And here's why I live in San Diego...

[Crankin]

How do you deal with riding when there's a stop light every mile and endless developments?
I've spent a ton of time there; first as a Zonie who vacationed there, and my parents moved there in 1979. Now my dad, brother, son and DIL live in the area. Since I probably have a vacation coming up to visit my dad who is 86, I often wonder where the good places to ride are.

[channlluv]

Crankin, what part of town? I can ask for recommended rides for you.

DH just rode from our house up to Oceanside and back today -- about 60 miles. There are long stretches of highway along the ocean that do not have lights, but there are city areas, too, that do. It's a favorite route of the local bike clubs, though, so you'll be one of many people on two wheels.

I like to ride the 7-mile to-the-turn-around-and-back loop MUP at Lake Miramar, which is just off I-15 across from Miramar MCAS, and around the four-mile-shared-with-cars-and-trucks route around Fiesta Island, which is right in the middle of Mission Bay, off I-5 at Sea World Drive. Both have beautiful water views.

There is a bike path near Fiesta Island that runs along the San Diego River that goes all the way to Ocean Beach. A lot of it is designated bike path, although you'll find runners, too, and when you get into town, there are lights.

There's also a sidewalk that goes all the way around Mission Bay - several miles, not sure how far exactly - but it has an 8 mph speed limit and lots of pedestrians, bladers, boarders, and other bikes, especially near the parks. It's pretty, though, if you don't want to go fast.

The mountain highways are really great for hill practice. I'm not strong enough to tackle those yet, but I hear they're beautiful, and right now it's cool up there. There's snow down around 6,000 feet, I think.

Let me know what area you're interested in, though, and I'll ask for some routes for you.

Roxy

[pumpkinpony]

DH just rode from our house up to Oceanside and back today -- about 60 miles. There are long stretches of highway along the ocean that do not have lights, but there are city areas, too, that do. It's a favorite route of the local bike clubs, though, so you'll be one of many people on two wheels.

I may have crossed paths with him today... We rode from B&L at Solana Beach down to Sorrento Valley and back. Great day for a ride!

[Crankin]

Thanks, Roxy.
My son lives in Carlsbad, right across from the beach. I am not sure where my dad is; I know that sounds strange, but he moved and I haven't been out since. It's in central SD. For years, my parents lived in La Mesa.
I have seen riders going along the highway, by the ocean. To me, it seemed like riding on the freeway, but I could do it. Going out toward the mountains might be fun. Not sure if I could get to any of the summits, but I could try. I don't generally ride on bike paths, unless I am going to do errands/out to eat, and we only have 2 around here, anyway. I don't like dealing with the runners, etc.
I guess I am really spoiled by riding out my door to what most would call country roads, or at the most suburban traffic, without a lot of stopping.