Hey Friends,
After much thought about the route this year, thinking about ways we can to the annual pilgrimage South while still enjoying the actual coast, we’ve decided to take the risk and try to simply ride through the closure in Big Sur. So, for those of us that joined in ’22, this itinerary will resemble what we did 2 years ago.
There’s a contingent of us that will be adding a 4th day from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica as we will conflate with the Away Message crew on Tuesday morning. I know most of you are planning on departing in Santa Barbara, but will leave it at your volition to continue on—just know the invite is open to join.
Day 1, January 13th, 2024
Mill Valley — Monterey
Roll: 7:30 from Mill Valley or 8am-ish from Equator Coffee at the Golden Gate Bridge
Route: strava
Hotel: Hyatt Monterey
Artichoke Bread: Pescadero, mile 56ish
Lunch: Somewhere in Aptos
Appertivo: Whole Foods Monterey
Dinner: Hotel, or, Whole Foods. Or whatever you want.
Notes: It looks like we’ll encounter some rain (and headwind) this first day. Please bring full fenders (at least the rear), not only for the sake of your own comfort, but primarily for the consideration of those sitting on your wheel. Since there’s a forecasted headwind we’ll all be taking turns at the front, which consequently means we’ll all get turns getting sprayed in the face.
Day 2, January 14th, 2024
Monterey — San Luis Obispo
Roll: 7:30am from Hyatt Monterey
Route: strava
Hotel: Hotel Cerro
Lunch: Ragged Point, mile 81
Appertivo: Whole Foods SLO, duh.
Dinner: Giuseppe’s
Notes: Here’s the thing about this day: there’s every chance we might be turned around at the closure on HWY 1 should we be unlucky and encounter workers on a Sunday. From everything I’ve gathered and the numerous people I’ve spoken to, it’s unlikely. Should this happen, well, we’ll figure it out based on the options we have available at the time. Maybe we hike around, maybe we go back, maybe we… who knows.
You’re more than welcome to say where you choose this evening as there are many options in the area, assuming we get to SLO, that is.
Day 3, January 15th, 2024
San Luis Obispo — Santa Barbara
Roll: 8am from Hotel Cerro
Route: strava
Hotel: Kimpton Canary or Bacara
Lunch: New Frontiers Natural Marketplace, mile 73
Appertivo: TBD
Dinner: TBD
Notes: There’s been a late addition to the trip by adding a 4th day of riding in forecasted 70º weather through the Malibu mountains which changes plans ever so slightly. For those of you not planning on the 4th day, I’d recommend staying at Bacara. Assuming you’re either flying out of SB or renting a car from the airport and driving home (honestly, not sure which version is faster / less of a hassle) Bacara is conveniently located down the road from the airport. It’s an easy stop on the way into Santa Barbara and we can unload bags there easily.
For the rest of us continuing on, we’ll plan on staying somewhere further South so:
- We can join the Away Message party in Santa Barbara that night.
- Have an easier time getting up and out the subsequent morning.
I’m going to leave the Hotel as the Kimpton Canary, but might choose another spot if a better option becomes available.
Day 4, January 16th, 2024
Santa Barbara — Santa Monica
Roll: 9 from TBD
Route: strava
Lunch: Cornell Winery & Tasting Room, mile 82ish
Notes: We’ll part ways here, somewhere. Maybe LAX?
