One of the many great roads to ride - or drive - in San Luis Obispo County is Santa Rosa CreekRoad. Located about a forty minute drive north of San Luis Obispo in beautiful Cambria. However as stated here before don't ride, or drive, straight up. You may want to stop in Morro Bay. I mean you do have all day. Make it memorable! Morro Rock Take time to explore the many shops. If you are in there in the morning, grab a coffee and a cinnamon roll on the embarcadero. If lunch, I recommend the Hofbrau for a Prime Beef Dip sandwich - Yummy! Be sure to drive out to the "Rock" and watch thr Sea Otters. After a break in Morro Bay drive North on 101 to Cambria. Now if you have stopped in Cayucos or Harmony on the way up and time now for lunch; try the Main Street Grill and have a Tri Tip BBQ Sandwich. Or go drive/ride Santa Rosa Creek Road and come back to Cambria for a gastronmnical treat. Top off with a stop at Linns Bakery for a slice of Olallieberry pie or other fine offering. Cambria is quaint little town. Stroll around and enjoy the shops. When it is time to hit the road - Santa Rosa Creek Road; you will find it south of town. Just follow Main Street until you see the street sign. Santa Rosa Road is a great motorcycle run; but a nice drive as well. Takes you up into the hills and ends at Haighway 46 which you can follow back to Highway 101 or turn left and go into Paso Robles and do some wine tasting. Santa Rosa is just one of the many great rides in San Luis Obispo County. Enjoy! Oh, and the music bed in the video, dosen't have to be a FANTASY just go do it. And be GHROVIN' ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON! See You DownThe Road
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Found in the rolling hills and the many horse ranches in the Santa Ynez Valley you will find one of the great California "Wine Trails" North and a bit east of Bullton or Santa Ynez. Foxen Canyon is the home of some very fine winneries - Fess Parker, Firestone, Zaca Mesa, Costa De Oro about fourteen in all. You can also find Foxen Canyon from southern Santa Maria. In southern Santa Maria exit Highway 101 at Betteravia Road and wind your way to the beginning of the Foxen Canyon Trail. For motorcycles it is a great run with some fun high speed sweepers; but caution, it can be hazardous, I have seen more then one accident. If coming from Santa Barbara, I would suggest exiting Highway 101 at San Marcos Pass, Highway 33. As you climb up the road you will leave the views of the Pacific Ocean and when cresting the top will desend through the Los Padres National Forest. On the other hand continue up 101 and enjoy the beauty of the coast line. Oh, as a side line, it is here, just south of Gaviota, that a Japanese submarine shelled the Richfield Oil field in 1942. About twenty 5 inch shells were fired causing little damage and no casualties. Interesting to note it was the first time the U.S. Mainland had been attacked since the War of 1812. Santa Ynez Valley offers a lot to do. The art galleries, cafes and dont miss the Santa YInes Mission.. For the adventurous, take a sailplane out of the airport. At an altitude of around 3,000 feet you can enjoy the sights from Lake Cachuma to the many vineyards and ranches - even Reagan Ranch. ![]() For a side trip just minutes from the "Trail" is the town of Solvang. Founded by Danish immagrants in 1911 and well worth the time especially if you are looking for a cup of coffee and a "danish". Many fine bakeries and shops to be found. Additionally motor up 101 to the town of Los Alamos and visit THE UNION HOTEL. Established in 1880 and a wonderful example of "old" California. Not only will you find a great meal, be it a lunch or a relaxing dinner; but you my recognize it in one of many productions shot here. among the notables have been Michael Jackson and Jon Bon Jovi's music videos. ![]() But it is the history for me. The town of Los Alamos was established in 1876. Originally it was a stagecoach station. In 1880 the Union Hotel was built. Unfortunately it burnt down in 1893; but was rebuilt in 1915. As a kid, my Dad and I would drive up to San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast from Sherman Oaks (L.A.) always stopping at ANDERSON'S - "Home of the Split Pea Soup." When I was first there it was a far cry from todays reasturant, large counter and just a couple of small tables. The soup however, has been the same. A great place for a meal. And don't forget the gift shop. Find a danish or other delectables for the road. While living in San Luis Obispo, FOXEN CANYON WINE TRAIL has always been on of my favorite runs on the motorcycle. Whether you ride or drive it; take your time, with so many wineries and so much to see in the area. it is easy to spend two days or more, Should you be coming up from Santa Barbara and exit highway 101 at Highway 154. Then turn onto Zaca Station Road. First stop is the FIRESTONE WINERY. This iconic winery is the home of many fine wines - Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec all grown here in Santa Ynez. For many years my other favorte is FESS PARKER WINERY. Located just up the road from Firestone and the second on the tour if heading north east. Established in 1994 by - "Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone"; well perhaps more accurate to say by Fess Parker who of course stared in those great TV series many of us grow up watching. Yes, that is indeed a "Coonskin" hat for your bottle of wine! Just like ol' Davy's just a bit smaller. So saddle up and go for a ride on the FOXEN CANYON WINE TRAIL! See You DownThe Road![]() It was an early drive out to the Amish farms. Sunrise as you can see. Bit brisk at 21 degrees; and behold the Amish are up before dawn. The video below was shot over about a 90 minute time. with the exception of the closing footage that was around 3PM. I have a tremendous respect for the Amish. They work hard from before dawn to after sunset. Sometimes in harsh weather too. The young man on the push scooter was on his way to work. Even the kids have a positive work ethic. Great sense of family and community too. As to that, we all can learn from the Amish. My 2015 4Runner Limited, but then I upgraded to the 2016 TRD See You Down The Road |
AuthorKarl Johnson Archives
June 2023
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