North on new Cascades and then south on Pacific Coast, or other way around?

[stevemgordon]

My friend and I have June through the end of August and are planning to spend the summer on our bikes.  We will be leaving from around San Francisco, CA and would like to head north on some type of `loop'.  Due to the high winds we have read about on the Pacific Coast Route we were planning on heading north via the new Cascades bike route, perhaps into Canada time permitting( or maybe over to Glacier NP) and then south via the PCR.  Any thoughts on this would be well taken, specifically will we expect far less wind north on Cascades and a more enjoyable trip DOWN the pacific coast as opposed to the other way around? 

I'm a new ACA member and am looking forward to running into some of you this summer!  Thanks for this awesome online resource!

-- Stephen

[rvklassen]

Sounds right to me.  Being on the coast will amplify the effect of wind, so it's more important to get that one North-South.   Of course you'll still get headwinds no matter what you do.  Just less of them.

[johnsondasw]

specifically will we expect far less wind north on Cascades and a more enjoyable trip DOWN the pacific coast as opposed to the other way around?

-- Stephen

Definitely.  Do not plan to go north on the Pacific Coast in the summer/early fall.  The winds inland will be variable, on the coast, not so much--just fairly steadily, and at times very strongly, from the north.

[staehpj1]

specifically will we expect far less wind north on Cascades and a more enjoyable trip DOWN the pacific coast as opposed to the other way around?

-- Stephen

Definitely.  Do not plan to go north on the Pacific Coast in the summer/early fall.  The winds inland will be variable, on the coast, not so much--just fairly steadily, and at times very strongly, from the north.

The inland winds while variable will still be likely to favor northbound riders.  As has been said the coast definitely favors southbound riders.

If you see a father daughter team on the road say hi.  We will be starting in San Diego on June 4th.

[Warren Wiebe]

I am planning on doing either of these 2 routes south this fall, and am interested in opinions on which route is preferable. So wind favors coastal; what about hills? (I ride a recumbent). Having driven the coastal highway years ago, I seem to recall perilously narrow, winding stretches where a cyclist would be pinned against a guardrail and marginally visible around curves. True or false?

[johnsondasw]

There are some narrow, windy sections on the coast.  In places, shoulders are nonexistant, esp in Cal.  I use a mirror (always, wouldn't ride w/o one) and it really helps on the coast.  Also, a trailer.  It makes me more visible and the drivers think you are carrying babies and give you more respect.  The coast is hilly--all the way, almost.  There are no huge passes to cross, but it can be irritating, going up and down almost all the time.  I actually prefer  mountains, where you go up to the top of a pass, then down and have some level areas, and not so roly-poly.  That said, the coast is a great ride, and I'd definitely do it again. 

[stevemgordon]

Thanks for all the advice, see you on the road!