We managed to make it out of San Francisco without much hassle. It was much easier to get out of San Francisco (SFO) than it was to get out of Portland. SFO has many more freeway access points. We took a quick jaunt on the highway to get down to Monterey where we rejoined CA1.
The section of of CA1 from Monterey to San Simeon was my favorite chunk on the entire Pacific Coast Highway (sorry Oregon). The views were stellar as was the road.
Beautiful ocean views on one side and a cliff on the other. The ribbon of asphalt known as CA1 was just tossed at the jagged coast. It wound in and out, up and down as it meandered south.
After about an hour or two of pulling over every couple minutes for photos, my wife told me to enjoy the road. I needed no encouragement. The SV carved up the corners. It was very nice. There were many turnouts and most of the traffic used them. I kept to the speed limit; no need to get silly with full luggage and my wife on the back.
The most annoying vehicles were not the RVs who couldn’t stay on their side of the road. The sports cars were the worst – mustangs, corvettes, etc. They never pulled over; it must have hurt their egos to think of it. They tailgated everyone else until they did, but wouldn’t move over themselves. It was sad to watch those cars drag their brakes through a 20mph hairpin while doing 15mph. Fortunately, lane-splitting is legal in California, and the SV’s sporty engine made quick work of the pass.
The bike, road, weather, and scenery were all working in great harmony all day. It was very enjoyable. I’m glad my wife was with me to share it.
Relaxing enjoying the view on a secluded beach
We arrived at our over-night stop in San Luis Obispo. There was a restaurant in town we wanted to try. After we found it, I pushed the find lodging option on the GPS and it took us around the corner. It turned out to be over a 100 years old. The owner liked bikes and asked me to park mine in the garden. Nice.
Dinner was tasty, and we enjoyed a nice walk around the downtown area.
I have a lot of video from today as well. It will take some time to process. Stay tuned for that.
Day 39 Full Flickr Album (100+ pics)
Today’s Route:
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If it weren't for the crowds of tourists frequenting this stretch of road, this would have been my favourite part. Love the blue skies and turquoise coloured waters.
ReplyDeleteyes, the crowds were a bit much, but it is so beautiful. later in the day it was mostly empty.
DeleteThat looks like a great riding day! Wonderful scenery too. That sign about the hills and curves for the next 60+ miles--sweet, uh?
ReplyDeleteone of my favorite riding days of the trip I think. scenery was some of the best as well.
DeleteGreat pictures. The water is so blue and it looks warm outside. I can see how it was your favorite. My guess is the road surface was a little better than Hwy 101 in our area.
ReplyDeleteEven with all of the ocean pics, my favorite is the one on your wife looking at the ocean. With her little tiger tail standing up in the wind, it is so cute.
Getting to San Diego will be bittersweet indeed. Great because you have reached the destination, but sad because your wife will be flying home.
What a journey you have had so far!!
It was a gorgeous day.
DeleteIt was windy and her tail kept flying up, so I had her pose for a pic. The tail up always cracks me up. makes it look like she is surprised.
San Diego was very bittersweet.
SLO Town! That's where folks who lived in Paso Robles went to get to a "big city".....
ReplyDeletedom
Redleg's Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
big city. lol.
Deletein CO now. Sad you aren't.