Northern CA trip

[TrapperAH1G]

Planning to head down to CA next week.  Will be traveling the Hwy 1/101 route from Crescent City south.  Any tips, info, etc. appreciated.  Going along the coast, then cutting over to Bakersfield area.

This trip hasn't been in the works long, so proper prior planning wasn't done.  Been looking online for campsites/inexpensive lodging and not surprised to find there's not much available. 

Would like to hear from anyone that lives along this route or that has ridden it recently.  Not looking forward to getting through SF traffic....probably mid afternoon.

Take care, be safe.

[Willow]

...  Not looking forward to getting through SF traffic....probably mid afternoon. 

Bypass it!  Take 20 east over toward Clearlake.  You won't regret it.  Unless you want to see S.F. or ride across the Golden Gate Bridge there's no reason to ride through San Francisco.

[The emperor has no clothes]

...  Not looking forward to getting through SF traffic....probably mid afternoon. 

Bypass it!  Take 20 east over toward Clearlake.  You won't regret it.  Unless you want to see S.F. or ride across the Golden Gate Bridge there's no reason to ride through San Francisco.

I think 175 across to Clearlake is even better. Trapper, once you get down to Gilroy take 25 to 33 down to Bakersfield.

[..]

Make of this what you will.

https://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/list-upcoming-black-lives-matter-protests-sf-bay-area/

I'd go via another state. 

[sheets]

California - Hwy 01 . . . As you pass through Fort Bragg, continue south. Cruise Main Street in Mendocino. Continue south and pick up Hwy 128 east. Soon after passing through Boonville, pick up State route 253 east to Hwy 101. Once you hit 101 south, you can pick up SR 175 in Hopland. Nice twisty road to get to Clearlake. From that point you can go around the lake on either SR 29 to 20, or 29 to SR 53 to go around the lake to hit SR 20 east. Gas up in Clearlake Oaks no matter how you approach it. Once you hit I-5 you can cruise all the way to Bakersfield. Downtown Sacramento could be a little busy for a few miles. Once you leave the coast the inland temps will likely be hotter than the hubs of hell. Pack water and chug more water when you stop for gas. 

[Bighead]

Make of this what you will.

https://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/list-upcoming-black-lives-matter-protests-sf-bay-area/

I'd go via another state. 

+1

[Disco]

At McKinleyville, take 299 east to Redding.  From there, 5 south to Red Bluff to catch 36 west to Fortuna.  We haven't ridden 299, yet, but 36 was part of what we consider our best day of riding ever.

https://goo.gl/maps/2LjYhqmor9wgqmdz9

[sheets]

Route 299 & 36 . . . You're talking my home turf. SR 36 between Fortuna & I-5 is the "E" ticket ride.  36 east further inland isn't bad either. Lots of road construction and fires go'n on inland this time of year. I believe there are delays on 36 that amount to three or fours at a time. Could spoil a person's day.

Go here:  https://roads.dot.ca.gov/

For "State" route information.

[DirtyDan]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_299

 

DO IT !

Dan

[F6Dave]

The PCH/Hwy 1 through Big Sur is awesome.  Near San Simeon is a beach full of Elephant Seals that is a worthwhile stop.  I'd cut over to Bakersfield from Cayucos and stop in Paso Robles.  DEFINITELY take Old Creek Road from the south end of Cayucos and bypass the first part of CA-46, as that road is their version of the Tail of the Dragon.  It climbs from sea level to very high in the coast range in about 10 miles.

The wineries in Paso (over 200!) are outstanding and far less crowded than in Napa or Sonoma.  I'm sure COVID has limited tastings but maybe not in outdoor settings.  Many of the hotels have free tastings in the afternoon.

This Central Coast area is one of the best parts of California.  Both SF and LA are far enough away to keep the crowds much smaller.

[sheets]

Northern CA; South bound Hwy 101, a few miles south of Fortuna you can exit the freeway and take the old highway SR 254 to continue south towards Garberville. About 40 miles of two-lane, 20 miles of it runs through dense redwood forest. Find a sign that takes you to Founders Grove. A day-use area in the State Park with a few trails meandering through dense redwood grove. A good place for a pit stop. The south end of The Avenue puts you back on 101 a bit north of Garberville. Gas-Food-Lodging in Garberville.

South of Garberville you'll reach the hamlet of Leggett, and the intersection to take Hwy 01 to the coast. Not much there to see, other than the Drive-thru Tree. Motorcycles get a discounted price of admission. A small store and gift shop once you get through the tree. Hwy 01 - first 20 miles is twisty. Once you reach the coast you have a unobstructed view of the ocean for the remainder of your coastal travels.  Gas-Food-Lodging in Fort Bragg.

[TrapperAH1G]

All, I thank you for your time and courtesy in offering these suggestions.  Unfortunately, found out today the trip will have to be "postponed" until next spring (at the earliest).  Several reasons, all valid but not welcome!

I've taken notes and will use the info to plan what sounds like a once in a lifetime trip for me.  Took one a couple of years ago on my Nomad (departed to make room for the Valk): 3 weeks, 7K miles, 10 states.  This won't be as long, time or miles, but looking forward to the scenery!

Ride safe, ride often for the wind and throttle therapy we all need right now!