The Pacific Coast Bicycle Route is a journey that hugs the coast with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean that begins in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, following primarily United States Highway 101 and California State Route 1 until reaching the beaches of the city of San Diego on the Pacific coast of Southern California, United States. The tour covered three states of the United States: Washington, Oregon and California.

About the adventure

My bike wheels start rolling in Vancouver and head south through suburban and farmland but then cross the border into the city of Blaine in Washington state in the United States and then pedal to Whidbey Island and a short ferry ride over to Port Townsend, near Olympic National Park which is back on the mainland where the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 101 on its north end and Highway 1 winds through stunning coastline views charming coastal towns offering unique beauty, vibrant local culture and diverse with numerous beaches nestled on the waters of the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Leaving Washington state behind I crossed the scenery of the Oregon coast to the picturesque of Northern California, home to the tallest trees in the world in Redwood National Park and the majestic rugged stretch of the Central California coast where the rugged natural beauty of the Big Surf is nestled, passing by the famous American resorts until reaching the beaches of the city of San Diego in Southern California, United States.

Trip details

We left Vancouver heading southbound on the July, 03. In the Oregon we had some cold and rainy days but  by the time we reached California in July it was very hot!!

Total days of touring: June, 03 -  July, 03

Total day pedaling: 30 Days

Our journey was almost 3000 kilometres.

An Incredible journey and an amazing adventure!

The Pacific Coast Cycling Route?

For our trip, we purchased a cycling map from Adventure Cycling Association but we sometimes changed our journey to open up to new possibilities and discover new roads. In all my bike rides I follow my own path: it will always be an authentic and an unexpected addition new roads. 

What kind of weather I encounterd?

The journey has been with days of weather changes: winds, sun, rain, fog, heat, cold and so frequent occurrences occur during the day. The influence of the ocean makes every moment an interesting experience. It’s so unbelievable that the constant transformations of time that lead you to cover up or remove different types of clothing seems just like making a fashion show on the street!

What I did like?

The flora and fauna wary widely and the isolated peace to cycle through the Ave Of The Giants was fantastic. Our trip gave us a unique, magical feeling. Yes, just an extraordinary feeling of being so small in the forest!

Where was my accomadations?

As for accommodations while cycling, we have stayed in motels and designated campgrounds and, from what we have been able to experience, in all the places we have stayed overnight, the locals have treated us with courtesy and respect.

What was my itinerary?

 It was just the enthusiasm of reaching the goal of the journey and all the types of climate changes and the beautiful vistas brought us to San Diego!

What can I say more? 

II loved it from start to finish of our trip, except for some heavy car traffic and annoying vehicle noise, in some parts of the route, but overall it wasn't too bad and the scenery was spectacular on flat roads or bycle path to rolling hills, with a few climbs.