California Central Coast

[brick1]

Season's Greetings.

I have a confession to make. Moving a motorcycle to the West coast was one of the smartest things I've ever done. I've done many dumb things in my life; I've done things I have lived to regret. This is not one of those.

The story starts after last year's IBR, where I decided to leave the bike in L.A. rather than ride it home. My first "fly and ride" happenned last October, about three months later, where I spent four glorious days on the road. Incredible roads, scenery, temperatures...it was arguably the best four days I spent motorcycling.

You can understand when I say I couldn't wait to get back. The opportunity came during the Christmas break. I flew to L.A. on Dec 23rd, did some pre-ride maintenance to the bike, then packed it up and headed up to my home base for the next 9 days: Arroyo Grande.

On Saturday I hit the road for a loop that included Morro Bay, Hwy 58 to McKittrick, then back to Cholame, down Hwy 41 and 229 to Santa Margarita then back home.

Morro Rock was first stop

getting into the final twisty section of Hwy 58

a goat trail on the way to Cholame

the James Dean Memorial in Cholame

Beautiful Hwy 229

the rugged coast at Pismo Beach

then back to the Casa Grande.

That was Day 1. Next up Sunday I did Hwy 33 and 154, and on Monday I did the coastal Hwy 1 to Monterey then back the other way.
More photos will be posted as time permits.
Today, I'll be doing the Pozo loop, and a few other tasty roads that few know about.

 

[dcarver]

You freaking Dog!

Although I'm working so it would be hard to ride with yah - but would like to buy you a lunch / dinner in Creston if interested!

You are in my backyard!

 

[TomInPA]

Fantastic ride. Thanks for posting. :clapping:

 

[wheatonFJR]

That "Day 1" is very familar to me from my trip last May...Morro Bay, Cholame, 58 to McKittrick, 229. YAHOOO! :yahoo: The best part of it was doing it with some of my FJR pals I had never even ridden with before...

Thanks for posting. :clapping:

 

[Fairlaner]

looks like fun.....

R

 

[Khunajawdge]

Sent you a PM.

 

[rmcobb]

Today, I'll be doing the Pozo loop, and a few other tasty roads that few know about.

Except those of us who call this area home Have Fun, the weather has certainly been cooperative for you, although watch out for that Black Ice in the mornings on those inland rides. :blink:

I'll be thinkin about ya from work

 

[doug5551]

Moving to the West coast was one of the smartest things I've ever done.

Fixed it for you.... :lol: :clapping:

 

[brick1]

Day 2 - Chistmas Day

Definitely a gift to myself:

A loop from Arroyo Grande, to Hwy 166 to 33. Down 33 and 150 to Santa Barbara, to 154 then the Foxen Canyon Road, and back to Arroyo Grande.

on Hwy 33

on Hwy 33 looking the other way

Santa Barbara - at Stearns Wharf

California Santa and Mrs Claus

View from Vista on 154

Day 3: Boxing Day in Canada

Headed up Hwy 1 to Monterey and Back. That is a special road, no doubt about it. Took many photos, here are a few:

from Nacimiento Road

from nacimiento Rd, looking south

a bridge, not the Bixby

This is the Bixby Bridge

typical view of the coast

SO many photo opportunities that you get tired of stopping every fifty feet, and just keep riding.

Weather was 65F until the sun started setting, then it cools off quick.

I was tired when I got back to the hotel. That is a long, slow ride but SOOOOO worth it.

Today I did the Pozo loop, including Santa Rosa Rd and Old Creek Rd, and of course 229 and 41 in the opposite direction.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Nice trip! Just the ticket for curing the winter blues.

Thanks for sharing.

--G

 

[brick1]

Except those of us who call this area home Have Fun, the weather has certainly been cooperative for you, although watch out for that Black Ice in the mornings on those inland rides. :blink:

I'll be thinkin about ya from work

Found the Black ice you referred to this morning on the way to Pozo.

10:30 AM, looked like white powder on the road, as if they salted the road. If was frost, in a shady area. Careful braking to avoid the trees. I have it on video, maybe I'll post a link if it looks like it's worth while.

 

[brick1]

You freaking Dog!

Although I'm working so it would be hard to ride with yah - but would like to buy you a lunch / dinner in Creston if interested!

You are in my backyard!

PM me your schedule. I was in Creston at lunch time today!

PD

 

[James Burleigh]

Very nice. Wish I lived in California.... That reminds me: coming through the Bay Area?

 

[brick1]

Very nice. Wish I lived in California.... That reminds me: coming through the Bay Area?

Won't make it that far north this trip. I have plans to get there sometime next year.

Great City, incredible riding that way as well.

You California riders have no idea how fortunate you are. Maybe you do

 

[brick1]

Day 4 - Tuesday

The Pozo Loop:

From Arroyo Grande to Santa Margarita, to Pozo Road, then Park Hill Rd to Hwy 58. On Pozo I hit a slippery section, a frosty area of road under shady cover from the trees. Bit of a pucker moment, caught on video. On Park Hill I stopped to let 6 deer cross the road, animal lover that I am.

From there a short jaunt to 229 to run it in the other direction through Creston and right on Hwy 41. From 41 to 46 down to the ocean, with a couple of side roads along the way.

Over to Cambria for a drink before tackling Santa Rosa Creek Rd which leads into Old Creek Rd. Santa Rosa Creek was work, a rough goat trail that leads up to 1800 feet culminating in some hairpins close to the peak. Had to kick two cows out of the way on the final push through the grazing areas.

Then back to Arroyo Grande, and a little retail therapy at the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets.

Santa Margarita

on the way to Pozo

Park Hill Rd, lots of tree covered tunnels

229 is a magical little five mile stretch

Hwy 41 was the sleeper. not listed as a favorite anywhere, I loved this stretch between Creston and Hwy 46

somehow I ended up on this road, Winery Rd. Lots of, you guessed it, wineries.

a lonely biker shot, on Hwy 46.

Cambria

Wondering what the hell I'm doing on Santa Rosa Creek Rd.

All that work for this photo. Can you follow the road?

That was a fun day, easier riding than the coastal highway, and fewer miles.

Where to Next? Undecided.

 

[exskibum]

Glad you're enjoying the roads and weather!

You California riders have no idea how fortunate you are. Maybe you do

Hehehe -- Thank you, on behalf of all us Californicators.

As much as I've heard (mostly from midwesterners) that this is the land of the lazy, the loons, crazy laws, idiot politicians (wait, that's redundant pretty much everywhere), and on and on, it's what you stated that hits the bulls eye. I'm a second generation native who wishes he had a dime for every time I've been told I should move away from this state. But I'd guess there has been a reason we have had so many immigrants from other states since the Gold Rush.

The natural beauty and magnificent motorcycling roads you're reporting so magnificently from the central coast exist all over the state. Fabulous motorcycle roads everywhere. Of course, the same can be said about nearly all outdoor opportunities here, from skiing to surfing to bicycling (mountain and road) to hunting, backpacking, all kinds of water sports, golf and on and on and on. There's a great reason this is home -- I have skied Alpine Meadows, swum in Lake Tahoe, played golf and watched the fourth of July fireworks all in the same day. This is one of the most beautiful places in the country, with some of the finest people anywhere. Every place needs some fixin, but we got a big head start on the beauty and variety of what nature provided, not to mention a LOT of motorcycle roads that must have come from unknowingly inspired engineers.

Come on back soon for more!

 

[brick1]

Glad you're enjoying the roads and weather!

You California riders have no idea how fortunate you are. Maybe you do

Hehehe -- Thank you, on behalf of all us Californicators.

As much as I've heard (mostly from midwesterners) that this is the land of the lazy, the loons, crazy laws, idiot politicians (wait, that's redundant pretty much everywhere), and on and on, it's exactly that sentiment that hits the bulls eye. I'm a second generation native who wishes he had a dime for every time I've been told I should move away from this state. But I'd guess there has been a reason we have had so many immigrants from other states since the Gold Rush.

The natural beauty and magnificent motorcycling roads you're reporting so magnificently from the central coast exists all over the state. Fabulous motorcycle roads everywhere. Of course, the same can be said about nearly all outdoor opportunities, from skiing to surfing to bicycling (mountain and road) to hunting, backpacking, all kinds of water sports, golf and on and on and on. There's a great reason this is home -- I have skied Alpine Meadow, swum in Lake Tahoe, played golf and watched the fourth of July fireworks all in one day. This is one of the most beautiful places in the country, with some of the finest people anywhere. Every place needs some fixin, but we got a big head start on the beauty and variety of what nature provided, not to mention a LOT of motorcycle roads that must have come from unknowingly inspired engineers.

Come on back soon for more!

Not sure if you work for California Tourism, but I think you're hired! :yahoo:

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

Beautiful ride report. Looks like great roads, and pretty minimal traffic.

 

[dcarver]

PM sent!