It’s the Season for Cycling

The weather is perfect. The roads are ready. The time is right. Your bicycle is calling for you, and you have never been one to say no to an adventure. Cycle Central Coast has a great selection of possible routes that will allow you to have some quality time with your bicycle. You can work up a good sweat or take your time, but ultimately, the goal is for you to get a little lost in the moment: the incredible views, the smell of the sea, the wind on your face, the sound of your tires on the asphalt.

Cyclists, triathletes and outdoor enthusiasts love Cambria, California as much for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain as for its healthy restaurants, spas and relaxing accommodations. Here are a few routes for you to try during your next visit, as well as some suggestions for relaxing and refueling after your adventure. Book your stay in Cambria now for the ideal cycling getaway!

Routes

• Santa Rosa Creek Road – 3 miles, 1,068’ elevation gain

A difficult route even for the serious cyclist, this ride starts in Cambria, following Santa Rosa Creek Road past Coast Union High School. The road is rolling and slightly uphill for the first section, then gets very steep which makes it difficult but rewarding. Enjoy lush, green foliage as well as wine tasting at Stolo Family Vineyards or a slice of pie from Linn’s Original Farmstore along the way.

• North on Highway 1 to Gorda –1 miles, 5,027’ elevation gain

A route for all abilities, this coastal ride offers incredible views with plenty of broad vistas for taking photos. Riders can custom-tailor the route to make it as long or as short as desired. The route starts with mostly rolling hills but farther up the coast there are some more challenging climbs. Stop by Sebastian’s General Store in San Simeon for a sandwich and wine tasting at the Hearst Ranch Winery Tasting Room or the Ragged Point Inn at the gateway to Big Sur.

• South on Highway 1 to Cayucos – 7 miles, 1,920’ elevation gain

Another route for all abilities, this ride offers terrific views and options to add on more difficult climbs (Old Creek Road and down Highway 46, or “The Wall,” the back side of Santa Rosa Creek Road, a steep but short climb). Stop at Harmony Cellars for wine tasting and the Brown Butter Cookie Company in Cayucos for some seriously addictive treats along the way.

Post-Ride Eats

• For healthy and hearty dining, try Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria for a beautiful bowl of vegetarian soup, a burger made from 100% natural Certified Angus Beef, or beer-battered fish tacos. For smoothies and juices, try Sandy’s Deli & Bakery where the apple-carrot-ginger juice is loved for its sweet-spicy punch. For deli sandwiches, organic locally-grown produce, vegan food options, and more, go to Soto’s True Earth Market.

Put Up Your Cycling Cleats and Running Shoes

• To recover, Cambria offers a wide variety of lodging properties from modern beachside hotels to quaint bed & breakfasts. If you’re looking for a place to work out some of the kinks, try “Yogassage” at Sojourn Healing Arts Center, a Sojourn Signature Massage plus a private yoga session with international yoga teacher, Peter Sterios. Or make an appointment at El Colibri Spa, where the rooftop Jacuzzi and two steam rooms will melt and revive sore muscles.