LIFESTYLE Work Hard, Play Harder: Cycling Highway 1 With a Connected Watch
5 min
Highway 1 is regarded as one of the best road trips in the US (if not the world). Here, the journey really is the destination – the 20 mile stretch of Highway 1 from San Simeon to Ragged Point is a cyclist’s dream. It’s no mystery why this particular route has become one of the most iconic cycling destinations of all time – for both seasoned professionals and amateur bikers alike. Sportsmen and women from across the globe flock to Highway 1 for bucket-list ticks and a heart-pumping challenge.
A dramatic coastline, stunning natural beauty and a gentle sea-breeze make this the ride of a lifetime; from intensive road-biking to leisurely cruising down to the beach, the choice is yours. Feast your eyes (and all your senses) along the way, and schedule training breaks to take in breathtaking views, delicious restaurants or a muscle-easing soak in the Pacific.
We took the TAG Heuer Connected watch out for a spin, beginning in the idyllic San Simeon – with the perfect playlist cued up on our headphones and camera (phones) at the ready. We’ve included a few of our favourite stops along the way, and a few of our favourite TAG Heuer Connected features that make this breezy ride… well… a breeze. Push your sprints to the limit, plan a perfect route, or simply find the ideal pace for a heart-rate-raising afternoon ride.
The Ride: stats
Miles: 37 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,872 ft / -1,871 ft
Location: San Simeon to Ragged Point
Route summary: This is a relatively gentle (with a few challenging hills along the way) 37-mile ‘trail’ along Highway 1, passing several notable landmarks ideal for photo-ops.
Directions (you might want to program your destination now): Starting at Vista Del Mar Avenue, turn left to head North on Cabrillo Highway. Continue North until you get to Ragged Point Inn. Return along the same route after lunch.
On your marks, get set…
Feature [Weather]: planning your excursion in advance? It’s easy to check the weather along Highway 1 and avoid grey skies – though it’s more likely to confirm some glorious sunny days.
Destination : San Simeon
Your starting point is also a fabulous destination. Take a little time before beginning your ride to explore your surroundings. From the Stunning William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach, home to a sea otter reserve, Hearst Castle, not to mention a pier with perfect viewing points to catch a glimpse of migrating humpback whales. Beginning the night before the ride? Visit the Hearst Ranch Winery’s tasting room, located in the heart of Old San Simeon. Drop in for a local wine tasting and dinner on the patio!
Feature [Agenda]: taking some time off work to just breathe, train or relax? While you bask in the sun at one of San Simeon’s glorious cafe spots, take the time to set your emails to auto-reply, or set up notifications for only the nice ones, from friends and family. Very important and busy, or want to make sure you’re not missing out on something? You can also receive email notifications on your TAG Heuer connected.
Destination: The Elephant Seal Rookery
Located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1, this bit of shoreline is home to a seal ‘rookery’ or hang-out spot where the seals breed during mating season. The world’s second largest type of seal, Elephant seals are named for the males’ (who can grow to 16 feet long and weigh up to 2,268 kilos) proboscis-like snouts. Their epic battles amongst the breaking waves are a sight to be seen! It’s also the only rookery of its kind that’s easily accessible, free and open to the public.
Feature [GPS]: lost your way while staring at Elephant Seals? It’s unlikely, as Highway 1 is… er… a highway… but just in case you decide to explore off-piste and lose your bearings, the TAG Heuer Connected offers a GPS location function – and compass – to guide you back to the planned route .
Destination: Piedras Blancas Light Station
Constructed in 1874 on a rugged spit and named for the white rocks just offshore, this stunning lighthouse is an iconic Californian landmark. It’s also a fabulous spot from which to view the Elephant seal rookery, and tours are offered year-round (check website for details.)
Feature [Heart Rate Sensor]
Training and fitness your ulterior motive? Enjoy the view while keeping your focus. Use the Heart rate sensor to find your ideal training zone, check your recovery time after climbing hills, or use the Accelerometer function to improve your explosive speed ability. Or just check the impressive effect of the open ocean on your heart rate…
Destination : Whale trail
Along this particular bit of the Pacific Coastline, whales tend to congregate and feed; take the opportunity to stare wistfully out to sea, get your breath back after a hill-climb, and try a bit of whale-spotting.
Feature [Music Controls]
Plan your playlist in advance, and use your TAG Heuer Connected controls to fast forward, skip, repeat, or turn up the volume on the soundtrack to your journey. Need a little boost for the next hill-run? Our easy-to-use touch screen means you can skip to your favourite pump-it-up tracks without pausing your ride. Or find some whale songs as a backing track to your marine-life-spotting…
Destination : Ragged Point
The half-way point on this route, Ragged Point is known as the Gateway to Big Sur. Located about 15 miles north of San Simeon, this lovely community is nestled between the stunning Santa Lucia Mountains and the serene Pacific Ocean, with breathtaking coastal views around every turn. Revitalise at Ragged Point Inn and Restaurant, or hike down a steep cliffside to a black sand beach and soak yourself serene in the sea.
Feature [Google Pay]: Stopping for lunch at Ragged Point Inn, but Lycra cycle gear too tight for your wallet? Fear not. You can set up Google Pay on your TAG Heuer Connected in advance, and just swipe your watch at any contactless pay-point.
Last but certainly not least, our App offers several fantastic functions to help you on your way. You can not only customize your TAG Heuer Connected with a few clicks, or download new, exclusive TAG Heuer watch faces whenever you choose. Save all your cycling sessions and fitness information collected by your TAG Heuer Connected on the app. For additional functions, you can synchronize details with our TAG Heuer Connected Apps as well as Strava – including performance analysis.
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