Monterey Ca. A little wine and sun.

[Briang1234]

April 24th boys. The Trophy gets her first big trip. I don't know how Im getting back home, depends on the Sierra Nevada snow pack. Theres some kickass roads on this route though. Last year I left on my trip April 19th and about drowned getting out of Orygun. This year it will be all sunshine!

https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=211874968962622830754.0004f3309e1acdf5da263&msa=0&ll=45.059942,-121.758728&spn=1.167937,2.548828

Pictures and a little ride report will be posted.

[andynmic]

My brother and I did the very same route a few years ago - but in reverse. He lived in LA at the time. You will love the Lost Coast Highway (Google it) between Eureka and Gaberville. The first stage (southbound) is twisty open roads with good visability, then down along the coast and then heading back inland over the mountain twistys. One of my most memorable days riding I have ever done. You will love it. Just watch out for the lumber trucks on the mountain twistys as they come out wide and certainly caused a  moment. Stay focussed and enjoy.    I'm there now !!

  Andy

[Verdun95]

Enjoy

[w8d4it]

I too did the same route, also in reverse, while riding back from Monterey to New York.  One of my brothers lived in Salinas for a while.  Ran a Kawasaki dealership out there but don't hold that against him.  Do stop and spend some time in Mendocino.  And before you start your ride brush up on your Steinbeck.  Especially"Travels with Charley"  and Cannery Row.  Maybe to a God Unknown and East of Eden if you have time.  When in Monterrey visit Cannery Row although now it bears no resemblance to Steinbeck's Cannery Row, actually no resemblance to the Cannery Row I first visited in 1976.   But it is still interesting to envision Steinbeck's Cannery Row characters while strolling the area.  Also stop in Salinas and visit Rosita's (if it is still there) it is a dive but great Mexican food, although no one spoke much English when I last visited.  Then make sure while in Salinas to run up to Fremonts Peak (it's mentioned in Travels with Charley).  Great twisties (but be careful) and when you get to the top, park, dismount and climb to the very top of the rock peak.  On a clear day you can see the ocean, usually not many people make the effort so it is a great time to clear your head or meditate. 

[afterburner]

I ride up to monterey twice a year from Southern ca on overnighters. Never get tired of riding up or down the Pacific Coast hwy on a nice sunny day.  But I'm putting in my 2 cents in to suggest to you to visit Phil ' fish market for a meal, up in Moss Landing,  about 12 miles north of monterey on the coast. It'll be the freshest restaurant seafood you'll ever have. Good too! Google it.

[w8d4it]

Oh yeah, forgot about Phil's.  A definite.  On a clear day you can see Moss Landing from Fremont's Peak (but not, of course, Phil's)

[Briang1234]

On the list. Thanks
I discovered the lost coast/Mottale rd by accident. Learned its one of those hidden jewels folks just pass on by.
Now if my sister just doesnt change all our plans again (guess whos in charge!)
3 days in Monterey eating and visiting. Aaahhhhhh.

[w8d4it]

I should mention that you need to do the 17 mile drive when in Montery.  And if you have an extra couple of days, run down 1, Big Sur, San Simeon, even San Luis Obispo if you have time,  If you need to rush back you can always cut over to 5 and run back to the rainy north lands.