California gravel tour
A journey from the fog of the Golden Gate to the sun of Santa Monica.
California is an iconic land: gravel and mountain biking were born here, many high-tech companies and cycling brands are based here, and it's where people live amidst surfing, hills, and innovation. It's a place that fuels the imagination; Benedetta and I had been dreaming about it for years. At first, we thought about a classic car trip, then the idea came to us: why not do it by bike?
For this first trip, we chose a simple approach: safe, easy-to-plan roads, with a few short detours on trails. We wanted to enjoy the coast without complications. And while we know the Californian hinterland offers much more, on this trip, we didn't get bored with the scenery for a minute.
San Francisco
San Francisco immediately surprises: steep climbs, historic streetcars, vast parks, and passageways that take you from the city to nature trails in just a few minutes. It's worth taking the time to pedal through the Presidio, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and discover how truly perfect it is for biking.
Half Moon Bay – Santa Cruz
The first stage is immersed in greenery. Quiet roads, steady but rideable climbs, and that alternating light and shade typical of coastal forests. The descent towards Santa Cruz changes everything: the sea returns, the waves return, and you enter the city's surf vibe.
Santa Cruz – Monterey
Leaving the coast, you pass through an agricultural hinterland I wouldn't have imagined: cultivated fields, farms, and long, straight roads. Before reaching Monterey, the ocean suddenly reappears. The city is worth a stop: seaside bike paths, parks, and the famous 17-Mile Drive, amidst cliffs and historic mansions.
Monterey – Santa Barbara – Malibu
To get past Big Sur, we chose a car transfer to keep to the scheduled travel time. From Santa Barbara, we set off on the California 1 bike lane, a long coastline of beaches, surfers, and palm trees. Traffic is present, but the views are worth it.
Santa Monica – Venice Beach
The final stretch is more of a transfer than a real stop. We decided to stop in Malibu for a leisurely visit, so the final stretch to Santa Monica was short and straightforward, albeit marked by construction work due to the recent fires. We could have returned from the hinterland, but the desire to get there got the better of us.
Santa Monica welcomes you with its Pier. From there, continuing to Venice Beach is practically a must: just a few miles takes you to the heart of California culture, among skaters, surfers, and an unmistakable atmosphere.
Cycling along the California coast was a simple yet authentic way to experience the places we passed through. Despite the traffic, we were struck by the respect shown towards cyclists and the ease with which they could navigate even busy roads. Pedaling, even on relatively simple routes, allowed us to truly appreciate the places: rhythms, smells, changes in landscape, and small details that often go unnoticed by car. It was an experience that gave us a direct and tangible appreciation of California. And who knows, maybe one day we'll return to better explore some of the places that struck us more than others... like San Francisco!
Discover the tour's tracks on Komoot: go to the collection
Words: Fabio Conti
Photographs: Fabio Conti
