cycling

17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach

For the road cyclist, this is perhaps the Peninsula’s ultimate two-wheel trek. Enter at the Pacific Grove gate and hang a right to take the coastal route past some of the loveliest coastline in North America. The road will lead through the Pebble Beach golf courses and down to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Pacific Grove Gate at the intersection of 17-Mile Drive and Sunset.

Fort Ord Public Lands

This biking, hiking and horseback-riding paradise encompasses acres of gorgeous wetlands and woodlands. Pick up a map at local libraries or call the BLM Ranger office (394-8314) to arrange a tour. Popular trails can be accessed at Gigling, Old Reservation, and Toro Creek roads.

Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail

Described by some as a “linear park,” the paved Rec Trail is an ideal way to take in beautiful coastal views at your own pace. The former Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way meanders along the waterfront for 18 miles starting at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove and ending “ for now “ in Castroville. The trail is popular with pedestrians and rollerbladers, so watch your speed and stay in your lane. Pacific Grove to Castroville.

Old Coast Road

Off-road riders will find some of the area’s most rugged and scenic mountain trails along the 11-mile stretch that was once the main road from Carmel to Big Sur. Other good Big Sur spots for biking include Willow Creek, Plaskett Ridge, South Coast Ridge and the Ridge Trail in Andrew Molera State Park. Off Highway 1, Big Sur.

Salinas Valley

On a sunny weekend afternoon, there are few things more relaxing than cycling the farm roads around the Salinas Valley lettuce fields. The sky is enormous, the roads are flat and the only thing you’ll hear is the sound of romaine growing. Off Highway 68 at Reservation or Spreckels.

Toro County Park

More than 20 miles of well-maintained trails wind through the county’s second-largest mountain-biking area, which is also a popular hiking destination. Off-road fanatics rave about the fast downhills and the plenitude of single-track trails. The summit area provides sweeping vistas of the Monterey Peninsula and the Salinas Valley. Highway 68, Salinas, 484-1108.

(resources)

  • Aquarian Bicycles (voted best bike shop by Monterey County Weekly’s 2007 readers’ poll) | 486 Washington, Monterey, 375-2144
  • Carmel Bicycle | Valley Hills Center, Carmel Valley, 625-2211
  • Joselyn’s Bicycles | 398 E. Franklin, Monterey, 649-8520
    • Sports Center Bicycles | 1576 Del Monte, Seaside, 899-1300

(rentals)

  • Adventures by the Sea | 299 Cannery Row, Monterey, 372-1807
  • Bay Bikes | 585 Cannery Row, Monterey, 655-2453
 
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