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West Coast: Astoria > San Francisco

Dates: Aug 11 – 25, 2013
Experience level: Moderate – Expert: the pacific coast route contains many roller coaster type terrain plus some long climbs and sections with high traffic. A gorgeous and fun ride, this is not for the untrained.

801 miles – 57 miles daily average
$3550 Single
$2950 Double

15 days on this bike marathon soaking in the raw and pristine Oregon and California coastline: Cool breezes, haystack rocks, giant redwood, grazing elk, sea lions, whale spotting, numerous lighthouses, drive-thru trees, roadside fruit stands, oceanside cafes – this is only a taste of what the pacific coast highway can conjure up for an eager adventurist!

Oregon’s Hwy 101 and California’s Hwy 1 are a must for any long distance cyclist’s bucket list as it’s consistently described as one of America’s most spectacular routes. Let us carry your gear and sleep in a hotel every night.

We’ll average 57 miles per day (longest being 86 miles) and have one layover day in Crescent City, CA.

Arrival day: Saturday Aug 10th – Check in at hotel, get bike set up, and we’ll have dinner together to meet everyone and have a short discussion on trip details.

Week 1: First week will cover the Oregon coast. Ride scenic Hwy 101 along with quiet sideroads through coastal farm country and communities. Have lunch and ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, spot a whale in Depoe Bay, visit some of the many lighthouses that dot the Oregon shores. Pedal among the dunes around Florence, and it’s not uncommon to view sea lions and harbor seals bobbing in the water or napping on a rock. Food options are plenty up and down the coast, whether you’re looking for local cuisine, dried salmon, or a simple general store.

We’ll hit the California state line on day 7 and take a zero day in Crescent City, CA

Week 2: After resting up in Crescent City, we’ll continue down 101 where we’ll start viewing huge, ancient coastal redwoods and even ride in the midst of them on the Ave of the Giants route. Now that Oregon has your legs warmed up, we’ll ride out of town with our biggest mileage day – 86 into Garberville. Soon we’ll leave Hwy 101 and merge onto California 1. Don’t forget to visit the Chandelier Drive-Thru tree, this is one of three you’ll see. Small roadside stores can serve up some delicious options, one serves up a huge and tasty breakfast burrito they make themselves. Or if you like burgers, Jenny’s Giant Burger in Ft. Bragg serves just that, and a mighty good one too!

Pretty soon we’re entering San Francisco! Commemorate your ride by pedaling (or walk!) across the Golden Gate Bridge and into the Fisherman’s Wharf. Take some time to visit the wharf area, ride a trolley to America’s most crookedest road, and browse their many seafood stands. A fantastic way to celebrate your summer!

View route photos of West Coast food and scenery