Cycling Across the World: A Journey Along the Pacific Coast Bike Route in California

A Recap of California

Four weeks on a bike - two spent battling rain and wind, the other basking in sunshine. It was a tale of two rides, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. Welcome to California in January.

Day 1 Riding in California

After leaving Gold beach and the heaviest of rain behind. I set out, finding the California/Oregon border a day before I thought I would! I later realized that it was New Years Eve.

"Welcome to California" road sign, captured during a scenic bike tour of the pacific coast bike route. — The “Welcome to California” sign welcoming you to California on the Pacific Coast Bike Route

Day 2 Riding in California

Arranging another Warmshowers host stay later down the road. I am determined to make miles on a good weather day. I spent the day cycling with the giant redwoods. I make camp just outside Orick, CA completing my longest day so far, 50 miles.

Majestic giant redwood trees along the Pacific cycling route on the Redwood Highway. — The giant redwood trees running along the highway.

Day 3 Riding in California

Cycling down to Trinidad, I met up with my host Carol. She brought me in from the rain and invited me to a warm dinner with the gang.

A warmshowers host and Keifer posing for a selfie — Carol and I before I left again for another day of cycling

Day 4 Riding in California

The next morning Carol directed me to a couple hosting a bit closer to Eureka, Dick and Kathy. After arriving, Dick soon asked me if I wanted to go beekeeping, I of course, said yes.

A cluster of bees outside a bee box during spraying for mites — Beekeeping with the Warmshowers host, Dick

I spent a few days hiding from the rain with Dick and Kathy before setting off again.

A picture of Dick and Kathy, a warmshowers host couple on the pacific cycling route — Dick and Kathy, Warmshowers hosts

Day 5 Riding in California

Leaving Dick and Kathy's, getting antsy from the rain. I rode out, continuing along down the highway towards Fortuna. High winds and pelting rain forced me indoors again, this time in a motel.

Day 6 Riding in California

More riding with the redwoods and a very large required bike detour from the main highway. I ended up camping near Garberville, CA

A picture of dinosaur status outside a roadside museum on the pacific coast cycling route — A couple of dinos greeting me along the road

Day 7 Riding in California

Huge hills and a brief splash of sunshine. I passed through the small town of Leggett and a group of construction workers gifted me a twenty! The day finished with a huge north Cal style push up a incline.

Day 8 riding in California

The pouring rain started around 5 in the morning and continued all day. To start, I soared down the decline on the opposite of yesterday's climb. Weaving on twisted downhill, the road slick with the rain, becoming one of the highest adrenaline points so far.

Back on the coast, the weather continues to pick up before I make it into Fort Bragg to rest for a day. I somehow manage to get hit by freak hail and thunderstorms.

A picture of a fully loaded touring bike, soaked with rain in northern California — The bike soaked and the rain before the downhill ride

Day 9 Riding in California

After a continued predicted forecast of downpour, I decide to head inwards off the highway 1 on to the 128. Passing through wine country.

Day 10 Riding in California

Day 10 was a giant uphill ride, once again in pouring rain. I get to Cloverdale, California absolutely exhausted. I decided to stay in a motel and eat a casual tub of ice cream. I fix the wheel wobble that my back wheel has developed.

Day 11 Riding in California

Pushing off from Cloverdale. I shortly get kicked off the highway (Or according to California, the sometimes freeway) by a police officer. Riding hard the rest of the day, I make it to Petaluma to stay with John and Leslie, another warmshowers host. My second 50 mile day now on record.

A picture of cycling in California along the coast on a sunny day. — Back along the coast, beautiful ocean views

Day 12 Riding in California

Leaving John's place, I head out for San Francisco and another Warmshowers host couple, Carlo and Thea. Halfway through the day I hear a rattling and turns out two back spokes had completely snapped! Heading quickly to a shop, I get them repaired, only for another two to snap later again.

A selfie of John and Leslie with Keifer, warmshowers hosts — John and Leslie, another morning selfie before I head off!

The next day was spent running around San Fran, looking for a new rim. Turns out, my whole back rim had cracked. Talk about bad luck!

Day 13 Riding in California

With a forecast of two weeks of straight sunshine, southern California is looking amazing. I set out excited and end up camping right against the coast cliff of the ocean.

A picture of cliffside along the pacific coast cycle route in California. — Cliffside spot in California on a bicycle

Day 14 Riding in California

Feeling great, I push all the way down to Seaside, California. Stopping to do a quick resupply, I realize I have gotten my first flat. Booking a quick motel to fix it, I also realize that the next day is my 29th birthday! Another quick stop to the store for a celebration beer!

Day 15 and 16 Riding in California

Having heard that route 1 may be closed around Big Sur, I tempt my luck. Half wanting to see the area, half hoping to not detour, no such luck. I head back to Seaside the next day.

A image of big sur and and the bixby bridge, biking in california. — Cycling in Big Sur and the Bixby bridge

Day 17 Riding in California

I stay off the highway today and I am rewarded with farm roads and terrible google map routing. Making it down to around Greenfield, California I camp in the middle of nowhere with a great view of some stars.

Image of bike and tent at sunset, camping in California — Sunset along the 101 route detour in California, camped out

Day 18 Riding in California

Waking up early with a good sleep, I push big miles making my biggest day yet of 73 miles! I camp down around Paso Robles.

Image of bike and tent camping in California covered in frost — A cold morning, dropping below 0, frost is everywhere on the bike and tent

Day 19 Riding in California

A blazing hot day and not yet used the heat I struggle through San Luis Obispo to Guadalupe. Here I camp out at a fire station which allows bikers to camp for the night.

Day 20 Riding in California

Continuing the ride down, I end up back on the coast around Gaviota, California. I get to enjoy some beautiful canyons and views of the ocean again.

Image of Gaviota during a bike trip. It is a sunny day — The views down near Gaviota by bike

Day 21 Riding in California

Heading out I pass through Santa Barbra today. I get advice from a retired adventure cyclist to camp at the state park in Carpinteria and set my sites for there.

Day 22 Riding in California

Passing through Ventura and Oxnard, I continue on till another state park in Sycamore Canyon. Camping at the park, I get to hear the ocean roll in the back of the night.

Image of the California coast line biking — Enjoying the sun along the pacific coast bike route down near LA

Day 23 Riding in California

Today marks the my entrance into Los Angles Territory (This city is massive!). I had arranged a stay with another Warmshowers host, Hiromi. Having a little shed for cyclists, I get much needed shelter from LA at night.

A selfie with warmshowers host Hiromi — Hiromi and I, late at night before I brave Los Angeles again in the morning

Day 24 Riding in California

Sleeping in a little, I pedal through Los Angeles during the late morning, avoid the sea of cars on the road. I push onward to Laguna beach, having nowhere to camp, I book a motel for the night.

Day 25 Riding in California

Heading out I made my way to San Diego to stay with my great aunt AJ. Spending some much needed time resting and enjoying a beer or two.

Day 26 Riding in California

Setting out from my aunts, I reach the border, ready to cross the next day. Baja California here I come!

Beaches, downpour, giant redwoods, needed sunshine, this was California. Stay tuned for my adventures in Mexico next.

Until next time,

Keifer