San Luis Obispo County

Lake Nacimiento

This moderate to difficult 30 mile ride begins in Paso Robles on Nacimiento Lake Drive. Go west and through the intersection with San Marcos Road where you'll begin climbing up to the lake. If it's warm when you get there, you might want to take a short dip before returning the way you came in. Begin your ride early in the summer as afternoon temperatures near Paso Robles can climb into the high 90's and low 100's.

Cambria to Cayucos tour

More of a country ride than a beach ride, this 45 mile loop will follow Highway 1 along the beach from Cambria into the tiny seafront town of Cayucos before returning inland. Use caution on Highway 1 as it can be very windy at times and traffic can be heavy on a summer weekend. When you reach Cayucos, go up Old Creek Road, cross Highway 46 where Old Creek Road changes names and follow Cypress Mountain Road to Sky Ranch. This is the highest elevation of your ride and the view is tremendous. Now follow Santa Rosa Creek Road as it winds its way along a stream and back into Cambria.

San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay Tour

This 36 mile loop with ocean breezes through shady eucalyptus groves can be very pleasant if not marred by heavy traffic. Begin near the Madonna Inn near San Luis and follow Madonna Road west until you reach Los Osos Valley Road. Osos means bear in Spanish, but there haven't been any around here in 100 years. Cycle into Los Osos where you can choose between following Pecho Valley Road out to Montana De Oro State Park or head the other way up into Morro Bay.

El Capitan - Refugio State Beaches Bike Trail

This is a short, 4 mile roundtrip, oceanfront, ride, but one of the best for kids. These parks are north of Santa Barbara on Highway 101. You can start at either and travel to the other and back again. There are several small beaches between the two parks which are worth exploring. This is also good spot for whale watching.