California Gold

Home of the 49ers, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, cable cars and much more. The huge city is an amazing starting-off point for your Harley journey, but don’t expect to see too much of it unless you book extra days for sightseeing. What a great place to start your tour!

Things get going right away on this route of golden California sunshine. The urban interstate will take you right to the Golden Gate Bridge. Crossing the majestic bridge is quite an experience; and the views across the Bay and out to the Pacific in the distance are truly amazing. First stop, Sausalito, an eclectic little town that offers good food and million dollar views. You now head north and  the San Pablo Bay opens up before you. There are several Wetlands Preserves on either side as you head through this stunningly beautiful area near the coast. And soon the vineyards will start to come into view as Sonoma comes up ahead. The whole area is full of birds in flight and tree canopies that are visible from the highway as wetlands turn to dry.

Your route then detours to follow the historic Silverado Trail, which heads through prime central California winery country and ends in the little town of Calistoga. Here you pick up Petrified Forest Road and about one hour later you find yourself in Rohnert Park relaxing by the pool and maybe enjoying that bottle of wine you bought at one of the many vineyards this afternoon.

This is truly a stunning ride, and for good reason – you’re riding right up Pacific Coast Highway 1. The views out onto the ocean are breathtaking, as are the cliffs that overlook them. When you think picture-perfect California coastline, this is it.

First stop Bodega Bay. This is where the full majesty of the Pacific coast opens up to you and from here it’s Highway 1 for a full day’s ride north, with sun on your back, via Sonoma Coast State Park, Fort Ross State Historic Park and then Salt Point State Park. You’ll even visit Manchester, which is about as different from Manchester, England as you can get, with the waves crashing on the shore below! Continue on through Mendocino to Humboldt Redwoods State Park and ride the Avenue of the Giants. You’ll be amazed at the towering giants, and you’ll also want to pull over and walk up close to them for a bit. They truly are an awe-inspiring sight. Your ride continues on through the redwood forests and hooks up with 101 again. You’ll sure have some sights to talk about at dinner tonight!

An exciting ride is in store today. After a nice breakfast you ride around Humboldt Bay and then head inland on the winding, mountainous Trinity Highway, passing through the Shasta -Trinity National Forest, and without a straight bit of road until Whiskeytown Lake, just before your next hotel, in Redding. Motorcycling heaven.

First stop Lassen Volcanic National Park and National Forest. This is a great spot to get out and walk around a bit, stretch your legs and take in some of nature’s most primal sights. Then head down Hwy 89 past Lake Almanor and then head all the way down to Truckee. You’re driving through the park the whole time, and wherever you look the views are just astounding. Staying on Highway 89 all the way to South Lake Tahoe you ride almost the entirety of the western shore of the lake. Godfather Part II fans will be in heaven.

Today is a rest day. But there’s still plenty to do. Lake Tahoe is watersport nirvana – you can rent a jetski, take a sailboat trip, ride around the lake or visit Carson City. In fact, you just might find that there’s too much to fit into one day!

 It might be hard, but you’ve got to leave! Heading south you’ll reach small Topaz Lake. You’re moving into Eldorado National Forest, though many different forests converge in this area. Mt Patterson will also be visible far to your east. Next, visit weird Mono Lake and the stunning Paoha Island in its middle. From there you pick up Highway 120 which leads you across the Tioga Pass and through the stunning vistas of Yosemite National Park. After the park exit at Yosemite Village there’s one last beautiful stretch of winding road to bring you to Mariposa Grove and then Oakhurst.

Today you leave the mountains and head back to the coast, passing Coarsegold, the Yosemite Lakes, Millerton Lake and then Lost Lake Recreation Area. After that you’ll get into the busier traffic around Fresno. From here it’s a complete change of scenery through arid California wine country again, and its wind in your hair weather as you continue on to the coast via the winding Carissa Highway. The blue waters of the Pacific will be nice treat after your time inland.

Today’s ride includes a very famous stretch of coastline – Big Sur. It’s a very mellow ride that takes you into the Los Padres National Forest. Before you get into your stride, Hearst Castle is a great place to take a break, and indulge yourselves in some Californian opulence (book a guided tour). Big Sur comes up halfway through the ride and suddenly you find yourself in one of the most beautiful spots on earth to ride a motorcycle. If you turn right into Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and take a short walk you will be able to see the famous waterfall that drops down onto the beach. And at the end, take a while to explore pretty Carmel.

Your last day’s ride takes you back into the busy suburbs of San Francisco. First decision – should I visit Laguna Seca, just outside town, one of the World’s most iconic race tracks? Next, you skirt Monterey Bay before swinging inland a bit at historic Santa Cruz to pick up Skyline Drive, with its twisting ride and scenic views – a fitting end to your adventure. If you want to continue on the coast into San Francisco head west to Half Moon Bay. Return your motorcycle and your ride is over. Then you’re back at your downtown San Francisco hotel to celebrate the end of a fantastic ride. You never knew California could be as wild and scenic as this!

Today is the day to pack your bags, filled with the experiences and memories of a fantastic tour of California. Have a safe journey and we hope to see you back for another great tour soon. Your California Gold ride is over, but the stories are just about to begin.