IL to San Francisco and back, Two up, Mid-summer

[SacramentoMike]

The FJR community is very large and very active in this area. In fact, I'm surprised there haven't been more posts from hereabouts already, but I know for sure, especially if you have a way to post from the road, that there'll be lots of us who'll meet and accompany you thru Cali--and there are so many excellent rides all through the state, from the minute you cross the state line and all the way to, as well as up and down, the coast (let's see--winding mountain back roads and canyons, redwood forests, Yosemite N.P., the Pacific Coast Highway--holy crap, I wish I was going to see it for the first time myself).

Just let us know when you're coming. Don't be afraid to use that assistance list, either. I'm pretty sure anybody who signed up for it would want to help, and not just help you out of a jam. I think we're all kind of proud of all our "local secrets," but wouldn't mind sharing them. And all the good advice you're getting? Well, it's good, but in a nutshell: if get cold, or wet, or your ass gets sore, take a break. And don't be married to your schedule. You may think of something even better along the way. Have fun.

 

[Vasil]

I've pretty much narrowed the points of interest I'd like to see in almost every state along the way. Now it's a matter of playing connect-the-dots and plotting a route in my Garmin Mapsource. (If I can only spare time off work and actually do it!)

I'm somewhat concerned with the extreme temperature variaton between the mountains and the dessert, but I'll pack for cold and shed layers accordingly.

It's interesteing how many folks swear by the LDcomfort shorts. I'll definately look into that......

 

[twistedcricket]

It's interesteing how many folks swear by the LDcomfort shorts. I'll definately look into that......

I bought UnderArmor shorts that did a good job of wicking away the moisture. They can be found in almost every major sporting goods store...they worked great for my ride home from NAFO last year. I think a little cheaper than the LD Comfort shorts. They worked for me. YMMV

 

[1FJR]

As some one who lives on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, all I have to say is that you better hope for a better spring than last year. We had 2 feet of snow on Labor Day weekend alone just to give you an idea about the weather here. Temps during the day can get into the 60's but not much more. The mornings will still be cold, 30-40's.

I have ridden from Granby to San Fran in July. I left in a cold rain, had high temps on Hwy 50 across Nevada and cold along the cost in California. During that trip I wore mesh jacket and pants. I took a Aerostich heated vest and my rain suit. I used the rain suit for extra warmth on the cold mornings.

My wife can only handle about 250 miles a day before she gets sore and really board. She has done longer, but it becomes a major pain in her backside by the end of the ride.

 

[Vasil]

As some one who lives on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, all I have to say is that you better hope for a better spring than last year. We had 2 feet of snow on Labor Day weekend alone just to give you an idea about the weather here. Temps during the day can get into the 60's but not much more. The mornings will still be cold, 30-40's.I have ridden from Granby to San Fran in July. I left in a cold rain, had high temps on Hwy 50 across Nevada and cold along the cost in California. During that trip I wore mesh jacket and pants. I took a Aerostich heated vest and my rain suit. I used the rain suit for extra warmth on the cold mornings.

My wife can only handle about 250 miles a day before she gets sore and really board. She has done longer, but it becomes a major pain in her backside by the end of the ride.

Wow, I hope it doesn't snow. I've had enough snow here in the Midwest to last me a lifetime. I'll keep an eye on the weather and do my best to dress up for the occasion.

 

[airboss]

Luck with your travels Vasil, I'll be leaving a week later than you, going to try my luck with the Southern route. Southern Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, Northern Arizona and New Mexico. Cross over to Death Valley,then push up the Western side of California, cut across to the coast around Sacramento and up the coast to the Red Woods.

We'll have to arrange a dinner meet and compare notes when I get back, if Big Foot don't get me.

 

[Auburn]

Airboss, if you are into really good twisties, catch the Stewart Point to Lake Sonoma road. The first part from Stewart Point is on the rough side, but the last half on the Lake Sonoma side is unbelievable.

 

[Tyler]

Airboss, if you are into really good twisties, catch the Stewart Point to Lake Sonoma road. The first part from Stewart Point is on the rough side, but the last half on the Lake Sonoma side is unbelievable.

That would be Skaggs Spring - Stewarts Point Rd. I mentioned it to Vasil as an option but not sure if the goaty section would be fun 2-up or not for them.

 

[Vasil]

This road?

 

[Tyler]

This road?

Yeah, that's Skaggs Spring (the east section)... smooth as silk (and watch out for law enforcement cause the speed limit on that section is ridiculously slow!)... the west side, Stewarts Point, has beautiful scenery but is much more goaty (i.e. one lane, patched pavement, lotsa debris, etc.).

 

[SCWatts]

Hey Vasil,

I'm traveling from Bloomington, IL to San Francisco with my 16-year-old son this coming weekend . . . by air.

I lived near San Francisco for ten years. Four must-see places I'm taking him:

1. Fort Funston - beach in San Fran - where you can see hangliders flying right in front of your face on a cliff overlooking the beach

2. The forts north of the Golden Gate Bridge - go north across the bridge, take the first right toward Sausalito, but take a left where it "Ys", go back under the highway heading back south on 101, then take the exit just north of the bridge. That'll put you on a road where you can immediately tour two old Army forts - but if you keep going, you can spend a morning or afternoon touring some very scenic country along the coast, exploring one old fort after another. Often few or no people around. Very cool.

3. Hwy 1 south to Monterey/Carmel. Very, very nice - but can be cool. One time in June. I had to stop to warm my gloved hands.

4. Lombard Street in San Francisco - "the crookedest street in the world" - I did that on a motorcycle - what a trip!

Steve

 

[smokeFJR06]

Hey Vasil,
I'm traveling from Bloomington, IL to San Francisco with my 16-year-old son this coming weekend . . . by air.

I lived near San Francisco for ten years. Four must-see places I'm taking him:

1. Fort Funston - beach in San Fran - where you can see hangliders flying right in front of your face on a cliff overlooking the beach

2. The forts north of the Golden Gate Bridge - go north across the bridge, take the first right toward Sausalito, but take a left where it "Ys", go back under the highway heading back south on 101, then take the exit just north of the bridge. That'll put you on a road where you can immediately tour two old Army forts - but if you keep going, you can spend a morning or afternoon touring some very scenic country along the coast, exploring one old fort after another. Often few or no people around. Very cool.

3. Hwy 1 south to Monterey/Carmel. Very, very nice - but can be cool. One time in June. I had to stop to warm my gloved hands.

4. Lombard Street in San Francisco - "the crookedest street in the world" - I did that on a motorcycle - what a trip!

Steve

+1 on Steve's suggestions. Went to San Fran a number of times for work about 10 years ago and saw all these places he mentioned. Very cool, especially the Forts and Lombard street. I want to take my wife out there sometime, maybe a future bike trick. I remember going to a Giants game in July and had to buy a sweatshirt because it was so cold.