Cycling high above the Big Sur coast along California's iconic Highway 1 is a rite of passage for cyclists. But recent landslides have closed sections of the highway, leaving cyclists with few options other than short out-and-back rides.
"Big Sur through the Backdoor" offers a unique way to experience Central California's spectacular coastline in the traditional touring style. Starting in Monterey, the route circles the peninsula on the famous scenic 17-mile drive into Carmel-by-the-Sea.
An inland detour takes us through the Santa Lucia mountain range before we turn west again for a return to the coast. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is a quiet two-lane road that winds through the Los Padres National Forest before cresting the coastal mountains for a 7-mile descent to the Big Sur coast.
As if the expansive views are not enough, we hit the coast just south of the Regents Slide closure which means you get to ride Highway 1 with far fewer cars than normal. You're likely to enjoy a prevailing NW wind pushing you down the coast as we pass elephant seals at San Simeon, sea otters in Morro Bay, and finish in the quintessential California beach town of Avila Beach.
With Comova’s support you can ride these remote corners of California without worrying about mechanicals, whether you can get a cell signal, or where to find water. You'll have vehicle support to transport your luggage and to ensure you have the nutrition and hydration you need to get through each day. And depending on your preferences for daily riding distances, the support vehicle can shuttle you down the road to reduce any given day's mileage.
Highway 1 is scheduled to reopen sometime in 2025. That means that right now is the best time to experience this unique approach to Big Sur and the Central California Coast. That's why Comova is operating "Big Sur through the Backdoor" in a minimalist style. By keeping costs low and allowing guests to handle their own accommodation bookings, we eliminate overhead and avoid the fees and other expenses of cancellations.
After we finalize your custom itinerary, you will make your own reservations. Monterey has many options and we'll give you a list of preferred properties.
Your second night will be in either King City or Paso Robles. King City has very basic options whereas Paso Robles has everything from boutique motels to resorts.
The third night can be at any of the following (depending on how far you want to ride): Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos.
On the final day, some riders might prefer to stay over in Avila Beach or San Luis Obispo and arrange their own transportation back to the start.
Comova will provide breakfast options each morning as well as all of the ride nutrition and hydration you'll need during rides. Evening meals will be up to you with options ranging from countless taquerias in King City to fine dining in Monterey and Cambria.
Plus optional shorter arrival day ride
breakfast, mid-ride lunch on Day 2, and ride nutrition and hydration
Luggage transfer, mid-ride nutrition/hydration support, mechanical support, shuttle to shorten a ride as needed
Daily routes in Ride with GPS with embedded custom cues, points of interest, and more, support loading routes onto your GPS, and pre-ride briefings
We will shuttle you back to Monterey if you leave a car there, or to other locations in the Bay Area
Optional add-on for those coming from out of the region
Optional add-on if you prefer the support of a guide on the ride with you
Optional add-on
The journey begins as you roll down to Cannery Row and then begin a circumnavigation of the Monterey Peninsula along the scenic 17-Mile Drive. The route then heads to Carmel Valley Road for the long gentle climb into Carmel Valley Village. After the village, the climbing becomes steadier, including a 1-mile segment at 8%. Eventually the road turns downward as you leave the Santa Lucia Mountains and begin to follow the path of the Arroyo Seco River into the Salinas Valley. After Greenfield, the route crosses the valley floor before skirting the edges of farmland on the final approach into King City.
Distance: Up to 87 miles
Elevation: Up to 4,800’
Today is the whole reason for this route's existence. It’s about experiencing the best possible approach to the Big Sur Coast. From King City the route rolls gently upward, passing through Fort Hunter Liggett and into the Los Podres National Forest. Once on Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd. there is more gently upwardly rolling terrain across oak-studded woodlands before the epic descent down to the coast and more than 40 miles of tailwind-aided cruising along the southern Big Sur coast. Don't miss the elephant seals at San Simeon!
Distance: Up to 89 miles
Elevation: Up to 6,500’
Highlights of today’s route include sea otters in Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro State Park (with a 2mi easy gravel option to access the best views), and the challenging climb up Prefumo Canyon with stellar views of Morro Rock. Big Sur's rugged coast and inaccessible beaches are a distant memory once you arrive at Avila Beach with its southern California beach town vibes.
Distance: Up to 71 miles
Elevation: Up to 4,300'
