These cyclists are getting more than exercise on their route along Big Sur.
Big Sur, California
They’re also enjoying fantastic views of the Central California coastline. It takes a lot of strength and conditioning to peddle up the steep sections of the Pacific Coast Highway, and these three don’t seem to be having any trouble. Coasting down from the top must really be a thrill!
The Big Sur region is about 90 miles long from Carmel to San Simeon. There are gorgeous vistas all along the way. If you go, remember that cars and bikes have to share the two lane winding highway and visibility is limited going around the curves. So be cautious, but definitely take time to see Big Sur when you visit California — whether you do your coasting on a bike or in a car.
This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series originated and organized by Nancie McKinnon. Check out her website to see more photo entries by travel bloggers and photographers.
I agree Cathy, Big Sur is a must when visiting California. I think I’ll stick with my car though 🙂
I’ve always driven the route, too. But I always admire the endurance and strength of those bicyclists!
Just driving that area is a challenge. I always find the bike people amazing. Walking that would be hard I love the road and scenery there.
You’re right — even driving is a challenge there. The passenger gets to see spectacular scenery, but the driver has to keep eyes on the road (and the bikes). There are several vista points where you can pull over.
This is so like parts of New Zealand, it is ridiculous!!
I REALLY need to get to New Zealand!
Can’t believe I’ve never seen Big Sur! The photos always look so amazing – great shot!
Thanks! It’s a beautiful area. Then again, it’s hard to go wrong anywhere along the California coast!
Reminds me of my grunt on the Cabot Trail last summer when grades were 13% over almost 2 miles. Great scenery like these guys have makes all the difference. So does a cheering section in my mind.
You’re awesome, Leigh! I love cycling, but I’m much more of a flatlander.
The mountains look beautiful. Love the lakes peaking out at the bottom.
I can feel the energy being exerted by the second cyclist. That’s how I feel walking up four flights.
It’s really breathtaking scenery. As for cycling there, I’ll leave that to the real athletes.
As much as I love cycling and stunning views, I HATE hills. I wonder if you could pay someone to take your bike to the top so you could coast down. Would that be too lazy?
Hmmm…. sounds like it could be a good business for someone!
Beautiful picture, looks like a beautiful place for a ride.
Thanks! I love that part of the Pacific Coast Highway.
I am lazy but would cycle this just for the view.
You can also drive it, Ayngelina — that’s how I do it!
Gorgeous views…..it wouldn’t do me any good to bike there…..I would be so busy looking at the view, I would tumble over the cliff!
We don’t want that to happen! Have someone drive you there, Renee! 🙂
Just from this picture I can see that the view is excellent. If I can get into better shape I might consider doing this. Great Article.
Thanks, Bob — Check it out sometime!
Before we started traveling fulltime we lived in California (for about eight years)…. and repeatedly kept saying we needed to visit Big Sur! I’ll give you one guess as to whether or not we’ve actually made it yet…. o_O
Isnt’ that the way it goes? Just make sure to put it on your agenda next time you’re here as a traveler!
Beautiful picture! It would be nice to explore this beautiful mountain coastline on a beautiful sunny day!
Thanks! It was a gorgeous day on this trip.
I rode along the California coast and found the views amazing. I’m not sure if I was still on the coast when I got to this area, though. I think I was probably inland by that point.
Pretty scenery all along the California coast. I like traveling inland through the hills, too!
I would love to do something like this. However, I may have to walk my bike up the steep inclines 🙂
And nobody would blame you for that! 🙂
Ever since reading Kerouac, have totally wanted to visit Big Sur.
Thanks for reminding me about Kerouac’s novel, Big Sur! I read that there’s a movie coming out that’s based on it, too.
I always get frustrated in Big Sur because you can’t really look out the window at the stunning scenery and drive safely on those curves. Maybe I should get in better shape and bike it!
I used to live on a plateau and would have to drive down off of it in to town. On the way back up I would always see bikers riding the long haul up the steep hill, they were usually training for longer rides like this. It’s so amazing-doing these long rides. It’s exactly what I would have loved to do when I was ten years old and rode my bike everywhere 🙂
Would love to give this a go but we might need to get a friend to drive next to us in case we can’t finish the cycle up on that incline!
Have to agree with John, it looks a bit like the Banks Peninsula in NZ! Gorgeous! Makes me want to visit California.
I LOVE Big Sur, but I don’t like cycling. 🙂 Really great capture! It could be in a magazine.
This coast indeed offers awesome views! I wouldn’t dare cruise up and down this road though on a bike, I might pass out! Haha.
This sure would be an amazing experience! I love Big Sur. 🙂