US 1 and 101 in August

[hamjam]

Hi boys and girls SWMBO and I are thinking of ......... ok she suggested :-) that we rent a bike or maybe a convertible the first 2 weeks of August , and ride the California coastal highway US1 and maybe 101 for a week or so then head to Vancouver by bus train, plane car ? if we get a car I guess we will just keep heading north on 101 till the money changes colour
So can you guys out there Email me back with any suggestions Re weather. temperatures especially ,because of my cardio condition, I don't do at all well with hi temperatures or even sudden changes :-( starting points, which is more scenic/fun starting at Los Angeles and heading north or starting at San Francisco heading South then back up on 33 or 5 to the napa valley where i can ply her with copious amounts of wine
Also any suggestions as to a more reasonable i.e.; keeps me cool , routes would be appreciated
thanks
Jim

[81xsproject]

Well, if you stop going north at SF you will be missing out on what is, in my IMHO, the most beautiful part of the coast.

[mro]

Personally like the coast from SF north. Mountains right down to the water Highway speeds from 15 to 55 MPH.

SF south, more like rolling hills and some farms down to Santa Cruz. Big beach areas. (friend of my Dad used to have 40 acres in Pescadero, use to visit often, taught me how to shoot in the 60's)

Seldom go past Santa Cruz, occasionally go to Monterey. Way too many people for my taste. Best time for me on the coast starts in September after kids go back to school.

Just like a little kid, I still enjoy poking around in tide pools and hiking around the cliffs/beaches.

Both directions there are numerous diversions to take advantage of. I've managed to be total lost in the mountains and totally enjoyed it every time. Until last few years used to go to the Gualala river (half way between Bodega/Point Arena) in the winter several times each year. Has a couple nice places to camp as well as hotel in town.


mro

[Ken Talbot]

SWMBO and I did the north end of that stretch a few years back and had a great time.

We took the ferry across from Victoria to Port Angeles, 101 out to the Washington coast at through Forks to Queets, then south all the way to Crescent City in northern California. We took our time, riding only 300 to 350 kms a day so we got to stay in a number of interesting little places. We did our trip in August so I can tell you first hand that heat should not be an issue for you. We had clear weather for the whole trip, but the ocean influence kept the temperatures on the moderate side of high.

We turned back north and came home on I5 as far as Portland, east on 84 for a bit, then north up 97 all the way back up to the TCH. Some time, we want to get back down to Crescent City and resume the trip south at least as far as San Francisco.

Look for the Lonely Planet publication Pacifi Northwest

[John]

Hamjam

I don't want to sound stupid, but isn't US 1 on the east coast? It runs from Maine to Key West.

[hamjam]

OK John, you are correct . my bad, I meant California hiway 1
Jim

[mro]

isn't US 1 on the east coast?

Yup, US1 on east coast,

PCH (pacific coast highway) is SR1, (state road one), west coast.

Starts in Legget and goes down to ocean and follows the coast pretty much all the way to SF, after SF goes back along cost to Southern CAL and merges w/US101 at Las Cruces for a little ways to Oxnard then it's back to the coast for aways and ends south side of Dana Point.

Probably one of top ten the most "scenic drives" in the world, or at least in CA.


mro

[xs650mike]

While you're at it don't forget the Avenue of the Giants, awesome!

[mro]

Avenue of the Giants

awesome!,...... awesome!.......

that beared repeating


mro

[hamjam]

Hi boys and girls

Thanks for all the help and suggestions I would have responded individually but a Major ‘puter screw up ,lost my address book and other stuff just got back on
SWMBO and I arrive in Los Angeles Sat. around 8:30 pm or 2030 I will check email.
we plan on heading up the PCH Sun and trying to be in San Francisco by Tues. for a couple of days?? then, towards Lake Tahoe to visit a fiend yes that is fiend
Send phone numbers if you are inclined
Jim