Touring * Speed *

From Interstate 5 in Solana Beach, take the Del Mar Racetrack exit, Via de la Valle, and turn west. You will see the Welcome to Del Mar sign across the intersection with Old Highway 101 one block west of the Amtrak railroad overpass. After crossing 101, park at the curb next to the city building. The dedicated bike path starts at the northwest corner of this intersection, so you will need to return to the west side of Camino del Mar at the crosswalk. Map: The San Diego County Bike Map is available free by calling (619) 231-2453.

You are likely to witness the workouts of some of the world's most serious triathletes in tiny Solana Beach, an unpretentious little coastal town located between Del Mar and Encinitas. Many of these competitors reside just up the road in Encinitas, where the region's mild climate allows for year-round training. It is awesome to watch them jogging and bicycling their way to Iron Man/Woman fame. On weekends, get an early start to minimize encounters with large packs of jersey-clad bicyclists who train on the long coastal route between La Jolla and Oceanside. This tour of Solana Beach follows what would have been referred to as 'the main drag' in years past, then loops back on a quiet street one block to the west. Start skating north on the dedicated bike path that runs through town on the east side of Old Highway 101. To your right, the Amtrak train tracks vibrate with the approach of the next coast route train, known appropriately enough by the name 'Coaster.' On your left side, a striped asphalt dividing curb separates the bike lane from 101. At Lomas Santa Fe Street, the bike path is temporarily replaced by a right-turn lane leading across the tracks to the Solana Beach Amtrak station. Free parking and the smooth parking lot pavement are also worth noting. Continuing north, the road is lined with buildings that show Solana Beach's age. For the last block, oleanders and some long-needle pines decorate the right side of the road and almost hide the Amtrak rail line. The dedicated bike lane ends at Ocean Boulevard, just as a view of the Pacific opens up to the northwest. Turn around and return to the stoplight at Lomas Santa Fe Street. Turn right to cross the four lanes of the highway and skate up Plaza Street. One block west, Plaza meets Sierra Avenue at a beach access parking lot. Hill skaters won't be able to resist a quick run up Pacific Avenue, which branches off at a 45 degree angle across the street. To complete this loop, continue skating south three-quarters of a mile on Sierra Avenue, where light traffic makes up for the lack of bike lanes. At Border Avenue, turn left to return to your car.