BEFORE CYCLING THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Mike May, from Grand American Adventures, explains what to expect

ROCK OR ROLL? 1

Plan your routes. Whether you’re looking for a challenge, or amazing scenery, you can tackle elite mountain climbs, or more relaxed rides along the coast.

DRESS DOWN 2

The weather on the Central Coast provides year-round cycling opportunities. Coastal regions have moderate temperatures, while inland can fluctuate a little more, so dress for the conditions.

BURN IT UP 3

If you want to push yourself, our burner routes will have you burning calories and miles, as they provide longer, more challenging climbs, often on dirt or gravel.

GET A BIT CROSS 4

Our preferred bike, the Specialized Diverge gravel bike, isn’t quite a ’cross bike and not completely a road bike: you need something to balance long days on the road with some days off it.

HEAD FOR HEIGHTS 5

Some of the most challenging sections feature over 1500m of elevation on country roads, or even gravel. This will challenge your normal riding style, stamina and ability. The Central Coast also contains some of the best vineyards and breweries in the world, grandamericanadventures.com