4CT Tour - Day Six - Wednesday, June 11th. 08

Tour Day: Six
Day/Date: Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM PDST
Time Ended: 5:15 PM PCDST
Starting Location: San Bernadino, CA
Ending Location: Monteray, CA
Total Miles Today: 484 (85% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 4863
Low Temp: 52F - High Desert, CA
High Temp: 85F - Paso Robles, CA
Highest Gas Price: $4.56 Cambria, CA
Lowest Gas Price: $4.49 Mojave, CA
States: CA (11)

First, let me say: TODAY WAS A "GREAT" RIDING DAY!

I left San Bernadino with another early start and rode over the mountains to the Mojave Desert. I was not aware this desert is at such high elevation. (4,200 ft.) The temp dropped dramatically and forced me to find a liner for my mesh jacket. The high desert was also a chore to ride in 40 mph gusts of wind.

One Hundred Sixty Nine miles later I met Ron Willey in Bakersfield, CA. Ron is a great guy and yet another example of the fine people who make up the Motorcyce Touring Forum.

Ron took me on the guided tour of Bakersfield which included Buck Owen's Place, The Buck Owen Blvd and The Merle Haggard DR. We had breakfast together and shot the bull a bit before I took off for the coast.

I took Ron's advice and followed Hwy 58 over to the coast. Trust me when I tell you Hwy 58 has some great twisties in it. I can not remember the last time I drug the right front section of my belly pan, and my right boot toe .... twice! Parts of that road are a blast!

My first view of the Pacific from Hwy 46 looks out over Morro Bay.

I joined Hwy 1 just south of The Hearst Castle at San Simeon.

Some of the many breathtaking views riding Big Sur.

Big Sur never disappoints! Today was no exception, but it was not an easy ride. The road has experienced many rock slides and is really rough in several sections. The south end was bathed in a beautiful blue sky and moderate temps. As I got to the higher elevations I encoutered a fog bank that was moving closer to shore. At one point I was afraid it might cover the entire roadway. As I neared the northern end, the fog pullled back and was replaced by some of the toughest wind gusts I have ever encountered.

The next few pictures are for my wife. On our first trip to California we stopped at the Rocky Point Restaurant on our way south to LA. This restaurant holds special memories for both of us.

The view from Rocky Point.

After leaving Rocky Point I continued to Monteray, where I found a motel for the night. Tomorrow I complete my ride up the coast, riding over The Golden Gate Bridge and returning to I-5 for the trip north.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"Change is upsetting. Repetition is tedious. Three cheers for variation!" ~Mason Cooley~