I ordinarily wouldn’t publish a “travel” piece about a simple bike ride – but this section of the California coast is one of the prettiest, and the area we rode today is not widely known or visited.

We went to the seaward side of Wilder Ranch, which has a large eastern forested area that is popular with mountain bikers. But over on the coastal side, there’s a 3-mile loop that is less populated, even on weekends. Here, the wide, flat trail wanders sinuously along the convoluted cliffs, providing sweeping views of the ocean, cliffs and caves, and the sea life that frequents the area.

The most common sightings are seals, cormorants (diving birds), and pelicans (my favorite bird). Sometimes the birds ride just above the wave crests, and sometimes they get a boost from the rising flood of air shooting up the sides of the cliffs. The tide was out and the wind was high, 15-20 knots. Temps in the high 60’s. It was brisk, but it was beautiful.

Cormorants resting on the guano-covered offshore outcroppings

And flying close to the waves, up-wind. The wind was so strong, these fast birds (55mph) were howling along at 75mph when they flew down-wind. They went by us like rocket-ships.

Seals took advantage of the low tide to bask on the exposed rock shelves.

And the big pelicans scooted along in ground-effect just above the waves, serene master aviators.

It was a short but energizing ride, beautiful and wild as only the edge of the ocean can be. Highly recommended.