Montara State Beach Parking Lot
Cyclists training for extreme endurance events will greatly benefit from cycling coastal HW1 south of San Francisco. Riders heading south along HW1 from Montara will be delighted with the wide shoulder, flat to rolling terrain and of course the coastal scenery. There are very few stoplights along this route allowing the opportunity to hammer away and bring fitness to new levels. Cyclists may ride HW1 exclusively or take a variety of turnoffs for hillier terrain.
We chose Montara as the starting point for its short easy drive from San Francisco and its ample parking (if you start early before the surfers arrive). It is also south of the infamous Devil's Slide , where cyclists are at risk from heavy car traffic while riding on extremely narrow shoulders.
Park at the Montara State Beach parking lot and begin riding south. Cowell State Beach is exactly 11 miles due south and offers a restroom. Continue another 5.5 miles where you will begin a slight 1 mile climb to Stage Road. You can either turn around at Stage Road for a 35 mile roundtrip ride or turn left onto Stage Road for a hillier ride into Pescadero. Or continue past Stage Road for a steep downhill ride to San Gregorio Beach (with private restrooms large enough for you and your bike). Of course, if you turn around at San Gregorio Beach you will have a nice climb back to Stage Road. Total roundtrip from Montara to San Gregorio Beach is about 38 miles.
Ironman triathletes in training may decide to ride all the way to Santa Cruz . A roundtrip ride from Montara to Santa Cruz is 112 miles, the exact distance of an Ironman bike leg.
Whatever your distance and your goals, HW1 south of San Francisco has it all. We will talk about the north of San Francisco or Marin county side of HW1 in a future post. Stay tuned...
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