I posted the same AIDS ride question over on BF (Bike Forums) and it spun off a crazy long thread about a non-charity SF - LA tour in 2008. You can follow the thread over there and join in if interested. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=355852 That thread spun off another thread to poll people interested in the type of tour people wanted, see link: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=356605 PF, per your request in your PM.
Whiny Wow, I only read the first few responses but they sure seem like a whiny bunch over there. I did this ride a couple of years ago. I rented a one way car from OC to San Fran, dropped the car off and headed toward home. I pulled a BOB with my camping gear and averaged about 60 to 70 miles a day with one long 107 mile day. It was a great adventure and I highly recommend it.
Thanks Maven, I asked to be included in the ride. Do you know the skinny on it. That's what we roadies do, we whinnnnne. It's to cold It's to hot My back hurts My arse hurts I'm hungry I'm thirsty To fast To slow You get the idea...
I can't say there really is a deal with the ride at this point. I mean hell it's October and the ride will likely be in May or June. I just want to do the ride. I have been thinking about trying to ride from SF to LA sometime next year. Whatever way to make it happen is cool by me. I hope to ride with people I know, if not I hope to meet some cool people along the way. It would be great to do the ride with you Mike.
Weather The weather can make or break this route so picking a good month is critical. I did it in mid July and it was wet (drizzle) and cold until I got down around Solvang. All through Big Sur it was foggy and cold so I couldn't even enjoy the views. On the other hand, last September I rode from Monterey to Cambria though Big Sur and the weather was nothing less than perfect. Cool and clear.
Yeah, us southerners seem to forget about the northern fog that rolls in from May to late July. People will go to SF and then complain about the weather, but it's very predictable----foggy and cold, even in summer. I've had very good success with riding along the coast between Jan to April and Aug to November. I personally like riding when it's hot, but I know the coast really never gets above 80 in the summer, so over heating is never an issue. I'd really like to see the views so I wouldn't do it in the early summer months.
Very good point. I was originally thinking about doing this over USC's spring break as my wife may be out of town that week. Spring Break is March 11-18. Dates don't conflict with the Solvang Double. Pushing the event off until August or Sep '08 increases the chance for other life events from getting in the way. I like the idea of a spring ride. Mike when were you planning on doing your tour?
Depending on timing etc I'd be interested in riding from sf to la. Not doing the ALC thing, I'd be more up for a small group of friends with flexible plans.....
March sounds good, but we could get rain, no biggy though it'll add to the adventure. My plan is for May or June.
Are people here interested in credit card touring (hotels and restaurants) or unsupported touring (camping, stoves, etc.)? Honestly I am interested in both. Unsupported is much cheaper for me as I have all the camping gear needed (and then some). All I need to get is a rack or way to attach my gear behind my seat. I would consider getting a new bivy. The one I have got several holes eaten through it by a varmint, plus it was kind of heavy by today's ultralight weight backpacking standards.
Probably a combo - I'm no stranger to multi day bike rides without showers, but it is a nice thing to occasionally hit one. Having to bring a lot of gear for camping coudl be a drag, and I am not that excited about sleeping without a tent. But I'm flexible.
+1 on the shower thing. I know many of the nicer CA State Parks along the coast have showers, hot ones too. My wife and I stayed at Lime Kilns State Park before we were married. They have hot shower, a stream running through the camp, and Coastal Redwoods. Beautiful place.
