Woman Tours Pacific Coast Ride, reflections

1,525 miles, 73,808' of elevation gain, 20,317 calories burned, 24 days of riding averaging 64 miles per riding day.

   We had incredible good luck with the weather. Other than a little spitting one day, we had no rain and often had bright sunny weather. The only weather issue was the occasional fog.
   We were able to enjoy the coastlines with all their rock formations, spectacular beaches and jagged coastlines very often on quiet roads. Coffee shops, parks, restrooms and food stops were in great abundance making this a ride where stops could be enjoyed on a daily basis. For variety, we rode through magnificent Redwood forests even as we approached the end of the ride.
   Make no mistake, the rides were often challenging with the amount of climbing and some long mileage days, but we didn't seem to mind as the views often rejuvenated us along the way. Some days, we had significant challenge and a multitude of turns, but we all managed to stay the course and laughed and shared the day's riding.
   I will never forget the spectacular day riding over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco with weather that is rarely seen there and feel blessed that our ride went so well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this ride but only if you dedicate yourself to train for the hills as well as distance. The views, however, were a great reward for all the work before and during the ride.
   This photo was taken on the last day in Santa Barbara.

WT Pacific Coast Riding Day 24, Lompoc to Ventura

84 miles, 2,700' of elevation gain, temp range of 35 - 80 degrees under early fog followed by bright blue skies with a strong tail wind.

   Our last day of the Pacific Coast tour turned out to be a beautiful ride of 84 miles. Many including myself were cold to start with as a heavy fog had developed overnight and brought the temps down into the 30's but once the sun burned through, the temperatures warned quickly and we rode most of the day in our summer cycling clothes.
   The early ride went through some beautiful valleys and hills before paralleling the ocean for the rest of the day. We had the good fortune of strong following winds that reduced the effort level of riding 84 miles. We were treated to seeing a pod of dolphins in one of the coves.
   The route brought us onto several bike paths in Santa Barbara as well as a mixture of the Pacific Coast US 1 and the 101. The 101 was our least favorite because of the traffic and trucks but it was also the fastest.
   We arrived into Ventura by 2:30 and quickly got to packing our bikes and suitcases and going out to our last dinner together. It was a fabulous ride without a drop of rain and the views we all hoped for.

WT Pacific Coast Riding day 23, Arroyo Grande to Lompoc

45 miles, 1900' of elevation gain, temp range of 55-60 degrees under mostly cloudy skies with some spitting rain.
   Today's ride was basically an A to B ride with nothing particularly noteworthy. An occasional rain drop. Through farmland most of the ride. The last day of riding is tomorrow and as it is a long day followed by packing the bike and our final dinner together, may not post the last blog for a day or two.

WT PC 22, San Simeon to Arroyo Grande, CA

55 miles, 1200' of elevation gain, temp range of 58 to 82 degrees under mostly sunny skies

   We left San Simeon expecting a foggy overcast day but were pleasantly surprised to having clearing skies and a pleasantly warm day. We rode along the beach on a relatively flat road with a good shoulder. We left SR 1 at Morro Bay and took local roads eventually going into Morrow Bay State Park riding on empty roads along the Pacific Ocean and eventually into where Blue Herons nest. We were treated to a few of these graceful birds but alas this is not the breeding season so we only had a few.
   Eventually the ride took us past the well known wine areas of Paso Robbles and Solvang and the vineyards were everywhere. We stopped in San Luis Obispo for a delightful brunch and basically just coasted into Arroyo Grande (big hole) as the wind was pushing us all the way to the hotel

WT Pacific Coast Riding Day 21, Big Sur To San Simeon

66 miles, 4500' of elevation gain, temp range of 55-59 degrees with fog all day.

   The ride came out of the park and immediately went up. Clear skies at the park quickly gave way to fog sometimes quite thick and making it difficult to see more than 25 feet in front of where we were riding. Tough first climb was the prelude to a day of climbing with very few views. The road became less hilly after the first 50 miles so we could make good time for the last hour of riding. We were treated to a great sighting of Elephant Seals sunning themselves within 15' of the road. Impossible to take a tour at the Hearst Castle as the tours are booked months in advance. Most of us rode straight to the hotel and relaxed for the couple of hours we had before a wonderful meal by Michelle.

WT Pacific Coast Riding Day 20, Monterey to Big Sur

45 miles, 2900' of elevation gain, temp range of 54 to 74 under somewhat cloudy skies.
  We were treated to one of the most beautiful rides of the trip. We we left our hotel we were on the coast bike path within a few short blocks and were treated to a flock of Pelicans as well as several Harbor Seals sunning themselves. Still cant tell the boys from the girls.
   17 mile drive takes you along the coast past Pacific Grove and eventually into the exclusive area of Pebble Beach. Plenty of high end homes and the three famous golf courses but no Tiger. You don't get bored on this bike loop as the views are breathtaking of the ocean, rocks, jetties and kelp beds.
  After we left the 17 mile drive, bicycled into Carmel with more riding along the ocean. Eventually, however, we went a little inland and kept going south on Hwy. We did cross some of the most photographed bridges with those incredible spans on our way to Big Sur.
   We stayed in a State Park that has a lodge and several cabins that were quite charming. Dinner as well as breakfast was in the lodge and I must admit it was nice to sit at a table indoors. No wifi, cell coverage or TV at the lodge but we were all happy with the entire facility. We walked out onto our deck and were treated to deer and wild turkeys. All is well with our continued journey.

WT Pacific Coast Ride Day 19, Santa Cruz to Monterey

46.5 miles, 1,700' of elevation gain, temp range of 55 to 89 degrees with blue skies and an off shore wind.
  This was yet another day of beautiful blue skies and visibility to the horizon. We had an easterly wind at times that slowed us down when we were heading east, but as we rounded the bay and headed west, the winds gave us a wonderful push.
   The first 10 miles were more about getting out of Santa Cruz which is a fairly large metro area of 55,000 people so you had urban riding to contend with. Eventually, however, we rode into an agricultural area growing artichokes (10 for $1) and strawberries with the noticeable aroma of strawberries as we rode. Lots of pickers in the fields as the harvest season is in full swing.
   We jumped on the bike path at the 33 mile marker and we basically rode it to within 3 blocks of our hotel in Monterey. Lots of views of the Bay, sounds of the seals and flocks of Pelicans which added to the visual enjoyment of the relatively short ride. Our hotel is another Best Western n the style of a Victorian house with a wonderful happy hour and within two blocks of Cannery Row and the world famous Aquarium.I spent the afternoon strolling and enjoying the wonderful view of he bay and remembering scuba diving in this very same bay years ago. It is almost totally empty of tourist and the cycling path almost totally empty. The least amount of people I have ever seen here which is a welcomed change to the usual bustle of the area. 

WT PC 18, San Francisco to Santa Cruz

85 miles, 4300' of elevation gain, temp range of 58 to 75 degrees under clear blue skies.
   Woke up to a spectacular sunrise and off we went back toward the Golden Gate Bridge along one of the bike paths. The early morning light, made for special view of this glorious bridge as well as the entire harbor. Our route took us past lands end and through the Presidio and eventually along the coast road. Tough steep hills for the first 20 miles which tested both legs and brakes but the views made the journey all worth it.
   The ride went along the Pacific for almost the entire day and eventually the terrain became less steep and hilly allowing us to make better time while still enjoying the wonderful views and the smell of the salt water. Some traffic to start but once we past Daly City it dissipated rapidly.
   A hard long ride but we have been blessed with beautiful weather and eventually had a following wind.

WT PC 17, Bodega Bay to San Francisco

70 miles, 3700' of elevation gain, temp range of 55 to 83 under blue skies.
   We have been blessed with the weather and views. The ride started in rural Sonoma County and ended by riding over the Golden Gate Bridge to our hotel at Fisherman's Wharf. Rolling hills with a couple of long climbs in Sonoma followed by a series of bike paths and bike lanes brought us safely through some densely populated areas. The weather was absolutely magnificent. If you didn't like today's ride, you should take up bowling. This is bike country with bike shops and coffee shops every hundred yards
   After arriving in San Francisco, my step daughter picked me up and brought me to her house for the evening and all of the rest day. We ate and drank well and enjoyed another weather day of the gods. She and her husband live in Mill Valley. Great house, company, hot tub- well what more could you want?

WT PC day 16, Gualala to Bodega Bay, CA

49 miles, 3700' of elevation gain, temp range of 50 to 70 with considerable fog for the first 34 miles.

   We basically made a right out of the start hotel and then a left into the end hotel for two whooping turns all day. No challenges with the navigation but the rest of the ride had plenty. Heavy fog, torn up roads and all those weekenders driving home on roads without a shoulder. Some of the big motor homes were a foot away from our elbows with no where to go.Lots of climbing sometimes on steep grades with sharp hairpin turns for the first 34 miles.
   After Jenner, we crossed the Russian River and the fog was gone and in its place were beautiful beaches and views. We still had plenty of traffic but with the increase of visibility, we at least could all see ahead and be able to give the vehicles as much room as possible.
   I have been to Bodega Bay on a previous bike tour and it is still quite charming. We are staying at a splendid Inn right on the Tomales Bay and got in by 1 for a restful afternoon with some wonderful Sonoma wines.

WT Pacific Coast Riding day 14, Garberville to Fort Bragg, CA

68 miles, 5,000' of elevation gain, temp range 45 to 57 degrees with a combination of fog, haze and sun.

   We came out of the same town of Garberville with fog and damp roads and immediately went into more Redwood stands.we were on and off the 101 for the first 25 miles with varying traffic but once we went onto US Hwy 1, the Coastal Hwy. We went into deep woods with a 4 mile climb followed by a 12 mile descent. Ordinarily, I'm good on the downhills with little trouble but the roads were wet and green from the moss and algae growth that happens in areas with little sunshine. Lots of hairpin turns and it did get cold. I did manage to hit 61 mph on my computer but that had to be a mistake. Or not.
   Once we broke out into the sun we were right on the coast enjoying the views and pounding of the surf. Yippie!

WT Pacific Coast riding day 15, Fort Bragg to Gualala, CA

60 miles, 3700' of elevation gain, temp range of 52 to 74 degrees under totally beautiful blue skies.

   We had two turns today, a left out of the start hotel and a right into the end hotel. In between we had rolling hills with one 18% climb. To counter balance the climbing we had a beautiful day along the Pacific Ocean which was flat calm all morning and now has gentle breakers.Lots of kayaking people taking to the water. The road was in excellent condition and did a series of duck and dives into inlets. Birds, seals and the sounds of whales. The hotel is magnificent and located next to a superb wine shop so I'm sitting here sipping the Zeghesio Old Vine Zin watching the waves break and the sounds of the sea while some of you are working in Rochester.

WT Pacific Coast Riding day 13, Eureka - Garberville, CA

80 miles, 3100' of elevation gain, temp range of 45-65 with fog in the morning and bright sun in the afternoon.

   The ride took us through California dairy country the first 40 miles with the roads quite wet from the fog. Fernbridge was our first rest stop with a host of great coffee shops, public restrooms and lots of Victorian homes and hotels. Delightful small town America and then we went right back into the dairy country.
   At the 40 mile mark we turned onto the Avenue of the Giants where for the next 30 miles we were treated to magnificent giant Redwoods. They were thick and tall and having 30 miles of continues old growth trees was an amazing experience. avenueofthegiants.net 
   When the sun broke out, the lighting made the ride even more impressive. Lots of small towns for services and of course coffee.
 Eureka was OK but nothing special. It made for an OK rest day but the best part was to see someone I had share the Southern Tier ride last year. We spent several hours over lunch and sightseeing catching up and seeing her town.
   Really tired after today's ride but it was worth the effort for the experience.

WT Pacific Coast Ride Day 12, Crescent City to Eureka, CA

82 miles, 4,500' of elevation gain, temp range of 45-65, calm winds and bright blue skies

   Today was started in beautiful skies with a stiff climb right from the hotel. The views of the ocean were magnificent and we soon entered the land of the redwood trees. The growth is so thick, my gps could not always get a signal but who cared? We spent the entire first half of the ride within these old growth trees and tried not to notice all the climbing.
   The second half of the ride brought us back along the Pacific Ocean for more views and rolling hills. It was our most challenging ride of the trip with the last 15 miles on a bike path that ran along the dunes and waterways. We finished the ride by going over three bridges over Humboldt Bay allowing mover views in bright sunny weather.
   Tomorrow is our rest day in Eureka a city I have never visited. Meeting a friend I met during the Southern Tier ride for lunch and sightseeing.

WT PacificCoast Riding Day 11, Gold Beach, OR to Crescent City, CA

55 miles, 2,800' of elevation gain, temp range 45-68 degrees under bright blue skies all day!

   Today's weather was outstanding with clear blue skies and no where near as cold. We were all down to shorts and a light jacket by the first sag stop.
   The views of the Oregon Coastline remained quite striking with many off shore rock formations which continued into California. The route had us riding on 101, the Coast Hwy. The shoulders were quite excellent and the traffic a little lighter than some of the previous days.
  I did manage one high speed descent which was outstanding as the roads were quite good with  gentle sweeping turns. I came on this bike tour for the views and the views is what we had today.
   We are staying at a waterside hotel today with the harbor right across the street. A nice stroll with gorgeous weather and I'm sure we will enjoy another wonderful Patty meal.

Pacific Coast Day 10, Bandon to Gold Beach, Oregon

55 miles, 2500' of elevation gain, temps 33 - 54 degrees, heavy fog most of he ride.
   The best way to describe today's ride is FOG. We actually rolled out under clear blue skies and 33 degrees but within an hour, the ride was pretty much fogged in for the rest of the day. I did catch several glimpses of the Pacific Ocean when the fog was a little less dense and would assume that the views would have been quite impressive under clear skies. Nevertheless, the roads were good with light traffic.
   We all pretty much felt lucky to have had so many clear days and hope to have a clearing trend as the heavy fog makes for chilly riding. We are once again housed in a beachfront hotel with the sound of crashing waves.
   Patty, our chef, went down to the docks where the fishing boats arrive and bought this wonderful fresh fish. We had both cod and salmon cooked on a propane grill, with a mango chutney, fresh asparagus, salad and couscous. Birthday cake for dessert and we were able to eat in the breakfast room for warmth. The weather cleared and we all took a walk along the beach for a perfect ending.
   Yankee game tonight and I'm rooming with a Yankee fan from New Jersey.

WT Pacific Coast Ride day 9, Florence to Bandon, Oregon

77 miles, 3,500' of elevation gain, temp range 39-65 degrees under totally sunny skies.

   Lots of climbing today without many ocean views. We did have the opportunity to top at the Nat'l Sand Dunes Park but most of the ride was within forests along the 101 until we followed the Pacific Coast Bikeway which included 7 Devils Road. Perfectly named as we hit 13% grades on several of the 7 climbs and I was pretty toasted by the time we arrived at our hotel. Beautiful views of the Oregon Pacific Ocean in the last couple of miles with a wonderful Best Western on the beach.
   Crashing early as most of us were really tired by ride's end. Another wonderful meal by Patty perked us all up again with some funny stories and song after dinner.

WT Pacific Coast Riding day 8, Newport to Florence, Oregon

54 miles, 2,300' of elevation gain, temp range of 43-65 degrees under sunny skies.
   There is a pattern to our riding days. Cool temps to start out and then beautiful perfect riding conditions all day long. Views of the coastline dominated today's ride with many groups of seals along the way.

   We stayed on the 101 most of the day with good shoulders and moderate traffic. Pull outs were often and allowed us many opportunities for picture taking. We arrived in Florence before 1 and that allowed us to go see the historic downtown area and spend some time at a local coffee shop. Riding is up and down all day long but no heavy hills.

WT Pacific Coast Riding Day 7, Pacific City to Newport, Oregon

48 miles, 2700' of elevation gain, temp range of 32 to 81 degrees with a light following wind all day.

   Michelle replaced my broke cable and my Serotta was back to riding like a dream today. Yes another beautiful day. It was cold to start with but just a few miles down the road, we climbed and warmed up. Lots of pull outs along the ride making stopping to hard to resist. Hey its a tour.
   We did encounter a "road closed sign" on route and did what any cycle tourer would do, we stopped a local driver and asked about whether bikes could get through. Once he said "no" and there was fresh oil we turned back and took the 101. We did shorten the ride but the real disappointment was missing a local cafe landmark, the Otis Cafe.
  Lighthouses, coves, inlet streams, bridges were all part of today's experiences and a pod of whales.
  Rolled into Newport and we have a beachfront hotel, the Hallmark Resort. Each room has an Oceanside view with deck, full living room and kitchen and LAUNDRY. Today is a rest day and we are sitting having morning coffee with the sliding door opened listening to waves and the songs of whales.

WT Pacific Coast Riding Day 6, Cannon Beach to Pacific City

65 miles, 3600' of elevation gain, temp range of 45 to 75 degrees . Totally clear skies with light winds in the morning and howling winds out of the north in the afternoon.

   Yes we had an absolutely beautiful day of riding with views of the Oregon coastline which should be envied by everyone. I had just one little hiccup to my day when my rear shifting cable all but totally broke so I was riding a three speed bike on a heavy climbing day. Well it all worked out and totally enjoyed the scenery.
   We rode on the Oregon Pacific Coast Cycling route for most of the day which had endless pull outs so we could stop and see the scenery. As it turns out, we have also had indoor restrooms whenever I needed one.
   I had not realized that there was so many off shore rock formations until doing this ride.It really is a way of discovering America one mile at a time.
   There was no wifi at the hotel in Pacific City so had to wait an extra day to post.

Pacific Coast Rding Day 5, Long Beach, WA to Cannon Beach, OR

49 miles, 1100' of elevation gain, temp range of 45 to 77 degrees in glorious sunshine all day long.
   Someone is really watching out for us. Blue skies with light winds in the beginning of the ride with a strong tail wind for the second half. We went on the coastal bike path right out of the hotel. 5 miles of a brand new path which ran along the beach with views of the Pacific as far as you can see.
   Some of the group was anxious of the Astoria Bridge which spans the mighty Columbia for 5 miles as it can have horrible weather but not today. It was a spectacular day for the bridge part of the ride with relatively light traffic.
   The rest of the ride had a tail wind with glimpses of the ocean and no fog. It was a great day for saving our legs and the three of us riding together stopped at Seaside and found a delightful coffee shop with pumpkin bread. We still managed to roll in by noon. What a cute town Cannon Beach is with wonderful accommodations along the ocean. Kitchen, deck and free laundry. What more could a cyclists ask for?