Depending on the season and your schedule, the final day can be a straight 275 mile shot from Palm Springs to Phoenix with an early morning start and early afternoon arrival or you can spend some time in Palm Springs before you head back to Phoenix and arrive in the evening. If you do the trip in July or August, we'd suggest the former.
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Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day 17
Every trip has to come to an end and ours was nearing it fast. Our frineds' flight was scheduled in the afternoon on the 18th day, so we still had a nice day to ride but we had to get closer to Phoenix, so they could safely catch their flight the next day. In order to avoid desert heat as much as possible we played out the return this way: We spent the morning in San Diego. Some - who visited SeaWorld the day before - went to check out the USS Midway, we rode to the Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma. We regrouped around 1pm and headed to Palm Springs following a 200 mile pretty route that stayed at higher elevations almost all the way. The descent started only thirty miles from Palm Springs which kept the temperatures in a pleasant range.
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San Diego is part of the 360 degree view from Point Loma / Cabrillo National Monument.
Higher elevations kept us cool almost all the way to Palm Springs.
Descending to the desert floor still entertained us with some great rides.
The desert floor grows windmills. The temperature is back to normal triple digits, but hey, it's dry heat!
Our last overnight stop: Palm Springs. Make sure your accommodation has a pool.
The picture album of the day:
View 18 Day Calif ornia Tour - day 17 in a larger map
San Diego is part of the 360 degree view from Point Loma / Cabrillo National Monument.
Higher elevations kept us cool almost all the way to Palm Springs.
Descending to the desert floor still entertained us with some great rides.
The desert floor grows windmills. The temperature is back to normal triple digits, but hey, it's dry heat!
Our last overnight stop: Palm Springs. Make sure your accommodation has a pool.
The picture album of the day:
Day 16
Our San Diego stay was limited to one full day and there was quite a lot to do there. A round trip to SeaWorld, the Balboa Park, the Maritime Museum and the USS Midway takes only 18 miles from the Dolphin Motel where we stayed but it is impossible to see all of them in one day. We split and most of our group went to SeaWorld. Monica, Peter and I share our passion for boats, so we decided to do the Maritime and USS Midway museums. We arrived back to the Motel after 7PM which gives you idea of how ambitious it would be to discover San Diego in one day. Unfortunately we had only this much time to spend on the trip. The next day, which was the 17th we had to start riding back to Arizona. Anyway, the day in San Diego was superb. If you are not as interested in boats and maritime history as we were, probably you'd find the number of pictures excessive, but it was a special treat for us.
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Walking through the floors of this floating fortress is a really interesting experience.
Leave plenty of time for this visit. This thing is huge and there are so much to see on board from the prison to the captain's bridge.
The Maritime Museum has an eclectic collection of boats from all ages and size along with a nicely done exhibit aboard the old ferry.
This working 13th century schooner replica is one of the highlights of the museum.
You can explore the submarines inside as well. Not an ordinary experience, especially when you visit both the US and the Russian submarines. There are some very interesting differences.
As fun as it is to drive a submarine, you'd still miss the view.
The Russian sub is not for claustrophobic people. You have only this much space to get through the section locks. You'll see that Russian designers were not particularly focused on "user friendly" features.
The picture album of the day:
View 18 Day California Tour - day 16 in a larger map
Walking through the floors of this floating fortress is a really interesting experience.
Leave plenty of time for this visit. This thing is huge and there are so much to see on board from the prison to the captain's bridge.
The Maritime Museum has an eclectic collection of boats from all ages and size along with a nicely done exhibit aboard the old ferry.
This working 13th century schooner replica is one of the highlights of the museum.
You can explore the submarines inside as well. Not an ordinary experience, especially when you visit both the US and the Russian submarines. There are some very interesting differences.
As fun as it is to drive a submarine, you'd still miss the view.
The Russian sub is not for claustrophobic people. You have only this much space to get through the section locks. You'll see that Russian designers were not particularly focused on "user friendly" features.
The picture album of the day:
Day 15
Completing the fifteenth day of the tour is a bit of a balancing act. While the distance between Santa Monica and San Diego is only about 140 miles, those who are familiar with LA traffic know well that driving across town might turn into an urban adventure. Which way? It depends on your riding style and courage. If you hit rush hour traffic in LA, which spans from 3pm to who knows when, you'd be left with two options. You can try to sneak through the endless line of jammed cars (lane splitting is allowed in CA) or you can try burn your clutch and patience by inching with the cagers. Since none of these seemed to be attractive enough for us, we opted out of the rush hour commute and scheduled the day accordingly. That's where balancing skills come into play. Half of the group was familiar with LA, the other half were first time visitors. Since we did not want to spend more than one night here, we chose to check out Santa Monica Pier, visit the most iconic part of LA, Hollywood and get out of the city before afternoon traffic emerges. In order to provide the newbies with some authentic LA flavor, we connected the Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood by riding Sunset Blvd. all the way from the seashore, which also incorporates Beverly Hills and Sunset Strip as well.
Approaching San Diego we broke off of Interstate 5 as soon as we could and rode along the seashore towns. The timing worked out well, we arrived to our accommodation after sunset but before dark.
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The picture album of the day:
Approaching San Diego we broke off of Interstate 5 as soon as we could and rode along the seashore towns. The timing worked out well, we arrived to our accommodation after sunset but before dark.
View 18 Day California Tour - day 15 in a larger map
The picture album of the day:
Day 14
In order to complete the roughly 250 mile ride between Morro Bay and Santa Monica, LA you need to get up early, because there are some slow back roads and points of interest that guzzle up time. The Spanish Mission in San Luis Obispo, the Motorcycle Museum in Solvang, Solvang itself, the Steam Wharf in Santa Barbara, and the scenic detours around Malibu make a tight fit.
The fifth California Mission was founded in 1772. Depending on your level of interest, allocate 30-90 minutes to this stop.
We broke away from main stream traffic between San Luis Obispo and Solvang.
Rolling hills and nicely organized vinyards dominate the landscape towards Solvang.
You'd not expect a stop in Denmark on the way to Los Angeles.
If you wonder where the "danish" got it's name from, you'll find the answer here.
If there is anything, this is the one stop you cannot miss in Solvang.
There are more than ninety similar beauties in the museum.
This almost abandoned back road has seen better days, but the scenery is still gorgeous. The traffic or for the lack of it compensates for the cracks on the asphalt.
The Cold Springs Tavern is frequented by many LA riders on weekends.
Once you turn east from the seashore, you have a very good chance to find some great rides. The detours around Malibu might reward you for the early morning wake-up. If your timing however slips out of your hands, you might need to skip them to get to Santa Monica in time.
The picture album of the day:
The fifth California Mission was founded in 1772. Depending on your level of interest, allocate 30-90 minutes to this stop.
We broke away from main stream traffic between San Luis Obispo and Solvang.
Rolling hills and nicely organized vinyards dominate the landscape towards Solvang.
You'd not expect a stop in Denmark on the way to Los Angeles.
If you wonder where the "danish" got it's name from, you'll find the answer here.
If there is anything, this is the one stop you cannot miss in Solvang.
There are more than ninety similar beauties in the museum.
This almost abandoned back road has seen better days, but the scenery is still gorgeous. The traffic or for the lack of it compensates for the cracks on the asphalt.
The Cold Springs Tavern is frequented by many LA riders on weekends.
Once you turn east from the seashore, you have a very good chance to find some great rides. The detours around Malibu might reward you for the early morning wake-up. If your timing however slips out of your hands, you might need to skip them to get to Santa Monica in time.
The picture album of the day:
Day 13
In our business we are constantly facing and trying to avoid the question of: How long it would take to get to town XYZ? The reason for our desperate avoidance is that we could only give the predictable and predictably stupid answer of "It depends on."
The roughly 140 miles between Monterey and Morro Bay sounds a ridiculously short leg on a motorcycle trip and you might start wondering what on earth would you do in Morro Bay after arriving at noon? Well, if you put on your blinders and tie yourself to the saddle you can definitely make your way to the destination in a couple of hours. If, however, you let your interest in the surroundings surface, the same distance might very well fill your day. The same dynamics manifested on day 13 in our group. Some of us were concerned about the limited distance (ie: the danger of getting bored) in the morning and at the end of the day we barely made it to the dinner table before all the restaurants closed in Morro Bay.
Sadly the famous "17 mile drive" in Monterey is shut down for motorcyclists. Loud pipes might save lives, but they also result in more and more pissed off people who do everything in their power to keep them away from their homes. This is exactly what happened with the scenic ride that is on a private land. The action of the annoying few led to the ostracizing of the entire group. While no more riding on the 17 mile drive, the Ocean View Blvd that hugs the Pacific Grove at the northern tip of the Monterey Peninsula is still a must.
From there on, it is really up to you how much time you spend on savoring the coastal ride, visiting some points of interest or taking a plunge in the Pacific Ocean. One thing is sure. There are more options than you can accomplish in a day.
View 18 Day Califorina Tour - day 13 in a larger map
In a short walk in Monterey's Cannery District we found us in the company of John Steinbeck and another capuccino from Ghirardelli.
Ready for attacking one of the nicest stretch of PCH.
One thing better than having an ocean front home: an endless ocean view ride.
Is there anything that beats the freedom of a ride like this?
When you stop to indulge yourself in the view and absorbing even more freedom, you still need to remember earthly things, like turning off the ignition. If not, exercise might follow. In our case - after stalling the bike right when it picked up - the jumper cable turned out to be the ultimate solution.
We looked a bit weird in full m/c gear on the beach. Make sure that you bring your swimsuit and spend some time at Big Sur. Had we not lost time beacuse of the depleted battery, we'd have done so too.
If you avoid the lunch rush at the Nepenthe, you can easily get a table with a view.
The lights only get better after the sun passes its zenith.
The Nacimi-Fergusson road is a short detour. A hidden gem, not for the faint of heart. The road features drop-offs of hundreds of feet and stunning views.
Fishing boats were docked across the street from our Morro Bay accommodation and five restaurants which convert the daily catch into delicious dinner were in walking distance. Since we arrived after sunset, this picture was taken the next morning. Morro Rock is in the background.
We followed our host's advice and went to Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant which we did not regrett at all. We missed the catch of the day, but the food was still very nice. Nothing fancy, just good food. That was exactly what we needed after a wonderful day like this.
The picture album of the day:
The roughly 140 miles between Monterey and Morro Bay sounds a ridiculously short leg on a motorcycle trip and you might start wondering what on earth would you do in Morro Bay after arriving at noon? Well, if you put on your blinders and tie yourself to the saddle you can definitely make your way to the destination in a couple of hours. If, however, you let your interest in the surroundings surface, the same distance might very well fill your day. The same dynamics manifested on day 13 in our group. Some of us were concerned about the limited distance (ie: the danger of getting bored) in the morning and at the end of the day we barely made it to the dinner table before all the restaurants closed in Morro Bay.
Sadly the famous "17 mile drive" in Monterey is shut down for motorcyclists. Loud pipes might save lives, but they also result in more and more pissed off people who do everything in their power to keep them away from their homes. This is exactly what happened with the scenic ride that is on a private land. The action of the annoying few led to the ostracizing of the entire group. While no more riding on the 17 mile drive, the Ocean View Blvd that hugs the Pacific Grove at the northern tip of the Monterey Peninsula is still a must.
From there on, it is really up to you how much time you spend on savoring the coastal ride, visiting some points of interest or taking a plunge in the Pacific Ocean. One thing is sure. There are more options than you can accomplish in a day.
View 18 Day Califorina Tour - day 13 in a larger map
In a short walk in Monterey's Cannery District we found us in the company of John Steinbeck and another capuccino from Ghirardelli.
Ready for attacking one of the nicest stretch of PCH.
One thing better than having an ocean front home: an endless ocean view ride.
Is there anything that beats the freedom of a ride like this?
When you stop to indulge yourself in the view and absorbing even more freedom, you still need to remember earthly things, like turning off the ignition. If not, exercise might follow. In our case - after stalling the bike right when it picked up - the jumper cable turned out to be the ultimate solution.
We looked a bit weird in full m/c gear on the beach. Make sure that you bring your swimsuit and spend some time at Big Sur. Had we not lost time beacuse of the depleted battery, we'd have done so too.
If you avoid the lunch rush at the Nepenthe, you can easily get a table with a view.
The lights only get better after the sun passes its zenith.
The Nacimi-Fergusson road is a short detour. A hidden gem, not for the faint of heart. The road features drop-offs of hundreds of feet and stunning views.
Fishing boats were docked across the street from our Morro Bay accommodation and five restaurants which convert the daily catch into delicious dinner were in walking distance. Since we arrived after sunset, this picture was taken the next morning. Morro Rock is in the background.
We followed our host's advice and went to Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant which we did not regrett at all. We missed the catch of the day, but the food was still very nice. Nothing fancy, just good food. That was exactly what we needed after a wonderful day like this.
The picture album of the day:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Day 12
By saying good bye to SF we also started our trip on the second most famous US route, the Pacific Coast Highway aka PCH or California Rt 1. In terms of fame only Rt 66 rivals this spectacular strip of tarmac that parallels the Pacific Ocean. To get to Monterey was an easy going 140 mile ride, so we could afford a lazy start. Before we left the city we had to fulfill two pleasant obligations. We could not leave town without riding down on Lombard Street which claims to be the crookedest street in America and riding up to Twin Peaks which provides visitors with the broadest view of SF. Mother nature was gracious to us and lifted the cloud cover, so we could enjoy - in SF measures - sparkling sunny conditions.
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Riding/driving down on Lombard street is a sort of pilgrimage for motorists who visit SF.
When you can see your shadow, it is time to ride to Twin Peaks.
Leave this experience for last if possible, so you can identify all the places you visited earlier.
If lunch time catches you at Alice's Restaurant you can choose your beloved brand as a burger.
Another experience which cannot be described by words or images. Go and do it for yourself!
A brief stop at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse takes you on a centuries long trip in naval history.
The seals in Monterey were on a different schedule. They were just awakening when we got there.
A quiet sunset at Monterey Bay Marina.
Extensive clam chowder sampling is almost mandatory before you pick your dinner spot.
The picture album of the day:
View Larger Map
Riding/driving down on Lombard street is a sort of pilgrimage for motorists who visit SF.
When you can see your shadow, it is time to ride to Twin Peaks.
Leave this experience for last if possible, so you can identify all the places you visited earlier.
If lunch time catches you at Alice's Restaurant you can choose your beloved brand as a burger.
Another experience which cannot be described by words or images. Go and do it for yourself!
A brief stop at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse takes you on a centuries long trip in naval history.
The seals in Monterey were on a different schedule. They were just awakening when we got there.
A quiet sunset at Monterey Bay Marina.
Extensive clam chowder sampling is almost mandatory before you pick your dinner spot.
The picture album of the day:
Day 11
San Francisco is anchor to the 13th-largest metropolitan area in the country so don't expect all exploration options to be exhausted by walking around for a day. Though we did spend some time strolling around on day nine, we had only discovered how much more we had to discover. Not speaking of the market at the Fisherman's Wharf where we had to go back in order to savor fresh, local, over the counter seafood. Put into context of some Ghirardelli treats and you can figure that life was not too shabby on day eleven either.
Though Ghirardelli Square is more than a bunch of confectioneries, it is probably one of the sweetest urban spots in the U.S.
The Hyde Street Pier features an interesting collection of old ships.
Seafood market at Fisherman's Wharf.
Unless you hate seafood, there is absolutely no way to get out of the market without sampling the offerings. Time your visit around luch time or save your appetite until you get there.
What luck that the Chocolate Store is located within a short walk! At this point we already suspected that serious dieting would follow the trip.
These impressive ocean liners dwarf the surrounding area.
The not too conservative architectural and cultural mix of San Francisco is probably not for everybody.
If jazz is your cup of tea, you'll find it here.
Unless you are a regular in NY's Chinatown, this is a must in SF.
SF's Chinatown is alive with young...
...and elderly equally enjoying the urban outdoors.
Parts of the city become almost monochromatic on a cloud covered day.
Lively colored shops are happy islands amidst hues of grey.
Up and down might become just as important directions of your orientation as left and right.
The picture album of the day:
Though Ghirardelli Square is more than a bunch of confectioneries, it is probably one of the sweetest urban spots in the U.S.
The Hyde Street Pier features an interesting collection of old ships.
Seafood market at Fisherman's Wharf.
Unless you hate seafood, there is absolutely no way to get out of the market without sampling the offerings. Time your visit around luch time or save your appetite until you get there.
What luck that the Chocolate Store is located within a short walk! At this point we already suspected that serious dieting would follow the trip.
These impressive ocean liners dwarf the surrounding area.
The not too conservative architectural and cultural mix of San Francisco is probably not for everybody.
If jazz is your cup of tea, you'll find it here.
Unless you are a regular in NY's Chinatown, this is a must in SF.
SF's Chinatown is alive with young...
...and elderly equally enjoying the urban outdoors.
Parts of the city become almost monochromatic on a cloud covered day.
Lively colored shops are happy islands amidst hues of grey.
Up and down might become just as important directions of your orientation as left and right.
The picture album of the day:
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