I will be visiting San Francisco next week and would like to take a bike (motor) trip up or down the coast and possibly camp along the way. Anyone have suggestions or know a great route to take? Considering this time of year, which direction would be best, north or south?

Both directions are beautiful, but if you go South it will be a bit warmer with a slightly reduced chance of rain. This all depends on how far South you mean, though.

Rte. 1 is pretty much the best way to go, in either direction.

Mount Tamalpais, just north of the Golden Gate bridge, is where the Mountain Bike was 'invented' in 1981. It's a steep climb to the top, but the views are worth the work! You can see in all directions and, if it's not foggy, it can be quite beautiful. There is a nice state park to camp in also. While there, visit Muir Woods. Continue your bike tour up the coast to the Russian River and beyond. If you're looking for a lot of scenery and a real challenging road tour, take Hwy 1 all the way to Mendocino! Good luck!

Ooops! I didn't notice the (motor) in your opening sentence... it's getting late. But... everything I said still applies to a motorcycle trip. I made that same tour in 1965 when I was 16 on a Yamaha 250. There are some sleepy little towns along the way and some small wineries, if you're into that kind of thing.

I will assume from the belltel that you are from the US and are familiar with freeways/hi-ways. If you are from elsewhere and mean by motorbike one of those little european type mopeds -- forget it. I hope that you have at least 500cc or better if you want to do the "Then Came Bronson" thing. Does that ring any bells? I would suggest going south through Scott's Valley and see the Beach at Santa Cruz, then you will get into the more "rugged" areas after that. Keep an eye out for Clint Eastwood when you get to Carmel, visit the ice cream store (ha, ha). You don't say how much time you are to spend doing this? A short trip east over to Mt. Diablo is a nice ride, and you will see all if the weather is clear. Then you could head south down I-680, per above.

We saw folks on motorcycles and agreed that this looked like a fantastic way to do Rt. 1.