CA Hwy 1 during wk b/w Xmas/NY? Crazy idea?

[STROMETTE]

I've ridden Hwy 1 countless times but never the last week of the year. I am entertaining this idea along w/2 of my friends. We'd like to ride southern end to Hearst Castle area maybe a bit beyond. Sure, I can consult weather stats but what's the real world word on this section of 1 during that time? Would fog/traffic or anything else make this idea a bad one?

Thanks in advance. ;)

Stromette

[tac3]

Stromette, central coast in December is generally mild temp, little if any fog. Last week temps here, Lompoc about 90 miles south Hearst Castle, had highs in low 50's daytime, mid 30's nights. Yesterday & today temps in mid 70's day, low 40's nights. Have had 80+ on Christmas day. Rare to get any rain, fog usually only early mornings if any. Great time to come. There are some great local roads depending where you are coming from. Let me know your expected route and I'll be glad to suggest some side roads you might enjoy. Tom

[Compared To What?]

It's a great ride even if there's a little morning fog. . . .
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a296/Compared2What/Reno/4513629b.jpg

[STROMETTE]

Thanks for the replies. I'll be riding w/2 friends who have not done Hwy 1 so this would be a flower sniffin' jaunt for sure. I generally know the weather for this time of year but had concerns a/b it and the traffic on 1. Wonder if others have the same idea we have a/b riding Hwy 1 b/w Xmas & NY. Think there's be an increase in traffic? Decrease?

Sometimes I don't trust my LD riding friends' opinion on weather/road conditions since occasionally their version of "oh it'll be just fine" is suspect by majority standards. Since I'm going w/2 non-LD riders I kinda wanted to get another opinion or two.

Thanks again.

Stromette

[FastEddie]

Hi Stromette,

It is actually warmer in the winter than in the summer in Monterey. It has to do with cool ocean currents that flow down the coast in the summer (something I learned at Scripps Inst). So yeah, go now. The air is always damp at the ocean (funny how that works) so expect the chill factor to still be significant. I rode from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo at night in September and it was COLD. I stopped to buy long underwear the next day.

[STROMETTE]

Hi Stromette,

It is actually warmer in the winter than in the summer in Monterey. It has to do with cool ocean currents that flow down the coast in the summer (something I learned at Scripps Inst). So yeah, go now. The air is always damp at the ocean (funny how that works) so expect the chill factor to still be significant. I rode from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo at night in September and it was COLD. I stopped to buy long underwear the next day.

Thanks, FastEddie. My biggest concern for my friends is being cold. I run heated gear and they do not... however, they have more, um, personal insulation shall we say than I do (big boys) so maybe they would be fine. I'm thinking more and more now this should be a go.

Stromette

[tinman]

Stromette,
In my opinion, it is always perfect on the Central Coast. It is perfect when it is sunny, or foggy, or cold, or rainy. No matter - it just adds interest. But seriously, this time of year can be very good, clear and crisp. That might be better for your friends than a typical cold and damp morning ride.

The problem you might have is the crowds. Campgrounds and places to stay will most likely be filled up. That area, especially near Carmel and Big Sur are very, very busy between the holidays. You didn't say what your lodging plans were, but if you don't have a place to stay lined up, it could be tough.

Have fun, it is an incredible ride.

[STROMETTE]

Stromette,
In my opinion, it is always perfect on the Central Coast. It is perfect when it is sunny, or foggy, or cold, or rainy. No matter - it just adds interest. But seriously, this time of year can be very good, clear and crisp. That might be better for your friends than a typical cold and damp morning ride.

The problem you might have is the crowds. Campgrounds and places to stay will most likely be filled up. That area, especially near Carmel and Big Sur are very, very busy between the holidays. You didn't say what your lodging plans were, but if you don't have a place to stay lined up, it could be tough.

Have fun, it is an incredible ride.

Thanks for the input, tinman! We're all set to leave on Tues (26Dec) and reservations have been secured. This will strictly be a flower sniffin' jaunt and one that will likely have more stops than I've ever made made on CA-1 (I've ridden it many times) given my traveling companions. It's all good though... I just like to ride. :grin:

Stromette

[tac3]

Stromette, hope your trip turns out ok, like I said in an earlier post to this thread Christmas day can be 80+. Christmas was in high 70's here in Lompoc, today the 26th ( the day you're leaving AZ)the temp was mid to high 60's. Rain forcast for tonight and tomorrow followed by two days of high winds. Well the trip should be memorable.