California help! Central CA routes....

[AngryScientist]

long story short, i'm driving from the Mex border to the Sierras, planning on driving up Rt 49. Lots of free time and seeking forum guidance for where to stop and scenic routes in the 60m (ish) range.

i've got a few days to kill and looking for some great riding losing myself in the beauty of California.

bonus points for good bars/food.

this forum has never let me down for fantastic destinations.

Serotta is ready to roll...

https://scontent-lax3-2.cdninstagram.com/vp/cab5917f5dc88bf63351d56fd55c2ba2/5B624E42/t51.2885-15/e35/29737509_2003770676549427_4025208397367345152_n.jp g

[smead]

Not sure how far up you are going as the "sierras" cover half the state north to south .. If you plan to make it up to Auburn on hwy 49, drop me a PM. Can take you on some epic climbing loops out of auburn (looks like you have the gears for some 15%+ pitches), and of course good beer afterwards.

[AngryScientist]

good point...

ultimate northern destination is Strawberry, which looks about the exact latitude as Auburn.

[mhespenheide]

49 doesn't even start until Oakhurst, right? What are your plans south of there?

And are you talking about soon, or later into the summer?

[AngryScientist]

49 doesn't even start until Oakhurst, right? What are your plans south of there?

And are you talking about soon, or later into the summer?

i'm sitting in El Centro right now. zero plans at the moment...

(this is typical of my haphazard planning style)

[joosttx]

i'm sitting in El Centro right now. zero plans at the moment...

(this is typical of my haphazard planning style)

I have stayed in El Centro after hanging out in Yuma. God Bless you.

[AngryScientist]

I have stayed in El Centro after hanging out in Yuma. God Bless you.

i was in Yuma a few hours ago.

good times.

[cloudguy]

long story short, i'm driving from the Mex border to the Sierras, planning on driving up Rt 49. Lots of free time and seeking forum guidance for where to stop and scenic routes in the 60m (ish) range.

i've got a few days to kill and looking for some great riding losing myself in the beauty of California.

bonus points for good bars/food.

this forum has never let me down for fantastic destinations.

Serotta is ready to roll...

https://scontent-lax3-2.cdninstagram.com/vp/cab5917f5dc88bf63351d56fd55c2ba2/5B624E42/t51.2885-15/e35/29737509_2003770676549427_4025208397367345152_n.jp g

I lived in the Armpit of America (a.k.a. Bakersfield) for a while. I never had my bike with me, but I always thought it would be cool to ride this curvy switchback road that goes up through Sequoia National Park - a great place to visit anyway. I do remember that road didn't have much of a shoulder.

[henrypretz]

I am in Madera (20 minutes north of Fresno on Hwy 99)
I was planning a ride on Saturday. Will you be near here then?

[Ken Robb]

Check the weather reports before deciding. To generalize, the farther north you go the more likely you are to get storms. You will be relatively safe around San Diego County and the deserts will probably still be mild. Still lots of snow and closed roads in the higher Sierras.

[BobO]

I am in Madera (20 minutes north of Fresno on Hwy 99)
I was planning a ride on Saturday. Will you be near here then?

Is Shaver Lake and Lakeshore still a good ride? I did it 27 years ago and really enjoyed it. The descent back to Clovis was a blast.

[mhespenheide]

Come up to Los Olivos (just north of Santa Barbara). The riding is great right now.

[GOTHBROOKS]

has to be above point conception to be considered “cencal”

[mhespenheide]

East of Bakersfield, just off 58:

Start in Bealville/Caliente
head up to Fig Orchard on the Caliente-Bodfish Road
Caliente Creek road to Twin Oaks
Walker Basin Road back to 483, the Caliente-Bodfish road
and return


155 from the junction with 65 (East of Delano) up to Woody and Glenville, and then up to Alta Sierra (and south up to the ski area or as far as the road is clear) is a great ride. Return via the same route.

The riding above California Hot Springs is similar and great. I don't know if that area is snow-free yet, though.

[henrypretz]

Is Shaver Lake and Lakeshore still a good ride? I did it 27 years ago and really enjoyed it. The descent back to Clovis was a blast.
It surely is still good! Plenty of great options in these parts.
H

[tylercheung]

Where are you in relation to lone pine / independence? Onion valley road or something seemed interesting...

[KarlC]

El Centro..... Bummer ...... Where do you go from there ?

[cnighbor1]

this sunday
or see me after that to ride mt diablo

[joosttx]

Google “Balch Camp Black Rock Road” and enjoy

[donevwil]

Definitely off the beaten track (and where I grew up), San Juan Canyon Road out of San Juan Bautista. The whole road is beautiful, but the last 4-5 miles to Fremont Peak State Park (at 3000+ ft) are spectacular. Easy to add on miles down in the valley. Lone Tree, Quien Sabe & Cienega Valley Roads in Hollister. Some of the very best, yet still little known, CA wines are in this area. Great Mexican food in San Juan Bautista and one of the nicest Spanish Missions in CA (seen in Vertigo).

[charliedid]

Head east, turn left at the first meth house and keep riding...

Watch out for the zombies.