Itinerary

July 15th,  Travel Day

From points up and down the East Coast the eldest sons will all come together to make a father's dream come true, a male bike bonding adventure. 

Upon arrival go to Delta Baggage Claim in Terminal 2 to meet DL 2621.  
Greeter will meet TC in baggage claim to give Jeep keys, and direct to Jeep in parking lot.

Color of Jeep may vary from posted pic.

Drive to JW Marriott Union Square San Francisco for a one night stay. 
Check in, refresh, meet at 5:00 pm to begin the San Francisco part of the adventure.

Begin your journey on the famed Cable Car Adult $6 each ride. Board from Union Square at Powell & Post, POWELL & HYDE is the cable car to get on. Stand/sit  on (R) side of the car to Hyde - hop off.

Note - if it's not foggy, take an uber over the Golden Gate bridge, take pictures from the other side. During rush hour this may take 20+ mins one way.

For a closer view of Golden Gate Bridge, you can grab an Uber to take you to Palace of the Arts - 3301 Lyon Street. 

A short walk to the water's edge will bring you close to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Aerial view of Palace of the Arts and Golden Gate Bridge.

After glimpsing the GGB, make your way to the  world famous  Fisherman's Wharf for a quick visit.

             Pending on the visibility, from here you should be able to see Alcatraz Island.

Walk around as much or as little as you would like. This is all very touristy, yet an essential part of experiencing San Francisco. Once you've had your fill of the tourists (don't include yourself in the fray),  make your way from Fisherman's wharf to Fish & Farm for dinner, located in the Financial District. 
Reservation 7:45 pm

They go above and beyond to support local farmers and fishermen by sourcing fish, meat, and produce from within a 100 mile radius. Dishes are classic and familiar, and composed of high quality ingredients such as Monterey Bay seafood, housemade pasta, and Berkshire pork. Serving only sustainably harvested seafood, and naturally fed, antibiotic, hormone, and steroid free meats. When possible, all of our produce is organic. 

Before calling it a night, head up to The View, atop of the Marriott Marquis for a spectacular evening view of the city.


July 16th

Breakfast suggestion for the exciting road trip ahead: Sears Fine Food

Fed, fueled and ready to go. The journey to the magnificent coast of California begins.

It is a 30 mile drive to Half Moon Bay, the pumpkin capital of the world, where you will find the magnificent Ritz Carlton. Every year Half Moon Bay is home to the world-renowned Mavericks Surf Contest© bringing thousands of surfers and surf enthusiasts to California to witness some of the largest waves in the world. 

Your journey along the famed coast hwy continues, taking you through Santa Cruz - home of Jack O'Neill of O'Neill surf co. Known for it's hippie vibe, Santa Cruz is worth a look.

Steamer Lane

  
After Santa Cruz you will skirt by Salinas - hometown of author John Steinbeck who based many of his novels there, including Of Mice and Men into Monterey where you will find 17 Mile Drive.

Widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world, this famous coastal landmark runs from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach. Enter at Pacific Grove Gate - 17 Mile Dr & Sunset.

The Lone Cypress has been standing for 250 years. A drawing of the tree was registered as Pebble Beach Company's trademark in 1919. The company, said the trademark protected not only the logo but also the tree itself.

Take 17 Mile Dr. to HWY 1 South.

Driving 19 miles from Carmel to Big Sur you will approach the Bixby Bridge. Stop before crossing to take photos. You will recognize the grand bridge from it's positioning in many commercials.

Watch this video to help you imagine your ride.

At its completion, the bridge was built under budget for $199,861 and was the longest concrete arch span at 320 feet on the California State Highway System. It is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world and one of the most photographed bridges along the Pacific Coast due to its aesthetic design and location. Stop at the vista before crossing to take pictures.

A little further down, 6 miles, you will pass by Point Sur lighthouse stands atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore in Big Sur. The historic aid-to-navigation has a modern aero-becaon which still guides ships along the treacherous Central California Coast. Tours are needed to visit this historic site, however tour time does not correspond with itinerary.

You are now just a short 11 mile drive to your evening's accommodations at Glen Oaks Big Sur.  The chic, vintage-style rooms feature gas fireplaces, free WiFi, minifridges and rustic bathrooms with recycled stone flooring and walk-in showers. 

Note: there is no cell reception here. All guest rooms have telephones with complimentary local calls. For long distance calls, you will need prepaid calling cards.

Check-in, step outside, refresh and regroup for a magnificent dinner at the signature restaurant of Ventana Inn.  Located 7 miles away, The Restaurant serves an array of unique, award winning cuisine made with locally sourced, sustainably grown ingredients in and awe-inspiring rustic lodge setting.   Reservation Time: 7:30 pm; Sunset 8:05 pm

Thursday, July 17th - Day 1 of Bike Tour
Sunrise - 6:02 am

Breakfast at Glen Oaks Big Sur.

10:00 am - a representative from Central Coast Outdoors will meet you to fit you with your bikes, discuss your route and answer any questions that you may have. Someone will drive the Jeep while the other four head off on two wheels.

If at 4 miles into your ride you want to do a wellness check, get a coffee - HIGHLY recommend stopping at famous Nepenthe. Views are phenomenal, it's a must stop on a driving road trip, if you can't make it - you can always go back another time.

The first stage day one riding will bring you to 24 miles to Lucia Lodge, which is an ideal spot to enjoy a well deserved lunch.

Lunch is served between 11 AM and 4 PM. Entrees include fish dishes ranging from Alaskan Halibut, to Seafood Tortellini (piled with a variety of seafood), to our award winning Fish & Chips #10 in the world.

Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon and Angus Rib Eye Steak are two favorites in the beef department. There’s always chicken on the menu, such as our made-from-scratch Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Chicken Kimberley. Several pasta dishes are always on the menu. The Fettuccine Alfredo sauce is prepared fresh each day. Portions are large. You won’t go away hungry.

Your tour takes you along the coast of California, without ever getting in the Pacific Ocean. At Willow Creek Beach, located 9.4 miles from Lucia Lodge, you can take the opportunity to stick your feet in the refreshing water with a temperature around 62 degrees. 

Approach to Willow Creek Beach

Head further down the coast, 8 miles past the town of Gorda to stop and take a short hike to see the beautiful 120 foot Salmon Creek waterfall. Swim in a cool refreshing pool - trunks optional.  This hike brings you up close and person with a powerful cascade pouring down the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Park at the trailhead on a big horseshoe bend in Highway One, just south of the non-operational Salmon Creek Ranger Station Buckeye Trail.  Look for the mileage sign on the east side of the highway, and start hiking up the trail south of the creek. 

You can basically follow you ears the entire way to the falls. At 0.2 miles, break from the trail through a garden of boulders toward the creek. The surrounding Bays add a soothing fragrance to this shaded glen.

Now you are only 3 miles away from Ragged Point Inn, your lodging and dining location for the evening. 

Part of Ragged Point Inn is, Cliff House a 5 bedroom home with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This is where you will be spending the night.  While we don't have the Cliff House exclusively, we do have the majority of it, which should provide a much needed rest.

Dinner will be on property at the Ragged Point Restaurant offering fresh California cuisine, a special coastal ambiance, and attention to service as their hallmarks. The beautiful dining room, glass from floor to ceiling, is a great place to view a breathtaking ocean sunset or enjoy a sparkling starlit evening while you dine. 
Dinner reservation 7:30 pm;  Sunset - 8:24 pm

July 18th, Day 2 of Bike Trip
Sunrise - 6:03 am

Breakfast is available beginning at 8:00 am.
Well rested and ready to roll. It's time to begin the second leg of the coastal bike tour.

Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

The Piedras Blancas rookery, on Highway 1(9 miles from starting point) seven miles north of San Simeon on the California Central Coast, is home to about 17,000 animals. The area is open for viewing every day of the year and there is no admission fee or reservation required.

Who's hungry - time for lunch at Sebastian's, 14.6 miles from your starting point.

442 Slo San Simeon Road, San Simeon, CA 93452

Only 7 more miles to go for the day.

Arrival at tonight's destination - Blue Dolphin Inn.

Blue Dolphin Inn is situated steps from the beach and seaside boardwalk that runs two miles along the coast. Take in the scenic sunsets while sipping a glass of renowned local wine.  Jump in the Jeep for dinner tonight at Old Stone Station.  
Dinner reservation 7:45 pm; sunset 8:24 pm

Locals flock to this eatery for its prime rib, fresh fish, seafood, huge salads, delicious and different sandwiches and homemade desserts.

Old Stone Station was a gas station built in 1931 by Clyde and Myrtle Van Scoy. A garage was later added on in 1934. In 1945 new owners Curtis (Woody) and Hazel Woodland purchased the property with a help from Rudolph Hearst who Woody called a prince of a guy. Woody was the Hearst’s family mechanic and serviced all the limousines.


July 19th, Day 4 of Bike Trip (LAST RIDE)
Sunrise 6:04 am
Last day in the saddle.

Stop in Cayucos for a quick coffee break at Top Dog Coffee 14 N. Ocean, Cayucos - "the cutest little town in America".

Top Dog Coffee Bar is the kind of place that just makes you want to hang out and soak up the “local” vibe for a bit. And heck, who doesn’t need to pause every now and then, take a nerve calming sip of an amazing espresso drink and just sit back and smell the roses? Well, Top Dog Coffee Bar is exactly that kind of place, with it’s micro roasted coffee…done daily mind you.

Head to Morro Bay for the conclusion of your ride. Grab a bite at Blue Skye Cafe, and meet John from Central Coast Outdoors to return bikes.

The big rock in Morro Bay.

Morro Rock is a 581-foot volcanic plug located just offshore from Morro Bay, California, at the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor. A causeway connects it with the shore, effectively making it a tied island. The area surrounding the base of Morro Rock can be visited. The rock is protected as the Morro Rock State Preserve. Climbing on the rock or disturbing the bird life is forbidden by law.

No more riding, climb into Jeronimo, and head 13 miles inland to San Luis Obispo for your stay at Granada Hotel, where everyone gets their own room.

Each carefully designed guest room features exposed brick walls, hand-crafted steel windows, Persian rugs and original hardwood floors. Classically designed marble and tiled bathrooms, nickel-plated fixtures, towels and linen by Fili d’Oro, Goose down duvet and pillows, signature seersucker robes, carefully curated in-room mini bar, and original art in each guest room.

Once refreshed you will honor your trip by attending 6:00 pm Mass at the Historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. It was founded in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra as the 5th Mission of the California Missions.

After Mass, you will dine at The Foremost Wine Co. to regale in stories of your time together.

                                         Cheers and Bon Appetit to you all!!



July 20th, Drive to LA
Sunrise 6:05 am

After breakfast, it's time for Jeronimo to hit the road and take you Los Angeles.

Just N. of Santa Barbara, you find that you're looking for a coffee refuel. Make a quick exit off the 101 and stop at Zizzo's  370 Storke Road, Goleta CA 93117.

Arriving around 12:00 pm at the Ramada West Hollywood,  you will leave Jeronimo the Jeep with valet for local transportation representative to collect.