California coast Highway 1 surface crappy, but not unsafe

In his unending effort to answer all cycling questions, Pee Oui headed for the California coast to investigate the controversial resurfacing of Highway 1 by Caltrans, their version of the DOT.  In the meantime, he managed to sip, eat, hot tub and soak up lots of sun.

It was also a test hop for his Schwinn Paramount retro-fitted with S&S couplings by Andy Muzi at Yellow Jersey in Madison.  Part of the plan to unscrew the frame into two pieces and screw the airline, who decided to screw cyclists by charging outrageous baggage fees.  An S&S fitted bike goes into a pack or box that meets the airlines 62 inch total dimensions max for regular baggage. 

It took 50 minutes to reassemble it ready to ride.  Not bad for the first time.  It went on the plane for the normal $25/bag each way saving $90 over shipping it out UPS or $200 for oversize on the airline.  And, of course, it would have had to be boxed and reassembled anyway.  The TSA opened and inspected it both coming and going, but even the Co2 cartridges made it. 

This is the bike that will go to Tour de France in July to climb Mt Ventoux and Alpe d' Huez.  It performed great, even making it up the Illion Street hill in San Diego which is a 23% grade, about as steep as you can bike and still keep the front wheel on the pavement.  If there is a block retaining wall, like on Illion, you can easily calculate the grade (see photo) by counting horizontal and vertical blocks and dividing. 

Had to visit Old Town in San Diego, a combination state park and shopping/dining area.  Paid respects to Yankee Jim, at the Old Town Cemetery.  They hung Yankee Jim for stealing the only row boat in the harbor, probably part justice and part public entertainment.  Not a lot went on in a one-row-boat town back then.  Later, Old Town Mexican Cafe, with hand made tortillas, kept grieving to a minimum.

Up on the central coast, in the Morro Bay, San Simeon area, south of Big Sur, the beauty of the coast and attraction of the towns were as wonderful as ever.  Not so great was the resurfacing of Highway 1 between Ragged Point and Cambria late last year.  They used a course 3/8 gravel, probably because it was the cheapest thing they could find.  It accumulated on the side of the pavement making for dangerous riding on what the Adventure Cycling Association calls one of the most popular routes in the nation. Bike tours were cancelled after riders were injured. 

Clearly, Caltrans did not take cycling safety into consideration as it is required to do by law.  The outcry must have gotten them to at least sweep the excess off as when I rode it the loose stuff was gone.  That didn't make it good riding though.  The surface is rough and vehicle noise, even in a car, is very loud.  If Caltrans wanted to save money they didn't consider the tax payers.  The surface has to produce much greater tire wear for cars or bikes.  If they did the entire coast that way I doubt you would get one passage on a bike out of a set of tires. 

In general, despite an excellent climate for biking, California has done very little to accommodate it.  I would question recommending touring the coast on a bike if they extend this type of resurfacing.  The coast is a compelling attraction for cycling.  There is no better way to see and enjoy it.  Stopping to see the elephant seals, the beach and rocky point at San Simeon, and the outdoor hot tubs at Sycamore Springs were all high points.  They've got some good micro-breweries out there too.  Good to get Arrogant Bastard Ale again.  There motto is:  You're Not Worthy.