Author Topic: Canada to Mexico  (Read 8569 times)

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Offline ScotsmanRick

Canada to Mexico
« on: September 28, 2011, 11:19:36 am »
Hi there, I am looking to cycle from Canada to Mexico, along the Pacific Coast in Late August, early September 2012.

There will be another guy cycling with me, but we would welcome any company for sections of the ride, and suggestions as to decent stopping places en route.

Route advice, places we MUST see, places we must AVOID would equally be welcome. This will be a fundraising event for our local hospice who cared for my late father before he passed away last year.
:) :)

Offline staehpj1

Re: Canada to Mexico
« Reply #1 on: September 28, 2011, 11:53:09 am »
I would not automatically follow all of the scenic detours off of Rt 101 that Adventure Cycling recommends, but do not miss the Avenue of the Giants.  Do not miss the seafood at the Crab Shack in Bandon.  Cafe Nepenthe in the Big Sur area had a great view and the baked stuff and coffee was good.

As far as company...  Personally I'd forget about riding with others and just camp the same place with other riders.  This will happen automatically if you stay in the usual hiker/biker sites in Oregon and California.  I know that in Oregon and California I never camped with less than 3 other cyclists and I think there were as many as 20 once.  I was with a lot of the same folks for much of the trip with no real effort to do so.  I met and camped with a lot of great folks on the tour.

Trying to ride with others is just more hassle than it is worth unless you either love the other person or at least extremely good friends or are very well matched in your riding styles and pace over the varied terrain.

Offline ScotsmanRick

Re: Canada to Mexico
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2011, 12:46:20 pm »
Thanks for those words of wisdom. I hadn't considered doing the ride alone, but I guess it makes sense. Ride when you want, as long as you want!

I've done a couple of distance rides in the UK and Europe, of 900 and 750 miles, both with the same pal, but not sure if he'll be up for this one yet!

indyfabz

  • Guest
Re: Canada to Mexico
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2011, 01:43:11 pm »
Oregon has an informative publication with a map for its portion:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/oregon_coast_bike_route_map.pdf?ga=t


Offline staehpj1

Re: Canada to Mexico
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2011, 02:17:13 pm »
Oregon has an informative publication with a map for its portion:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/oregon_coast_bike_route_map.pdf?ga=t


Yeah I should have mentioned that.  I found that to be a great map.  I had planned to us the AC maps, but for that section found the ODOT map to be superior.  Pick one up in the bike shop in Astoria if you don't have one before that.  The AC maps did have some additional info, but while riding I liked the ODOT one better.  It allowed you to follow the route and the elevation contour at the same time and it was easier to look up hiker biker sites on.  The AC maps were better for info about other services.

Also there is the Kirkendall and Spring book.  Lots of info, but slightly out of date and also a bit harder to follow the route IMO.

Offline ScotsmanRick

Re: Canada to Mexico
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2011, 02:17:32 pm »
That's a FABULOUS link!

Are there similar sites for other States along the route?
 :)

Offline Wild Dave

Re: Canada to Mexico
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2011, 11:37:20 am »
That's a FABULOUS link!

Are there similar sites for other States along the route?
 :)


http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/bikeped/colorado-bicycling-maps/scenicbywaysbikemap.pdf/view

just search dot bike map with the desired state you wish to explore

Offline PeteJack

Re: Canada to Mexico
« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2011, 12:54:35 am »
Rick,

I did the Sierra Cascades route this summer, about 80% off it solo and had a great time. The girls seem to get a bang out of you doing it "all on your own". There's good advice above about routes but the ACA route was fine by me. I did about 50/50 motels and camping. Camping is OK it saves money but in future I won't bother taking cooking gear, there's always somewhere to get a meal and it's a pain lugging food around. I got fed up of US Forest Service campgrounds, none of them have showers. It's worth paying $20 to stay in private campgrounds if they have showers and a laundromat. I think you'll have a great time wherever you go.

Offline ScotsmanRick

Re: Canada to Mexico
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2011, 12:56:10 pm »
Sounds good advice to me Pete, anything I can do to save weight will be a bonus.

Depending if I can gather enough cash together, might forget camping altogether and just use motels