I’m thinking of a couple of weeks road riding in the US. I’m thinking California, possibly Monterey (Steinbeck fan). I need somewhere as a base for 8-10 50+ mile rides with amix of coastal cruising and mountain grunting.
Any ideas / recommendations for places to stay etc?

Ta

PS The plan is to use it partly as a recce for a future trip down the pacific coast from Seattle to San Diego too.

I spent some time in Petaluma, it might fit the bill. Petalumawheelmen is a local active club. There’s a couple of rides on their web site.

I’d stay in Point Reyes Station, just north of San Francisco. There are some brilliant quiet roads around the State Park, with epic climbs. You could ride up the coast to Bodega Bay, Jenner and beyond, there are again some great climbs up that way. Fit a light rack and overnight in a motel.

Steinbeck, road riding, California – i’m insanely jealous.

If you were a photography fan and liked Ansel Adams too the trip would be perfect.

Thanks guys – I’ll check out Petaluma and Point Reyes Station.

There’s some good background info here north of Marin. We met a guy that ran a bike in San Francisco that was riding the Lost Coast. A series of little known backroads North of Mendocino in Humbolt County, that’s where you’ll find the redwoods.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1#Mendocino_County

It’s worth speaking to Mike Varley at Black Mountain Cycles in Point Reyes Station and Ken and Amanda Eichstaedt at the Bear Valley Inn. Amanda manages the local radio station KWMR and copresents a radio show with Mike.

If these guys can’t suggest a place to ride, no one can.

http://www.bearvinn.com/
http://www.blackmtncycles.com/
http://www.kwmr.org/
http://www.thebovinebakery.com/

Check out the Pine Cone Diner for breakfast too, it’s an istitution.

I’d second the north of SF idea: lots of quiet roads, great scenery and it’s a bit funkier. The Lost Coast is cool for hiking though not sure about road riding. I had an interesting stay in Garberville a few years back, before I knew it was a pot-growing hotspot. Be prepared for rain.
Or you could head south to San Diego, if you don’t mind mixing with triathletes. Great climate, nice city and plenty of Anchorman gags to be made.

San Luis Obispo? Nice cycling scene with cool hip
wee town. Microbreweries and live music? Plenty of hills!!

San Luis Obispo, I would second that, really nice place. I would do your research though, cycling on roads in America is an extreme sport. When I was a student in Los Angeles I used to cycle around. I had this guy screaming at me calling me a bum, telling me to buy a car then he threw a water mellon at me! Was kind of funny but the drivers get so angry.

Santa Ynez valley and/or over the hills/mountains into Santa Barbara county. Santa Ynez valley (Solvang, Los Olivos,…) are quite popular for cycling training, even a certain US postal team went there every year (not sure whether that’s a good or bad thing). Also where ‘Sideways’ was set…
Sven

When I was a student in Los Angeles I used to cycle around. I had this guy screaming at me calling me a bum, telling me to buy a car then he threw a water mellon at me!

Haha, I know that too well. LA has been a ridiculous place to ride in the past–basically anti-bike all around. But they’re doing some pretty cool things now–folks are coming out in waves to fight for bike lanes on the major streets and there are even some really cool collectives that do group rides. If you’re still looking for stuff to do on your California road trip, maybe hit them up? Here’s some info:

– http://www.bigshotbikes.com/blog/the-emerging-bike-culture-of-los-angeles/
– http://www.midnightridazz.com/

Have fun on your trip!