Roads from SoCal to NorCal and beyond

[TrueG]

Has anyone here done a 1000+ mile road trip on their SV?

I am moving to OC from Seattle at the end of the month. At first I was going to rent a van and haul my bike down, but was also considering the ride. How many hours is reasonable per day? Should I even be considering this? :confused:

[dnakase]

A ride down the coast would be awsome.

[ersigh]

When I was a kid, my parents and I used to ride our motorcycles (well, THEIR motorcycles) from norcal to Canada ... it was a wonderful experience. We'd usually just camp somewhere.

I have ridden my bike to norcal and back to socal .. it was unpleasant, only because I was in a hurry and couldn't afford the luxury of breaking it into a several day trip ...

When are you moving? If it is when I've gone up to norcal, I can probably offer you a place to crash for the night ...

[TrueG]

I am moving the end of this month. I'd like to do it in two or three days - does that sound reasonable? I've never gone on a long road trip - the longest has been maybe 3-4 hours.

Thanks for the offer of a place to sleep - thats nice of you. I think I'm covered though - I have friends in Oregon and Cal.

[brother]

How ironic. I'm actually planning on taking a 5 or 6 day trip in the middle of September to go from LA to Seattle and back.

anyhoo, check this site out:

http://www.pashnit.com/

You might find information there that might help you plan your trip. Also, the guy who runs the site has got some interesting stories on extreme endurance touring.

[ersigh]

Originally posted by TrueG
I am moving the end of this month. I'd like to do it in two or three days - does that sound reasonable? I've never gone on a long road trip - the longest has been maybe 3-4 hours.

Thanks for the offer of a place to sleep - thats nice of you. I think I'm covered though - I have friends in Oregon and Cal.

If you've only done 3-4 hour rides ... this is gonna be a big one. Riding from Orange County to Sonoma County is like 9 hours on a bike ... 6.5 in a car ...

I go ride full days with no problem, but riding up there, it always ends up being broken into two days (well last time is because i got sick from the heat when we got pulled over for speeding) ...

I'm doing it again at the end of this month, but it'll be in one day. I think it's going to be slow going because I'm going to be riding with my mom (she's on her own bike) ... so I'm hoping it's not going to be too hot ... or that she'll be willing to leave really early or semi late.

[TrueG]

Thanks for the advice all. I think I'm going to do it, but in four days instead of three. Hopefully that will allow me to break it up enough so that I still have an ass left when I get to SoCal. :ass:

So is the stretch from Sonoma to Orange County super hot this time of year? I would imagine it would be. Should I be concerned about the SV temp? Also, what would be the best stretch on PCH to take?

[bwarbiany]

Alright... PCH coming towards Sonoma from the north is great... Ideally, take Skaggs Springs Stewarts Pt Rd west from 101 (I'm not sure what exit it is), it's a BEAUTIFUL road headed to the coast... The first half is wide, well paved, with great constant-radius turns. The second half is narrow, 1-lane, bumpy, also a lot of fun if you like that (which I do :D )... Check www.pashnit.com for more info on Skaggs Springs (i.e. "The Holy Grail of CA Motorcycle Roads"). Then, go south on PCH, check a map after it starts to get straight for a good route back to 101... Something through Boonville will probably be worth your while... 253 from Boonville to Cloverdale rocks...

After you get south of SF, take 280 down to Hwy 84 West. You'll go over the mountain (past Alice's restaurant). Shortly after the town of La Honda (don't blink, you'll miss it) will be a turn-off to your left. This goes up to Pescadero Rd and Alpine Rd. Go up a mile or so, and Pescadero Rd will take you towards the coast. If you turn left on Cloverdale Rd (just before the town of Pescadero), and then right on Gazos Creek Rd, you'll have a nicer ride to the coast than staying on Pescadero Rd. Watch out though, once Cloverdale Rd goes to 1 lane, it gets tight.

At PCH, turn south. You'll pass the town of Davenport, and about 1-2 miles later, see a sign for "Bonny Doon" and an arrow left. Take this road, it's GREAT... You'll come up to Empire Grade Rd (turns left or goes right). I heard recently that the road I would have sent you to towards the left (Jamison Creek Rd) is currently gravel being repaved, so go right. This will be a heck of a ride down to Santa Cruz. Head down Hwy 1 (PCH) south of Santa Cruz, it's a freeway in these parts, and continue past Monterey and Carmel. Make sure you gas up in Carmel. Hwy 1 will turn into the most picturesque road you've *EVER* seen south of here through the Big Sur area. After this straightens out (bear in mind, this is 60-70 miles later), find your way back to 101 (it's nice to stay on Hwy 1 for a while here actually, it's fairly nice).

As you near San Luis Obispo, if you want to continue down 101, go ahead. Otherwise, for more fun :D take Hwy 58 East, all the way to Buttonwillow, and then head down the 5... Otherwise, you can check Pashnit...

Sonoma -> OC should be two days. You can reasonably do the ride from the GG Bridge to San Luis Obispo in one day, but it'll be long enough you'll want to get off the bike by then. If you can make Hwy 58, I've heard it's phenomenal...

On Pashnit:
Both sections of PCH. Hwy 58. Skaggs. Hwy 253.

I've ridden the stretches from SF to Santa Cruz extensively, that's my personal favorite route recommendation for you... I've ridden Hwy 253, and it's beautiful. I've driven in a cage on Skaggs and both sections of PCH, and they are phenomenal as well. Hwy 58 is something I might do next month, if anyone wants to come I'll post about it...

Brad

[bwarbiany]

Oh, regarding your question, those routes are very nice temp-wise... You might get a little hot inland on the Sonoma side north of the GG Bridge (not the coast side)... Everything from GG Bridge to San Luis should be perfect. If you head over Hwy 58 to I-5, that'll probably be hot.

Brad

[TrueG]

Thanks man - that sounds great! I'm gettin psyched now! :D

[GetnJgyWitit]

I want to do a road trip on the sv at the end of july from san diego up to san francisco. I was thinking up making a straight shot up there via the 5N, meet up eith some friends and hit all the back roads all the way back down. I was thinking of making the straight shot up to s.f. in one day, two tops. I am pretty sure I could do it one day. Then take about 5-6 days back down. I could use any and all advice from anyone who has made this trip or one similar. What will I need and if you know of what would be the most fun route back down? Should I stay on the coast or make a run through the mountains? Any ideas?

[linp]

I did a little search for you and found this post by Brad on the same topic (the other direction?):
http://www.socalsvriders.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=3851#post3851

Dan (Nukleon) could give more input too. Hope it helps.

[Burst]

Talk to Leigh (ersigh) She has done that ride many times.....

[GetnJgyWitit]

wow quick responses!

[Golden_Eternity]

My ex-gf went to Berzerkeley, so I drove the 5 from LA to the bay a number of times... Its boring as all hell.

I figure it'd take 7-8hrs in a car from san diego. On a bike, you'll be making a lot more stops.

[dnakase]

Speaking of boring rides. I rode I-10 to Tucson a couple times and its taken me the same time on a bike as in a car. The increased speed on the bike, (90-100mph), gets eaten up on gas stops.

To break up the monotony, I once rode south on the 15 then over to some S.D. county backroads to Julian, then down into Anza Borrego to the 8. Took about 3 hours longer but was more entertaining.

If its warm take a camel pack. Hydrate or die.

[jwalstad]

The 5N up to SF sucks. Just long and straight. I was actualy thinking of doing a similar ride, but to Sacramento, where my parents live. I was going to cruise the 1 and 101 all the way up. Much more enjoyable road.

[GetnJgyWitit]

Yeah I know the 5 is bad, I have family in Sacramento and in San Fran. so I have made the trip in a car plenty of times. I was going to ride up solo and meet friends up there for the trip back.

[NukleoN]

The 5 is faster, but yes, boring most of the time except through Goleta where there are some nice twisties...and the Grapevine is fun as well (though cold at night). Make sure to dress warmer than you otherwise think you may need to. If you want to save some time, consider taking the 5 to the Pacheko Pass (152 West) during the day. This is a GREAT road...great condition, full of sweepers, and GORGEOUS countryside. We're talking rolling green hills, sheep, cows, though it goes down to one lane each way t hrough some farmland before it hits the 101. YOu could also stop and get some fresh snacks at the cool fruit stands along the way..talk about fresh pistachios! The smell of garlic in the air as you pass Gilroy going north is fun as well...amazing how your senses stay alive on a motorcycle.

The 152 then gives you a very clear option to hit the 101 north (San Jose) which would then lead you right to San Francisco. It's pretty fun from there too, though navigating into San Fran itself is rather tricky. (I've been to San Fran a few times on my bike now).

Another thing you could do is just take the 5 to the 101 and ride that all the way up and enjoy the coastal scenery along the way. It will extend your trip a bit but it's worth it if you've never done it...be sure to do most of your riding in the daytime (though night riding is fun if you're warm enough).


Good luck! Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Check Mapquest for visuals.

[bling_thing]

dnakase:

What's a camel pack?

[NukleoN]

Taking a bike is a lot of work (San Jose to LA and back). If you can take your time, it's great, otherwise, better to take the car with radio, heater and Cruise Control....taking the 5 with a bike is not fun either....especially with the cops stalking speeders. The 101 might be a better choice..at least you can enjoy the view.

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by NukleoN
The 5 is faster, but yes, boring most of the time except through Goleta where there are some nice twisties...

I don't think you're thinking of Goleta... Goleta is in Santa Barbara, off the 101. Its about two hours away from the 5.

[sarge]

Originally posted by Broughbeater
dnakase:

What's a camel pack?

a camel pack is a neoprene bag you wear like a backpack that has a bag with water, sports drink, vodka, whatever you want with a plastic tube that comes around to your mouth

[bling_thing]

So, a camel pack is a modified portable HOOKAH without the smoke!

Those arabs, they think of everything...

[bling_thing]

Originally posted by NukleoN
If you want to save some time, consider taking the 5 to the Pacheko Pass (152 West) during the day. This is a GREAT road...great condition, full of sweepers, and GORGEOUS countryside.

I agree! You go left at Los Banos and swing by the huge San Loius Resevoir, looking just like a massive lake--then great windy roads through beautiful mountain range and flattening out into farm country.

You like smelling cow manure you'll LOVE it. Then just when you nose can't satnd it any longer you get to smell miles of garlic in Gilroy!

Go right on the 101.

One of the prettiest drives in California!

Bring your hookah pak...

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by Broughbeater
What's a camel pack?

http://www.camelbak.com/rec/recreation.cfm

[bling_thing]

Great site. Which one seems handiest for a motorcycle?

[Monte]

Originally posted by GetnJgyWitit
I want to do a road trip on the sv at the end of july from san diego up to san francisco. I was thinking up making a straight shot up there via the 5N, meet up eith some friends and hit all the back roads all the way back down. I was thinking of making the straight shot up to s.f. in one day, two tops. I am pretty sure I could do it one day. Then take about 5-6 days back down. I could use any and all advice from anyone who has made this trip or one similar. What will I need and if you know of what would be the most fun route back down? Should I stay on the coast or make a run through the mountains? Any ideas?
Sounds like a long-ass, boring ride. Maybe you should think about getting one of those big honkin' sport-touring windscreens for that ride.
http://www.zerogravity-racing.com/sportbikes/photogallery%20v2/Suzuki%202/156%20SV%20650/156%20Photo%20POP%20ST1.htm

[GMAN]

Originally posted by Broughbeater
Great site. Which one seems handiest for a motorcycle?

The classic one (http://www.camelbak.com/rec/cb_prod.cfm?product_id=189&CATID=6) that holds 50oz is pretty good.

[bling_thing]

Looks like it has to be used with a tank bag, and won't fit over the back pak I'm using now. Unless the straps extend out pretty far. I'd like a tank bag eventually.

Do you actually use this, so I can ask you more about it?

In particular, does the mouth piece fit under a full face helmet or have to sneak under the visor?

[Punkbrad]

Okay, i want to do a road trip - i want to first ride up to SLO - and then back home, whose with me?

I figure, we can get to SLO about noonish depending on leaving times. get one room & share it with whoever, sample their many fine micro breweries, eat a lot, and then crash, leave early get home in time for Davey & Goliath.. taking highway 1/101 most of the way, with plenty of stops for photoshoots, gas & the occasional farmers daughter.. this will eb the "warm up" for the SF ride.

so who wants to go...?? like in 3 weeks.. leave sat. early get home sun.

[bling_thing]

Now you're talking! Gorgeous drive!!!!!!

About the share a room part......you should sleep by yourself, big boy, particularily after sampling breweries. Get a clue.

Are you SURE you have a girlfriend?

[jwalstad]

I was actualy thinking about doing a ride to SLO to visit a friend that just moved there.

I wouldn't need to worry about getting a hotel with you folks cuz she has her own place.:D

[ward]

SLO, heck that's all y'all had to say. I'd almost rather leave late friday for a fun night in downtown though, maybe I could meet y'all there.

that's a fun town!

[Punkbrad]

Originally posted by Broughbeater
About the share a room part......you should sleep by yourself, big boy, particularily after sampling breweries. Get a clue.

Are you SURE you have a girlfriend?

Well its kinda a known fact that......

Okay, lets do diss... Set it up ward. Find a place to stay and hook up with a fun time, you lived there didnt cha? WELL GET BUSY BEEYATCH!

[bling_thing]

This might help you...

[ward]

Weekend of the 26th this month. SLO it is, I'm going to go up friday the 25th after work, so I can party Friday night. If y'all want to meet up Saturday in SLO I can give y'all the local tour and cruise by the fun spots, then we can all cruise back on sunday!

bow bout dat?

I can't wait to get to frog and peach pub!!!!

[Punkbrad]

on the bike or in a car ward?

[ward]

on the bike! That way I'm never stuck as the DD, and sometimes the bike helps pull tail up in SLO town

[blk650]

I'm riding to San Jose this weekend. Anyone have any roads between Las Vegas and San Jose I should hit? Or are there any roads I should avoid? Thanks.

[xs8080]

Check out pashnit.com, he has info on a lot of interesting roads.

[TIE_Pilot]

So, I'm thinking (once the weather turns warm and dry) that I might turn my next business trip to SF into a little sport-touring outing. I'd take a couple of extra days off... maybe give myself two days to go up there (coast) and come back the fast way... anyone done this? Anything I should consider... besides the obvious? I'm looking at Hawk GT clipons and lower rearsets to make the bike more comfortable...

[Dom]

try the 101 I've done that trip a couple of times and the 5 is boring and much hotter

[abkwanabe]

Ride Big Sur! Gel Seats a must.

[TIE_Pilot]

Yeah, the gel seat is in my shopping basket...

[pinhead875]

So many people talking about a few different trips here.
First off, I will be living in SF starting in July, I'd love to make the trip back to SD or LA with you this summer.
As for the SLO trip this month, I live here! I'd be willing to meet up with you guys in SB and ride back up. I work at Embassy Suites (http://www.embassysuitesslo.com) and if you can affor a good $139-$59/night, I can hook you up... (lol, hook for $139? thats not a hookup... but all i can do.)
I'm looking foward to any trips you guys might be bringing my way. I just recommend making separate threads ;)
Jeff

[juanmiguel]

Hi i'm planing a trip to oregon with in the next month, i have done this trip in car several times, so i know that following the 5 it's the fastest route, but its a boring road for riding in a bike.
Has anybody done this trip before?
I would like to find a route that would be fun to ride and if possible, i would like to meet new places also, for example i would like to take a look to the "golden gate".
So if anybody has done this before, do you have a nice route thaat you would recomend?

tks guys.

Oh, by the way, if someone wants to join me, i would be glad to not being alone on the road, but i doubt some one is as crazy as i am. Well i throw the invitation any way.
I would like to do the trip on the first weekend of the next month (june).

[jhlkstr]

If you come up the coast from San Francisco you will get some great roads (101 through the Redwoods) and be able to join up with I-5 in Oregon at Grants Pass.

If you did come this way I live in Eureka which would be a good stopping point from San Fran, about 5 to 6 hours depending on how you ride. My wife and I have a couple of restaurants here and could ride with you a while and show you around our neck of the woods.

[bling_thing]

I rode up the I-5 last month to Grants Pass. Some of this might be relevent:

http://www.socalsvriders.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8102

[juanmiguel]

jhlkstr: i don't know what my route is going to be, but it would be greate to have the chance to ride with you guys. tks for the offer. I still have to check what roads i'm going to follow.

bling_thing: those are some awsome pictures you have there, i'm planing to get up to Medford, the first big town in oregon, that's about a 800 miles trip. i use to go up to portland but that adds some others hundred miles to the trip, so i will stick to medford.

I saw in your post that you had trouble with your tires, so i have a question:

i bought my bike about 2 months ago, and it has only 1500 miles on it, do you think the tires are good for the trip?

What should i carry with me?

what route should i follow?

tks for taking the time on replying.

[bling_thing]

If you have Metzler M4's on your bike you have nothing to worry about on straightaway's. If they are softer compound tires, you still are OK. My M1's had around 4,000 miles on them when I left, and they got pretty worn in the middle. I figure they are good for 6k miles if you don't beat them.

After speeds of 85 for an hour on hot roads through the Redding/Sacramento area, the back tire started to scare me with lots of melted small beaded rubber balls covering the surface. The center would have soft smooth spots that would give too easily when I pressed my finger against it. I had the feeling that there wasn't enough tread to contain the air, and that the tire could very easily blow out.

I was doing spurts of 110 to pass people until then, and the softness of the tire scared me from doing it anymore. When I couldn't get fresh tires, because evryone was closed on a Sunday, I never went over 70 from Stockton back to LA. I was worried about a blowout the whole way.

I thought about a blowout kit before a started the trip, but was told by Crago Racing that they are a very weak patch, and to not ride on them very long. I have towing insurance, so I just did without.

I've driven 101 over the Golden Gate Bridge and up the coast to Crescent City. It's a beautiful drive but 4-6 hours slower than the five. You bog down going through the woods off Nor Cal, and following the River going east in Oregon towards Grants Pass.

If you have lots of time, I'd take the slow route and enjoy the scenery!

[linp]

Originally posted by juanmiguel
What should i carry with me?

what route should i follow?

tks for taking the time on replying.

Might want to read this thread on Long Distance riding too:
http://www.socalsvriders.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3767

[cyclox]

I'm planning a trip from LA to SF for mid-June and am looking for tips regarding route. Main goal is to stay off the interstate.

I definitely want to ride PCH for the bulk of one leg of the trip. I've done the drive in a car, but want to experience it on my SV. Is it better going north or south? I guess the southbound direction gets you closer to the ocean and might have fewer blind curves, but I'm just speculating here.

The other leg I'll probably do some combination of roads mentioned in pashnit.com. hwy 25, G14, 58, 33...

Any suggestions/advice is welcome!