california trip

[trimmantom]

Hi northern california riders,Ijust thought I'd put in a line here to youse guys.

My wife has a convention to go to in san fran 3/3 to 3/7 and i've decided to tag along.I've read about all the usual places to see in the city and if anyone out their has any tips I'd appreciate them.I've never been to the west coast and am really looking foward to the trip.If I had more time and the weather was cooperative I'd rent a bike and drive down the coast.Anyone got an FJR for rent,LOL I was riding mine in the north Ga. mountains yesterday.Anyway I'm looking foward to seeing the left coast,just hope the big one doesn't hit while I'm in town.

 

[madmike2]

Assuming you'll be in a rental car, Hwy 1 along the coast from San Francisco to Santa Cruz is lovely, right along the ocan and not twisty, as it is North of S.F. and South of Monterey.

You could still drive some of the twisty roads, just not enjoy them as you would on a bike. The roads in the bay area are mountainous, unlike GA. I was stationed in Brunswick, GA and remember lots of "flat". Everything out here goes over the coastal range if headed East/West.

Much may depend on where in the San Francisco area you'll be, but everyplace is relatively accesible by freeway. Just don't drive during the commute time.

Take a look at the "Anyone in San Jose" thread where I detailed some nice roads. Penguin1300 is going to be in Cupertino, which is on the Southwest tip of the lower bay.

Maybe one of the Bay Area riders will post here (I'm in Sacramento, about 90 miles East).

 

[Toecutter]

You could also ask around at the Bay Area Rider's Forum, as they probably posess a boatload of local knowlege. You could probably find a get-together and hang out for a while.

 

[madmike2]

Or you could PM Highlander. He lives in the Santa Cruz area and has a good knowledge of fun roads. If you're planning to do the "tourist" thing, the info you have will work, or if you have AAA, they have some good info. Go for the "classics": Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Museums, etc. If you have a day to run down to Monterey, their aquarium is really an experience.

Uhm, personally, I'd stay our of the Oakland area (East side of the bay: Oakland, ALameda, San Leandro, Fremont). Pretty much everything on the San Francisco side is pretty good.