California Coast

Cat. 3: Mile 89

Cat. 4: Mile 19, 28, 81, 93, and 102

Day one starts in Fort Bragg, a logging town surrounded by redwood forests. The route simply follows the Coast Highway. Two worthwhile options include a detour through the town of Mendocino and an out-and-back visit of Point Arena Lighthouse. Fort Ross, a former Russian settlement, is another point of interest along the course. The route visits several small towns and includes a mentionable climb near Jenner.

Cat. 3: Mile 56 and 79

Cat. 4: Mile 1, 8, 13, 38, 49, 67, 71, and 88

The second day starts in Bodega Bay, known as setting for Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". The route again follows Shoreline Highway. An alternate on quiet back-country roads is available between Valley Ford and Tomales. While many cyclists choose an inland route when approaching San Francisco, this ride follows the more scenic but less safe Highway 1, climbing the Pacific shoulder of Mount Tamalpais. The section through San Francisco and its suburbs requires the use of surface roads. South of San Francisco on the Coast Highway, the route includes a climb and following descent through an area known for landslides and erosion, referred to as "Devil's Slide".

Cat. 4: Mile 8, 11, and 13

Day three starts in Half Moon Bay, the oldest city of San Mateo County, and leads through a large rural agriculture area. The ride continues on Cabrillo Highway until Santa Cruz, optionally using the former stagecoach route through Pescadero, which runs parallel to the coast. Starting in Santa Cruz, the course follows surface roads and the bike path until Monterey peninsula. One of the highlights of the day includes 17-Mile Drive, which passes by famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Cat. 3: Mile 67 and 28

Cat. 4: Mile 16, 63, and 73

The fourth day starts in Carmel, known for its natural scenery and artistic history. The route again follows Cabrillo Highway. This part of the coast is known as Big Sur and is absolutely stunning. Towards the beginning, the course crosses a few historic bridges, including Bixby Bridge. There are only three tiny towns along this section, Big Sur, Gorda, and Lucia. Towards the end, the course passes San Simeon, home of Hearst Castle and one of only two beaches in California where elephant seals come ashore (the other one is in Año Nuevo and is less accessible). The route includes two mentionable climbs, one in Big Sur, and the other one close to Ragged Point.

Cat. 4: Mile 77, 98, and 104

Day five starts in Cambria, a quiet little seaside town. The route follows Cabrillo Highway until Morro Bay. From here it leads inland towards San Luis Obispo, before returning to the coast in Shell Beach. The course then continues to lead inland, passing through Guadalupe and Orcutt. Eventually it follows Foxen Canyon and Ballard Canyon all the way into Solvang.

Cat. 3: Mile 18

Cat. 4: Mile 7 and 111

The sixth day starts in Solvang, the "Danish Capital of America". The route leads through Santa Ynez Valley and then climbs San Marcos Pass (the highest point of the ride), before descending to the coast in Santa Barbara. From here it follows the coast, passing through several cities and towns, including Ventura, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme. At Point Mugu the route continues on Pacific Coast Highway, which leads into Los Angeles County.