I did a lot of this ride about two years ago and have driven it in parts several times. On the bike (going north) I got off the PCH at Santa Barbara and took some gorgeous winding back road up to Atascadero and then to Morro Bay. Might have been Rt. 154. Can't recall. From Morro Bay up through Carmel it's VERY slow going. There are lots of turnouts on Hwy. 1, but folks don't always use them, especially to let bikers pass. You can stop at Santa Cruz BMW on the way up to the Bay Area and there are lots of other nice towns along the route too - Los Gatos, etc. There's also a lot of great riding around LA, if you're not on a schedule. Most scenic part is probably from Oxnard to Santa Barbara and then near San Simeon and Cambria. Gas is insanely expensive up there, a good $1.00+ per gallon more than you're used to.

i wonder if i can get "july" off again next year.

I-10 E to Sierra Vista, AZ - Google Maps

bark bark where am i, oh yea, look me up and we'll show you a good time, hehehhe
jeff

Would any part of that loop start getting cold in September? Cold meaning an r2p and an electric vest inadequate to ride a gs. I realize this is subjective....

I used the electric jacket on the coast in May at 42F. I always take it along.

Also I would head north from Sierra Vista, I-10 west, I-5 to Santa Clarita or so then west to Santa Barbara. Missing southern CA of L.A. and below would save some time/mileage you could spend later in the good stuff.

Forget So Cal, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and pick up Highway 1 Shoreline Drive just past Marin, follow it through Point Reyes then take Highway 1 to Bodega Bay from there it is on up Highway 1 for the most beautiful coast and drive you will have in California. Highway 1 ends at Legget where is goes into 101 and that continues on in to the Oregon coast. I lived in So Cal most of my life and the coast there is nothing compared to Nor Cal coast.

IMO your mileage plan is wildly optimistic. I suppose it could be done, but it would be a huge red-ass. We used to do Santa Barbara - Monterey - San Fran - then points north. There is so much to see and do along the coast that you don't want to cheat yourself. I would skip everything below Santa Barbara.

I can't agree more. If it is a vacation to see the area, figure about 35mph average speed. If riding back twisty stuff, figure less, especially if you plan on picture taking, eating and taking in the sights.

Ya, the consensus is 500 mile days on the coast are a bad plan. I need to rethink it with 300 mile checks.

I'd say even 300 miles is about the maximum, every day, day in, day out. If you want to see anything. Even out west in the wide open spaces it becomes ride in the morning, motel at night, eat, then wake up again and go. No relaxation. But everyone is different.

Sounds like my MO, much to the wife's chagrin.

If she is riding her own bike she tells me anything over 250/day and I will have to live with the consequences, and every smart man knows "if mama ain't happy, nobodies happy"

Let me know if you meet up with Jeff, I'll ride down and around and back up to Santa Cruz.... Hwy 1 between him and me is the absolute best part of the coast!

I ride all year central/norcal with no heated gear.
it was warmer here in Sept. than in July!

My only suggestion is to forget the 405 to the 101. Take the 10 west to Santa Monica and get on the Pacific Coast Highway there. Much better ride and a lot less traffic.

And for those who say to forget anything below San Francisco...are you crazy? Yes there maybe traffic but also some of the most beautiful scenery on the west coast.

Adding to the noise, I second what was written about highways 36 and 3. Rode them a few weeks ago. All superlatives apply. You can wear out a set of sticky tires between the two.

Lars,
slo misses you my friend, the town is calling your name:D, L....A....R....S.......:D
when you think about it having a town calling your name is spookie or your on the wrong meds.:eek:
hope everything is resolved,
give a call,
jeff

I'll be sure to ring you, Jeff. Gotta see the doc again in a couple of weeks, trying to figure out this arthritis thing or whatever it is. If I can keep a lid on it I'd like to leave some rubber on Monterey/SLO/SB county roads before the year is up.