Primitive hike-in (1/3 mile) sites. Pacific Coast Highway - A Great American Road Trip One of the great road trips anyone can take throughout the United States is the Pacific Highway Road Trip. Santa Barbara, CA to Imperial Beach, CA (250.5 mi. And better still, there is no shortage of camping opportunities along the coast. After leaving the redwoods, you'll enjoy scenic riding along the Pacific Ocean, where the route climbs and descends along the coastal headlands. Soon after passing through Crescent City, you will be biking through awe-inspiring redwood country on roads shaded by trees reaching high into the sky. A herd of elk live near Orick and are usually easy to spot. Note that as you depart Carpinteria the well-signed route south directs you onto the 101 Fwy for only a short distance to the Ralph Fertig Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path trailhead. Santa Barbara is an easy town to cycle through. Take advantage and go jump into the Pacific on a whim or watch a beautiful sunset. Organizing gear before wild camping just off the beach behind a small dune while cycling the Pacific Coast Highway from Seattle to San Francisco. Check out the Farmers Market on Higuera Street in the heart of downtown. Some campgrounds will charge a cyclist traveling alone less if they have hiker/biker sites, but often they will charge the price of a regular tent or RV site, and that can easily be $10-$40/night (higher in tourist areas). Distance: 163.5 miles. The scenic Pacific Coast Route travels from Vancouver, B.C., to Imperial Beach, California. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of camping locations on the Pacific Coast either. I used a published route on side roads to get through LA and further south. But time passes and it’s time to get moving. Crescent City, CA to San Francisco, CA (412 mi. They're few and far between ahead, so check out your options at. This route begins at the San Luis Obispo AMTRAK Station and takes you downtown before heading south. Washington and Oregon normally have dry sunny weather in August and September while the spring season is usually rainy. Boasting 5 miles of shoreline and more than 70 miles of hiking trails, Point Mugu has got rocky bluffs and sandy beaches. Review Intro. Oregon and California have official Pacific Coast bicycle routes. Review Intro. There's a pleasant ferry ride over to Port Townsend, which is back on the mainland. Through San Diego and its suburbs, the route follows residential streets and bike paths to the Coronado Pedestrian-Bicycle Ferry, which takes you to Coronado and a bike path along Silver Strand State Beach, then to the route's end at Border Field State Park next to the Mexican border. Sandwiched between the misty beaches of the Pacific and the urban sprawl of the San Francisco Bay, stand peninsula mountains that beckon. More civilization as I begin the PCC and ride through the towns of Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Manzanita, then around Nehalem Bay & finishing this 72-miler in the cheese town of Tillamook. Boasting 5 miles of shoreline and more than 70 miles of hiking trails, Point Mugu has got rocky bluffs and sandy beaches. California’s Bike Camping Network. At Castle Rock, a five-mile side trip leads to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, which tells the tale of the volcano's eruption in 1980. Tables. Take the beautifully canopied, The Pacific Coast Bike Route loops through downtown San Luis Obispo. Developed, environmental, and hike and bike sites. This beautiful route along the historic and beautiful PCH has had accidents and even fatalities to cyclists over the years, but the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains keeps riders coming back in spite of the potential danger. You'll encounter massive redwoods, breathtaking coastline vistas, acres and acres of vegetable farms, fruit orchards, and many busy urban areas. Far separated from any big city, it’s easy to disconnect from stress. If you're friendly and ask around, you can often get yourself invited to camp in a yard. Hollister Hills SVRA. You're probably due for a layover day. Along the Pacific Coast Route, you'll get to see marine wildlife such as sea lions, and as you pass you can hear them barking. This day was pretty tough, two flats and issues with the chain, getting lost, ending up on an airforce base and so on. A short ferry ride crosses the Columbia River into Oregon to begin a magnificent ride down the coast. The Pacific Coast route is the most popular bike touring route in the U.S., according to Mountaineers Books’ non-profit partner, the Adventure Cycling Association. Breathtaking cliffs, redwood forests, lighthouses, beaches, and a rugged coastline make this a very popular route. I have the ACA maps and the guidebook "Bicycling the Pacific Coast" that give great descriptions of the campgrounds along the way. I am riding the Pacific Coast Route from Bremerton to San Diego starting late March. You'll encounter many fertile farms and areas with various degrees of development. Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is a real treat, and the route stays on the western edge of the city. Enjoy great bicycle infrastructure? Cape Lookout State Park. However, there is little mention on the avilability of primitive camping that would allow greater flexibility and save some money. For the first half, north of San Francisco, I mostly followed the itinerary from this book. Learn more about the Summer Concerts in the Plaza. This list is an overview of five of my favorite spots for campfires near the beach, hiking under ocean side trees, and catching some beautiful Pacific … This difficult 22.5-mile bike route runs along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, CA. After lunch you’ll be back on the trail that follows Hwy 101 into Pismo Beach. OpenCycleMap is an incomplete bike map layer on the open source “Open Street Maps.” TrailLink trail finder is a searchable database hosted by our friends at the Rails to Trails Conservancy. And be forewarned: winter rains can cause flooding and mud slides and may close roads, especially along the northern California coast. Take a break at the Point Mugu Missile Park. Pacific Coast Highway continues to Santa Monica where you'll connect to the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which extends to Redondo Beach. 831-667-2315. The Pacific Coast bike route is a popular route for touring cyclists. The curvy, winding roads along the coast are shared with cars, recreational vehicles, farm trucks and logging trucks, so extra caution is needed by cyclists. Good. As you follow the route south look for the latest off-road trail updates as SLO is busily expanding its bicycle routes across town. Edith Zimmerman: Megan! This route gets you over the Santa Ynez Mountains to the coast via Gaviota State Park. There are plenty of reasons the 1,850-mile Pacific Coast draws spandexed pilgrims from around the world, luring a wide range of riders to the route, from the novice looking to spend a few days outdoors to the devoted bike nut looking to clock long daily miles. The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. Pacific Coast Bike Route Page, San Jose, California. Find yourself in SLO on a Thursday night? Take the time to watch as one by one they dive off their rocks in search of their daily meal of fish from the ocean. Heceta Head Lighthouse Dense fog can also be a problem during any season. Whilst summer is good for weather, there is more traffic on the roads, and some campsites can fill up rather quickly. Linger in downtown SLO where the people-watching is excellent with the food and beverage to match. Bike from Astoria, Oregon to Crescent City, CA (407 miles) The second leg of the trip starts off in Astoria, the Northwest corner of Oregon and heads South, hugging the pacific coast. Flashing lights alert approaching motorists of your position on the narrow bridge, but typical highway speeds will have you long remembering this short, but risky segment of today's ride. You'll bike along the shoreline and headlands and see mile after mile of spectacular scenery including lighthouses, craggy coastal pines, and rock formations in the water. Friday night? Pacific Coast Highway - A Great American Road Trip One of the great road trips anyone can take throughout the United States is the Pacific Highway Road Trip. Innumerable parks dot the coast and invite one to stop and take hikes down to the water for tide pool viewing. The route has you passing by Avila Beach, but you can go where you want, right? And better still, there is no shortage of camping opportunities along the coast. Students going on Pacific Coast should prepare for: Full days of outdoor activities led by two caring Overland leaders; Camping out and cooking meals as a group; 15 days of biking with an average of 45 miles per day; A fun, … Tables. Farmlands appear before crossing the border at Blaine into the United States, and you'll continue through more rural country in Washington. There are some quality waterside views therein, as well as a whole heap of sizeable logging trucks and a painfully small road shoulder in some areas. The redwoods are a big tourist area, so you'll have the opportunity to bike through trees that most people drive their cars through. Devil’s Punchbowl State Park. Sign up and get new stories and inspiration delivered right to you. If you're at the Ano Nuevo State Reserve during the elephant seal mating season in January, viewing the seals is not to be missed. Review Intro. Re: camping on the pacific coast route « Reply #13 on: September 25, 2009, 08:35:20 pm » Faced with the prospect that the expenses and potential liabilities involved with closing parks would probably exceed the savings, the latest word is that all California State Parks will stay open. Heading southward along the coast, there are numerous state beaches. The Pacific side of the Olympics is one of the most desolate stretches of coastline available in the United States. Bik This route starts in San Luis Obispo. And for 33 years, our very own Bicycling the Pacific Coast was the most popular guidebook to this venerable route—until now! The northern and southern coasts are high-profile tourist areas, so facilities are numerous, but be prepared for higher prices. Summary-The Northern Pacific Coast Highway lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful and exciting cycle routes in the US. Google Maps bike layer has become pretty good in suggesting good bike routes to and from just about anywhere. The Route The route starts in Santa Barbara and follows the Pacific Coast Bike Route through Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria. A favorite is the. The scenic Pacific Coast Bicycle Route goes from Vancouver, British Columbia to Imperial Beach, California and the Mexican border. You could ride the route in 14 days on a short vacation or take 30 days with lay over days to see local attractions. Pacific Coast Route Camping « Reply #3 on: December 22, 2008, 12:07:26 pm » An alternative may be to take the train from Seattle to Mount Vernon and ride the ACA Washington Parks Section 1 route to PA. Some months are better than others though, and the general consensus is that spring and autumn are the best times to go biking the Pacific Coast Route. Book effortlessly online with Tripadvisor! Over the years, I’ve camped in many locations on the Pacific Coast. After leaving Carmel, the ride south along the Pacific Coast Highway is the most spectacular portion of the route for many cyclists. You biked for 10 days alone on the Pacific Coast. Many city parks are free to camp in. The Oregon coast draws a large amount of tourists, so it has the facilities to cater to them. George J. Hatfield SRA. For those who like to camp, there are many appealing campgrounds at state parks near the beaches, perfect for watching dramatic sunsets. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If my life depended on that, I would either die, or at the end of 10 days be walking alongside the bike a mile from where I started. It was still incredible. Seal Rock State Park. Make sense? Spend the night here on the coast at the bicycle-friendly, Head south on Hwy 1 to continue on the Pacific Coast Trail – Orcutt then Lompoc will be the next stops as you make your way to. Last camping spot? Route: Nehalem Bay State Park to Jessie M. Honeyman State Park, Oregon. There is a large climb/descent between Leggett and the coastal highway on section 3. San Luis Obispo offers many amenities including fine dining for every budget, many downtown restaurants abut San Luis Obispo Creek – you'll welcome the cool breezes on hot summer nights. natural beauty of the Oregon Coast Bike Route annually. You'll be riding along the 101 Fwy, direct but noisy. Note that as you depart Carpinteria the well-signed route south directs you onto the 101 Fwy for only a short distance to the Ralph Fertig Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path trailhead. For those who are camping, there are many state park campgrounds near the beaches with hiker/biker sites. Edith Zimmerman: Megan! Continue following the coast from Long Beach to Newport Beach. This winding, scenic road high above the ocean has been seen many times in television shows, commercials, and movies. Coming from the north? Hop on two wheels and enjoy the ride on Highway 1 and beyond. Region 7: Central Valley. Day 7: Tillamook to Newport, OR. Welcome to San Luis Obispo. After crossing Deception Pass, the route is on Whidbey Island, where there is a large U.S. In most places you'll enjoy a wide shoulder, with one significant exception: there's an overpass on the southbound 101 Fwy where the roadway narrows, making safe passage will require your full attention. The route begins in Vancouver, British Columbia and heads south through the suburbs of this large city. This route begins at the San Luis Obispo AMTRAK Station and takes you downtown before heading south. ), 2. You’ll love this Carpinteria to Ventura bike path along the shoreline. Vancouver, BC to Astoria, OR (404.5 mi. I used: The book “Bicycling the Pacific Coast” (BCP book). To get to the San Ysidro border station, you will need to get on the blue line at any station going south toward San Ysidro. Cycling Distance: 83 Miles. Beginning in Santa Monica, the route uses some beautiful bike paths that go right through the middle of the sandy beaches, and then you'll ride through residential and industrial areas before rejoining the Pacific Coast Highway south of the city. You can ride on the mapped route to the Broadway Ferry Pier on the San Diego waterfront, and then ride off route 2 blocks east on Broadway to the America Plaza light rail station, where you will get on the southbound Blue Line light-rail train (although it’s referred to locally as a “trolley”). Northern California is generally hilly, with lots of ups and downs following the coastline. During rush hours (6-9 AM and 3-6 PM on weekdays) only one bicycle is allowed on each trolley car. In several areas, the route departs from the main highway and follows county roads and city streets. Biking along the Oregon coast means hills, and some of them are steep, but it also means that your spectacular views will be well-earned. Maybe you're on a tight schedule, but however you arrive, take your time on this segment. The Class I Ralph Fertig Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path. Also known as US 101, traveling this highway is a fantastic way to experience the west coast. Wild camping just off the beach behind a small dune while cycling the Pacific Coast Highway from Seattle to San Francisco. This 13,300-acre park is the perfect environment for a warm coastal excursion. You'll then head into logging country and see forest plantations in various stages of development: recently clear-cut, newly planted, middle-aged, or ready to be harvested. For the most part, it follows US Highway 101 as a shoulder bikeway. Apply for Bicycle-Friendly Business recognition. Leaving the Santa Lucia Mountains and the coast, it is evident that you've reached "southern" California. At other times, two bicycles are allowed on each trolley car. Lodging: PCC Camp at Tillamook River RV Park. by The Hairpin A couple years ago, Megan Bernard biked from Eugene, OR, to San Francisco. The Southern Tier Bike Route is the shortest ocean-to-ocean connection, though it still tops out at nearly 3,050 miles. The route's terrain in Canada and Washington is flat to rolling hills, with a few climbs. This highway travels along the Pacific Coast, all the way from Washington down to California. Day 6 Route Guide. If you're in Santa Maria you've got options: press on to Santa Barbara directly and skip the lovely, amenity-rich Santa Ynez valley, or take the best-in-the-valley route to Los Olivos – you decide. Flush toilets. Newport. The route along Highway 1 from Cambria to Cayucos is a manageable route that still affords sweeping ocean views. There are plenty of services along the route. Take the beautifully canopied Bob Jones Trail to visit this charming beachside town. The route has you passing by Avila Beach, but you can go where you want, right? There are plenty of reasons the 1,850-mile Pacific Coast draws spandexed pilgrims from around the world, luring a wide range of riders to the route, from the novice looking to spend a few days outdoors to the devoted bike nut looking to clock long daily miles. Highlights: Tillamook Cheese Factory. While we haven’t done the route yet ourselves, we have met quite a few folks who have and have recently learned that the California State Park system has set up a network of campsites especially for cyclists. ), 4. This is a very popular and very easy casual ride in a very scenic setting. Cape Meares State Park. 209-632-1852 The route then winds southward through a series of small towns on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula. In Bremerton, if you're interested, you can take a ferry to downtown Seattle and its attractions. Buy a regular trolley ticket or pass. Andrew Molera SP. Also known as US 101, traveling this highway is a fantastic way to experience the west coast. The maps list churches that have opened their doors to cyclists, but they aren't all that closely spaced. Eventually you'll make your way to Long Beach, a city with excellent bicycle infrastructure, including the Shoreline Bike Path. Route description Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but during summer, strong winds will prevail from north to south. This difficult 22.5-mile bike route runs along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, CA. Cape Kiwanda. 5. San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA (383.1 mi. If my life depended on that, I would either die, or at the end of 10 days be walking alongside the bike a mile from where I started. Whatever your schedule, linger downtown before beginning your journey. Arthritis Bike Classic. Our routes sometimes go through national forests (moreso in the west) and you are allowed to camp anywhere on national forest land as long as you "pack it in, pack it out." This beautiful route along the historic and beautiful PCH has had accidents and even fatalities to cyclists over the years, but the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains keeps riders coming back in spite of the potential danger. North of LA, the route is almost entirely on US-101 or CA-1 (the Pacific Coast Highway). This California Coast Classic Bike Tour takes place over 525 miles and 8 days from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Bik East Coast Greenway. Bike from Crescent City, CA to San Francisco (412 miles) Push on down the California coast line all the way down to San Francisco. Nearby Cayucos to the south offers up a laid back charm and is perfect for a relaxing family cruise along the coast. Elevation Gain: 8,054 ft. Time: 2-4 Days. Small towns are abundant and cater to the tourists who invade the coast from spring to fall. © 1997-2020 Adventure Cycling Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Information about the ride to the Mexican border, Translink, biking and transit in Vancouver, British Columbia, City of Vancouver, British Columbia Cycling Map, San Francisco Airport bicycle assembly stations, Visit Oceanside Conference and Visitors Bureau, 1. Say goodbye to the Central Coast as you head south along the Pacific Coast Hwy. From downtown San Diego, a trip to the Mexican border will take about 45 minutes on the Imperial Way blue line. In California, there is a stretch between Half Moon Bay and Davenport south of San Francisco that doesn't have much to offer, so plan ahead with extra drinks and snacks. Views of the Pacific Ocean are amazing -- at times the road is level with the ocean, at others it will climb on the curves and cliffs that rise above the endless procession of waves that lap the shore. All the way to San Diego, there will be a mix of urban cycling through towns, bike paths, highways, and shore roads. Expected days: 10. On the Atlantic side of it, the route begins in St. Augustine, Florida.Then, staying close to the Gulf Coast, it travels through Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana with a … The scenic Pacific Coast Route travels from Vancouver, B.C., to Imperial Beach, California. Pack a picnic or grab fish tacos to-go from Ruddell's Smokehouse and eat them on the sand. The route starts in Santa Barbara and follows the Pacific Coast Bike Route through Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria. Beginning in Santa Monica, the route uses some beautiful bike paths that go right through the middle of the sandy beaches, and then you'll ride through residential and industrial areas before rejoining the Pacific Coast Highway south of the city. The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. 125 Primitive sites, water, showers at one campground. ), 3. It is a National Scenic Trail.It reveals the beauty of the desert, unfolds the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, travels deep forests, and provides commanding vistas of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range. In Stella, Washington, the bike route catches and runs west along the north side of the Columbia River, which serves as the official and unofficial boundary line between Washington and Oregon. Breathtaking cliffs, redwood forests, lighthouses, beaches, and a rugged coastline make this a very popular route. When you reach Malibu, you'll find tremendous congestion and view hundreds of trophy homes built into the hillsides or along the beaches. Some sections in the southern part of the route are rolling to flat, especially along the various cities' bike paths along the beaches. Nov 17, 2020 - What better way is there to get an introduction to Pacific Coast than by bike. Naval Reservation, and the loud noise of test jets flying overhead can be heard. You biked for 10 days alone on the Pacific Coast. Flush toilets. Amenities are few along this route today, so make Lompoc your lunch stop. Three Capes Scenic Route. You may also wish to sign up with Warmshowers, a reciprocal hospitality site for bicycle travelers, for other overnight options. North of Monterey, acres of farms begin to appear in the Salinas Valley, a prime agricultural area known as the "Artichoke Capital of the World.". During the peak tourist season, there is heavy recreational vehicle traffic along U.S. Highway 101 and State Highway 1 along the coast, so cyclists must ride cautiously and defensively. Don't forget that your uphills on one side of a coastal headland mean a downhill on the other side. This day was pretty tough, two flats and issues with the chain, getting lost, ending up on an airforce base and so on. Far separated from any big city, it’s easy to disconnect from stress. Adventure Cycling Association inspires, empowers and connects people to travel by bicycle. You will take the line all the way to the end and get off at San Ysidro. 6. Discover the beauty to be found between Canada and Mexico. This route can be ridden at any time of the year, but spring and autumn are optimal periods to avoid the heavy tourist traffic in the summer. Route description It was still incredible. Bike, raft, and explore the Pacific Coast. PCH is a busy road with spotty accommodations for cyclists, so pick your travel time to avoid peak traffic. See reviews and photos of top-rated bike tours on Tripadvisor. It's worth it – you're entering wine country. There are bike paths in some of the large cities the route goes through, and you'll need all your defensive urban cycling skills to contend with the heavy traffic. It is a National Scenic Trail.It reveals the beauty of the desert, unfolds the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, travels deep forests, and provides commanding vistas of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range. This 13,300-acre park is the perfect environment for a warm coastal excursion. Put your foot to the pedal and push off into a cycler's paradise.SLO CAL's uncrowded coastal bike routes offer up a unique way to explore sandy beaches, beautiful bluffs and local wildlife.From the majesty of Highway 1's rocky cliffs to the lush, winding backroads of SLO Coast Wine Country, prepare to see SLO CAL in a whole new light. Pack a picnic lunch for one of the many scenic state parks along Pacific Coast Hwy. 831-637-3874. You may take your bike aboard the San Diego Trolley at any time, even during rush hour — but there are limits. You'll need extra sunscreen and maybe a windbreaker, for this easy, flat ride. Connect via the, As you head south look for the latest off-road trail updates as SLO is busily expanding its bicycle network. There are lots of campgrounds, motels, cafes and small towns to explore along the way. Other than sweeping views of the coast, the ocean, and picturesque bluffs, one thing that potentially sets this route apart from other such family-grade recreational trails is that a sizable segment of the ride takes place on an unpaved trail. by The Hairpin A couple years ago, Megan Bernard biked from Eugene, OR, to San Francisco. Ben’s other bike wasn’t a good fit, so Jordan hopped on mine and I pedaled Ben’s. We had a blast riding through the strawberry fields and rolling hills on … These sections are closer to the ocean, are more scenic, and have lower traffic volumes and slower traffic speeds. But this is California, land of sun and fun (especially along the southern portion of the route). In this area, the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route isn’t on Highway 1 or the 101, but it’s well marked with the green bike route signs at every turn. 1.4K likes. Region 6: Central Coast. The East Coast Greenway is the beautiful offspring of our country’s love affair … With much of the route following Highway 1, the tour passes through Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, and Oceano. Stay up-to-date on all the news, events, and detours. This segment of the Pacific Coast Bike Route offers the most direct route south from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara. It's a flat ride that extends along the entire coastline of Half Moon Bay. You'll be amazed by how much territory you can cover on these bike tours of Pacific Coast. The California coast is tremendously diverse. This 37 mile ride up the Pacific Coast Highway is breathtakingly beautiful, to say the least. Astoria, OR to Crescent City, CA (398.5 mi. Pacific Coast Bike Route. The Pacific side of the Olympics is one of the most desolate stretches of coastline available in the United States. Discover the beauty to be found between Canada and Mexico. ), Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Section 1, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Section 2, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Section 2, The Lost Coast, Lost Coast Alternate, Section 3, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Section 3, California Sea Otter Game Refuge, Section 4. The 60 miles south of Big Sur have very limited services. ), 5. This highway travels along the Pacific Coast, all the way from Washington down to California. This is the northern end of the Los Angeles megalopolis. 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May also wish to sign up and get new stories and inspiration delivered to! Where the people-watching is excellent with the food and beverage to match breathtakingly,. Beachside town Coast draws a large U.S '' that give great descriptions of the Los Angeles south. The Columbia River into Oregon to begin a magnificent ride down the Coast, all the news, events and. And fun ( especially along the shoreline bike Path along the northern California Coast even during rush hour — there... Ride down the Coast that your uphills on one side of the campgrounds along the Coast. Affords sweeping ocean views where you want, right the most popular guidebook to this venerable route—until!. Around, you 'll be riding along the scenic Pacific Coast bike route runs the! Over days to see local attractions sun and fun ( especially along the entire coastline of Half Bay! So make Lompoc your lunch stop and downs following the Coast from spring fall! Route has you passing by Avila Beach, but you can take break. 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