When is the best month to ride Central/Northern California?

[wheatonFJR]

I like the greens of spring and the cooler temperatures.

It seems from OVale's ride reports that in April, things are green then as opposed to brown later. I assume summer is in full fury with brown vegetation and high temps by June.

However, I want to ride up to the area in Norcal where WFO was held this past year...would the passes in the mountains be clear in April? I have absolutely no idea.

I may HAVE to come out during June, but I think me and my pillion would like it with cooler temps.

This will probably be a fly and ride, but I don't know if this is going to be a fly and ride or a ride out from Wheaton yet...or obviously WHEN this will occur. But I thought I would start planning...and you guys who ride these roads would have better information than an almanac...as far as the information I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance to all who can help me out. :clapping:

 

[beemerdons]

Wheatie Lad, The very best time to ride Central and Northern California is when FJRBluesman is out of the State and Fairlaner is out of the Country!!

But seriously, my hometown is Morro Bay, California and May is the very best time to ride California. Green scenery, pleasant days and clear passes!

 

[exskibum]

It varies with the uncertainties of weather and snowfall each year. The best spring riding range is generally from April 1 through June 15, depending on location, elevation, vagaries of weather, etc. Best bet would probably be late May.

The Sierra passes (Monitor (89), Ebbets (4), Sonora (108) and Tioga (120)) seldom open before mid-May at the earliest, and are almost always open by the second week of June at the latest. That doesn't mean you can't get through on the all weather passes like 80, 50 and 88 earlier than that. 299 and 36 through the Coast Range are seldom impassable, and usually no problems in May (though you do get the occasional snow day at the summits (we did this year), but some of the ancillary routes get closed during winter there.

I've seen cold and snowy weather close Sierra passes (after they've been opened) on June 18, I've seen phenomenal sunny and warm weather in early April, I've seen uncomfortably warm in May and June, and everything in between. But May will give you full streams and waterfalls, lush green vistas and generally comfortable riding temps (with clothing planned for variations), while affording you the best chance of not getting snowed on or cooked.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Thanks!! :yahoo:

 

[SacramentoMike]

We'll plan a party! Mountain weather is always tough to predict. You'd do as well buying a copy of next year's Old Farmers Almanac and going by that, but it should be pretty green in April. It sure was this year. But this year, we were still having occasional storms in May and June--very unusual. It would be MOST unusual if you had to worry about snow on the roads that late, though. And I'm only talking about the passes over the Sierras to get here.

As for heat, you could find that in April, too, at least in the Central Valley you have to cross to get to the coast (could, but not necessarily, that is). Weather around Eureka is pretty stable all year long. 60's and foggy, most of the time. But you don't have to go very far inland to get to the heat, when it's hot. It was hot inland in June for WFO, and many of the local rides ran into it. The rides I chose were all up and down the coast and stayed nice and cool. This one, for example:

If you flew into S.F., it's usually cool there too, and a run up the coast would be a great ride on 101 over the Golden Gate, with lots of great ocean views, redwoods, and usually cool weather. Depending on conditions at the time, it would be tempting to cross the Central Valley and try the Sierra Nevadas, see Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and miles and miles of the COOLEST roads! :yahoo:

Look forward to seeing you out this way!

 

[wheatonFJR]

I look forward to visiting! This will be wifey's first trip over a weekend in length. I have to look into FJR rentals or whether I can borrow one of dcarver's HDs for a week.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Is fall a better time than spring re: moisture? Or is winter the rainy/snowy season?

Would October be better than May?

I would prefer a trip in late spring but maybe fall is better??

 

[exskibum]

Is fall a better time than spring re: moisture? Or is winter the rainy/snowy season?

Would October be better than May?

I would prefer a trip in late spring but maybe fall is better??

Not as green then, and September can be really hot, but you never know. September and October can be really nice riding weather here, but it's a crap shoot from year to year. E.g., on Sept. 8 this year, heading to WCR, it was raining in northern California. Sept. 9 in 1985 (I got married on the 7th), we got almost a foot of snow at Lake Tahoe (only 6200 feet), and I've seen winter's first wave arrive in late September or October more than once, at least in the Sierras.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Thanks you guys for the good feedback.

Obviously there can be alot of fluctuations...so it will be a crapshoot whenever I come out next year...but this is great stuff for helping me plan...(bring all hot/cold/rainy/snowy weather gear).

If anyone is interested, I'll post up when Louanne and I finally lock in some dates and an itinerary.

 

[HYCLE]

We'll plan a party! Mountain weather is always tough to predict. You'd do as well buying a copy of next year's Old Farmers Almanac and going by that, but it should be example:

If you flew into S.F., it's usually cool there too, and a run up the coast would be a great ride on 101 over the Golden Gate, with lots of great ocean views, redwoods, and usually cool weather. Depending on conditions at the time, it would be tempting to cross the Central Valley and try the Sierra Nevadas, see Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and miles and miles of the COOLEST roads! :yahoo:

Look forward to seeing you out this way!

The picture above looks like Matole road on the lost coast. Terri and I spent Thanksgiving riding that area with no fog and fantastic views.

We went to Yosemite last October and Glacier point was closed due to snow and 40F in the valley at noon.

You just wake up and check the weather report. You can ride from the coast to 7000 feet in a couple hours.

I would avoid San Francisco Bay area except the coastal range. Just my 2 cents.

Mike

 

[beemerdons]

Is fall a better time than spring re: moisture? Or is winter the rainy/snowy season?

Would October be better than May?

I would prefer a trip in late spring but maybe fall is better??

Brother Mark, I do believe the Old Michael O'Keeffe Family Mansion is part of the Sunset Magazine Homes and Gardens Tour in September; the location is in Citrus Heights, California. You certainly don't want to miss that big event: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lady Gaga and Charlie Sheen will be there. jes' sayin' Thank God It's Friday!

 

[Tyler]

If anyone is interested, I'll post up when Louanne and I finally lock in some dates and an itinerary.

Me! ME!! MEEEEE!!!

No matter what the weather, there will be some great riding no matter what time of year you come. If it's hot, snuggle the coast. If it's cool, head for the mountains. And everything in between... so many choices!! You really can't go wrong any time of year, imo. B)

 

[madmike2]

DO NOT INVITE EXSKIBUM...it'll rain, fer shure! :lol:

Seriously, Mark, come in the Spring. If you're not going to ride the Sierra passes, any time in April would be great but possibly chilly by our standards, not yours (check Accuweather.com for typical weather compared to Wheaton).

If you are interested in the roads between San Francisco and Eureka (and the various temperate zones from the coast to the valley), there are no terrible Spring dates. If you intend to include the higher passes in the Sierras (150+ miles inland from the coast) May would be a better month. Most popular passes are opened by Memorial Day for access to the State and Federal Parks.

Er...San Francisco to Eureka is a scant 243 air miles but an all-day motorcycle ride up Hwy 1. Very pretty!

 

[Bugnatr]

How flexible are you in the spring? It can be really bitchin' in April and early May one week or not the next. It is toward the end of the rain season but we do get late storms that can last for 3-5 days. If you can be on a week or two notice you could plan with the weather. Other wise early May would be the safest bet for green grass, wildflowers and decent weather.

Generally early October is the best weather in the fall when you can see our Golden State (golden brown grass)but if it's a dry year Forest Fires can create smoke which sucks.

Just remember if your riding on the coast in fog it's damn cold. Ty's got it right as one can usually ride to better weather out here.

Plenty of us spread out all over the State (it's a damn big state) to direct you to the best riding roads we have to offer.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Unfortunately, once I plan it...I won't have much flexibility of time frame...work schedule and all.

We are also coming out on a fly/drive trip with my family for a week...and so the thought was...as long as we are out there...why not fly the kids home and stay another week and ride California.

So we have a week to ride....yippee.

 

[James Burleigh]

I would avoid San Francisco Bay area....
Mike

:glare:

 

[wheatonFJR]

I would avoid San Francisco Bay area....
Mike

:glare:

Lighten up James.

 

[HYCLE]

I would avoid San Francisco Bay area....
Mike

:glare:

Lighten up James.

Maybe I should correct that previous post.

Avoid JB.

You will return home and get tickets for lane sharing.

On the other hand you will learn your way around the City on a bike and enjoy the view from the Wall. Maybe lunch at Alice's, bread at Pescadero,Bear Creek Road,and Redwood road.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Well, I might not have a choice of my ideal time to head out there as it is probably related to when wife and kids are out of school...unless I do a solo beforehand in April or May.

Either way, I'll give you all a heads up as to when we get out there so I can visit with whoever wants to.

Thanks again for the information...greatly appreciated. :clapping: