I’m not feeling it yet, but in a few short days I’m getting on a plane with one of my bikes headed for San Francisco. From there I’ll be pedalling to Oceanside to spend a week with Karen, my kids, my brothers and sisters in law, niece, nephews and my parents for their COVID delayed 50th anniversary celebration. Fifty years. Being this age I can personally attest to it being a pretty large span of time.
Before I get deeper into explaining this ride, if you are one of the ~18 people getting this update via email and don’t want that anymore go ahead and unsubscribe. There’s a link at the bottom of the email. I won’t be offended.
About this ride
It’s about 1,000 kilometers, primarily on seaside highway. I’ll be headed south (prevailing winds may push me a little) and riding the outside edge. Fingers crossed for guardrails! The ride is something of a continuation of my first week+ ride from a few years back.
Elevation wise I think it’s pretty hilly but don’t have an exact number yet. Sometimes it’s better not to know. (Update: I’m full of shit, its always good to know. 15,000 feet it is.)
I expect it will take about 10 days, and it doesn’t much matter if I’m off a few days either way. I’m hoping for and expecting plentiful campgrounds, what with California’s awesome hiker/biker spots, so I have not booked anything. I did look into the park I planned on staying in the first night only to discover its closed due to wild fires last summer. I hope this isn’t a preview of what’s to come.
The part of this trip that’ll be new and different for me is I am doing it on a folding bike. This will be a little slower and less comfortable than my touring bike. However, it means I can literally ride away from airport in minutes and is generally much easier to transport. Plus I get bragging rights.
If you are not familiar with Bromptons, they are British made foldies that have barely changed since they were originally designed about 40 years ago. They have a major cult following. I haven’t chugged the Kool-aid but I’ve had some sips and personally think they are incredible and very practical machines.

A few Saturday nights ago I threw some weights and a bunch of clothes in my bags and tested riding the Brompton fully loaded on the Humber River Trail. It rode better than I expected, but not as good as I hoped. Last night I did it again, more or less with the gear I am taking, and it felt great. I think because I attached the rod to hang the backpack off more securely, put most of the weight on the front and swapped the seat for a better one.
What my choice of weekend night activities says about my social life, well, I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Anyway, I am 95% packed, work is almost wrapped up, Junior appears to be on the mend (poor guy was very sick and spent 3 days at the vet) so this actually may be happening!
I’ll keep you posted.
I’ll literally be biting my nails each day until you are safe at a campsite each night. I’ve driven Highway 1 (with you) and it is spectacular, mostly because of the dramatic views down the rugged cliffs to the ocean. So happy you are doing what you love for 10 whole days. Keep your eyes on the road, except for those brief ocean scans for signs of a whale pod! Buen viaje my love. xoxo
🐳🐳🐳
Very very excited.
Me too
Be safe son. I agree with Karen: Mom and I will be anxious to receive your safe landing report every night. Enjoy the ride.
I’m pretty well behaved on the side of the highway.
Wow! Good luck. What a wonderful family ending to the trip. Did the 90 F degree, 15 mile rides in Costa Rica inspired you?
Inspired to take the Brompton on a big ride? I’ve wanted to give that a try since I got it. Or inspired to ride far? That I’m still not totally clear on, but sobriety helped.
Chad-
Heck yessss! I can’t wait for you to roll through this side of the coast! I’m excited at the chance to pedal along side you!
I’ll look for the daily updates and look for when you get closer down south.
Safe travels
Chelsea
Let’s see if we can make a ride happen!
Hi Chad!
This is EPIC broooooooo hahaha:)
Safe travels and now I know why you were lugging a backpack on your bike the other night.
I’ll definitely be checking in on this adventure✌
Yeah I don’t do that just for the hell of it… or do I
Hi Chad,
Your mom sent me the link. I’ll be following your updates. Have fun; safe travels.
-David
Hi David!
What an adventure! Safe travels.
Amy