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Old Coast Road
4 reviews
3.5 of 5
One-land dirt road that until Highway 1 was built was the only means of getting around Bixby Canyon. Not technical, unless you count monster uphills if you ride from the south. However, the views are spectacular, and the downhills are pretty sketchy, kind of like the Kamikaze at Mammoth if you use your imagination. A killer workout is to park at Bixby Br. then ride S. on Hwy. 1 with the prevailing winds (this is key), then enter the Old Coast Road at Molera park and ride back. It will take about 2-3 hrs (20 miles-plus)
Highway 1 to Bixby Bridge, about 15 mi. S. of Carmel. Or all the way to Molera St. Pk., 25 mi. S. of Carmel. Old Coast Road is a dirt road navigable in the dry season.
Summary: We had the wives drop us off at Bixby to do the one way winding up at Andrew Molera. Nice ride, fun downhills, very secluded and great views of the Big Sur valley and the ocean. I'm glad we didn't start at Molera and end up at Bixby. Maybe next time - but it'd be a killer uphill - I wouldn't try it that way unless you're good on long climbs (but maybe I'm just old & out of shape!).
Recommended Route: Old Coast Road starting from Bixby Bridge
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Review Date April 13, 2001
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Every few months
Reviewed by: john
, from foulston
Summary: All fire road. Depending on the time of year will determine the condition of the road. They generally grade the road after the rainy part of the season. It gets somewhat rutted toward the end of the summer months due to the traffic from the cars and bikes. Good aerobic ride due to the long grinding climbs, especially the one coming back from the park. Varied weather, so be prepared. I generally take arm warmers and maybe a light vest thats easily stuffable. Remember, this is strictly fireroad, no singletrack.
Recommended Route: Bixby bridge to turnaround at Andrew Molera Park entrance. Can get water at the park.
Other recommended trails in the same area: If you want a really long climg on a fireroad, try the tassajarra(sp?) climb from the hot springs resort. Its on the map. About 17 miles of climb, which can be really brutal with the hotter months. If you can do this climb without stopping, you rock.
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Review Date August 31, 1999
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Every few months
Reviewed by: kingpin1369
, from carmel
Summary: This dirt road is a beautiful ride with extreme washbard downhills. The last time I road it, I had to race some cows that had gotten loose from a ranch. The downhills, going South, are fast, washboard and loose dirt and gravel. Watch your braking and if you have a full suspension bike, the washboard shouldn't bother you a bit.
Recommended Route: I recommend starting from the North end of the trail, Bixby Creek Bridge, due to the fun steep downhill rides going South.
Other recommended trails in the same area: If start your ride from the South end, the second uphill is a killer. That's why I always start from the North, Bixby Creek Bridge.
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Review Date August 20, 1999
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Ridden Trail: Every few months
Reviewed by: Carl Seely
, from Alameda
Summary: This is the ride for speed demons. The first climb is fairly steep. It will go for about two miles with great views of the Pacific Ocean. Later in the climb it levels off somewhat. The following downhill will be very fast. You will have to break in some of the corners for sure. Some loose gravely curves are kind of tricky, just go in at a speed you are comfortable with. The second climb seems endless. You will be deep in the Big Sur Valley. Gets warm on this climb too (faces due south.)It think the climb is about 4 miles +. The next down hill will be fun. The road does narrow somewhat. Do be watchful for a car or two. I
Recommended Route: The best route would be from the south, Instead of Bixby Creek entrance. Park at the Molera State Beach entrance. You cant miss the gate w\cattle guard. (On highway 1)
Other recommended trails in the same area: coast ridge road. Near Sand Dollar Beach.
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