Planning a ride up hwy 1

[azitlies]

Not a southern Cal guy, so I'll just assume they're all correct. And I always assume Tyler's correct, so I pretty much agree with everything so far. Except azitlies, when he made the following statement:

Yes, it will be cold and foggy. The fog limits the morning riding, assuming you want to see anything around you."

I'd agree with the rest of his post, but he followed the above with four photos that completely contradicted what he said. The fog doesn't block the view. The fog is the view. The fog adds texture and character and mystery to the scene, as you can plainly see in his pictures. I love riding in the fog (except for that impenetrable low-lying central valley morning fog we call "tule" fog. I'm sure you've heard about the 45-car accidents we get in the winter once in a while).

But coastal fog, when you peek through it for the kinds of sights az's post shows, makes for beautiful riding. Just have your layers, and a good scarf around your neck. By the way, you're coming at the time of year when the coastal weather is about at its best for the year, surprisingly. You might miss out and not see any fog at all. That would be a shame.

Now Look!

any of you taking Mikes advice here I'd point out this first: instead of having a stebel nautilus air horn... Mike has a fog horn on his bike!!

Net Guy, there's no way you can go wrong here, no way. But it would take time and experience to find what you enjoy the most. That's typical though right? It is for me, and I'd bet for everyone else too

Experience it Bro, that's what you'll remember and cherish all yer life

 

[HIGHLANDER]

OK...update. We'll be getting together with Hal, so staying at Huntington Beach our first night. I think for the rest of my itinerary, Im looking at this:

2nd night in Morro Bay.

3rd night in Half Moon Bay just outside of San Fran on the coast.

4th night in Bakersfield.

I picked Morro Bay based on the size of the area, and the reviews of a small family owned hotel there The Sundown Inn, and at $55/night, it cant be beat!

The only flaw I can see in this itinerary is day 4 will have us going from Half Moon Bay, over the Golden Gate, and through the San Rafeal/Richmond/Berkely/Oakland area. Blech. I could avoid it all by going from Half Moon Bay across 280/80 and across to north Oakland, but I really, really want to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. We probably wont have much time to see anything else of significance.

What say you all of this idea?

Coast was clear and warm and little traffic today, usually it's foggier in summer than in fall. Had too much fun to stop and take pictures. :yahoo:

If I were you I'd skip the GG Bridge, as from Monterey to SF on Highway 1 is not that great as it veers inland most of the way. Your riding two 1/2 hours north to GG from Monterey then back again, a 5 hour round trip to spend 15 minutes riding across the GG. I'd vote for heading east after Monterey ( the twisty scenic part of Highway 1 is finished ) to Yosemite, over Tioga Pass to 395 and head back toward home, Fall in Yosenite is great, little tourist traffic and the fall colors are out. You'd be in Mariposa in three hours ( a gateway to Yosemite ) for the night, in less time than the 5 hours from Monterey to GG and back south an equal distance again.

 

[jwhite518]

If I were you I'd skip the GG Bridge, as from Monterey to SF on Highway 1 is not that great as it veers inland most of the way. Your riding two 1/2 hours north to GG from Monterey then back again, a 5 hour round trip to spend 15 minutes riding across the GG. I'd vote for heading east after Monterey ( the twisty scenic part of Highway 1 is finished ) to Yosemite, over Tioga Pass to 395 and head back toward home, Fall in Yosenite is great, little tourist traffic and the fall colors are out. You'd be in Mariposa in three hours ( a gateway to Yosemite ) for the night, in less time than the 5 hours from Monterey to GG and back south an equal distance again.

Damn good advice.

 

[redtail]

We often stop in Morro Bay to eat Fish & Chips at the wharf.

My favorite place to stay is the Sea Breeze Inn in San Simeon. It's just a little farther north and it's just before the outstanding part of Hwy 1!

Make sure you're gassed up and ready to take lots of pictures!

 

[Bugnatr]

Couple things if I may... if you have not seen the Golden Gate Bridge and this may be the only chance in the near future I say go for it! However spend some time at the bridge. Park on the north side and walk at least half way across the Bridge during mid day, the bridge and surrounding area is so full of history and the views when a clear day(best chances are in the fall) of the city are great. Include a ride up the Golden Gate Recreation Area to the west after your walk. However Jerry and Dave are correct, be prepared for a bit of a hassle with traffic in the Bay area. OK, truth is it sucks!

My other point is by the third week in October all bets are off with the weather in the mountain passes of the Sierra's. More than likely you will have dry weather but be prepared to change your route IF we have a storm system roll through while you are out here. Your favorite weather www.com site is your beat friend. Most likely you can expect temps at or below freezing in the morning at the higher elevations. Our rain reason starts late October but it may also be dry, mild and very pleasant.

 

[SacramentoMike]

". . . spend some time at the bridge. Park on the north side and walk at least half way across the Bridge . . ."

And for God's sake, walk BACK again. Lots of folks get halfway across and then JUMP. Don't do that! :dribble:

 

[networkguy]

". . . spend some time at the bridge. Park on the north side and walk at least half way across the Bridge . . ."

And for God's sake, walk BACK again. Lots of folks get halfway across and then JUMP. Don't do that! :dribble:

LOL yes that is sound advice.

Im warming to the idea of skipping GG altogether this trip for most of the reasons mentioned. Another friend of mine also mantioned Yosemite...that sounds like a good plan. SF itself is a 3 day trip and Im not sure the hassle of traffic etc would be worth the price of admission. My Dr hasnt given me a limited amount of time to live, so I can always make a seperate trip for SF.

Anyhow, I appreciate the tips and wifey and I are excited I'll make sure and post a TR when we get back.

 

[Bugnatr]

Smart, I would not want to ride in SF. After Yosemite be sure to ride hwy 120 to Benton and down to Bishop. Death Valley should be real nice by then and is well worth the ride through the Park.

 

[Malve]

Nepenthe is a "must stop" restaurant in the heart of Big Sur with breathtaking views and great food.

 

[Fairlaner]

You ******* San Francisco traffic is a BLAST just ask Hans.........and those hills.....ye ha. just watch out for the tram lines if it is raining.

R

 

[tcfjr]

You ******* San Francisco traffic is a BLAST just ask Hans.........and those hills.....ye ha. just watch out for the tram lines if it is raining.

R

My youngest son moved up the Bay Area back in June, and the last time I rode up to visit him he took me riding in the City, and I have to agree with Richard -- riding there is a blast. He took me on a tour up and down the hills, through the neighborhoods -- Castro, North Beach, Russian Hill, the Marina. You have to get into the right mindset -- basically everyone, whether you're in a car, on a bicycle, a scooter, or a motorcycle, is fully responsible for their own safety -- but if you do it is loads of fun. (Take your bags off if you can -- there's lots of cool views with special motorcycle parking spots that are too narrow for side-bags.)

 

[Kromm]

OK...update. We'll be getting together with Hal, so staying at Huntington Beach our first night. I think for the rest of my itinerary, Im looking at this:

2nd night in Morro Bay.

3rd night in Half Moon Bay just outside of San Fran on the coast.

4th night in Bakersfield.

I picked Morro Bay based on the size of the area, and the reviews of a small family owned hotel there The Sundown Inn, and at $55/night, it cant be beat!

The only flaw I can see in this itinerary is day 4 will have us going from Half Moon Bay, over the Golden Gate, and through the San Rafeal/Richmond/Berkely/Oakland area. Blech. I could avoid it all by going from Half Moon Bay across 280/80 and across to north Oakland, but I really, really want to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. We probably wont have much time to see anything else of significance.

What say you all of this idea?

In Half Moon Bay I highly suggest going to Cameron's Pub for a meal (Clicky). Great atmosphere and good food. But I agree with CAJW, I've rode Hwy 1 (&101 way up north) from LA to the Canadian Border. The best part is from Bodega Bay north.

 

[networkguy]

OK another update. I polluted the Cali thread with a trip that isnt gonna happen. After careful consideration, most of it financial, we arent gonna do this trip yet. Instead we're doing a 3 day trip to Sedona AZ. I'll post pics in the trip report forum.

Maybe next spring. Thanks for the advice guys