Author Archive
Day 04 Big Sur to Rocky Point
October 21st, 2018 | 
Author: Today’s ride will have about three 900 foot climbs, which means we will need to manage our battery unless you wish to pedal the full weight of the bike up those grades. Each day we can look at the profile to gauge how we might want to manage our power.
The rooms at Big Sur Lodge were like cabins, no ac but it cools off at night and you need to use the heater. In the morning we had about 6 deer out in front eating.
The morning started with a 900 ft climb, but we stopped at the mid way point at the Post office to mail some items.
The views are fantastic. This place was own once by Orsen Wells and Rita Hayworth.
One of the advantages of riding a bicycle is you can stop anywhere anytime
Every night we need to charge. Our room at Rocky Point.
And every night we try to clean our riding gear. Our view from the room.
This by far was the most challenging day regarding curves, small shoulders and climbs. But it was all doable.
Posted in 
Day 03 42 miles
Elevation Profile of our ride today
We left Marina CA at 8:30 with a marine layer with us. By the time we arrived in Monterey, the sun came out. My seat was giving me trouble so we stopped at a local bike shop that wasn’t opened yet, but there was a coffee shop opened next door 🙂
Bike seat did get resolved and we were on our way by 11:30 am
Once leaving Monterey Bay, the scenery started to change.
Being in a bicycle allows for a lot more stops for pictures
One of our many stops for the day
Approaching Big Sur area
Infamous bridge you see in a lot of commercials. There was construction here and a one way traffic with a flag man.
Picture of the bridge again… then we climb about two miles up about 600 feet. You can see the road off to the upper right of the pic. Once we reach the summit, we stop for another pic, only for me to discover my phone isn’t in my jersey pocket… after a thorough search, I head back down the hill to the bridge, where the flag man had my phone…
View from the top
We arrive at our days destination at Big Sur Lodge, where we unload to go for a three mile climb to a restaurant / bar overlook.
After a 3 mile climb to 1000 feet we arrive at Nepenthe
A much deserved beer with a view
This place and area was the home to the hippie movement in the 60”s
Finally seating on something softer with a cushion
On our way down back to the lodge, we stop to quench our thirst.
Funky bar that we got to watch the Dodgers win to get a 3-2 series lead
The bar had a small outdoor area that reminded me of cooks corner
Back to our rental for the night that is located in the state park
Day 02- Costanoa Lodge and Resort to Marina ,CA…
62 mile day.
Routine in the morning, coffee and check emails…
This was a great place to stay. A secret place, highly recommend…. about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz.
First stop of the morning at a rest stop. It was chilly when we started, but warmed up nicely. Great view
Lighthouse in Santa Cruz. I changed the default route to one along the beach. Turned out to be a winner!
We passed the fun zone in Santa Cruz. Lots of different roller coaster right on the beach
Another view of the coasters
Our alternate path took us past the fun zone, but then had to walk out bikes across an old railroad bridge. I took this one of Paul towards the park…
Paul took this one towards the bridge.
After leaving the Santa Cruz area, you eventually run into the farming belt between Monterey and Santa Cruz
Our path took us down some remote roads through the farms
On our way to Marina CA, we came across these lawn arts at a leather store
Looks like a chopper
A best western for tonight’s stay
Salt Wood Kitchen across the street in the beach
Sitting at the bar for dinner…
At a nice restaurant …
Day 01, continued …
After the Golden Gate Bridge pics, we headed south following the gps route through Golden Gate Park and other various side streets, turn left, then right, then onto a bike path, then on a one way street against traffic… how did people do this route before gps and just written instructions is beyond me..
Eventually we made it back to the coast passing through Daily city climbing some good grades and against some strong winds, but the weather was clear! No fog at all.
Once past daily city it was a bit more remote and we took the Devils Slide loop instead of a tunnel. Good thing because it was converted to a bike path and hiking trail.
Further south we arrived at the north end of Half Moon Bay and the route took us to the beach were the city has a great meandering bike path along the beach and reserve area, absolutely beautiful.
At that point we were 25 miles from our final stop and wanted some coffee. To far past Half Moon Bay, we thought we would find a coffee place… nada, nothing till we found the light house and the brewery at our final destination.
Getting started on the trip
Early morning start out of Oakland
Ferry boat to SF
Done with the first days ride-at the brewery
