Touring * Fitness * Street * Slalom * Artistic *

From Interstate 5 in Solana Beach, take the Del Mar Racetrack exit, Via de la Valle, and turn west. After passing the racetrack, turn left onto Camino del Mar and drive down the hill to park on the shoulder. The coastal bike lane beckons. Map: The San Diego County Bike Map is available free by calling (619) 231-2453.

In northern San Diego County, a contiguous 40-mile bicycle route follows the course of Old Highway 101 close to classic Pacific coast beaches and cliffs, connecting San Onofre with UC San Diego. Much of the highway is embellished with adequate and sometimes excellent bike lanes. Several towns offer separate, dedicated bike paths or sidewalks (see the Solana Beach Tour on page 406). The challenge of conquering such a route will prove irresistible to the ambitious and physically fit skater. This tour offers a taste of what the on-street skating is like along the section of Old Highway 101 that is now called Camino del Mar. At the north end of the town of Del Mar, wide, meticulously designed bike lanes border both sides of the road. Camino del Mar passes through downtown as a divided four-lane street and follows a route that offers little in the way of ocean views for the next three or so miles. Sidewalk skating is also an option through here. Beyond the Del Mar town limits, the bike lane descends a long hill to the Penasquitos Lagoon. The bridge over the lagoon has raised seams, so if you descend with your heel brake engaged, raise it as necessary to accommodate the bumps without tripping. (You could also jump them.) For the next half mile, enjoy great views of the Pacific Ocean, with Torrey Pines State Beach to the west, and the green marshland of Penasquitos Lagoon to the east. Beyond the lagoon, the Carmel Valley opens up the scenery below Carmel Mountain ("towering" 427 feet over the valley floor). Keep your eyes open as you skate next to shoulder areas where cars are allowed to park. Automobiles may be pulling in and out in front of you, and there is a chance that driver-side doors might open in your face. At the turnoff for Torrey Pines Park Road, Camino del Mar becomes North Torrey Road, and starts a long, hard climb that reduces some cyclists to pushing their bikes. Unless you are making an "epic skate" on Old Highway 101, it's time to turn back.