About the Pacific Coast Route

[flounder]

I've read some threats about this route but I'm a little concerened about the busy highway (101 I think?), are there any other ways of doing this trail through a safer route? Or do you guys think we'll be fine using the ACA maps? I'd like to go from Sacramento all the way to Portland.

Any suggestions/advice?

Thanks!

[whittierider]

Not only is tThe wind a lot more friendly going south instead of north, but because of that, the highways are made to be a lot more bike-friendly on the south-bound side, giving more room and facilities.  On the news last night they had a wind advisory saying the wind along the Santa Barbara county coast was out of the N-NW at 30-45mph with 75mph gusts.  I thought, "Wow!  Lemme at it!" (going south of course).

[Westinghouse]

You should not have a problem going south. Things have happened, but things have happened everywhere.

[johnsondasw]

We had no trouble going south in 2005.  The route seemed very safe to be.  Of course, keep an eye on your mirror for the occassional bad/inattentive driver like anywhere.  Other dangers?  Uh, we had raccoons try to get in our food on the Oregon coast!  We survived that one.  I always felt safe in the state park hiker/biker sites.

[wanderingwheel]

Aside from the wind, I'd have no concerns about going up the coast.  If you want an alternative and don't mind mountains, consider something like the upcoming Sierra-Cascades route.  That route is my first choice for a north-bound tour.

Sean

[johnsondasw]

Are you riding on a road bike or off-road setup?  That sure changes your options.