The Pacific Coast Bicycle Route is a coastal road trip with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean that begins in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, following primarily United States Highway 101 and California State Route 1 to Imperial Beach on the Mexico bordering the Pacific coast of Southern California, United States. The tour touched three US states: Washington, Oregon, and California.

About the Adventure

My bike wheels start rolling in at Canada place in Vancouver in British Columbia and head south through the suburbs 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 to Port Townsend, near Olympic National Park which is back on the mainland where the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 101 at the northern end and Highway 1, winds along the stunning strip on the amazing views of the Pacific ocean and its postcard-perfect beaches.

Leaving Washington state behind, I crossed the landscape of the Oregon coast to picturesque Northern California, home to the tallest trees in the world in Redwood National Park and the majestic rugged stretch of the Central California coast, home to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery of the Big Surf, passing by the famous American resorts until reaching the beaches of Imperial Beach, on the border with Mexico, 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 fascinated you most about this cloturistic journey?

The most beautiful stretch of all is undoubtedly a stretch of the wild coastline of the Bgi Sur nestled between the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains, the secluded beaches and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean along California's iconic Highway 1.

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One of the coolest stops on the Route 1 at the area of San Simeon was The Elephant Seal viewing area with boardwalks and viewing platform and I surprised by the number of elephant seals I found all lying on the shore and it was a great sight to see.

But another cool place was pedaling the stunning 50 km stretch of road in The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic road in Northern California, running through the old-growth redwoods of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

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.