Touring * Fitness * Artistic *

About two miles northwest of downtown Pismo Beach, U.S. 101 leaves the Pacific Ocean at the coastal hills to head inland. Traveling either north or south, take the Avila State Beach exit there. You'll pass the old developed hot springs plunge on the right, and half a mile farther on, the Sycamore Hot Springs on the left, either of which you may want to visit for a muscle-relaxing soak after a hard skate. San Luis Bay Drive continues past a golf course and curves behind some low hills; as you emerge from behind the hills, the small town (and beach) of Avila Beach comes into view. Park in the big public lot at the end of town.

Experienced road skaters who don't mind freeway noise will enjoy this round-trip excursion from Avila Beach. It's a favorite with the local in-shape in-liners. Starting at the Avila parking lot, follow the Bob Jones City-to-the-Sea Trail in reverse (see related tour below) to Ontario Road. Turn left (north) onto Ontario.

Ontario makes a gradual incline alongside the freeway, then becomes somewhat level for several miles. About one mile from the San Luis Obispo city limits, it passes under 101 and becomes Higuera Street on the east side. This route ends at the housing developments near Los Osos Valley Road, because skating is not allowed within San Luis Obispo city limits.

Back in Avila, the main beachfront street can be a sandy roll, but it's a fantastic beach on a sunny summer day, and quite the scene with the local college crowd. After your long tour, rinse off in the showers at the public rest rooms and pick up a snack and a drink from one of the seaside shops.

• Avila Beach Website - Lots of local information

• Bob Jones City-to-the-Sea Trail