Okay, here’s my blog post about biking the Pacific Coast Highway, written in a casual, personal style:
Alright, folks, so I finally did it! I biked the Pacific Coast Highway. Well, a part of it, anyway. Let me tell you, it was an adventure, and I’ve got some stories and tips to share.
Gearing Up
First things first, I needed a bike. I didn’t want to ship my fancy road bike, so I rented one from a local shop near the start of my route. This ended up being a great decision – the bike was sturdy, well-maintained, and came with panniers (those bags that attach to the sides) for all my gear. Speaking of gear, I packed light, but maybe too light. More on that later…
I chose to go with a hybrid-style bike as the locals recommended!
The Route
I didn’t tackle the whole PCH – that’s a beast of a ride! Instead, I picked a section that seemed manageable for a few days. I decided to start my own ridding!
Day 1: The Easy Part
The first day was pretty smooth. Sunny skies, a gentle breeze, and incredible ocean views. I felt like I was in a postcard! I stopped a lot for photos (naturally) and to just soak it all in. I even saw some whales breaching in the distance! I made decent mileage and found a cute little campsite right on the beach. I setting up my tent, I cooked some ramen on my portable stove, and watched the sunset. Pure bliss.
Day 2: Uh Oh…
Day two started out great, but then… the hills. Oh, the hills. I knew there would be some elevation, but I definitely underestimated it. My legs were burning, and I was sweating. Remember how I said I packed light? Yeah, well, I didn’t bring nearly enough snacks. I was running on fumes, and every pedal stroke was a struggle. I eventually found a small grocery store and bought some water. Lesson learned: always pack extra snacks!
Day 3: Redemption!
The final day was a mix of everything. Some challenging climbs, some glorious descents, and more stunning scenery. I took it slow, enjoyed the ride, and made sure to refuel regularly. I rolled into my final destination feeling tired but incredibly accomplished.
And, to celebrate this I ate the biggest burger I could find, and it was glorious.
The Takeaway
- Be prepared for hills. Seriously. They’re no joke.
- Pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. You’ll thank me later.
- Rent a good bike. It makes a huge difference.
- Take your time. It’s not a race. Enjoy the views!
- It’s not always easy. The journey is worthy!
Would I do it again? Absolutely! But next time, I’ll be better prepared. And maybe I’ll do a slightly less hilly section. Or maybe not. Who knows? That’s the beauty of adventure, right?
