Is Cycling from South to North on the california coast a good idea in April?

[luluamber]

I'm planning a 10 day trip UP the coast of california and then probably continuing on up the coast of Oregon.  Although recently ive been warned against this route due to high winds... I've done some research and April doesnt seem to be a high wind concern month however No one seems to do this route from South to North??? Help:)

[JHamelman]

I would guess in April the winds won't be as bad as in the summer. However, a lot of people do the Pacific Coast Route north to south because this puts you on the ocean side of the road where the view is best - you don't have to look at it across the road and traffic.

.Jennifer.

[gregg]

I did the route North to South leaving in early May. I found the winds blowing mostly from the South, bad for my trip, but should be good for you (assuming you get the same weather I did). I met a few people who were going from South to North, and they had no complaints. The upside of leaving early is that you will be on the road before school lets out, so there will be much less RV traffic. The down side is that as you get North of San Francisco so early in the season,  you can expect to encounter some rain (the further North you go, the more rain you can expect), so plan for that. As Jennifer noted, it is nicer to be on the ocean side of the highway, but anyway you do it, it is a great ride.

[valygrl]

I rode from Santa Barbara to San Francisco in April 2007 and had headwinds most of the time, but it was manageable.  Generally winds are from the northwest all year unless there is a storm, in which case they are often from the South.

Have fun!

[johnsondasw]

I did it north to south.  It would be frustrating to me to do one of the most famous view routes in the world on the side of the road with a very restricted view.  Also, I enjoyed riding into better weather as the trip went on rather than the other way around.

[whittierider]

The coast will definitely not be 85 degrees-- even in the summer.  The coast is always much cooler than even 10 or 20 miles inland.  Another consideration about the side of the road is that since cyclists mostly ride north to south, CalTrans has made the southbound side better, making more room, more amenities, etc..

[johnsondasw]

I just spent a week in the Carmel area, biking every day.  We had variable winds in the mornings, but often a powerful north wind kicked up in the afternoon, just like in summer.  I could have been flying down the coast during those times, but I was headquartered in the area and had other obligations.

[John Nelson]

In addition to wanting to be on the side of the road with the view, you should also be aware that all the drivers will be looking at the view too. You'd prefer that they be looking at you than away from you, so that they are less likely to kill you.

[luluamber]

Thanks so much for all the helpful information!! l think that riding north to south will be a little different but it looks like a go- based on the insight.  I will survive having to look across the road to see the ocean. I live in Jackson Hole so just to be near it will be good for me! Again, thanks!!