Roads to Ride in Cambria: A Cyclist’s Paradise Awaits
On one side, the Pacific Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, and on the other, rolling hills and towering pines create a cyclist’s haven. Cambria offers the best of both worlds, complete with gourmet food, historic architecture, and a cycling community that’s home to the renowned Eroica California event.
If you’re in town for Eroica or any event, or you are just looking for an unforgettable ride, here are four roads in Cambria that capture the essence of the Central Coast.
1. Moonstone Beach Drive: A Coastal Daydream
While Moonstone Beach and its iconic boardwalk are reserved for pedestrians, Moonstone Beach Drive offers a worthy alternative. This 2-mile stretch, framed by Highway 1, takes you along a coastline adorned with some of the most unique and welcoming lodgings you’ll ever encounter.
Experience Factor: As you pedal, the salty air invigorates your senses, and the rhythmic sound of waves becomes your soundtrack. It’s not just a ride; it’s a journey that leaves you exhilarated.
2. Highway 1: The Road Less Traveled
Highway 1 serves as Cambria’s connection to the rest of the coast, offering a range of oceanside adventures. Our Gorda, Montaña de Oro, and Highway 1 Adventure routes follow this iconic road. Head north towards San Simeon for a challenging ascent, or venture south past the quaint town of Harmony for smooth coastal riding through Cayucos, Morro Bay, and Avila Beach.
Experience Factor: The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the road beneath your wheels—each mile on this paved highway yields a dash of exhaustion that feels great!
3. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: Nature’s Playground
Fiscalini Ranch is Cambria’s best-kept secret, a 437-acre sanctuary that invites you to reconnect with nature. Ride through interconnected trails surrounded by wildflowers and abundant shoreline wildlife. While you can’t ride on the Bluff Trail, there are a myriad of trail combinations to suit your style.
Experience Factor: Each pedal stroke takes you deeper into a world where nature reigns supreme, offering a sense of accomplishment that’s both humbling and empowering.
4. Santa Rosa Creek Road: The Road Amid the Hills
This challenging route is a local favorite, starting at Main Street and winding its way up over 1,500 feet to Highway 46. The reward? Breathtaking views of hills and vineyards, interspersed with forested areas that provide welcome shade. Our Santa Rosa Creek Route, Green Valley Loop, and Cayucos Loop all explore this worthy road.
Experience Factor: The ride is a gradual incline until you hit “The Wall,” a steep, winding climb that may have you taking a break before it’s over. Don’t worry, the views of the lush, rolling hills are worth every drop of sweat.
Why Cambria’s Roads Are Unique
What sets Cambria’s roads apart is not just their scenic beauty but also the experience they offer. These aren’t just stretches of asphalt; they’re pathways to adventure, each turn revealing a new vista or hidden gem. And for those visiting events like Eroica California, these roads are the perfect supplementary routes, offering a different yet equally exhilarating cycling experience.
Plan your trip by booking your stay in Cambria, ride our routes, and recover by exploring one of these roads.