Norcal Road trip bike route recommendations?

[jasonification]

Thinking of taking a 5 day road trip with the wife in a few weeks before I start work full time. Will have gotten my second vaccination dose before then!

Am driving up from SoCal, and thinking of possibly spending a night in Monterey or Marin county, eventually travelling up to the Bay Area. Will be bringing our bikes with us! Any recommendations for rides ~30 miles? Don't mind a bit of climbing either..Cheers!

[Ken Robb]

Maybe a night or two in Cambria and another couple of nights in Carmel, Pacific Grove, Monterey.

[XXtwindad]

The view from Mount Tam is the best in the world. That should be number one on your list.

[jasonification]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

The view from Mount Tam is the best in the world. That should be number one on your list.

Oof. definitely on the list. especially now that I think about Joostx's pics..any recommended gps routes?

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by jasonification

Oof. definitely on the list. especially now that I think about Joostx's pics..any recommended gps routes?

Be happy to take you up on a dawn patrol.

[eddief]

a startling view of the Golden Gate Bridge on a good day:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5168930

[jasonification]

Originally Posted by joosttx

Be happy to take you up on a dawn patrol.

Pretty sure this is an offer I can't pass up..will send you a PM once I have a better idea of my itinerary..

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[EPOJoe]

If you’ve never done it, and you’ll be in Monterey anyway, this is a beautiful ride. I’d suggest starting in Marina, picking up the usually deserted bike path there and stopping and turning around at Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach Market has great, reasonably priced food and drink). I didn’t really get anything out of going all the way into Carmel. The ride is a combination of bike paths and roads.
https://strava.app.link/wy7Ez6IfVfb

[Steve in SLO]

If you’re stopping in Monterey, I second the 17 Mile Drive loop. A really beautiful ride.
The riding around Petaluma and Point Reyes Station is stunning. Others may have more details on routes, but I know I was really impressed last time I rode there.

[EB]

If you are focused on road riding, you should really venture up to Sonoma and do Kings Ridge:

http://bestrides.org/kings-ridge/

[jasonification]

Originally Posted by EPOJoe

If you’ve never done it, and you’ll be in Monterey anyway, this is a beautiful ride. I’d suggest starting in Marina, picking up the usually deserted bike path there and stopping and turning around at Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach Market has great, reasonably priced food and drink). I didn’t really get anything out of going all the way into Carmel. The ride is a combination of bike paths and roads.
https://strava.app.link/wy7Ez6IfVfb

Originally Posted by Steve in SLO

If you’re stopping in Monterey, I second the 17 Mile Drive loop. A really beautiful ride.
The riding around Petaluma and Point Reyes Station is stunning. Others may have more details on routes, but I know I was really impressed last time I rode there.

Thanks y'all. I'm adding this to the route...debating whether to do this at the beginning of our trip or the end now..seems like a fantastic route

[Ken Robb]

Originally Posted by EPOJoe

If you’ve never done it, and you’ll be in Monterey anyway, this is a beautiful ride. I’d suggest starting in Marina, picking up the usually deserted bike path there and stopping and turning around at Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach Market has great, reasonably priced food and drink). I didn’t really get anything out of going all the way into Carmel. The ride is a combination of bike paths and roads.
https://strava.app.link/wy7Ez6IfVfb

This is a good ride and I wonder how much of Fort Ord is still open to cyclists. It was great 20 years ago.

Just remember that a drive from San Diego to Marin County will take all day up and all day back. That won't leave much time for riding.

[robt57]

I read NorCal, and thought Sacramento, Redding.

If you do get that far north, lots of peaceful fun to be had along the American and Sacramento river paths IMO.

[jtakeda]

Originally Posted by robt57

I read NorCal, and thought Sacramento, Redding.

If you do get that far north, lots of peaceful fun to be had along the American and Sacramento river paths IMO.

Goes to show you how big NorCal is. I was thinking Mendocino county/Humboldt county!

+1 Ken Robb.
If you have 5 days remember 2 days will be spent just driving so really pick your route well.

I’d have to say a trip up tam with joost should be a no brainer. Maybe pack your days that are mostly driving with a solid dinner reservation so it’s not just car time.

Kings ridge or a ride in Sonoma county would be a great day 2 if you ride tam and stay somewhere in the north Bay Area. Maybe ride through Sebastopol to the coast and back?

[jasonification]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

This is a good ride and I wonder how much of Fort Ord is still open to cyclists. It was great 20 years ago.



Just remember that a drive from San Diego to Marin County will take all day up and all day back. That won't leave much time for riding.

Will be driving from Santa Barbara, and planning to do a multiday trip! Glad to hear another endorsement for this ride

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