Bike Month in San Luis Obispo
May is National Bike Month and there’s no doubt that San Luis Obispo is a paradise for mountain bikers, cyclists and recreational riders! Discover a few of our favorite biking trails from relaxing, recreational rides to rigorous, mountain biking trails. Plus, find out about San Luis Obispo’s National Bike Month events so you can get involved in the action, too.
Recreational Rides
City to Sea
Looking for a fun way to tour SLO County’s local beaches and terrains? The various City to Sea routes offers endless ways to tour the Central Coast with rides from San Luis Obispo to Pismo Beach, Port San Luis, Laguna Lake, Los Osos, and even Morro Bay. One of our favorite stretches is the Bob Jones City-to-Sea Trail, beginning at the Ontario Road Park-and-Ride and winding down along the San Luis Obispo Creek to Avila Beach.
Madonna Inn Bike Path
The Madonna Inn Bike Path is perfect for a morning or mid-afternoon ride around San Luis Obispo. This ¾-mile bike path links Laguna Lake Park to Downtown San Luis Obispo. The Madonna Inn Bike Path offers a spacious, paved trail for bicyclists to safely ride while avoiding the hustle and bustle of Highway 101 and other intersections.
Historical Bike Tour
Interested in a historic sightseeing tour? Take the Historical Bike Tour, featuring eight of San Luis Obispo’s landmarks and points of interests. This 5-mile bike ride will take you through Downtown San Luis Obispo, the Railroad District, Old Town San Luis Obispo and more. With plenty of places to park your bike throughout the city, be sure to make pit stops for fun photo ops or enjoy a bite to eat in Downtown SLO.
Bill Roalman Bike Boulevard
Right in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo, the Bill Roalman Bike Boulevard is the perfect family-friendly ride. The Bill Roalman Bike Boulevard is located on Morro Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo, conveniently linking to the train station. There are bike signs and barriers that reduce the amount of car traffic, providing both a safe and comfortable ride for everyone.
Mountain Biking Trails
Shooters, West Cuesta Ridge
Are you up for an adventure? Shooters is a thrilling mountain biking trail for advanced riders, starting from the Cuesta Grade off of Highway 101. With endless stunning views of San Luis Obispo, this exhilarating dirt trail leads you through the Los Padres National Forest and the Eucs Grove Project, featuring elevated wooden riding surfaces, jumps, and berms.
Irish Hills Trails
Ranging from beginner to advanced levels, the Irish Hills Trails offer over 7 miles of mountain biking paths and hikes to choose from. While surrounded by acres of lush, green landscapes, you will be in awe of San Luis Obispo’s beauty. A variety of plants and wildlife live amongst these trails so be on the lookout for interesting foliage and cool critters.
Hazards Peak, Montaña de Oro
Ready to experience the most beautiful, panoramic views of Montaña de Oro? Hazards Peak is a 4.1-mile mountain biking trail with nearly a 1000 feet rise in elevation. After pedaling through the eucalyptus groves and slopes of Hazards Peak, you experience stunning, 360-degree views of the Central Coast and even Morro Rock.
For more bike information about San Luis Obispo, check out more of our additional road biking routes and mountain biking trails!
National Bike Month Events in San Luis Obispo
Bike Month Breakfast | May 2019
Grab your wheels and head on down to one of many “Bike Breakfasts” being hosted around San Luis Obispo throughout the month of May! For more information, check out SLO Shift’s full calendar.
- GH Sports Bike Breakfast | May 1 at 7 a.m.
3765 South Higuera, Suite 100, San Luis Obispo - Bike Breakfast at Bike Kitchen | May 1 at 7 a.m.
860 Pacific Street, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo - SLOFD Bike Breakfast | May 8 at 7 a.m.
2160 Santa Barbara Avenue, San Luis Obispo - Bikes & Bites at San Luis Obispo Courthouse | May 16 at 7 a.m.
1050 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo - Bike To Work Day “BTWD” | May 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Varying locations throughout San Luis Obispo County – Check locations here - Waffle Window at Upham National Monument | May 18 at 8 a.m.
880 Upham Street, San Luis Obispo - Bike Breakfast at Rick Engineering | May 21 at 7 a.m.
1160 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo - Bike Breakfast at RRM Design
3765 South Higuera Sreet, #102, San Luis Obispo
Bike Happening | May 2
The SLO Bike Happening is a tradition that is near and dear to cyclists in San Luis Obispo. On the first Thursday of each month, visitors and residents of SLO dress up according to a monthly theme and ride through the streets of Downtown San Luis Obispo, showing off their costumes and sweet rides. Join in on the fun this Thursday, May 2nd at 9:30 p.m. in the Mission Plaza.
Handle Bar Happy Hour | May 3
Looking to fuel up for the month ahead? Enjoy the flavors of Handle Bar Happy Hour at the SLO Natural Foods Co-Op from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 3.
Art After Dark Bike Pop-Up Show | May 3
Eager to combine your passion for art and bikes? Experience the Art After Dark Bike Pop-Up Show and be inspired by the art of beauty and the benefits of cycling on Friday, May 3 at 6 p.m.
Handle Bar Happy Hour | May 3
Looking to fuel up for the month ahead? Enjoy the flavors of Handle Bar Happy Hour at the SLO Natural Foods Co-Op from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 3.
Art After Dark Bike Pop-Up Show | May 3
Eager to combine your passion for art and bikes? Experience the Art After Dark Bike Pop-Up Show and be inspired by the art of beauty and the benefits of cycling on Friday, May 3 at 6 p.m.
SLO Tweed Ride | May 4
Cycle back in time at the 8th Annual SLO Tweed Ride, where participants are encouraged to dress up in 20th-century attire and ride around SLO. The Crustacea Jazz Band will be performing for all the riders to enjoy. It’s all happening on May 4 at Triangle Park from 1 to 4 p.m.
Bike Rodeo | May 4
The Bike Rodeo shows children the joys of bike riding with a special focus on bike safety. Children will have the opportunity to ride through “Safety Town” no their bikes while bike tune-ups will be conducted by local bike mechanics. The fun doesn’t stop there—there will also be helmet fittings to ensure the proper fit for all riders. This is a free event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hawthorne school on May 4th. Don’t miss out on the goody bags and giveaways!
Bike to Coffee Day | May 11
Suns out saddles out! Bike to your closest participating coffee shop and share with them that you are participating in Bike Month by showing them the Rideshare Bike to Coffee Day webpage.
Ride of Silence | May 15
The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no registration fees. The ride begins at Bike Kitchen in SLO and aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways.
Bike to Work Day | May 17
On May 17 throughout San Luis Obispo and it’s surrounding areas celebrate National Bike To Work Day complete with local freebies and giveaways. Stop by varying locations for the fun. For a complete list of the participating locations click here.
A Night of Patagonia Films | May 18
Experience four exciting Patagonia films, including a special mountain biking feature, at the Fremont Theater at 7 p.m.
Bike-In Movie | May 19
Thanks to Bike SLO County, the annual Bike-In Movie is back. Cap off your Sunday at the Establishment to watch a film on the big screen. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets.
Pedal to Pizza | May 25
Stop by Bike Kitchen SLO at 11:30 a.m. to join in on a “low key” ride stopping by three different local pizza joints throughout town.
Pedal to Pallea | May 26
Grab your wheels and join Tour d’ Santa Margarita for music and pallea at the Community Park starting at 6 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your own dish and utensils.
Now, it’s time for you to enjoy San Luis Obispo’s great outdoors during National Bike Month! For an updated list of Bike Month events, check out SLO Shift’s Bike Month event calendar. Don’t forget to #ShareSLO and #LetsGetVisible when posting about your biking adventures in San Luis Obispo this May.