This may be the very best road ride in Santa Barbara. Cruise 32 miles along the Pacific Ocean, where spectacular cliffs and distant mountains paint an epic landscape. The ride home offers an equally wonderful perspective.
What Makes It Great
As a 64 mile roundtrip ride, this is the perfect length for nearly all cyclists. It's long enough to satisfy experienced bikers while newer / intermediates will enjoy the challenge of an all-day outing. Oh yeah, there's also the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean's coastline for the bulk of the ride. Many riders return to this route over and over again. The salt air, the incredible views, and the good roads make this a classic tour.
Who is Going to Love It
Strong riders and intermediates will love the rolling terrain - a good workout, but never too crazy. Beginning riders may want to aim for a shorter out and back before going the full distance.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
Starting at Shoreline Park in downtown SB, the ride from Santa Barbara to Ventura, via Highway 101/1, is a classic ride. The ride follows the highway and offers amazing views of the ocean and hillsides. The route takes you through the quaint town of Summerland where you can stop to refuel with some great breakfast. This relatively flat ride tops out at its highest point at around the 15-mile marker, just outside of Carpinteria while climbing up Casitas Pass Road. You will pass Rincon Beach (check out the surf action) while taking Rincon Road and Rincon Hill Road back to the 101. The ride turns around at Emma Wood State Beach for a total of 32 miles one way. There are restrooms and water available at the beach. If you don't feel like riding that far or long, you can turn around at anytime.
