California Coast Run 2011
We started our Fiesta a little early with this trip through the back roads of the central and northern coast. Taking in the sights and sounds of most our state from S.B. to San Francisco, yes S.F!. A great ride with a fun group of bike niters. As we made our way out of Santa Barbara along the coast. As soon as we reached SLO we headed west caught Highway 1 on our way to Big Sur for lunch the sights along the way were awesome. After lunch we continued on towards our hotels in Watsonville. I shared a room with Brain which was not near the other riders hotel. That was an amazing adventure in itself getting to party central from our remote location a bus ride and a long walk back, We thought about a horse but that didn't work out, yes a bus ride. We were able to relocate for our second night. We had a good meal and some moderate drinking. Sunday morning we journeyed north looking for the most remote and picturesque roads along the way. One on the most memorable, and there were many, was Highway 9. Through the redwoods along a roaring stream. We took a midmorning break at Alice's Restaurant nestled at the junction between three highways. Good food and great pie! Where's Dave and Ron the pie guys.
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Once we headed out the consciences was to head to San Francisco for a stop at the Cliff House. Continuing along back roads and picturesque vistas was truly the theme for this extended weekend ride. We were able to keep out of the heaviest traffic although we did manage to get caught in Golden Gate Park congestion as people were going to a concert. The Cliff House was well worth the ride. I remember going with my family as a young boy. An who's Elle? As our stay was over we found our way back always taking the road less traveled. Once back in Watsonville for our evening meal and the lite partying that would take us to our final ride back through Carmel Valley Santa Cruz and south, west, and even a little east. We found our way out to the Bee Rock Store somewhere between Lake San Antonio and Lake Nicenemito for our lunch I had a great meatball sandwich an the pizza, good stuff. afterwhich we took more back roads to the coast then inland to the 101 stopping in Pismo Beach for our final fuel stop. As we headed towards home you could feel the pace quicken a bit, you know that "rented horse" syndrome. The weekend ride was filled with so much, yet it seemed to fly by. The final leg took us over the pass and back into Santa Barbara. This was a great trip, way to much fun with the best group. As I reflect back upon the weekend ride with our group, it was for be a last minute decision, having a ride planned later in August that I will have to postpone due to medical situation I need to take care of at that time. So this trip became important as I needed to get out and ride, and of course all that good food is important. Sharing the weekend ride and the fellowship was truly worthwhile. Some wonderful memories were created. Thanks so much to so many to make this all possible. |
