THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride the old wagon road of Big Sur on an electric bike, where ocean vistas, redwood descents and historic ranchland meet. This guided 2–3 hour tour from Andrew Molera is ideal for riders with moderate fitness who want high-impact scenery without the long climb.
Ride the old wagon road of Big Sur on an electric bike, where ocean vistas, redwood descents and historic ranchland meet. This guided 2–3 hour tour from Andrew Molera is ideal for riders with moderate fitness who want high-impact scenery without the long climb.
The tour begins with salt on the wind and the steady hum of electric motors as you step off Highway 1 across from Andrew Molera State Park. Guides stage Specialized Tero e‑MTBs on a paved pullout; within moments you are climbing the old wagon road that once tunneled through this coast, the Pacific opening to your left and ranchland rolling to the right.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mad Dogs & Englishmen · Big Sur, California
The tour begins with salt on the wind and the steady hum of electric motors as you step off Highway 1 across from Andrew Molera State Park. Guides stage Specialized Tero e‑MTBs on a paved pullout; within moments you are climbing the old wagon road that once tunneled through this coast, the Pacific opening to your left and ranchland rolling to the right.
This stretch of Old Coast Road follows terrain carved by the San Andreas system: folded coastal ridges, the Little Sur River valley and a white marble peak honored by the Esselen people. Over half the ride skirts the historic El Sur Ranch, a Mexican land grant worked since 1834, and you’ll spot where the Big Sur River threads to the ocean at a small cove—local lore calls it a smugglers’ beach.
Expect varied surfaces: compact dirt, loose gravel and occasional ruts. The route rises and falls on long hills that reward effort with wide ocean vistas and redwood-shaded descents into river ferns. Wildlife—black-tailed deer and shore birds—are regular companions; cattle may graze near the roadway.
Practicalities are straightforward: tours run about 2–3 hours, helmets and bottled water are included, and guides brief riders on e‑bike handling before departure. There’s no reliable cell service; plan logistics before you arrive. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, layered wind protection and sunscreen, and be ready for dusty conditions in dry months or muddier trails after rain. For riders with moderate fitness and basic e‑bike control, the Old Coast Road delivers one of the most accessible—and scenic—ways to experience Big Sur’s raw coastline.
moderate.
2–3 hours.
Moderate fitness—able to stand on pedals, handle repeated short climbs and control an e‑mountain bike for several miles.
Tours last about 2–3 hours with roughly 5 miles one-way along Old Coast Road before turning around—total distance varies by exact route and pace.
No—guides provide a safety briefing and e‑bike orientation, but riders should be comfortable using gears, braking on loose surfaces and standing on pedals during climbs.
Yes—helmets and bottled water are included with the tour; bring your own refillable bottle if you prefer.
Children may be allowed depending on operator policy and child size; booking questions request age and height—check with the operator for minimum age and required supervision.
The route follows an old wagon road and passes El Sur Ranch, a Mexican land grant farmed since 1834; the white marble peak nearby is sacred to the Esselen people.
Stay on designated routes and pack out trash—coastal scrub and riverine redwood habitats here are fragile and sensitive to trampling and erosion.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The tour begins with salt on the wind and the steady hum of electric motors as you step off Highway 1 across from Andrew Molera State Park. Guides stage Specialized Tero e‑MTBs on a paved pullout; within moments you are climbing the old wagon road that once tunneled through this coast, the Pacific opening to your left and ranchland rolling to the right.
The tour begins with salt on the wind and the steady hum of electric motors as you step off Highway 1 across from Andrew Molera State Park. Guides stage Specialized Tero e‑MTBs on a paved pullout; within moments you are climbing the old wagon road that once tunneled through this coast, the Pacific opening to your left and ranchland rolling to the right.
This stretch of Old Coast Road follows terrain carved by the San Andreas system: folded coastal ridges, the Little Sur River valley and a white marble peak honored by the Esselen people. Over half the ride skirts the historic El Sur Ranch, a Mexican land grant worked since 1834, and you’ll spot where the Big Sur River threads to the ocean at a small cove—local lore calls it a smugglers’ beach.
Expect varied surfaces: compact dirt, loose gravel and occasional ruts. The route rises and falls on long hills that reward effort with wide ocean vistas and redwood-shaded descents into river ferns. Wildlife—black-tailed deer and shore birds—are regular companions; cattle may graze near the roadway.
Practicalities are straightforward: tours run about 2–3 hours, helmets and bottled water are included, and guides brief riders on e‑bike handling before departure. There’s no reliable cell service; plan logistics before you arrive. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, layered wind protection and sunscreen, and be ready for dusty conditions in dry months or muddier trails after rain. For riders with moderate fitness and basic e‑bike control, the Old Coast Road delivers one of the most accessible—and scenic—ways to experience Big Sur’s raw coastline.