Exploring Big Sur’s Old Coast Road: A Thrilling eBike Adventure Through History and Wilderness
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required, especially for riders over 180 pounds who will need to pedal uphill.
Overview
Ride along Big Sur’s historic Old Coast Road on a 10-mile eBike tour that weaves together panoramic ocean views, redwood forests, and working cattle ranch landscapes. Discover the rugged beauty and rich history hidden just off California’s iconic Highway 1.
Exploring Big Sur’s Old Coast Road: A Thrilling eBike Adventure Through History and Wilderness
Select participants and date
The morning air in Big Sur carries a crispness that promises adventure as you mount a sturdy Pedego eBike in a pullout just across from Andrew Molera State Park. Ahead stretches the Old Coast Road—a rugged 10-mile dirt path once trod by horse-drawn wagons, now a gateway to the raw heart of northern Big Sur. The eBike hums beneath you, ready to soften the route’s relentless climbs, but the terrain demands respect: loose gravel, narrow paths, and long descents through a landscape shaped by geology and time.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring sturdy shoes with good grip
The Old Coast Road features loose gravel and muddy patches depending on the season, so trail-ready footwear will help maintain control throughout the ride.
Hydrate before and during the ride
Bottled water is provided, but Big Sur’s dry coastal air and moderate exertion require sipping consistently to avoid fatigue.
Be prepared to pedal uphill if you weigh over 180 lbs
Though the powerful Pedego eBikes assist with climbs, riders over 180 pounds should expect physical effort on steep sections.
Start early to avoid afternoon winds and heat
Morning starts generally offer calmer conditions and softer light for better photos and a more comfortable ride.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- California black-tailed deer
- Red-tailed hawk
History
El Sur Ranch, bordering much of the ride, is one of California’s few surviving original Mexican land grants dating back to 1834, blending ranching heritage with preserved wilderness.
Conservation
The ride avoids disrupting sensitive redwood groves and respects cattle ranching operations, supporting sustainable tourism on private and public lands.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Big Sur
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Helmet
Protects your head on rough and potentially slippery dirt roads.
Layered clothing
Prepare for fluctuating temperatures from shaded valleys to sunny ridges.
Sturdy hiking or bike shoes
Provide grip on loose dirt, gravel, and occasional mud.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Helps protect against glare and UV exposure along exposed ridges and open areas.
summer specific