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CJmike
02-18-2010, 12:00 PM
Thinking about a trip out there in the Mid may timeframe. Looking at maybe renting a bike K1300s. Do the touristy stuff. Go see a relative in Windsor. Maybe hit a few wineries. Drive down the Pacific coast.

Anybody got any tips? Things to see?

fegettes
02-18-2010, 12:53 PM
Drive south of Carmel on Highway 1, known as the PCH, or Pacific Coast Highway, towards Morro Bay, a trully beautiful ride. One of my favorite restaurants in the whole world is right on the south side of Big Sur, called Nepenthe. The view is incredible looking out over the Pacific. And if you have the time continue south to San Simeon and tour Hearst Castle, most impressive, and the drive is awesome on a bike or a sports car. In Monterrey, there is the 17 mile drive worth touring also.

Steve

gcarter
02-18-2010, 04:45 PM
17 Mile Drive.........
+100
Go in August and stay for the Concours.

The Hedgehog
02-18-2010, 08:04 PM
Drive south of Carmel on Highway 1, known as the PCH, or Pacific Coast Highway, towards Morro Bay, a trully beautiful ride. One of my favorite restaurants in the whole world is right on the south side of Big Sur, called Nepenthe. The view is incredible looking out over the Pacific. And if you have the time continue south to San Simeon and tour Hearst Castle, most impressive, and the drive is awesome on a bike or a sports car. In Monterrey, there is the 17 mile drive worth touring also.

Steve

+1 for Nepenthe. I got tourist trapped in Carmel but that place saved the next day.

Big Sur is a nice drive.

I also went over to Yosemite. I spent a few days there. I could have spent over a week in Yosemite.

I also really liked San Fran.

zelatore
02-18-2010, 08:33 PM
Well, as a local I'd say....get out of San Fran and see the rest of the state!

Nepentha and Big Sur are cool, but touristy. You have to dodge the RVs.

My vote for the bike? Ride highway 36 in NorCal. Abso-Freakin-Lutely Awesome road! It runs east-west between the coast and I-5, middle of nowhere, just north of the Avenue of the Giants on the coast side (also worth doing, but again touristy)

Check our Pashnit.com's motorcycle roads page for more ideas than you can stand.

Mid May is sketchy, but the Sierra passes should be open by then. If you've never been to Yosemite - GO. Let me say that again - GO! Make a tour of it and do Monitor Pass, Ebbet's Pass, Sonora Pass, Tioga Pass, Carson Pass (all clustered between Yosemite and Tahoe). Awesome roads all! Work in 'the little dragon' as well if you can - it's a good route to Yosemite from the San Fran area; Highway 49 between Coulterville and Mariposa. BTW, all of these are on the Pashnit site with tons of photos and good write-ups. PM me if you don't want to subscribe and I'll send you my account info so you can plan your trip.

Heck, let me know when you're going to be here and I'll fire up the old Speed Triple and give you a guided tour! If I've got the Carver up and running happily, we could even take a little trip out on the bay. Don't count on me having the 22 running by then though...it's back-burnered for the time being.

http://www.pashnit.com/motoroads.htm

The Hedgehog
02-18-2010, 10:47 PM
I regret that I did not get the Zelatore tour.

It seems we all agree on Yosemite. I still liked San Fran. Carmel is not on the list of places to return.

Tahoe? I will always go back to that place.

McGary911
02-19-2010, 10:21 AM
My sis used to live in San Fran, and I visited a few times. I loved Muir Woods. It's the woods they used to film that speeder bike (or whatever they're called) scene in the 2nd Star Wars movie.

http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

It sounds cheezy when you talk about it, and I was a skeptic before I did it, but I really enjoyed Alcatraz. I think everyone on this board loves a boat ride, so the tour gets points for that. The tour itself is very interesting. I like history, so it was right up my alley. They give you these self guided tour things so you can see things at your own pace. Leaves time for plenty of exploring.

Enjoy your visit.

Do a search on old threads. I posted one looking for ideas for my visit. Eugene Nemahow lives there and had some suggestions as well. I think that thread is from the pre-zelatore days :wink:

zelatore
02-19-2010, 11:28 AM
I regret that I did not get the Zelatore tour.

It seems we all agree on Yosemite. I still liked San Fran. Carmel is not on the list of places to return.

Tahoe? I will always go back to that place.

Well, come on back and be prepared to do some riding and we'll remedy that oversight.

The city is cool but it depends on what you want to do. I woudn't come out here an NOT go to the city, but I certainly wouldn't spend all my time there. Of course, that's just me, I'm more of an outdoors person than a city person.

I've also wondered around Carmel a few times. The last time, I came away with a set of teak patio furniture that probably cost twice what it should have. It's nice enough, and the wife may like it as well. Worth doing, but not at the top of my list.

And I'd also recomend Tahoe. The drive up 50 is nice once you get past Sacramento. Then run around the west side of the lake up to north shore. Stop in at the Sierra Boat Company for a look-see; they usually have some cool stuff in the showroom (they host the annual wooden boat show).


My sis used to live in San Fran, and I visited a few times. I loved Muir Woods. It's the woods they used to film that speeder bike (or whatever they're called) scene in the 2nd Star Wars movie.

http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

It sounds cheezy when you talk about it, and I was a skeptic before I did it, but I really enjoyed Alcatraz. I think everyone on this board loves a boat ride, so the tour gets points for that. The tour itself is very interesting. I like history, so it was right up my alley. They give you these self guided tour things so you can see things at your own pace. Leaves time for plenty of exploring.

Enjoy your visit.

Do a search on old threads. I posted one looking for ideas for my visit. Eugene Nemahow lives there and had some suggestions as well. I think that thread is from the pre-zelatore days :wink:

Muir Woods is nice, but if it's a nice day on the weekend it will be PACKED. Last weekend I was supposed to be camping up along the north coast but due to a last minute change of plans we instead spent Saturday hiking Muir Woods. Maybe it was because it was a long weekend. Maybe it was because the weather was unseasonably nice. Maybe it was becasue we got there mid-morning instead of the crack of dawn like we usually would, but it was crazy. The main parking lot was full, the overflow parking was full, and cars were parked at least 1/2 mile down the road on both shoulders. Fortuneatly I had an old trail map with me so we turned around and found a place above the park where a trail crossed the Panorama Highway and parked there to hike in. It worked out well as we avoided most of the crowds until we got down to the valley floor where it was shoulder to shoulder with people. Plus we got to skip the $10 entrance fees! :kingme:

The best part however was when we stopped in the little gift center in the valley. Michele wondered off to get some water and buy some postcards. While she was away, a 20-something girl that worked there started chatting me up. Best 39th birthday gift I could ask for! (of course, I was so out of practice I didn't even realize what was going on until I was practically out the door, but still good for the ego)

CJmike
02-23-2010, 07:54 AM
Great tips guys. Zelatore I may have to take you up on a bike ride and maybe that boat ride. Still working out the logistics. But looks like we will be home basing out of windsor.

zelatore
02-23-2010, 09:39 AM
I've only passed through Windsor on my way north. It would be an easy run up 101 to the big Redwood parks like Avenue of the Giants if you wanted to see that area. The further north you go, the less you'll see of the stereotypical California and the more you'll see small towns and rural areas. Really, it should be a different state up there (and in fact, just before WWII they talked about trying to break from CA and form the state of Jefferson - google it!)

It's beautiful country. Lots of low mountains and not many people. Just the way I like it!

Keep me posted on your itenerary, I'm sure we can work up something. I haven't been excercising the bikes enough lately - just yesterday I fired all three up and took them around the block...batteries and tires were all a bit low from lack of use. :garfield:

BTW - if anybody else is coming to Northern California and wants to do a little motorcycle touring let me know; the offer is open to all of you! I could even help out with a ride if you like, but my 2nd bike isn't exactly a touring machine.

CJmike
03-08-2010, 03:23 PM
Still lots of details to work out but booked airfare today. Gonna be in Cali on May 5th heading back to MN on May 12th. Now to work on motorcycle rental.....

zelatore
03-08-2010, 06:53 PM
This might help

California Motorcycle Adventures (http://www.californiamotorcycleadventures.com/)
2560 Wyandotte St, #2
Mountain View, CA 94043 (South Bay)
800-601-5370
Harley Davidson, Honda ST1300, Goldwing
Bay Area Performance Cycles

Eagle Rider - San Jose (http://www.eagleriderofsanjose.com/)
75 Phelan Ave., Ste 2,
San Jose, CA 95112
866-433-7326, 408-961-0057
Harley Davidson, Buell, Victory

Adventure Touring RV Rentals (http://www.adventuretouring.com/bikemodels.htm)
420 San Leandro Bvld
San Leandro, CA 94577
866-672-3572
Goldwing & Honda Shadow Ace & BMW R1150GS

Eagle Rider - San Francisco
1060 Bryant St
San Francisco, CA 94103
888-390-6400, 415-647-9698
Harley Davidson

Dubbelju Motorcycle Rentals & Storage (http://www.dubbelju.com/)
689A Bryant Street,
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-495-2774
BMW, Triumph, Harley Davidson & Honda

Pacific Cycle Company (http://www.pacificcyclecompany.com/)
260 McEvoy Street
San Jose, CA 95126
888-722-8747
Harley & BMW

San Jose BMW (http://www.sjbmw.com/)
1886 W San Carlos St
San Jose, CA 95128
408-295-0205
BMW Dealer also rents BMW's

SportBike Rental.com (http://www.sportbikerental.com/)
866-704-RENT
919 Tennessee St.
Vallejo, CA 94590

Thunder Road Motorsports (http://www.thethunderroad.com/)
123 South Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94106
415-934-8411
Harley, Goldwing, BMW, dirtbikes

Sypder Rentals (http://spyder-rentals.com/)
San Francisco, CA
877-518-1444
Can Am Spyder Rentals

Wild West Cycle Rents (http://wildwestcyclerent.com/)
886 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
925-300-8928
Dual Sport Rentals: KLR650

Wine Country Motosport Rentals (http://www.winecountrymotosportrentals.com/)
707-473-9701
Healdsburg, CA 94590
Harley, Cruisers, Sportbikes, ATVs, dirtbikes

CJmike
03-09-2010, 07:56 AM
Wow lots of bike rental places out there. I was leaning towards getting something from http://www.racyrentals.com (http://www.racyrentals.com/) but some of thos links you posted have way better prices. I would love to rent a ducati out there but I don't think the wife would like that to much so I am probable gonna get a sport tourer.

Was looking at one of your old post about heading out on the bay for a test run. Awesome shots for sure. Really has me stoked for getting out there. Only been out there once and I think that was back in the early 90's. I am sure lots has changed since then.

Still working on details but the wife already told me I was planning too many activities. Wife says she wants to eat here while we are in the city:http://www.slanteddoor.com/ (http://www.slanteddoor.com/) Says she ate there the last time she was out and loved it.

Then a day or two of wine country. Have a friend who used to live out there that is into wine. He is suppose to be putting us a map togther of little wineries he liked.
Wed- Arrive San Francisco
Thursday - San Francisco
Friday- ??
Saturday- ??
Sunday- Wine country
Monday- Wine country
Tuesday-??
Wed- Head home

zelatore
03-09-2010, 12:03 PM
Beyond recognizing the name, I can't say anything about the Slanted Door. When it comes to food, I'm pretty much out of my depth after pizza and beer. Just not my thing. The old ferry building is pretty cool though.

Any thoughts about if you'd like to do a one or two day trip on the bike? I could set up a little ride easily enough - I've been itching to get out and do some real riding anyways since I've been forced to drive my truck to work lately and haven't been putting any miles on the bikes. This would be a great excuse to get out.

Let me know what you'd like to see - the Sierras, Tahoe, Yosemite, the north coast, the redwoods, etc and we can come up with a great one or two day run.

CJmike
03-09-2010, 12:57 PM
Defiantly would be up for a day maybe two. Gotta run somethings by the missus and lately we seem to be on different schedules. Man all the options sound great to me.

txtaz
03-09-2010, 02:23 PM
PCH South of SF is cool in a sports car or on a bike. Otherwise the tourists will just slow you down on a killer road to drive fast.

Morrow bay is nice, There is a reasonable place on the water to stay down by the harbor inlet. The restaurant on the water across from the hotel is great. Don't do the oyster shooters if you have a sensitive stomach.

Go see the Hurst castle if you are into history. North of the Hurst Castle is a great seafood restaurant on the cliffs over looking the water.

That's just a few of what when did when we were out there last time. Also, you will be in prime farming country with road side stands for fresh fruits and veggies.

Have fun on your trip.

FISHIN SUCKS
03-09-2010, 10:52 PM
While Don lives out there, Cali has been my second home for 13 years now as much as I have traveled out there. I still need to take ya up on a visit/boat ride Don, if the offer hasn't expired:confused:.

Couple of my fav's to travel are:

hwy 198 between Coalinga and hwy 101
the drive between Watsonville and Gilroy (very purty and curvy)
from Santa Cruz to ? (can't think of that road, not the one to San Jose, although that one's not too bad for a hwy)
From Windsor to Pt Arena (Pt Arena is where they shot some 'Overboard' scenes)
hwy 92 to/from Half Moon Bay

One tip for the 17 mile drive: time your entrance through the security guards with traffic from the traffic light so that you are driving in with all the resident cars, then just smile and wave at the guard:wavey::drive::smash:. It worked for me, but he was looking twice back at me. this saves ya some coin for driving through this beautiful area. Right around the corner from this is one of my favorites, Cannery Row in Monterey. I always stay at the Holiday Inn Express there, Jennifer hooks me up (she's pretty nasty to look at:eek::puke:, but she takes care of my suite there).

tom

zelatore
03-10-2010, 10:34 AM
No experation date on that offer - only catch is these days I'm a little short on running Donzis. :frown:

We're not lacking for interesting roads in northern California. I'd refer anybody interested in a good drive/ride in CA, but especially in NorCal, to the Pasnit website:
http://www.pashnit.com/ridemap/ridemap.php

If you don't want to subscribe for just a one-time visit drop me a PM and I'll let you use my password.

CJmike
05-04-2010, 10:41 AM
Well I am taking Don up on his offer and looking foward to the coming week of getting out with Don on his boat and getting in some great riding around Northern California. Not sure it is gonna be quite as historic as having Tex and Hedge come visit you but hopefully we can still have a little fun. Looking foward to seeing Alice's restaurant on Saturday. Don says it is quite the interesting bike show there on a weekend. Ended up renting a FJ1300 for the week. Bigger than any bike I have owned in the past but i did used to have an FJ1100 so it shouldn't be to bad. Wife thought it seemed comfy. Really wanted to rent a ducati but couldn't sell that to the wife. Since I got one in the garage I guess its not the end of the world.

Look for an update of the great out west adventure in the future.

zelatore
05-08-2010, 09:21 AM
I don't know who this guy is, but he just showed up on my boat yesterday...

I tried to shake him by climbing to the top of a big hill, but he was still there!

Actually, it was a pretty good day yesterday out on the bay. Too bad about an hour after leaving the dock my port engine started running bad at anything over about 1500 rpm. Water or crud in the fuel I suspect, but that fuel filter is near-impossible to get to. We limped on at about 8 knots the rest of the afternoon.

Mike, his wife, and her Aunt from NorCal did at least get some nice views from the top of Angle Island, although I don't think they quite realized it was as much of a hike as it was going into it.

In about an hour I'll meet Mike just north of the Golden Gate Bridge for a day's riding. Looks like we'll have another great day for it.

CJmike
05-09-2010, 11:11 AM
Been having a blast in California so far. If you guys get out here be sure and look and Don and Michelle. They truely are great hosts. Had a terrific day on the bay on Friday. Couldn't have asked for better weather. A great hike to the top of Angel Island with some beautiful views. Its a long hike and well worth it. It was a touch longer than we thought but it was all good. Plus Don had some great brews to reward our efforts back on the boat.

If you like to ride motorcycles a day following Don through the hills around here is an experiance not to be missed. But bring your A game becuase Don does not lolly gag around. Don caught a tough break while turning around and slide the front tire out yesterday. But it was minor sractching and he didn't get hurt so that was good. He was coming back to check on me becuase I was being a tourist and had stopped to take some pictures.

Had lunch at the world famous Alices Restraunt mid ride yesterday. Great place with great burgers. Then onto more hi spirited riding. The big FJ1300 really got a work out keeping up with Don on his speed triple. Really some awesome motorcycle roads out here. Can't wait to meet up with Don again on Monday morning and head up the coast further north.

If you get out here I highly recommend Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Great spot right off pillar point. Good Food, Good Beer, Interesting people.

CHACHI
05-09-2010, 03:57 PM
Had lunch at the world famous Alices Restraunt mid ride yesterday.


Mike, not to poke a hole in your balloon, but the world famous Alice's Restraunt was in Stockbridge MA.

This had to be a cheap West Coast reproduction.

Ken

zelatore
05-09-2010, 07:45 PM
Mike, not to poke a hole in your balloon, but the world famous Alice's Restraunt was in Stockbridge MA.

This had to be a cheap West Coast reproduction.

Ken

OK, perhaps not 'world famous', but certainly biker-famous.

It's our northern California version of the Rock Store. Only with fewer celebrities...

http://www.alicesrestaurant.com/
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10201
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDI89xwatX4

I've got a couple of really good roads in mind for tomorrow as well as some new stuff, but there's a chance of rain which could dampen thing (pun intended). Also, Mike may be riding 2-up, and the wife isn't particularly fond of exploring the limits I'm told. In that case, I'll bring my 'old' Triumph as it looks cool, and sounds cool, and even makes pretty good power, but the handling and comfort aren't exactly great so I'll definitely tone things down on that bike.

CHACHI
05-10-2010, 06:01 AM
The Rock Store. Some day I must take a trip out there.

Heard nothing but good about it.

Ken

CJmike
05-10-2010, 10:00 AM
It might be just a cheap imatation but you still walk around singing Arlo Guthrie songs in your head. :bonk:

I don't want a pickle. I just want to ride my motor sickle.:kingme:

CJmike
05-14-2010, 07:52 AM
http://s304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/CJMikeK/Nor%20Cal%202010/

Pics from the trip. Thanks again Don for showing me some great roads and the bay. It was really nice to meet you and Michelle.