Getting from SFO (San Francisco Aiport) To Half Moon Bay?

[velose]

Hi!

I'm flying into SFO for my tour to San Diego. I'm choosing to skip devils slide and head straight to half moon bay from the airport. Are there any good routes? I've heard hwy 92 but are there any others? Any input or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[cgarch]

You are wise to be suspicious of 92. Heavy traffic and a lot of uncomfortable riding with miserable shoulders in many places. Unless there is some reason to be in Half Moon Bay, the recommendation from here would be to work your way to Woodside, start up CA 84 West but turn at King's Mountain Road. Cross Skyline (CA 35) and descend Tunitas Creek Rd. to the coast. This will put you well south of HMB. Cannot vouch for the grade on King's Mountain Rd.. Another alternative is Old La Honda Rd., cross CA 35 and continue to reconnect with CA 84 west. Don't try to ride up 84 out of Woodside to Skyline. Old La Honda I believe has the lowest summit crossing the Santa Cruz Mtns. Once at the coast Santa Cruz is around 30 some odd miles. Good luck in your journey.

[velose]

Thanks so much for the info! I don't need to be in Half Moon Bay I just thought it'd be a nice stop but I don't mind skipping it. I will do some research on these routes. Thanks again!

[valygrl]

cgarch has good advice.

There's a bike path by San Andreas Lake & Crystal Springs Reservoir, connect to Skyline and then Canada Rd to get to Woodside Rd / 84.  There is a great market & a bakery in Woodside.

I think Old La Honda is easier than King's Mountain.  Tunitas Creek is a VERY steep descent, with some broken pavement, so be careful, and don't choose this one if it's wet out.  Old La Honda to La Honda is fine, or you can turn off onto Pescadero Rd (adds some climbing).

There's a small store at San Gregorio and several, with a great bakery, at Pescadero Rd & Old Stage Rd. 

Enjoy!

[cgarch]

One last comment. Since HMB is not the destination, consider Valygrl's comments and add this. Consider turning onto Pescadero Rd after La Honda. There is a short steep climb section but the remainder is worth it. Before reaching Pescadero, take the Butano Cutoff to Cloverdale Rd. and head south for some nice quiet riding. This keeps you away from 1 for a little longer. Takes Gazos Creek finally out to the coast. Once at the coast you should be able to count on a strong tail wind to blow you to Cruz.

Update: If you watched the Tour of California, you would have seen them riding exactly these roads.

[velose]

Just wanted to give an update. I took skyline to Canada to the 84 to Old La Honda to La Honda down to the coast. Old La Honda was a beautiful, quiet climb but exhausting after riding all day. I ended up walking/riding it but I would still recommend this route from SFO. Not too much traffic, lots of other cyclist (not on tour but just on a ride) on the road and really beautiful scenery.

Thanks for the advice!

[valygrl]

Thanks for the update, have a great tour!!!