campgrounds, facilities, mileage and hills.

[freerider]

That guide is great! And can be found in PDF form online:http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/ORE_COAST_BICYCLE_MAP_WEB_FINAL.pdf.

Thanks a bunch!