Attractions, California, Parks & Recreation

Coasting along Big Sur

Catherine Sweeney
August 11, 2011

These cyclists are getting more than exercise on their route along Big Sur.

"Bicyclists riding along Big Sur on the Pacific Coast Highway in California"

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.

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39 thoughts on “Coasting along Big Sur”

    1. Cathy Post author

      I’ve always driven the route, too. But I always admire the endurance and strength of those bicyclists!

    1. Cathy Post author

      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.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Thanks! It’s a beautiful area. Then again, it’s hard to go wrong anywhere along the California coast!

  5. Leigh

    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.

  6. InsideJourneys

    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.

    1. Cathy Post author

      It’s really breathtaking scenery. As for cycling there, I’ll leave that to the real athletes.

  7. Barbara

    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?

  10. Renee

    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!

  12. Christy @ Technosyncratic

    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

    1. Cathy Post author

      Isnt’ that the way it goes? Just make sure to put it on your agenda next time you’re here as a traveler!

    1. Cathy Post author

      Pretty scenery all along the California coast. I like traveling inland through the hills, too!

    1. Cathy Post author

      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.

  17. Abby

    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!

  18. Faith

    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 🙂