So in a couple of weeks I'm taking the scenic drive up HWY 1 from Socal to SF. I'm heading up there for work for a few days, so I'm not sure I'll have free time to get out and ride, but if I do, and you are from up there, where should I try to go? Thanks in advance for any helpful ideas.
On the way up, definitely stop in San Luis Obispo at Firestone Grill and get a tri-tip sandwich. You can thank me later. You should consider pulling off in Santa Cruz, and taking Hwy 9 up to Hwy 35 (Skyline Blvd) which will bring you along the mountain ridge past Alice's restaurant. Sort of a motorcycle mecca (watch for squids). You can continue on this road much of the way to San Francisco, past Pacifica. Just tons of natural beauty there. This route isn't too much of a detour and you get to experience some of the main popular stuff.
If you're looking for a few hours day ride in the area, it depends what type of riding you like. Wide open sweepers and smooth roads, or tighter goaty stuff. But you pretty much can't go wrong with a ride up to Alice's on Hwy 84, including Pescadero Creek Rd, and then looping back up the coast to SF, or back the way you came.
Hope that helps.
If you're looking for a few hours day ride in the area, it depends what type of riding you like. Wide open sweepers and smooth roads, or tighter goaty stuff. But you pretty much can't go wrong with a ride up to Alice's on Hwy 84, including Pescadero Creek Rd, and then looping back up the coast to SF, or back the way you came.
Hope that helps.
Yep. Definitely Hwy 9/35/84 combo is fun and scenic. You can do a relaxed cruise or a bit more spirited ride without going too technical.
If you have a day to spare, Hwy 1 (or the backroads around Mt Tam) to Point Reyes Station, get some awesome steak/burger lunch at Marin Sun Farms, then ride to the Lighthouse in Drakes Bay. You can then ride Nicasio Valley roads back to 101 to SF.
If you have a day to spare, Hwy 1 (or the backroads around Mt Tam) to Point Reyes Station, get some awesome steak/burger lunch at Marin Sun Farms, then ride to the Lighthouse in Drakes Bay. You can then ride Nicasio Valley roads back to 101 to SF.
NICE! Thanks. I thought I had my drive up all set staying on the coast but after your suggestions, I'm definitely going to cut up why 9/35.
I'll look at the local rides and hopefully have time to get away from work.
I'll look at the local rides and hopefully have time to get away from work.
Between the coast and Silicon Valley are miles and miles and miles, and more miles of the most incredible roads you'll find anywhere. NoCal and SoCal are two different worlds...I wish I could afford to live up there! My daughter recently graduated from Sonoma State and works in Healdsburg, which gives me the perfect excuse to head north as often as possible to visit and enjoy the amazing riding.
A few snaps as a teaser. 
These photos don't do justice at all as the view you see from the bike while riding is far far better than what you see here.
Nicasio Valley
Drakes Bay
Looking down on Stinson Beach
These photos don't do justice at all as the view you see from the bike while riding is far far better than what you see here.
Nicasio Valley
Drakes Bay
Looking down on Stinson Beach
