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Starting Member
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Last Login: 10/2/2008 11:02:51 AM
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| Can anybody give me any advice on what time of year to ride the California Coastal Highway (US 1). We are planning to fly to Las Vegas for a couple of days, rent a bagger, and ride up the California coast to Oregon. Thinking about a winter trip. Thanks!
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Average Member
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How much time have you alloted for your trip Nighttrain? The Coast Highway runs the entire length of California. That's a lotta miles! (I did the whole thing back in 1974).
Now, let me get this right - is it one down, four up?
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 10/2/2008 11:02:51 AM
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| Thanks for getting back to me! We are looking at about 10 to 12 days.
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Average Member
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Last Login: 11/25/2008 5:43:42 AM
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Because of the length of California the weather is very different every few hundred miles. As in most places in the USA Spring and Fall are when the temps are most mild. California’s receives most of its rain the end of October to April. The Middle (San Francisco to Mendocino) section has more good weather days in September October. When I say good weather (less fog, less rain, less wind). Because Highway 1 runs along the coast over looking the Pacific, fog and cold winds can be prevalent. I believe it was Mark Twain who said; The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. The ride “when the weather cooperates” is as beautiful as it gets. Four years ago we did the trip the first of May. Not one rain drop, blue blue skies with white cotton balls scattered up high in the jet stream and the wind was only bad “40 mph cross winds” for about 30 mile of the 800 mile trip. During the cross winds I was only able to drive about 20 to 25 mph. Your time table of 10 to 12 days should make for a great trip.
Gfurlo
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 11/27/2008 8:53:26 AM
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Gfurlo is pretty accurate when it comes to the weather along one of the most beautiful roads in the world. I would only add that starting the trip in early fall, after school starts but before the weather gets too cold, would be a great idea. The motor home traffic should be a little lighter then and the campgrounds are not as full. Be aware that this road has curves that will make you want to do some "knee dragging" but around each of those curves is another incredible view that will make you want to stop and take it all in. Give yourself plenty of time and have fun!
DEDSLED"Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not all out to get you."
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Junior Member
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I have done this trip 3 times in the last 4 years. We always start in late May or early June. It is a beautiful trip but after the first time we started in Morro Bay in Souther Calif. The LA area is just one big traffic jam in my opinion. All of Northern Calif. is a motorcycle paradise. Last year we did 2,500 miles in the state and can't wait to get back. If you have 10 days to ride be sure and do some of the mountain passes. Great roads with tons of twisties.
"Life's journey is not arriving at the gate safely in a well perserved body, but rather to skid-in-sideways, totally worn out, shouting...holy *...what a ride!"
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Junior Member
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| I guess I should jump in here. We live less than a mile from PCH (no accident) and California has been my playground for 27 years. You have already received much good advice, but more can't hurt...besides the price is right. My wife and I both agree (mark the calendar) that PCH is best enjoyed riding from north to south. The view is better, the wind is at your back, the sight line through the corners is generally better, and all the viewpoints are on your right so you don't have to make left turns across traffic leaving and entering the highway. So you may want to run north up the east side of the Sierras and cut across to the coast to circle south and finally back to Vegas...I'm asuming you'll be returning the bike there. If you go this route, mid October is the best time. All the mountain passes should still be open and it should only be in the 90s in Death Valley. No matter what your riding skill level, you will up it a notch or two on this trip. My suggestions will work best if you don't mind curves in the middle of dips (Vados in Californian) or steep first gear hairpins with a little sand or granite power for spice. California is a land of extremes. The highest point, the lowest point, the oldest living thing, and the largest living thing are only a days ride apart. You can bag the first three running north. Bad water is obvious and I wouldn't bother with riding up to Whitney Portal unless you want a view of the valley. The mountain is better seen from a distance. The Bristle Cone pines are often overlooked. The visitor's center usually closes Oct. 1st, but it may be open. No matter, the trees will be there and the road is a treat. Besides where else do you stand a better than 50/50 chance of sharing your day with an eagle. They like to glide along on your shoulder waiting for your wheels to stir up lunch. This is a high and lonely land. Rt. 395 provides a great view of the east wall of the Sierras for more than 100 miles. I'd hop over Monitor Pass and climb up Ebbits Pass (Rt. 4) to where the road widens to two lanes on the west side and then turn around and enjoy the view the other way. The coast is best accessed from Red Bluff via Rt. 36. This puts you north of PCH a bit. Go into Ferndale and ask for the Honeydew road. You'll circle south to Rt. 101 via some beautiful and empty land and a stretch of what's called the lost coast...no tourists busses here. Be sure to spend some time on foot in Carmel, but don't get a room there...if you just have to spend more time there, the Lobos Lodge is the best deal in town. Don't miss the Nepenthe in Big Sur and don't buy gas in Bridgeport (Rt 395), San Francisco, or Big Sur.
Wife,R1,Kendon,Mountaineer,Alpinestars,Levis,Bose
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