California Highway 1; Pacific Coast Highway

grey.hound

New member
I have a trip in the works later in July. Originally my wife an I were going to ride 100 miles from Monterey to Cambria, or vice versa. The plan has changed, we will be staying in the Cambria, Morro Bay area the whole time. We just had our 20th anniversary and she has agreed to use the scoots as our tour vehicle. We have been to both areas many times, but always by car. I'm looking forward the trip and of course will post pics and comments upon return. It won't be for another 3 weeks or so. I still plan on riding some way up the coast from Cambria just because.

Any suggestions for the trip? More specifically, for an MC trip? I've never done anything like this so input is appreciated. Thanks.
 

Snowdog

New member
It's like a trip to the grocery store only longer. Just bring your tooth brush and a charge card for the hotel. I think most of the guys here would do 100 miles for a short ride. Just do it, and you will learn what you need to do different next time.

If we told you exactly what to do, it would take all the fun out of it.
 

bicyclenut

Member
100 miles should be pretty easy. Most would say 300 miles is a reasonable day's distance to be able to relax, stop for meals and see some things along the way. A drybag with clothes and other gear underseat and in rear case should be good for a 2-3 day trip. Make sure you put stuff you will need during the ride where you can get to it without unpacking everything. We did a 3 day trip a couple weeks ago in Michigan along the Lake and tried to limit the max distance to 300 miles in a day and it was pretty relaxed and easy with plenty of time for fun. I can try and put together a list of items or there are plenty of videos and lists out there on the Net.
 

SteveADV

Active member
It's like a trip to the grocery store only longer. Just bring your tooth brush and a charge card for the hotel. I think most of the guys here would do 100 miles for a short ride. Just do it, and you will learn what you need to do different next time.

If we told you exactly what to do, it would take all the fun out of it.

Well, first of all, we all know those New England guys are tougher than the rest of us, so I would suggest a couple additional things IF I were traveling from Northeast Ohio to anywhere. Stuff like rain gear, tire repair kit, extra warm under gear.

But considering you are in Southern Cal where cold weather is 65f and it never freakin' rains, maybe that Boston boys comments are exactly right.

I will say as an Iron Butt guy that less is often more. In the good old USA (some noteable exceptions apply), a cell, a MasterCard, a windshield, and a full face helmet will take you a long ways.

Looking forward to hearing more.
 

Snowdog

New member
Grey Hound is a teacher (aren't you) , if a student asked what you what he needed for a trip what would you say? (assuming you are trying to teach him something)

Answer; What do you think you need?

Maybe I am different (of course I am) When I am planning or buying something new, I don't immediately ask for everyone's opinion, I think about the problem myself and make a decision. I guess I enjoy this.
Sometimes I decide wrong, but, then I learn something. Learning is fun.

Think about what you might need, ride the trip in your mind, what might go wrong, what might make it more fun, etc., etc. etc...

A week or two ago, on an other forum, someone asked if it was OK if he wore a scarf on a motorcycle. ?
 

grey.hound

New member
Hope everyone had a nice 4th of July.

A couple of things; the trip itself isn't 100 miles, my bad. I rode once to the general area, about 150 miles away last spring. We were thinking of doing a second day, riding another 100 miles up the coast and staying a night in Carmel. Then return home, another 150 or so. Instead we are just going to the one area for a few nights then returning.

It's a chance for me to show my wife how much fun travel on 2 wheels can be; or a chance for her to say, "I did once and that was enough."

So the little tips are helpful. Looking forward to both the ride and the beach.

BTW Steve, I am in Fresno, middle of the state. Did you see the movie McFarland USA with Kevin Costner? Think of that but a city of 500,000 instead.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
 

Edumakated

New member
Hope everyone had a nice 4th of July.

A couple of things; the trip itself isn't 100 miles, my bad. I rode once to the general area, about 150 miles away last spring. We were thinking of doing a second day, riding another 100 miles up the coast and staying a night in Carmel. Then return home, another 150 or so. Instead we are just going to the one area for a few nights then returning.

It's a chance for me to show my wife how much fun travel on 2 wheels can be; or a chance for her to say, "I did once and that was enough."

So the little tips are helpful. Looking forward to both the ride and the beach.

BTW Steve, I am in Fresno, middle of the state. Did you see the movie McFarland USA with Kevin Costner? Think of that but a city of 500,000 instead.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk


The wife and I stayed at Carmel Valley Ranch resort for our "baby moon" two x-mas's ago. It was phenomenal. Easy drive to Big Sur, Monterrey, and Pebble Beach. The entire time I was there I kept thinking about how much I wish I had my bike to enjoy the roads and views.
 

Snowdog

New member
Ok, here is the tip, when bringing a spouse, stop more then you think you need to. Let them spend all they want, and let them pick the restaurant and hotel.
Don't ride ride faster than the turbulence level for the pillion end of the seat or ride when raining, and get an intercom so they can chat with you. When taking a spouse it's not about you.

Of course, to really make a spouse happy, leave the bike home!!
 

SteveADV

Active member
....BTW Steve, I am in Fresno, middle of the state. Did you see the movie McFarland USA with Kevin Costner? Think of that but a city of 500,000 instead.

Wait a minute, Sean. Are you telling me there's a place in CA without 365 days of surfer girls and sunshine? Next thing you know you'll be saying you never run into Brian Wilson at the 7Eleven.
 
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grey.hound

New member
Wait a minute, Sean. Are you telling me there's a place in CA without 365 days of surfer girls and sunshine? Next thing you know you'll be saying you never run into Brian Wilson at the 7Eleven.

I do have my own California Girl but haven't yet seen Brian Wilson.

While it is one state, there are definitely "regions". Just like any other state I suppose. It's the opposite for me I guess, while the states are much closer together east of the Mississippi, here, we don't really think twice about driving 200 miles one way to go to a concert in LA or San Francisco or to see Football or Baseball games. Even San Diego, 350 miles away is still in state. Don't really know what I'm getting at but I'll post pics of the ride.
 

Snowdog

New member
I do have my own California Girl but haven't yet seen Brian Wilson.

While it is one state, there are definitely "regions". Just like any other state I suppose. It's the opposite for me I guess, while the states are much closer together east of the Mississippi, here, we don't really think twice about driving 200 miles one way to go to a concert in LA or San Francisco or to see Football or Baseball games. Even San Diego, 350 miles away is still in state. Don't really know what I'm getting at but I'll post pics of the ride.

The states are smaller on the East coast, and that's why we drive slower, it makes the state seem bigger.
 

t6pilot

Member
We live in Orange County
Always try and ride against traffic
IE leave home on Sunday mornings early as traffic is coming back
Same for return, arrival in LA basin best on Saturday mornings
Back roads around 101-405 interchange any time
 

grey.hound

New member
t6pilot, I went to Middle School and High School in Costa Mesa from '86-90. Costa Mesa High shool.

Tomorrow we will be leaving, here is the general route:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Fre...a22e76910!2m2!1d-120.0607176!2d36.9613356!3e0

Lots of great riding once we hit Paso Robles. The first 100 miles will be hot, flat, mostly straight, dry and possibly windy. If my wife is up for it, we'll head up the coast Friday morning to Carmel, if not we'll just head back home from the San Luis Obispo area. I'm looking forward to seeing how everything works out with the bike completely loaded up. We'll probably use all 434lbs of payload. Hopefully I will have some nice pics and more positive things to say once we return.
 

t6pilot

Member
Grey.hound
Have done that ride before, if you can stick to back roads lots of fun, carefull you will stopping many times for photo ops
We have taken the road from hunter leggit over to 1 twice enter just north of reststop on 101 north of paso, be aware no services for 50+ miles
If you live in Fresno, how about riding to oakhurst then taking 49 to the top, some great roads over to the coast and back down 101/1
 

grey.hound

New member
All is well two days in. I have a few pics and will post some when I return.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
 

grey.hound

New member
Home, again, will post pics soon. Only thing I am thinking about changing is going to a Dr. Pulley clutch or something like that. More on that discussion another time.
Teaser Pic:

 

grey.hound

New member
Summary of the trip:
400 miles round trip; 50 mpg, one night at the Madonna Inn, 2 nights in Cambria California along moonstone beach, roughly 100 miles total along California highway 1, as far north as Ragged Point Inn, no issues, period.

For the readers in the group, here is a little more:
We headed from our house in Fresno mid morning and made our way to a small town called Kettleman City for a pit stop. Also to remove a stinger from my neck that I picked up about 15 miles earlier. I knew exactly what it was but fortunately I'm not allergic to bees. But those traveling along may have heard something like this, "Son of a Bitch, I just got stung by a bee!" Have to check the cockpit recorder to be sure. Not much to see along the route, dry flat, hot and windy.

After that it was on another 35 miles, my wife needs to stop a lot for her bladder and her butt.
Shandon rest stop, about 99 miles from home. Most of the trip has similar background, just flat.


Between the rest stop and Paso Robles my wife snapped a few pics while riding:




We passed the coastal range and onto Pacific Coast Highway (PCH or CA1) and stopped for a snack at the Brown Butter Cookie Co. in the little town of Cayucos. The Ocean is just about 100 yards away from here:


Mrs. Greyhound


Afterwards we hopped back on PCH and headed towards the town of Morro Bay, famous for Morro Rock, just visible on the right edge of the pic:


Then on to our stop for the night, the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo:


to be continued...
 

grey.hound

New member
Day 2:
After a quick bite we started north. About 60 miles north of San Luis Obispo, just a ways passed Hearst Castle we had lunch at Ragged Point Inn. This place was busy with lots of people on their way up towards Big Sur, or coming South.
Yours Truly:


The view from our table:


A little of the Inn:


Selfie!


Sunset from the patio of our hotel:


The rest of the days events, well, I can't share those...
 

grey.hound

New member
Day 3:
We spent the day in town (Cambria) and along the beach. This is not a long sandy beach. Very ragged.


from our patio again:








The next day, we packed up and rode home:
 

Skutorr

Active member
Great trip! I bet the coast weather was a welcome change; it's going to be over 100 for the next week.:cool: Ouch!
 
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