The Ventura-Maricopa Highway (California Route 33), and the section known as Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway (in honor of the first Hispanic National Forest Ranger), must have been specifically created for motorcyclists. Either that, or motorbikes were created in anticipation of this roadway: Motorcycles and Route 33 are a marriage made Read more
It’s a pretty simple equation: No matter where you live, if you are a motorcycle rider in pursuit of the best roads, you have either already ridden Highway 1 through the Big Sur region in Central Coastal California, or it is part of your future. Officially designated as an All Read more
For Big Sur riders inclined towards sleeping in the great outdoors, there are several campgrounds on the coast, including Pfeiffer State Park, Kirk Creek, and Plaskett Creek that are situated right off California Highway 1. They are popular and tend to be filled through much of the summer. I’m especially Read more
40 miles? That’s all!? Oh, but these are not regular miles. These are 40 miles of heavenly motorcycle bliss for any rider venturing through Ventura County, California. Some of the highlights include excellent pavement, mountains, hills, canyons, mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys, mountains, very few traffic lights or stop signs, excellent Read more
Do you have a problem with RTS (Runaway Throttle Syndrome)? You know, the tendency of that little right-hand grip to accelerate “all on its own†leaving you smiling past the scenery at triple digit speeds. I hate that! (I particularly hate it when it’s called to my attention by well-meaning Read more
Quiet. Wonderfully peaceful. A soft, late morning breeze rustles through the tall, brown grass. With motorcycle resting on the shoulder on a crest of G16 in Central California, I stretch my legs for a walk about 100 yards down the deserted road for a better photo vantage of this sunny Read more
Interested in a little bovine accompaniment on your mountainous road trip? I, for one, prefer to view cows that are corralled away from roads. Nevertheless, on this motorcycle excursion, plenty consider the road as theirs. (Moreover, I don’t like to argue with critters that weigh more than my bike, gear Read more
Like your roads wide and telling? Then you won’t like Route 146 in Central Coastal California, leading wayward motorcycle riders to Pinnacles National Park. Replete with enough narrow roadways, blind corners, and secret twists that you may want to trade in your motorbike for a unicycle to better navigate your Read more
This little ride is “not” about the Big Sur section of California Highway 1. This ride is about a rock and roll rollercoaster connecting a chain of deer paths with a feeble ribbon of wilderness asphalt. Your back door is wider than some sections of this amusement park excursion. No. Read more
Los Padres National Forest, in Central-Coastal California, offers extensive opportunities for all riders. There are 459 miles of trails and roads specifically designated for off highway vehicles (OHV) which is great for dirt-bike riders. There are also endless miles of dirt roads that are ideal for dual-purpose or larger adventure Read more
I just returned from another 1000+ mile weekend ride to, through, and back from Death Valley National Park. (This trip was inspired after writing Death Valley: Divine Motorcycle Riding a few days ago). March is often one of the best months to visit with an average high temperature of 80 Read more
Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest, and lowest of all the national parks. Located in eastern, Central California, and about 2 hours west of Las Vegas, it’s also the largest national park in the lower 48 states (second only to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Southern Read more
Stimulating. Aromatic. Soothing. Those could be apt descriptions for riding any kind of motorcycle along this easy, coastal-valley paradise. Those words could also be a reference to the wares of over 70 wineries and tasting rooms that the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association lists on their website. There’s not too Read more
A very pleasant Southern California afternoon jaunt could begin in Santa Barbara, with an 8-mile blast up San Marcos Pass, which marks the southern and most adventurous stretch of California State Route 154. This pass will take you from close to sea level up to 2600 feet as you carve Read more
The northern stretch of California State Route 245 is not for those inclined towards bouts of vertigo. Starting near Kings Canyon National Park in Central California, this road cascades down and down while twisting and turning its way along the western slope of the Sierra Nevadas, ultimately mellowing out by Read more