Trip to the Pacific Coast Highway 2006
This trip keeps getting better and better. This is the 3rd time I make this trip. We tried to stop in different places this time, as well as revisit old
favorite places.
favorite places.
Got a few new accessories for the bike this year,
and as it turned out, they were worth every
penny.
I bought a Tank Bag from Oxford, $125. It's
magnetic, and converts into a napsack if you
unzip the magnetic part. It also expands if you
need to hold more stuff. It has 2 large pockets on
either side so that both rider and passenger have
a place to put wallet and phone. The inner
section had plenty of room for camera, water,
snack, a bottle of bear pepper spray (my only
defense when driving around in the middle of
nowhere), some napkins, etc.
I also invested in a Givi 42Liter topcase. This
thing performed flawlessly. Besides giving you a
place to lock valuables, it provided storage for
extra sets of gloves, raingear, chain lube and
cleaner, windex, bike polish, extra sweaters, etc.
A bit expensive, it was $350 and needed another
$150 for the mount and adapter plate.
Possibly the best "cheap" mod ever was that palm
grip. It was $10, but REALLY helped reduce hand
fatigue when doing long distance in a straight line.
and as it turned out, they were worth every
penny.
I bought a Tank Bag from Oxford, $125. It's
magnetic, and converts into a napsack if you
unzip the magnetic part. It also expands if you
need to hold more stuff. It has 2 large pockets on
either side so that both rider and passenger have
a place to put wallet and phone. The inner
section had plenty of room for camera, water,
snack, a bottle of bear pepper spray (my only
defense when driving around in the middle of
nowhere), some napkins, etc.
I also invested in a Givi 42Liter topcase. This
thing performed flawlessly. Besides giving you a
place to lock valuables, it provided storage for
extra sets of gloves, raingear, chain lube and
cleaner, windex, bike polish, extra sweaters, etc.
A bit expensive, it was $350 and needed another
$150 for the mount and adapter plate.
Possibly the best "cheap" mod ever was that palm
grip. It was $10, but REALLY helped reduce hand
fatigue when doing long distance in a straight line.
Same as last year, the side bags did their job very well. These velcrow bags have really been put to the test. This is the 3rd year I have them,
and they still look new. Hard to believe I bought them for $135. The ease of which they attach on and off is very convenient. You just lift up the
seat, put the bags down, and put the seat back on. Comes of literally in seconds.
I also invested in a seat modification. For $200 the shape was modified to be more comfortable and 1" of orthopedic gell was installed. Trust me,
this made a BIG difference.
With these extras we were able to stay warm and dry all the time. Last year I had only 1 kind of gear, my summer gear. When it got cold
especially up towards San Fran, we froze. Not this year. Thanks to the accessories this was a much more comfortable trip.
and they still look new. Hard to believe I bought them for $135. The ease of which they attach on and off is very convenient. You just lift up the
seat, put the bags down, and put the seat back on. Comes of literally in seconds.
I also invested in a seat modification. For $200 the shape was modified to be more comfortable and 1" of orthopedic gell was installed. Trust me,
this made a BIG difference.
With these extras we were able to stay warm and dry all the time. Last year I had only 1 kind of gear, my summer gear. When it got cold
especially up towards San Fran, we froze. Not this year. Thanks to the accessories this was a much more comfortable trip.
When bored we find things to do...
I have to thank my fellow forum member
(from the table tennis forum) Brit Salter for
suggesting that I go and explore the roads
of Malibu. I can't believe I just passed
right by these roads and never thought to
follow them. Heading north on HW1 from
Santa Monica, you quickly get into Malibu.
Just about any road on the right (East)
side will lead you up into the mountains.
There are so many. As Brit said, "You
could spend all day exploring."
(from the table tennis forum) Brit Salter for
suggesting that I go and explore the roads
of Malibu. I can't believe I just passed
right by these roads and never thought to
follow them. Heading north on HW1 from
Santa Monica, you quickly get into Malibu.
Just about any road on the right (East)
side will lead you up into the mountains.
There are so many. As Brit said, "You
could spend all day exploring."
Old Topanga Road, Malibu CA
We found this fantastic place in Oxnard where the New
England Clam Chowder was so thick it defied gravity. It had
the consistency almost of soft icecream it was so thick. It was
also full of huge clams. Taste was amazing. Place was called
"Hook Line and Sinker." They also serve a full menu of fresh
fish at extremely reasonable prices. 2 shark steaks would run
about $10. A classic "Fish 'n' Chips" which is 2 large fried Cod
rolls and fries was $7. I wish we had a seafood grill like this in
Arizona...
England Clam Chowder was so thick it defied gravity. It had
the consistency almost of soft icecream it was so thick. It was
also full of huge clams. Taste was amazing. Place was called
"Hook Line and Sinker." They also serve a full menu of fresh
fish at extremely reasonable prices. 2 shark steaks would run
about $10. A classic "Fish 'n' Chips" which is 2 large fried Cod
rolls and fries was $7. I wish we had a seafood grill like this in
Arizona...
Interesting old-timer, this guy is a self-made millionaire in the real estate
business but he has a passion for old cars. Is there a bit of a ZZ-Top thing
going on here? Nahhhhh.....
BTW, notice the exhaust pipe near the door. It has a removeable cover. With
the cover on exhaust is redirected under the car and through a catalytic
converter so this car passes the strict California emissions requirements. But
take that cover off and you've got a loud racer. He also has a second gas tank
in front of the car that looks like a small wine barrel. Flip the switch and the car
is running on racing fuel.
business but he has a passion for old cars. Is there a bit of a ZZ-Top thing
going on here? Nahhhhh.....
BTW, notice the exhaust pipe near the door. It has a removeable cover. With
the cover on exhaust is redirected under the car and through a catalytic
converter so this car passes the strict California emissions requirements. But
take that cover off and you've got a loud racer. He also has a second gas tank
in front of the car that looks like a small wine barrel. Flip the switch and the car
is running on racing fuel.
Next we ended up in Solvang, a really
interesting Danish town in Santa
Barbara County.
This town goes to bed early and wakes
up late. But the prices are cheap. We
got a great room here for $63.
Continental breakfast included.
The problem was that everything
closes down around 6pm except for a
few restaurants. And nothing opens
until almost 10AM!
This is where they make the wine...
Addamo Vineyard, Santa Barbara
County
Addamo Vineyard, Santa Barbara
County
Ah, San Luis Obispo.
Jewel of California.
Keep your eyes peeled for
UFC Light Heavyweight
World Champion Chuck
Lidell, he lives and trains
here, somewhere...
Jewel of California.
Keep your eyes peeled for
UFC Light Heavyweight
World Champion Chuck
Lidell, he lives and trains
here, somewhere...
Hit some wet weather in Morro Bay, but thanks
to the Givi Box I was able to bring gear.
These are Motoboss pants, ($22) and "Frog
Tog" top ($60). The pants worked but didn't let
my legs breath at all, so my jeans were always
sweaty once I took them off.
The Frog Togs worked great, they let moisture
escape while keeping the rain out. They
actually come with matching pants but they were
so flimsy that I thought these Motoboss pants
would be warmer. I figured that for $22 I can't
go wrong.
I think it's probably worth it to buy some good
quality riding pants. They generally cost about
$125 for the good ones, but you definitely feel
much more protected in them. A good pair will
have leather or kevlar protection built in to the
knees and seat of your pants. They'll block rain,
but also let your skin breathe. I think after this
trip I'll definitely invest in some.
to the Givi Box I was able to bring gear.
These are Motoboss pants, ($22) and "Frog
Tog" top ($60). The pants worked but didn't let
my legs breath at all, so my jeans were always
sweaty once I took them off.
The Frog Togs worked great, they let moisture
escape while keeping the rain out. They
actually come with matching pants but they were
so flimsy that I thought these Motoboss pants
would be warmer. I figured that for $22 I can't
go wrong.
I think it's probably worth it to buy some good
quality riding pants. They generally cost about
$125 for the good ones, but you definitely feel
much more protected in them. A good pair will
have leather or kevlar protection built in to the
knees and seat of your pants. They'll block rain,
but also let your skin breathe. I think after this
trip I'll definitely invest in some.
In Santa Cruz, we left the HW1 and
jumped on the HW17. Then we got
lost and then found again in Felton.
This town is really cool, it's basically a
logging town. There's a Steam Train
that takes you around. Lots of cabins
for rent in the deep woods. Lots of
twisty roads. We found this road and
followed it to the top of "Bear
Mountain."
Then we jumped on HW9, which was a
gorgeous twisty road through miles
and miles of BIG trees.
jumped on the HW17. Then we got
lost and then found again in Felton.
This town is really cool, it's basically a
logging town. There's a Steam Train
that takes you around. Lots of cabins
for rent in the deep woods. Lots of
twisty roads. We found this road and
followed it to the top of "Bear
Mountain."
Then we jumped on HW9, which was a
gorgeous twisty road through miles
and miles of BIG trees.
When I said BIG I wasn't kidding! This is the BIGGEST tree I've ever
seen in my life! It's so big it doesn't even look real!
This is Big Basin State Park, off of HW236 near Felton. You could park
a car inside of this tree. This tree was apparently split by lightning but it
is still growing.
This is a giant Sequoia, it grows about 1 foot every year. This particular
specimen is probably more than 1000 years old.
seen in my life! It's so big it doesn't even look real!
This is Big Basin State Park, off of HW236 near Felton. You could park
a car inside of this tree. This tree was apparently split by lightning but it
is still growing.
This is a giant Sequoia, it grows about 1 foot every year. This particular
specimen is probably more than 1000 years old.
Here is a look up the same tree. As you can see, it is really 2
trees fused together at the base.
trees fused together at the base.
HW236 takes you through Big Basin
State park and then drops you back
onto the HW9.
I really wish you guys could smell what
I was smelling here. It was the
beautiful smell of fresh trees and water
and crisp air, mixed with leaves and
grass.
This road was extremely tight, 2 cars
cannot really fit side by side. When a
truck comes (and they do) you have to
pull over and let it by. So we kept our
speeds slow and were very careful
around the blind corners.
State park and then drops you back
onto the HW9.
I really wish you guys could smell what
I was smelling here. It was the
beautiful smell of fresh trees and water
and crisp air, mixed with leaves and
grass.
This road was extremely tight, 2 cars
cannot really fit side by side. When a
truck comes (and they do) you have to
pull over and let it by. So we kept our
speeds slow and were very careful
around the blind corners.
After a short stint on the 9, we
transfered on the 35, and
proceeded north. The 35 is a
faster road, with lots of twisties.
The scenery, as you can see,
was beautiful.
transfered on the 35, and
proceeded north. The 35 is a
faster road, with lots of twisties.
The scenery, as you can see,
was beautiful.
"You can get any thing you want, at Alice's,
Restaurant..."
Actually, that old song was a 1960's
Anti-War song written about the Original
Alice's Restaurant which is in Stockbridge,
Massachusetts.
Original Lyrics Here: ["I'm sittin here on the
Group W bench 'cause you want to know if
I'm moral enough join the army, burn
women,kids, houses and villages after bein'
a litterbug."]
BTW, they made a movie about the song.
Lots of interesting facts in Wilkspedia here:
Anyway, this is the other Alice's Restaurant.
It's a little oasis in this desert of huge trees
where you can get some gasoline and cool
T-shirts and a burger or a coke, etc. Lots of
bikers stop here.
Ooooh, look at the pretty black one second
from the left!
Restaurant..."
Actually, that old song was a 1960's
Anti-War song written about the Original
Alice's Restaurant which is in Stockbridge,
Massachusetts.
Original Lyrics Here: ["I'm sittin here on the
Group W bench 'cause you want to know if
I'm moral enough join the army, burn
women,kids, houses and villages after bein'
a litterbug."]
BTW, they made a movie about the song.
Lots of interesting facts in Wilkspedia here:
Anyway, this is the other Alice's Restaurant.
It's a little oasis in this desert of huge trees
where you can get some gasoline and cool
T-shirts and a burger or a coke, etc. Lots of
bikers stop here.
Ooooh, look at the pretty black one second
from the left!
I didn't know that Palo Alto was so
gorgeous!
This is the top of HW35. Soon we'll get
off and head West to the coast.
gorgeous!
This is the top of HW35. Soon we'll get
off and head West to the coast.
We stayed in a town called El Granada, just north
of Half Moon Bay. Every time we pulled into a
motel, we asked about the price. In Half Moon
Bay it was ridiculous. Why should I pay $95 for a
cheap motel? All I want is a shower, some food,
to go for a walk, and sleep.
Every single motel owner says the same thing.
"This is the cheapest motel you are going to find.
If you keep going North, they will only get more
and more expensive as you approach San
Francisco."
Well that's total BS!!! With each stop they kept
getting cheaper. $95 in Half Moon Bay, $85 at
the first place in El Granada (where the desk clerk
gave me the same spiel) and finally $75 at the
one we finally stopped at. Which btw was nicer
than the first one in Half Moon Bay!
Anyway, the next day we got up and went to Moss
Beach. This is a "wildlife refuge." Apparently
there are many "Tide Pools" here where you can
see all kind of little creatures when the tide goes
out. The trouble was- the tide was in. Oh well.
of Half Moon Bay. Every time we pulled into a
motel, we asked about the price. In Half Moon
Bay it was ridiculous. Why should I pay $95 for a
cheap motel? All I want is a shower, some food,
to go for a walk, and sleep.
Every single motel owner says the same thing.
"This is the cheapest motel you are going to find.
If you keep going North, they will only get more
and more expensive as you approach San
Francisco."
Well that's total BS!!! With each stop they kept
getting cheaper. $95 in Half Moon Bay, $85 at
the first place in El Granada (where the desk clerk
gave me the same spiel) and finally $75 at the
one we finally stopped at. Which btw was nicer
than the first one in Half Moon Bay!
Anyway, the next day we got up and went to Moss
Beach. This is a "wildlife refuge." Apparently
there are many "Tide Pools" here where you can
see all kind of little creatures when the tide goes
out. The trouble was- the tide was in. Oh well.
Moss Beach tide pool. Unfortunately the tide is in, but you can see some shadows under
the water. When the tide goes out you can walk to that rock on the right and you'll see lots
of wildlife.
the water. When the tide goes out you can walk to that rock on the right and you'll see lots
of wildlife.
Here's a sampling of what you are
supposed to be able to see here...
supposed to be able to see here...
And here is what we actually saw.
Could this have anything to do with the lack of
wildlife?
I found this ironic. Here is supposed to be a
wildlife sactuary. People aren't allowed to
come here, etc. But that doesn't stop
corporations from dumping god-knows-what
into the water.
It's kind of hard to believe the conservative
republicans when they say that
conservationists are "making a lot of fuss
about nothing."
This beach was a crash course in Reality for
me. This is the reality. We are destroying our
resources, in the name of Profit.
End of argument.
wildlife?
I found this ironic. Here is supposed to be a
wildlife sactuary. People aren't allowed to
come here, etc. But that doesn't stop
corporations from dumping god-knows-what
into the water.
It's kind of hard to believe the conservative
republicans when they say that
conservationists are "making a lot of fuss
about nothing."
This beach was a crash course in Reality for
me. This is the reality. We are destroying our
resources, in the name of Profit.
End of argument.
Back on the road again...
We passed San Francisco, drove over the
Golden Gate Bridge, and another 12 miles
towards Muir Woods; which was our goal for
this trip.
But I just had to check out this one diversion
before I called it a trip. This is Mount
Tamalpais. Like Malibu's back roads, this
proved to be a place where you could spend
an entire day exploring mile after mile of twisty
mountain road. I did about 30 minutes in 1
direction with no end in site. Nothing but crazy
twisties and beautiful views.
But the clock was a-ticking; still have to see
Muir Woods and get some grub in San Fran
before heading back south to find a cheap
motel....
So with great regret, I turned around and
headed back. Who knows what's around that
bend in this pic? Maybe find out next year....
We passed San Francisco, drove over the
Golden Gate Bridge, and another 12 miles
towards Muir Woods; which was our goal for
this trip.
But I just had to check out this one diversion
before I called it a trip. This is Mount
Tamalpais. Like Malibu's back roads, this
proved to be a place where you could spend
an entire day exploring mile after mile of twisty
mountain road. I did about 30 minutes in 1
direction with no end in site. Nothing but crazy
twisties and beautiful views.
But the clock was a-ticking; still have to see
Muir Woods and get some grub in San Fran
before heading back south to find a cheap
motel....
So with great regret, I turned around and
headed back. Who knows what's around that
bend in this pic? Maybe find out next year....
Destination reached! Here is a display
at Muir Woods. This log is about 7
feet in diameter and 1000 years old. I
wish I would have taken a second
picture because this one didn't come
out clear enough, but it's the only one I
have. The rings are so tiny, about 100
rings fits into 2 inches. You almost
need a magnifying glass to see all the
rings.
Anyway, someone counted all the rings
and put markers on major historic
events. You can see things like "1492
Columbus Sails to America" or "1776-
The Declaration of Independence" or
"1849- the California Gold Rush" and
finally "1930- Tree Falls."
at Muir Woods. This log is about 7
feet in diameter and 1000 years old. I
wish I would have taken a second
picture because this one didn't come
out clear enough, but it's the only one I
have. The rings are so tiny, about 100
rings fits into 2 inches. You almost
need a magnifying glass to see all the
rings.
Anyway, someone counted all the rings
and put markers on major historic
events. You can see things like "1492
Columbus Sails to America" or "1776-
The Declaration of Independence" or
"1849- the California Gold Rush" and
finally "1930- Tree Falls."
Heading back home the way we came, we stopped in Santa
Ynez (just East of Solvang) and checked out this cool
Lavender Farm. It smells really good here!
Ynez (just East of Solvang) and checked out this cool
Lavender Farm. It smells really good here!
This is a Still that they use to make the Lavender Oil. We
purchased some of the oil as well as some home made candles,
soap, and hand moisturizer.
purchased some of the oil as well as some home made candles,
soap, and hand moisturizer.
Giant Unidentified Spider that we saw
hanging out in the Lavender Field.
This thing was about 4 inches across.
hanging out in the Lavender Field.
This thing was about 4 inches across.
Ah, Big Sur, how I love thee....
Heading home now, the ocean is on
my right...
Heading home now, the ocean is on
my right...
One more detour...
Went and followed HW150 to Lake
Casitas. Miles and miles of
countryside twisties. Mild weather as
compared to the windy and chilly
coastline.
Great road!
Went and followed HW150 to Lake
Casitas. Miles and miles of
countryside twisties. Mild weather as
compared to the windy and chilly
coastline.
Great road!
Now what trip to California would be
complete without lane-splitting through
a traffic jam?
This is one of the few places in the
country where you are allowed to drive
IN BETWEEN the cars.
It's a little unnerving for sure, but a
god-send. It would be no fun standing
still in these traffic jams inside your
helmet with no A/C.
complete without lane-splitting through
a traffic jam?
This is one of the few places in the
country where you are allowed to drive
IN BETWEEN the cars.
It's a little unnerving for sure, but a
god-send. It would be no fun standing
still in these traffic jams inside your
helmet with no A/C.
Now here's something you don't see every day. Here on HW5, there was a wild fire burning. The little orange things you
see are actually firefighters. There was a helicopter dumping water every few minutes. Pretty cool.
Goodbye California.
see are actually firefighters. There was a helicopter dumping water every few minutes. Pretty cool.
Goodbye California.
To get off the beaten path, and see
new things, we left HW1 and took the
154 to Lake Cachuma. It was a
beautiful warm and twisty fast road.
new things, we left HW1 and took the
154 to Lake Cachuma. It was a
beautiful warm and twisty fast road.
Beautiful Lake Cachuma. This lake is
huge. This pic only shows a fraction of
the lake. It is probably at least 5 miles
long.
huge. This pic only shows a fraction of
the lake. It is probably at least 5 miles
long.