Hi everyone. James with LRS here. So after talking about it for awhile, the wife and I are going on a trip to Monterey, which is where she is from. I've been with her a few times, but always in a cage unfortunately. We have always seemed to only go in the winter time, and obviously not happening through the mountains from here in Reno.
So I know I wanted to go through Carmel on hwy1. I have heard that the scenic route to Big Sur is closed due to a mudslide. Very disappointed about that. That's all I really know of there. Was wondering if any of you have been to this area, and if so what you might recommend for us to check out. This would be our first time there together on the bike and I know I'm excited about it. Just want to make the best of it. What do you think?

 

I do not recomend going into the valley, but the coast line is fantastic. Those mud slides do not keep the roads closed for long, they repair them all the time and are quick about it so don't give up on that part. I recommend going up north to the redwoods, or if you do want to get away from the coast, keep going until you get to the mountains, the Seirra Mountains are nice just about anywhere, cutting through them on the freeway to get into California is not the same as riding around in them.

 

James, Jim here, from Salinas. There is a really beautiful ride that I could do every weekend if time permitted. As you're heading south on HWY 1, just south of Carmel you'll approach the mouth of Carmel Valley. Turn left on Carmel Valley Road, and ride it all the way to Greenfield (takes a couple of hours). It's windy, desolate in many areas, woodsy, meadows, and as you get close to HWY 101 you'll be riding through vineyards; the beauty of the whole thing will amaze you. Once you get to Greenfield, go south on 101 (10 miles) until you get to King City. Go east through King City until you get to HWY 25, and head north. HWY 25 (another 2 hour ride) will take you all the way to Hollister, and while that leg is different, it's no less beautiful. By the time you circle back to Monterey, you'll have ridden for 6 hours, having stopped for a beer more than once (if you choose) and lunch, etc., and you'll both be grinning from ear to ear. The whole ride will knock your socks off. The places to stop are rustic with cool "local flavor". Don't miss the 19th Hole in Tres Pinos on your way to Hollister, right off of HWY 25. Can't miss it. It's a destination for bikers, and has a very friendly atmosphere.

Then there are many rides in the Santa Cruz Mnts. just 40 minutes north of Monterey...too many to count, that will keep you riding for just as long each day that you venture out.

Feel free to PM me. Happy to make more recommendations, but those options are utterly epic.

Lastly, I agree with jjnoble; don't give up on your Big Sur hopes. They'll call it "closed" as far as Cal trans is concerned, but they can't allow it to be impassible for long. There are too many people that have to commute back and forth, so they'll have one lane open and manage traffic both ways so that people in Big Sur aren't stranded. the only other way out would be to drive south down to Cambria (3 hour drive), then head east on 46 to Paso...another hour drive.

 

Thank you so much for that. That sounds way too good to even consider passing up and you can be assured we will go that route. Look for my thread in a couple of weeks and I'll let you know how it went. Thanks again!

 

I'll give a second to the ride the gipper recomended. I lived in Salinas a few decades ago and it was a very nice route even back then.

Don't miss the ride around Pacific Grove. You can't do the pay drive but the ride around the PG coastline is probably a better experience in my opinion. The ocean colors this time of year can be pretty incredible. As nice as you'd see on the hiway 1 ride south of carmel.

 

Hey James, your going have a blast, I grewup in O'side, Ca. but spend much of my summers in Watsonville working with Driscol....My Godmother lived there....anyway, what he said and what the other guy said, its just awesome in that area....Have a great time and ride safe, best, D

 

Be sure to eat at least one meal at the Rio Grill across Highway 1 from Carmel. Super!!!!

Check out the Monterey Aquarium if you have time. There is an HD Chotzsky dealer nearby on Cannery Row so you can get a T-Shirt if you want.

BTW I agree about the ride up Carmel Valley Road. Clint Eastwood has a place somewhere up there.

PCH is open AFAIK.

Good riding.

 

Appreciate all of the insight. Looking forward to it so much. A little worried with all of our crazy weather here, but hey, should make for an interesting trip I guess.

 

Double check the cal trans web site. they might be permitting trafic to pass durring certin times of day. Also +1 for going south to Paso Robles and Morro Bay. Some great ridding there.

 

I'll be hitting you California cats up for more info as I get closer to leaving for there in August. So much to see and ride .