SLO to San Diego? We're new at touring/camping

Hello! I'm new here. I'm hoping that some of you here have some ideas or advice for this trip. Thanks Bikegoddess!

Our plan is to take our bikes and gear, via train, up to San Luis Obispo and then cycling and camping back home to SD.

We're using the book/route guide "Bicycling the Pacific Coast" by Tom Kirkendall and Vicky Spring.

I'm hoping someone one here has done this. If so can you offer any advice?

ANYTHING and EVERYTHING would be sooo appreciated! We've camped and we've done one day, only, cycling distances together. This is the first time we've put the two together.

We have panniers and a B.O.B. trailer.

Thanks for your help!
Sandi Apple

I've done that trip from Mountain View to Santa Barbara, using that book as a guide. Pismo Beach has a great campground. We went inland to avoid the stretch on 101. Now we'd probably ride it. If you can spend an extra day in Santa Barbara, lots to see and do there.

Have fun!

V.

Sandi -
I haven't ridden the section of coast that you're planning - but a couple of suggestions...

You might want to pick up the Adventure Cycling pacific coast maps - just the sections in California that you are covering.

There are a number of journals over on crazyguyonabike.com from folks who have ridden the California coast. While many of the journals cover the entire coast and not just the section you are interested in, you might find sections of the journals helpful. Here's a place to start: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journ...category_id=10

As far as touring and camping goes, I've done quite a bit of unsupported touring over the years. My later tours were not camping trips, but that's where I started. You can find my touring journals at http://denisegoldberg.crazyguyonabike.com. In addition to touring journals, I have an article on packing (well OK, it's really the list of stuff I take with me when I tour) that might be useful: http://denisepacks.crazyguyonabike.com.

Do you have specific questions or concerns? I'd be glad to try and help if you do, but your request for advice is pretty broad. Maybe the journals I referred to above will be helpful, maybe not - so ask away!

I'm excited for you heading out on your first tour. If my experience holds for you, you're going to have a great time!

--- Denise