California is served by numerous airports, including international airports and dozens serving the United States. The international airports of Northern California include Oakland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, San Jose International Airport and the Sacramento International Airport.

If you are traveling by air, you will most likely arrive at San Francisco International Airport. From the airport your best transportation option is a rental car or one of the plentiful shuttle buses to a hotel.

To get to your cycling destination from San Francisco (or San Jose or Eureka Airports), you will need to rent a car unless you are planning to do serious bicycle touring and intend to start from the airport.

If you are traveling by car and plan to stay at one location from which you will engage in your cycling activities, check our DESTINATION RIDES cycling pages for local routes.  Less...

Northern California temperatures are fairly mild, but cold, rain and wind are possible year round. Though summer is the most popular time to cycle the coast, fog is more prevalent along the coast and in the coastal valleys during this time. Spring, late summer and early fall are the best times to cycle in northern California. Crowds aren't a problem, there are less foggy days, and winds (from the northwest) are less severe.

Winter (December – March) is the rainy season in Northern California. During the winter, the weather is unpredictable and there is plenty of rain and stormy weather. You could experience a week of solid cold rain or days of beautiful sunshine and temps in the 60's and 70's. Even when it does rain, however, it is usually not very cold and many locals ride year round. If you are planning a trip in the winter, we recommend being prepared for all types of weather. Bring tights or long pants, a long sleeve jersey, cycling jacket, and rain gear.

California is a huge state; and as a result, there are many microclimates. For example, the wine region of Northern California is wonderful for cycling most of the year. In the summer months (from May to early October), the chance of rain is almost non-existent and the hills gradually turn into a golden backdrop of vineyards.

In the mountains (the Sierra Nevadas) the temperature can change rapidly even in the summer.

Cyclists in California (the Golden State) get plenty of exposure to blue sky and sun; therefore, proper UV protection for skin, lips, and eyes is strongly recommended.  Less...

Roads in Northern California are generally cyclist-friendly. Most Northern California motorists, with some exceptions, are tolerant of cyclists. Of course, it is always recommended that you ride defensively and obey all traffic rules.

The surfaces of California roads are generally very good. On some mountain roads you may find an occasional road hazard in the form of cracked pavement, pothole, gravel or sand.

Paved shoulders on rural roads and in the mountains are minimal or non-existent. Some California roads have rumble strips (grooves ground into the pavement to alert swerving drivers), which can be very dangerous for a cyclist.  Less...