A Dream In Planning: Riding the Pacific Coast Highway Route

A Dream Fulfilled: Riding the Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is more than just a scenic route—it’s a bucket-list experience for cyclists around the world.

Stretching along the rugged and breathtaking West Coast of North America, the Adventure Cycling Pacific Coast Route encapsulates everything that makes cycling a transformative journey: natural beauty, diverse terrains, and the thrill of exploration. For me, this ride is more than just miles to cover; it’s a dream I’ve nurtured since I first threw a leg over a bike.

The thought of experiencing the entirety of the West Coast by bike has always captivated me. From the towering redwoods of California to the seaside towns of Oregon and Washington, the route promises an unparalleled adventure. For years I've looked at the Adventure Cycling route, and finally, I've got the map set in hand and I'm beginning to plan in earnest.

This route is actually called the "Pacific Coast Route". It does not follow the PCH 100% of the time.

Overview of the Route

The Pacific Coast Highway route is iconic, a must-do for adventurers seeking a combination of scenic wonder and personal challenge. Adventure Cycling’s Pacific Coast Route covers roughly 1,850 miles, beginning in Vancouver, British Columbia, and ending in San Diego, California. This route traverses three U.S. states—Washington, Oregon, and California—offering everything from misty evergreen forests to sun-soaked beaches. It starts in British Columbia so a passport is a must.

Key stops along the way include metropolitan gems like Seattle and San Francisco, charming towns like Cannon Beach in Oregon, and iconic landmarks such as Big Sur and the Golden Gate Bridge. What makes this journey special isn’t just the destinations, but the incredible diversity of experiences along the way: coastal cliffs giving way to sandy shores, bustling cities transitioning to quiet fishing villages, and the ever-present Pacific Ocean as your companion.

Preparation for the Journey

Riding the Pacific Coast Route is no small feat, and preparation is key. Here’s what I’ve learned so far as I get ready for this once-in-a-lifetime ride.

Physical Preparation
Cycling nearly 2,000 miles demands endurance. Once upon a time I rode 7,000 to 8,000 miles a year, but truth be told, I've not been a bike much in the last decade. With winter fast approaching my training will consist of weight lifting and hill sprints in my driveway. I plan to take an extended vacation in February down to the Sonoran desert to get some good riding in before the snow melts here in Colorado.

Gear and Equipment
Choosing the right gear is essential. My checklist includes:

• A touring bike capable of handling varied terrain.
• Panniers for carrying essentials like clothing, food, and repair tools.
• Camping equipment for nights spent under the stars.
• Weather-appropriate clothing, from rain gear for the Pacific Northwest to lightweight layers for sunny California.

Route Planning with Adventure Cycling Maps
The Adventure Cycling maps are a game-changer. Not only do they outline the safest and most scenic paths, but they also highlight campsites, grocery stores, and bike shops. These maps help ensure I’ll never be far from support, whether it’s a warm meal or a spare tube. I will also get the route onto my trust COROS Dura bike computer.

The Ride: Breaking It Down

The Adventure Cycling route is divided into five map sections, each offering unique challenges and rewards.

Map 1: Vancouver to Astoria, Oregon
This section begins in Canada and winds through Washington’s coastline. Highlights include the San Juan Islands, Olympic National Park, and crossing into Oregon via the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

Map 2: Astoria to Crescent City, California
Oregon’s coastline is renowned for its dramatic sea stacks and sandy beaches. Stops like Cannon Beach and Cape Perpetua are postcard-perfect. This stretch is known for being bike-friendly, with plenty of scenic pull-offs and cyclist amenities.

Map 3: Crescent City to San Francisco
Entering California means encountering the legendary redwood forests. Riding through Avenue of the Giants will feel like stepping into another world. From there, the route continues to San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Bridge offers a breathtaking reward.

Map 4: San Francisco to Santa Barbara
Big Sur is the crown jewel of this section. The winding roads and steep cliffs are as challenging as they are stunning. This stretch also includes the charming towns of Monterey and Santa Cruz, along with endless ocean views.

Map 5: Santa Barbara to San Diego
The final leg is quintessential Southern California. Sunny beaches, laid-back surf towns, and vibrant cities like Los Angeles lead to the finish line in San Diego, where the journey concludes with a sense of accomplishment.

Memorable Experiences to Anticipate

One of the most exciting aspects of the Pacific Coast Route is the sheer variety of experiences it offers.

Scenic Highlights
The route is a feast for the senses. Imagine cycling along towering cliffs with the waves crashing below or meandering through serene redwood groves. The juxtaposition of rugged wilderness and tranquil seaside makes every mile unforgettable.

Cultural and Historical Stops
This ride is also a cultural journey. From the maritime history of Astoria to the artistic vibes of Carmel-by-the-Sea, each stop has its own story. Lighthouses dotting the coast, historic missions in California, and vibrant cityscapes add rich layers to the experience.

Wildlife and Nature Encounters
The West Coast is home to an array of wildlife. Seals and sea lions bask along the shores, while bald eagles and pelicans soar above. I'll be bringing along my camera to hopefully capture as much of this as possible.

Tips and Insights for Fellow Riders

For those considering this adventure, here are some tips to make the journey smoother:

Best Times to Ride
Late spring through early fall is ideal for the Pacific Coast route. This timing offers the best weather while avoiding the peak of tourist season. The literature available warns about heavy RV traffic during the busy months so I'm planning to tackle the route prior to Memorial Day.

Safety and Comfort
Sharing the road with cars can be nerve-wracking, but staying visible with lights and reflective gear helps. Adventure Cycling’s maps often direct cyclists to less trafficked roads, adding an extra layer of safety.

I've dreamt of this for nearly 15 years.

Riding the Pacific Coast Highway isn’t just a physical journey; it’s an emotional one. For me, this is a dream come true and a moment I'm seizing to reignite my lifelong passion for bikes. I took a lot of time off the bike but I'm so grateful to have two wheels in my life again.

There is something so alluring about the West Coast and the ocean in general. Ever since I was a kid something drew me to it, though I've spent hardly any time in any of the coastal regions of the country. I'm excited to have the ocean be my constant companion for the duration of this trip.

It is going to be a challenge. Long climbs, challenging weather, and the daily logistics of eating, finding a place to sleep, and all the rest will be difficult. My longest trip has been a mere four days.

Resources for Aspiring Cyclists

For anyone inspired to take on this adventure, here are some starting points:

• Adventure Cycling Association: Their maps and resources are invaluable for planning and navigating the Pacific Coast route.
• Gear Guides: Websites like REI and Bikepacking.com offer detailed gear recommendations. We've got some handy guides as well! We'll get an in depth guide for this specific trip up once this trip is wrapped up.
• Inspirational Stories: Blogs, books, and forums are filled with tales from cyclists who’ve conquered the Pacific Coast, providing motivation and practical advice.

Looking Forward To May

The Pacific Coast Highway is so much more than just a road. It's an icon. It's a siren song heard not just around the country but around the world. From the Cascades to the Redwoods and everything in between, it's going to be a pillar of my life. I was lost once in life and cycling helped me to learn who I was and what I was capable of. I'll be 37 when I embark on this journey and quite frankly, I'm feeling a bit lost again. I'm hoping that by the time I hit the end of the road I'll have found myself, and my purpose, somewhere along the coast.

Stay tuned for stories from the trail—I can’t wait to share the magic of the Pacific Coast Highway with you. Until then, happy riding!