Saru385

will be heading down to SB soon and trying to identify some nice roads that can be incorporated into the drive.

Don't think we'll have enough time to take Hwy 1 the whole way down (though I am considering that), so looking for some combo of 101 and other roads to get down there. unfortunately it looks like 101 to 154 and drop into SB that way looks like the main option.

I know that GGR PCA is doing or just did a Santa Barbara run, but not sure what route they went with for the trip. anyone here do/doing that trip?

Larry Cable

do it, any other route is mind bendingly dull, (101 or 5)!

gmgracing

I concur! At least take HWY1 down to SLO before taking the 101.

Either way, good luck.

Saru385

haha. yea, thinking maybe we can do Hwy 1 all the way back home since doesn't matter so much when we get back. though sunday traffic coming up from Monterrey area can suck...

was poking around on one of the websites that talks about good roads for motorcycle rides and Hwy 25 was mentioned there. looks like a nice road and takes you by Pinnacles National Monument too. could add that in with 101, but not sure if i would then take 198 back to 101 or continue on Peach Tree to Indian Valley and get to 101 by San Miguel. sounds like those are single lane roads which are probably more moto than car friendly.

Larry Cable

+1


definitely take Hwy 1 between SLO and Carmel if nothing else ...

Saru385

we've done Hwy 1 from Bay Area to Big Sur before. didn't go all the way down to SLO though.

Lake Nacimiento area looks interesting, but may add a fair bit of time to the drive.

Spyerx

Up near Santa maria, grab Foxen Canyon road. Take that all the way to Los Olivos. Then 154 over the hill to Santa Barbara. Stop at the Cold Springs Tavern (if on weekends) for some of the best Tri tip you'll have. BBQ is setup outside on weekends.

The 1 from Monterey to SLO is so worth the trip.

There are a massive number so small roads that go between 1 and 101.

Saru385

cool. saw Foxen mentioned on the moto website. looks like an easy one to add in to the mix.

Spyerx

I LOVE Foxen canyon road. And there are a massive number of wineries to hit. My wife and I did it last in my 89 heading up to NorCal on a Thursday and I literally went almost an hour seeing no other cars. Haul ***, great curves. IF you spend some time in the Los Olivos/Solvang area, I know all the roads there... Can give you tips too.

Saru385

ok, dropping Lake Nacimiento and going with Foxen Canyon!

unfortunately schedule is a bit tight, so probably won't have time for Solvang other than maybe doing a drive through on the way home. if you have a cool route from SB to Solvang let me know! Santa Rosa Rd out of that area is supposed to be good, but will only do that if we decide to take Hmy 1 most of the way home.

F1CrazyDriver

How long do you want the trip to take ? Where is your starting point and ending point ? I can suggest SEVEREA awesomeL routes to take between San Jose Area down to SB.

ChrisF

Good advice above. Agree on Hwy 1 and Foxen Cyn. Also, take a look at 58 and 33. 58 is one of the best drivers roads in CA as is 33. 33 is a bit south but very much worth the time if you can swing it.

I created the itinerary for a 3 day drive from SF-LA-SF for some RL friends a few months ago. All agreed the drive was epic. Happy to share the doc if you'd like. PM me if so.

So many great roads; so little time.

Saru385

trip is for GF's bday, so the drive is gonna be secondary. can't leave here much before noon and do want to get down to SB by 6 - 7pm. that limits excursions to roads that are "reasonably" on the route.

want to hit up the spot along 154 that Spyerx mentioned for lunch on sunday while heading back home. should be fun, but yea, sounds like so many roads, so little time.

Spyerx

Hahah GF bday? Dude, you got it wired. Epic drives and WINERIES. Something for both.
Oh, for lunch in Los Olivios, checkout "Sides Hardware and Shoes" It's really good. (Weird name tho!) We'll also stop at Los Olivos grocer, back of store has really good sandwiches, grab a few other things then go picnic at Rusack winery down the road. REally nice scenery and benches setup for lunch. Get some wine and enjoy the view.

mooty

that 1/2" thick bacon steak is to DIE for