Ride Along Highway One

​You know the trouble with starting a Blog is you say things and your mind returns to that time.  In this case my first post I mused about the "good early days of riding" - In The Beginning - particularly Highway One.  So here we go, for those that have ridden it and for those that wish to put it on your bucket list.

​As I stated, I lived in San Luis Obispo for many years, 1976 -2000.

         Mission in San Luis Obispo, Established in 1772

​I guess you could say really from the early sixties since that is when as a teenager would go up often with my parents from Sherman Oaks.  San Luis Obispo at that time was a wonderful place to live.  Being on the Central Coast the weather was almost always perfect for riding and my other interests - kayaking, flying and diving

Kayaking off Avila

"Our" Cessna 177.  Dad's , but he wasn't a pilot

​Flying out of San Luis Obispo was always a plesasure for rarely did you have any weather issues.  Other then the family plane, lot of time in 182, 210T and some P210.   Even a B52H.  More on flying "down the road" for it is a passion too.

Aerobatics in a Citabria.

​Sometimes  - often - had a problem finding the right side up!  Love aerobatics.  Stick time in Decathlon and Pitts S2 as well.  Straight and level is for the "bus drivers" of the sky.

Diving off the Chanel Islands

​Living anywhere on the Central Coast is good, but as here in the Channel Islands, just off Ventura is great!  Nothing like the kelp beds.  Like being in a underwater forest.   
Good to catch a "whale watching
boat" when the whales are migrating.

But I digress, lets get back to riding Highway One.  I will highlight a few of the stops along the way.  So as we leave San Luis Obispo, for those that have never been there, start by riding North on Highway 101.  This will take through Morro Bay.  Morro Bay is only a twenty minute ride and depending on you departure time; this is a great place for breakfast or lunch.  One of my favorite lunch stops is the Hofbrau.  Located on the Embarcadero best bet for lunch is the prime beef dip sandwich.  Sit on the outside deck and enjoy the view of Morro Rock.

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View from the deck

Sea Otters in Morro Bay

And when in Morro Bay look for the Sea Otters, they are usually found over by the "Rock" in the Bay.  Take time to walk the shops on the Embarcadero too. 

Now if you left San Luis to early for lunch, putt
​up to Cambria.  The ride from San Luis Obispo
direct is about forty minutes; however you will pass Morro Bay, Cayucus, Harmony and then Cambria.

​Harmony is but a bump in the road half a dozen of building and a few shops.




​

Harmony Glass Works

Some of the hand made products

The architecture of Harmony\
​

From Harmony it is a quick ride to Cambria.  Many shops, restaurants and the place to top off your tank.  Either top off here of in San Simeon because gas is going to cost an arm and a leg until you get to Carmel.

This is the sign for the first turn off.  Take this exit.  There is a short but fun run with a couple of good twesties and it will lead you to the "southern" section of Cambia.

As you have seen, I am a senior member of the "Ride To Eat, Eat to Ride" club.  And in Cambria is a wonderful place for a cup of coffee, pastries or a slice of their famous homemade Olallieberry  pie.  

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With a full belly and a full tank head north to the town of San Simeon.  This is where the Hearst Castle is.  I would recommend taking one of the tours of Castle.

North from San Simeon is the "real" beginning of Highway One.  Just a few minutes north be sure to look for the turn out to view the colony of Elephant Seals.  Peak season to view is between December and March.

Elephant Seal duet 

There are some high speed cruising to be had from here to Ragged Point - not that I suggest it,  You will pass Piedras Blancas Light Station, established in 1875.  As you begin to climb you are at Ragged Point

Ragged Point dinning room.

Leaving Ragged Point and you are immediately in the twesties as you continue to climb, climb, climb.  There are parts of the road that are well above 1,000 feet and often no guard rails.  There are spots for high speed sprints and then gear all the way down for a hairpin and do mind the cliffs.  To much speed can get you killed and the CHP bags a few each year.  Slow down and enjoy the ride!

Another stop for a break and to enjoy the great view is Santa Lucia.  Many a time I/we have stopped for a cup of coffee and a wonderful slice of homemade carrot cake.  You can also spend the night should you wish.  Motel is on the top of the cliffs to the right of the restaurant. Close to the cliffs.  Don't sleepwalk!

From Santa Lucia enjoy more twisties and stop at many of the turnouts for the world class views
​

 
The next stop  - Nepenthe's.  Located at the south end of Big Sur.   Nepenthe has seen it all from Hollywood stars to the hippies of the sixties.  Truly worthy of a stop. and pick up a memento at the Phoenix Shop.  Lunch and the view is hard to beat.  Lunch served 11:30 to 4:30 dinner from 5 to 10.  I love the salads and the Ambrosia burger.  Top it off with the Three Berry pie.

One of the best days spent having lunch at the outside lunch bar was when there became a hum in the sky. Over there high and behind the hill.  Soon the hum was recognized as the roar of a Rolls Royce
Merlin as a P-51  came slashing down the canyon. Rolled up on his right wing and dashed to the see 1,000 feet below and banked south along the coast.  That moment was many years ago.  A flash in time; but imbedded forever as a cherished moment
​

From Nepenthe north you will find the Big Sur. Great camping and lodging here.  Lots of hiking trails. Good place to spend a night or a week.  If you do stay be sure to pop back down a few miles south to dine at Ventana Inn and Spa.  Fine restaurant and a world class wine cellar

From Big Sur, the next stop is Carmel.  Only world is -wonderful.  I have spent a lot of time in Carmel over the years. From many, many rides up to the cold and clammy Winter days.  Love Carmel in the
Winter.  Very few tourists.  Time your ride between storms.  Yes, sometimes even a clear day can be cold.  If so, if it is still there, find Witney's Bar on Ocean and have an Irish Coffee.  Carmel and Monterey's Cannery Row, you can have several days of enjoyment.  Plan the trip and take in Laguna Seca, or better yet spend the day at Carmels Concours de Elegance.  You might even bump into Jay Leno showing one of his cars.   When in Monterey be sure to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

That's Highway One.   From here you just ride into more of the concrete jungles all the way to 
San Francisco.  Drive over the Golden Gate and north you pick up the ride again.  I don't care for cities.
Give me the wide open roads to roam!

​See You Down The Road