This is a fantastic ride on mostly fire road, beyond a locked gate to an isolated beach. There is about 2,500 feet of climbing on this beautiful 11-mile ride. There is a distinct possibility that you will be the only person on this gorgeous beach.
To the Trailhead:
From the intersection of Miller/Betteravia in Santa Maria, proceed west on Betteravia.
At about 2.5 miles you will come to a y in the road. Mahoney Road veers left, Betteravia Road proceeds straight. Proceed straight on Betteravia Road.
At about 3.5 miles you will come to the intersection of Betteravia/Black. Proceed straight on Betteravia Road.
At about 5.0 miles you will come to the little berg of Betteravia. There is an abandoned sugar plant there and no services. Proceed straight on Betteravia Road.
At about 7.1 miles turn left on Brown Road.
At about 8.4 miles you will come to the intersection of Brown/State Route 1. Proceed straight on Brown Rd.
At about 12.4 miles you will arrive at a concrete wall and 100 yards up the road is locked gate. Park in front of the concrete block wall.
Ride:
Ride to the locked gate and throw your bike over the fence. Proceed on the dirt road. There are some pretty steep sections. There are short sections where the road has washed away and there is single track.
At just over 2.5 miles you will come upon a cattle guard. This is essentially the end of the steep climb. You will roll along the ridge for about a mile. There is an old concrete structure on your left. This was used by the Air Force years ago to observe missle launches. From this location you can see for miles up and down the coast.
Continue ahead and cross another cattle guard. This indicates the start of the steep descent. You are now on Air Force property. There is a road that proceeds to the left to the Air Force base. Continue straight until you can no longer proceed because of the track conditions. I am sure that Hans Rey can ride all the way to the beach but for the rest of us, we will need to walk at some point.
To get back, return along the same route.
