Triumphrat

MassiveAttack · 10-16-2009, 07:09 PM

Howdy...Speed Triple rider here. Just last night I was looking at my "things to do before I die/get run over by a left-turning driver" and noticed that I've never been on the PCH.

Right now there is a show on the History Channel about the road's construction and characteristics. I'm thinking about making the near cross-country ride out there just for the hell of it.

Is she as thrilling and gorgeous as everyone says?

McQueen · 10-16-2009, 07:18 PM

Gorgeous? For the most part. Thrilling? There are better roads.

If you make it out here, Massive, we can take you on some good roads up in NorCal that wind from the ocean (Hwy 1) up to the summit of the local mountains and back.

orwell · 10-16-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassiveAttack

Howdy...t.

Is she as thrilling and gorgeous as everyone says?

I ride PCH weekly, at least its Southern California leg. Agree with McQueen: the views are fantastic, much of it hugs the ocean, runs across cliffs and through cool beach towns like Laguna and Corona Del Mar. The negatives are tons of traffic (especially in the summer) frequent traffic lights, pedestrians, few open stretches and few turns and bends.

In SoCal, the really fun riding is in the local foothills, east of the ocean by 15 miles or so. Here you're in another world, very rural, horses, canyon runs, twisties, and a variety of terrain.

If you're convinced on PCH, go north young man. Central and Northern California, between Highway 1 (PCH) and the 101 offer a wealth of scenic, relatively unpopulated and ever-changing riding opportunities. Again though, even in the North, it is well worth it to get a map, move east off the ocean, and venture into the canyons and farmlands.

M700R · 10-16-2009, 08:22 PM

PCH is a beautiful ride. Northern California and Oregon are my favorite portions, but the whole coast route is good. Cliffs. Huge waves. Beaches. Giant redwood groves... Lots of cool little towns. Unique lighthouses. Very scenic.

During summer especially it's crowded with tourists. I'd hit it in September when most of the kiddies are back in school and their parents back at the daily grind. Weather in September is typically dry, which is nice on that route. Still, there can be real heavy dew and fog particularly in the morning hours.

Take a hard look at the maps of both California and Oregon - there are some terrific roads running from the coast route inland, up over the coast range and down into the interior valley. Some of those roads along the various rivers are far more entertaining in my opinion. Some decent riding here in Washington too - but it typically doesn't seem quite as nice as Northern California and Oregon. I used to ride the southern California sections quite often when I lived down there. Good, but too much traffic and too many people for me. Check those east-west connecting roads, I think they're the best!

Regards, Guy

PasquasRoofShot · 10-16-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orwell

In SoCal, the really fun riding is in the local foothills, east of the ocean by 15 miles or so. Here you're in another world, very rural, horses, canyon runs, twisties, and a variety of terrain.

Ortega Highway in O.C. is a good one, too.

Catenaccio · 10-16-2009, 10:53 PM

I've ridden the PCH from Crescent City, CA to Cape Disappointment, WA. It's a beautiful ride but not a quick one. I didn't do it all at once. Rather, I road it in three sections over three different Springs.

My goal is to ride the Great River Road (easier for you to do as you live in Nawlins). If you get a wild hair and want to make my home a stopover on your way to ride the PCH, let me know. If my wife's in a horrible mood, I may get to come with you.

decobike · 10-16-2009, 11:25 PM

I like the others have done the PCH from Laguna Beach to SF. Its busy, lots to see and I would say worth the trip for the most part.

Perhaps a little closer but not quite as long would be Minnesota 61 from Duluth to the Canadian border its different and the same all in one. Not as long, only about 140 miles. But then continue on the Circle Tour and head back down to La the long way.

MassiveAttack · 10-17-2009, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McQueen

Gorgeous? For the most part. Thrilling? There are better roads.

If you make it out here, Massive, we can take you on some good roads up in NorCal that wind from the ocean (Hwy 1) up to the summit of the local mountains and back.

I'm thinking of relocating to Northern Cal. There might be a day when I take you up on the offer.

/housing, Christ, how do you folks manage? I understand that you earn generally higher wages, but damn.

//then again, my rent in the French Quarter skyrocketed in the most obscene ways following Katrina, and I still managed.

StreetTripleDan · 10-17-2009, 02:30 AM

Look, you'll never want to sit down with your grandkids and say, "I rode highway 98 inland to 237 over whatever mountains blah, blah, blah."

The best part of Highway One is between Cambria and Carmel. If you can catch it without traffic, it's an absolutely awesome ride. Beautiful views and lot of turns. The guys who are talking about Highway One is Southern California are basically talking about a completely different road with the same name.

MassiveAttack · 10-17-2009, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreetTripleDan

Look, you'll never want to sit down with your grandkids and say, "I rode highway 98 inland to 237 over whatever mountains blah, blah, blah."

The best part of Highway One is between Cambria and Carmel. If you can catch it without traffic, it's an absolutely awesome ride. Beautiful views and lot of turns. The guys who are talking about Highway One is Southern California are basically talking about a completely different road with the same name.

Sealed the deal. I have eight days off, soon. Even HST called his PCH bit (paraphrasing) "The most pure, sustained piece of writing I've ever done."