The beach trail is nice. You can ride all the way up to Ojai on this trail, but that is for endurance riders. When riding to Ojai, I start half way up the trail so it is more manageable. The road is pretty close so the noise and smell of the cars/motorcycles is noticable. Its separate from the road, though, so you don't have to worry about getting hit.

There is construction on the trail until April so it is closed (heading North) from @ Nye Road to East Old Creek Road. You can cut out to the 33 and then get back to the trail by going down a rock/dirt road across from East Old Creek Trail. But beware, both our riders (and a few others) got flat tires either from the glass and rocks on the 33 or on the dirt road. Make sure to have a pump and patch kit, or catch the trail a bit North of this point and avoid the closed area. Other than that the trail itself is well maintained and a fun ride!

If you start at Sanjon rd. in Ventura, park next to the Pierpont Inn, you can hook up with the trail via the beach bike path. You will have to take a short street path under the 33 fwy and past the Vons market. The path then follows the 33 up into Ojai. It is just under 20 miles to Boccali's restaurant located at the far end of town, E. Ojai rd (150) and Reeves rd.

Bring cash because they don't take credit - found out the hard way. If you go during the tomato season, their tomato and basil pizza is outstanding.

After the pizza you can take a quick nap in the lawn area next to restaurant and then head on back to Ventura.

"VENTURA RIVER TRAIL
The description in the R to T California Guidebook was helpful in locating the parking lot for the trail on the South side of Main Street just west of Hwy 33 overpass, (my GPS- N34.28131 W119.30630 at 56‘ MSL.) Bike lanes are wide on Main. The trail surface is in fine condition, and there are numerous cyclists and walkers for a Friday mid afternoon ride with a nice tailwind to peddle upgrade to Foster Park at N34.35217 W119.30684 227’ MSL and return. The pictures I have posted will give some details."

"OJAI VALLEY TRAIL
Parked my Van in the shade under Hwy 33 overpass on Casitas Vista along with other vehicles.
Started at Foster Park N34.35217 W119.30684 227’msl.
The trail surface is in excellent condition for half of the trail with a recent slurry coat, the upper half and in Ojai, there are root or other upheavals that make it very rough for a Tadpole Cycle above 10 mph. Maintenance appears to be programmed as signs indicate parts of the trail will be closed starting 16 Nov 06. The trail is within 10 yards to the entrance for eggs”n”things Restaurant as you arrive in Ojai, excellent Spanish Omelet. In Ojai, the trail goes past Fox St to Bryant St with on street parking, N34.44548 W119.23763 742’ msl. My pictures tell more of this great trail.
"

If you start from Foster Park it is a good uphill climb to Ojai but the return trip is all downhill. Great fun.

"Starting at the beach in Ventura the trail is now nearly 20 paved,scenic miles with 900 ft gain which makes for a wonderful ride back down after lunch."