PCH trip planning - need input from So Californians - Page 2

Roadracer_Al · 11-14-2011, 08:40 PM

On that route above, the one that goes through all the state forests, assuming you're going East-West, it starts to get very entertaining right around Big Bear City --- however, that area is at high enough altitude that weather may play a factor.

kbasa · 11-14-2011, 09:44 PM

I'd advise a loop that crosses the central valley and runs down the foothills, crossing back east farther south.

If you're going to be up here in Marin County and want a nice loop, think about 1 out to Stinson Beach, on up to about Tomales, then cut inland and over 37 to head east on 80. If you've got a bit of time, I'd recommend a loop up over 121 to 128, which is a nice ride up through Napa and will show you some nice vineyards and spectacular views. From there, you can probably navigate a course over the valley, but 80 is expedient. From there, consider 49 south. You'll have an amazing ride over some spectacular roads and will go right by Yosemite. If 120 is open, you can cut through and over to Mono Lake and Lee Vining.

This route will keep you from having weather issues and will keep you from getting stuck. Traffic at Thanksgiving around Tahoe is horrendous, so I'd avoid, avoid, avoid.

You also do not want to get stuck in a snowstorm over 80 on a motorcycle. You'll be hard pressed to secure lodging if it all goes bad.

two_wheeled · 11-16-2011, 11:49 PM

bump

two_wheeled · 10-25-2012, 04:52 PM

Would you believe I was just trying to plan the same trip for this coming Thanksgiving.
Forgot I had done all this before.
duh.

spafxer · 10-25-2012, 05:13 PM

They just had a foot of snow in Truckee.... 3 snow days in a row (schools)

If it melts, I may ride up to see my daughter, but it could snow at any time. And ice is always a possibilty. Weather is day to day now.

High Country Herb · 11-09-2012, 04:16 PM

No problem, you can see different stuff.

You're going to have the same risk of snow in the Sierra this year, so you might think about coming down the west side of the Sierra along Hwy 49. The roads are great, and there are lots of little towns to see in the Gold Country. Almost all of them have interesting restaurants and motels.

Did you see the vintage Motorcycle Museum in Solvang (near Lompoc) when you went through last time? Also, a bit north of San Francisco is wine country. The little roads around there are the closest thing to European countryside I have seen in California. In Petaluma, there is a motel 2 doors down from the Lagunitas Brewery. Their SF Fusion beer is my all time favorite. If you are into wine, there are some good ones there as well.

Entheogen · 11-10-2012, 11:43 AM

spa is riding in ice and snow and people think I ride crazy? You got bigger balls than I. I've ridden in it, but not by choice. Keep her on two wheels bro.

1224R · 11-10-2012, 12:35 PM

If you come through PCH through Santa Monica/Malibu, call me ill take you guys on a great loop through the Malibu alps.. Stop by the rock store and back out to pch... Or PM me... Always looking for a excuse to ride the canyons!

heirhead · 11-10-2012, 08:21 PM

Hello,

Reading this I am agreeing with all, about the snow. To late. Talked to Dave at Hells Kitchen, SoCal, today and he went over Tioga and had snowball fights. Big storm supposed to hit in two days. Almost read this whole thing till I fingered out it was a yr old, nice one!! Stay away from south of Malibu on PCH unless you want a light every 100 yards or so. The elephant seals are cool for sure. Was once there and I was the only one that was speaking English, a worldwide must see. Of course I was talking to myself. The Malibu alps are great fun as is PCH north.
Would ride with 1224R but I am usually on a tw200, xt225, dr650 or a Burgman 650 scooter, which is my race bike.

Good luck,

Heirhead

two_wheeled · 11-12-2012, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1224R

If you come through PCH through Santa Monica/Malibu, call me ill take you guys on a great loop through the Malibu alps.. Stop by the rock store and back out to pch... Or PM me... Always looking for a excuse to ride the canyons!

1224R, are you suggestions some mountain roads will still be open in the next week or so?

High Country Herb · 11-12-2012, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two_wheeled

1224R, are you suggestions some mountain roads will still be open in the next week or so?

Probably referring to the coastal hills, which should be open. There are some great side roads in the SoCal hills.

Piuma Road in Malibu Canyon

11-14-2011, 08:40 PM	#16
Roadracer_Al louder, louder, louder! Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Oakland, CA Oddometer: 1,079	On that route above, the one that goes through all the state forests, assuming you're going East-West, it starts to get very entertaining right around Big Bear City --- however, that area is at high enough altitude that weather may play a factor. __________________ ------------------------------ Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow ------------------------------ New Rider Training in the San Francisco Bay Area at Motorcycle University". Learn to Ride...Better!

11-14-2011, 09:44 PM	#17
kbasa Tinaversal Joined: May 2002 Location: Marin County, California Oddometer: 59,330	I'd advise a loop that crosses the central valley and runs down the foothills, crossing back east farther south. If you're going to be up here in Marin County and want a nice loop, think about 1 out to Stinson Beach, on up to about Tomales, then cut inland and over 37 to head east on 80. If you've got a bit of time, I'd recommend a loop up over 121 to 128, which is a nice ride up through Napa and will show you some nice vineyards and spectacular views. From there, you can probably navigate a course over the valley, but 80 is expedient. From there, consider 49 south. You'll have an amazing ride over some spectacular roads and will go right by Yosemite. If 120 is open, you can cut through and over to Mono Lake and Lee Vining. This route will keep you from having weather issues and will keep you from getting stuck. Traffic at Thanksgiving around Tahoe is horrendous, so I'd avoid, avoid, avoid. You also do not want to get stuck in a snowstorm over 80 on a motorcycle. You'll be hard pressed to secure lodging if it all goes bad. __________________ IMHO. Fuck Cancer. Ride bikes. - dave + tina

11-16-2011, 11:49 PM	#18
two_wheeled ^OP two_wheeled Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Phoenix Oddometer: 30	bump bump __________________ -Steve in Phx XR650L ST1300

10-25-2012, 04:52 PM	#19
two_wheeled ^OP two_wheeled Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Phoenix Oddometer: 30	still planning. Would you believe I was just trying to plan the same trip for this coming Thanksgiving. Forgot I had done all this before. duh. __________________ -Steve in Phx XR650L ST1300

10-25-2012, 05:13 PM	#20
spafxer Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2007 Oddometer: 2,326	They just had a foot of snow in Truckee.... 3 snow days in a row (schools) If it melts, I may ride up to see my daughter, but it could snow at any time. And ice is always a possibilty. Weather is day to day now. __________________ People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent. -- Bob Dylan

11-09-2012, 04:16 PM	#21
High Country Herb Olds Cool Adventurer Joined: Apr 2011 Location: Sierra Nevadas Oddometer: 2,688	No problem, you can see different stuff. You're going to have the same risk of snow in the Sierra this year, so you might think about coming down the west side of the Sierra along Hwy 49. The roads are great, and there are lots of little towns to see in the Gold Country. Almost all of them have interesting restaurants and motels. Did you see the vintage Motorcycle Museum in Solvang (near Lompoc) when you went through last time? Also, a bit north of San Francisco is wine country. The little roads around there are the closest thing to European countryside I have seen in California. In Petaluma, there is a motel 2 doors down from the Lagunitas Brewery. Their SF Fusion beer is my all time favorite. If you are into wine, there are some good ones there as well.

11-10-2012, 11:43 AM	#22
Entheogen L.E.A.P. Joined: Apr 2012 Oddometer: 384	spa is riding in ice and snow and people think I ride crazy? You got bigger balls than I. I've ridden in it, but not by choice. Keep her on two wheels bro. __________________ Your love of the halflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind.

11-10-2012, 12:35 PM	#23
1224R Beastly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2008 Oddometer: 1,186	If you come through PCH through Santa Monica/Malibu, call me ill take you guys on a great loop through the Malibu alps.. Stop by the rock store and back out to pch... Or PM me... Always looking for a excuse to ride the canyons! __________________ I thought YOU had the map......

11-10-2012, 08:21 PM	#24
heirhead Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2009 Location: SoCal. Harbor Town, DP. Oddometer: 266	ride Hello, Reading this I am agreeing with all, about the snow. To late. Talked to Dave at Hells Kitchen, SoCal, today and he went over Tioga and had snowball fights. Big storm supposed to hit in two days. Almost read this whole thing till I fingered out it was a yr old, nice one!! Stay away from south of Malibu on PCH unless you want a light every 100 yards or so. The elephant seals are cool for sure. Was once there and I was the only one that was speaking English, a worldwide must see. Of course I was talking to myself. The Malibu alps are great fun as is PCH north. Would ride with 1224R but I am usually on a tw200, xt225, dr650 or a Burgman 650 scooter, which is my race bike. Good luck, Heirhead

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