Suggestions for Ride from Austin, TX to California PCH 1

I have posted this thread in the 'ride section' and was advised to do regional. In any case, looking for ride route suggestions leaving from Austin, TX late April, heading to California with the goal of doing Pacific Coast Highway north to maybe the Redwoods and then head back. Time limit is about 12-14 days. Prefer to do camping as much as possible.

Also, this is my first big ride in some years. If there is anything that you think "you gotta have this on your bike" let me hear from ya. Mucho appreciate all your input.

Paul
Austin, TX
tthouses@sbcglobal.net
R90/6

thanks to the folks who gave me their suggestions

tthouses said:

I have posted this thread in the 'ride section' and was advised to do regional. In any case, looking for ride route suggestions leaving from Austin, TX late April, heading to California with the goal of doing Pacific Coast Highway north to maybe the Redwoods and then head back. Time limit is about 12-14 days. Prefer to do camping as much as possible.

Also, this is my first big ride in some years. If there is anything that you think "you gotta have this on your bike" let me hear from ya. Mucho appreciate all your input.

Paul
Austin, TX
tthouses@sbcglobal.net
R90/6

thanks to the folks who gave me their suggestions

Click to expand...

I'm not sure where you plan to join CA1, but between LA and SF, it's called the Pacific Coast Highway and north of SF, it's called the Shoreline Highway, I believe.

Anyway, I like the section north of SF the best. It's less crowded, the road is more interesting and the views are more dramatic. Big Sur, south of SF, is not to be missed, of course. There will be redwoods along much of the way, but the Avenue of the Giants, south of Eureka is worth the trip. If you can, score a campsite in any of the parks there.

The California State Parks are pretty wonderful and are generally cheap. The sites are generally spacious and most have hot showers available. You can make reservations for them online, which is helpful.


Bear in mind that the coast can be chilly, so pack your electrics. If you get out this way, look me up. If you're around the Bay Area on a weekend, I'd love to take your for a tour up some of the nice roads here in Marin. There are a couple diversions that are worth the trip, particularly heading up to the top of Mt. Tam.

Also - if you smell eucalyptus, be careful. The eucalyptus trees deposit an oil on the road, which can be very slippery when mixed with a bit of early morening dew.

Late April to Early May is a great time to come up to the north coast. CA1 here really is dramatic. As KBasa noted, it is cool. Today is gorgeous sunny here in Mendocino, temp at noon is 58 F. It does not change that much from season to season. The ocean was unbelievably blue this morning on the walk into work here at the Inn. Sunset last night was unbeatable. Besides CA1, there are lots of side roads that are wonderful all up and down the coast - over 600 miles worth of CA - You might check out pashnit.com, a site dedicated to riding CA roads. If you get tired of the camping by the time you get this far, or just want a fellow Beemerphile to shoot the breeze with, stop by. If time allows, I'll even take a ride with you. Gotta Have? Camera with lots of memory!