Laguna, Lebec, Atascadero, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, Creston, Shandon, Reef Station, Coalinga to San Lucas, Greenfield, Pacific Grove

It was an early start – on the road at 4:45 am, before the sun had peeked over the mountains to the East.

The first part of the ride is crap – riding north on the 405, then the 5, freeways.� � � � But we make great time, and we’ve covered 175 miles and it’s not even 9 AM yet.� � We’re feeling pretty fast and smug at this point.� It’s going to be a glorious day of riding – but the freeway part is over, thankfully.

We kiss the # 5 freeway goodbye at a little spot called Lebec.� It’s the Frazier Mountain Park Road, heading West from Lebec.� After about 8 miles, we fork off to the right on the Cuddy Valley Road, when then turns into the Mil Potrero Highway, and eventually it’s called the Cerro Noroeste Rd.� It’s twisty, and high up in the hills.� At this time of the year, the grass is golden, and makes for a pretty backdrop for the dark green oaks.� We see a bunch of other bikes along this beauty of a road – with travel gear.� Looks like we are not the only ones headed north taking the long way around!




We flip a coin when this road ends at Highway 166.� � Going East would take us to the 33 North, then to the 58 Northwest, to join up with Highway 101 at Atascadero. �

But it’s tails, so we turn left on the 166.� We know this road well – from a few rides on it heading South and East out of Santa Maria.� It’s got big wide sweeper turns, great scenery, and not much traffic. �

Four words that ruin your riding day and that you can do without hearing…..� LICENSE AND REGISTRATION PLEASE

The first 20 miles or so are through flat dry areas, with plenty of trucks and farm equipment.� Finally get to the good part and pick up the pace – but get nailed for going 73 mph in a 55 zone.� Damn!� � � � � First speeding ticket in a million years.� But I guess, even at $300, if I average out over the past 10,000 miles of speeding, it’s pretty cheap.

We hit the Northbound 101 at Santa Maria and join the traffic. Quick lunch stop in Pismo Beach (scene of previous MyRidz guys adventures) and we’re back on the 101.� Although the road has plenty of traffic, some of the sections are really cool, with great scenery and sweeper turns.� Just watch out for the cops!

At Atascadero, we decide its time for more coin-flipping and Highway 41 wins the toss.� This is a great road with nice twisties, � as we head East, past Creston and into Shandon.

By this time, it’s not yet apparent that we made a mistake – or are we too dumb to realize it.� The weather is getting hot, the land is flattening out, and we are heading East with a long way to go before we pick up the 33 and head North again.� Oh well, we’re committed at this point.� On we go. �

It gets hotter, and dusty – shit! �

We finally pick up the 33 North at Reef Station, and head of Coalinga, where we gas up and pour some cold water on our heads.� Things are about to take a turn for the better – Highway 198 awaits.

Route 198 is a really sweet ride heading West from Coalinga to San Lucas.� Twisties, nice asphalt surface, ups and downs, and light traffic – all the right ingredients to put big smiles on our faces.� Yeah, baby!� � (CHECK OUT MY VIDEO OF THE RIDE – GO TO THE COOL VIDEOS TAB, SEE:� COALINGA TO SAN LUCAS)� �



Pick up the 101 North again at San Lucas and throttle up to about 75 to make some time for a while.� Decide to try the back roads again after about 25 miles and pull off at Greenfield.� There is a road from here over to the coast, called the Carmel Valley Road, and as we consult with the locals to get help to find it, somebody pulls up and says forget it,� “There’s a fire in the mountains and the road has just been closed.� They’re sending everybody back.”� � � � Glad we got the news before riding 20 miles into a roadblock. �

We find River Road, which winds through farmland for about 35 miles, paralleling the 101 on the West side.� It lands us on the 68, very close to the Laguna Seca course.� Perfect!� � � We scout out the parking and ticket requirements for next morning, and are off for the last few miles, to find a place in Pacific Grove.� � �

Word to the wise:� it can be hard to find a room when something like the Laguna Seca Grand Prix races are going on, and that’s why most people reserve in advance.� � Not your MyRidz guys – we’re smarter than that.� We knock on a couple of doors and find a room in a few minutes – at a price much lower (50% lower!) than people who reserved in advance.