SAN LUIS OBISPO CONSIDERED ONE OF CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER BICYCLING DESTINATIONS

03-05-2009

City Celebrates National Bike Month in May 2009

            SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, CA – With the Amgen Tour of California winding its way through the Golden State last month and National Bike Month scheduled for May, it seems an ideal time to take a look at San Luis Obispo as it becomes a premier bicycle friendly destination on the Central Coast. 

            Bicycle trails are being improved, new trails developed and streets are being repaved with wider bicycle lanes.  The Bill Roalman Bike Boulevard on Morro Street, which gives bicycles priority over motor vehicles, is the only such boulevard in California, south of the San Francisco Bay Area. And soon San Luis Obispo will have one of the few bicycle trails existing entirely within city limits.

Whether you are a participant or spectator, there are plenty of events and activities to satisfy the cycling enthusiast in all of us.  San Luis Obispo offers something for the casual rider that hits the bike trail with the kids on the weekend, or the hardcore cycling competitor itching for the next race.  So, slip on your riding gloves, adjust you helmet and discover what San Luis Obispo has in store for you.

Railroad Safety Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail

            When completed, the Railroad Safety Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail will extend 4.5 miles and allow for safe, car-free travel from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo through downtown San Luis Obispo, to the outer reaches of the city.  Following an existing Union Pacific railroad line, the trail will offer an easy commute and a more direct route from point A to point B than available on city streets.  Once funding has been secured for certain sections of the trail, a completion date will be determined.  Stay tuned.

Watch the Action

            When it comes to events, San Luis Obispo is where the cycling action is, with two popular bicycle competitions on the calendar.                                                            

The action begins on Sunday, July 5, 2009 with the San Luis Obispo Downtown Criterium Classic.  The criterium is part of the Central Coast Cycling Classic, which includes the Camp San Luis Road Race on Saturday, July 4.  Highlighting the Criterium is a four-corner, 8-mile closed circuit course through downtown San Luis Obispo.  Different divisions – Men, Women, Juniors, Masters, and Professionals – race throughout the day.  805-546-8077. www.cencalcycling.com.  

The Candy Corn Charity Bike Ride, benefiting the local chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2009.  More than 150 riders of all skill levels are expected to participate in four different races – a full century (100 miles), 100 kilometers, 35 miles, and 15 miles.  The Candy Corn Charity Bike Ride is sponsored by San Luis Sports Therapy and Athlon Heath & Fitness.  (805) 788-0905.  www.CandyCornClassic.com.

May is National Bike Month

            Several bicycle events are planned during the month of May to celebrate National Bike Month in San Luis Obispo.  Events on tap include bicycle clinics, skill classes, fun rides through downtown San Luis Obispo, bike-in movie, and a bike themed art show.  Bike Month closes out with a special Bike Fest celebration at the San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market on Thursday, May 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  For more information about Bike Month activities in San Luis Obispo County, visit www.rideshare.org.

B.Y.O.B – Bring Your Own Bike

“A Guide to Bicycling in San Luis Obispo,” a publication of the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition, in cooperation with the City of San Luis Obispo, includes a directory of bicycle shops and a handy map on bicycle paths and trails.  The brochure is available at San Luis Obispo hotels and can be downloaded from www.slobikelane.org.

Whether you are into mountain biking or cruising on your touring bike, there is a trail for you in San Luis Obispo.  The bike-only Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail is a popular paved trail connecting San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach and there are miles of other trails to explore, too. 

To help plan a San Luis Obispo cycling adventure, call the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau at 1-800-634-1414 or visit www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com.  While on the Web site, click on “maps” in the left hand navigation bar to view 17 downloadable bike maps for trails throughout the county.

 

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