Hey guys,
I figured I would create a thread here :)! I'm just curious on your opinion of goat roads. Do you like them and why, or do you not like them and why?
I guess I'll start it off. I like all types of roads, smooth and fast, tight and bumpy, and everything in between. I can run them all at a pretty decent pace, but will admit that I have a fondness for the goat roads. There are several reasons that I will list.
-The speeds are down, but 60mph down a narrow, bumpy road with trees and/or cliffs on both sides is more of an adrenalin rush to me than triple digits on a wide smooth fast road.
-Hardly any traffic and on some roads none :).
-Pretty much no law enforcement at all.
-They are a horsepower equalizer and the liter bikes hold no advantage if you are on a smaller displacement bike, especially down hill 8)!
-I like the extra focus required, as goat roads demand your full attention when riding at a spirited pace, much more so than on the fast smooth roads.
I could probably come up with a couple more reasons, but that should give you an idea on why I like the goats.
Let's hear your take on the goats now.
Mel
Agreed, those are all really good reasons.
They can also take you to some pretty cool places; like Mattole Rd from Ferndale to the Lost Coast.
Needless to say, to each his own, but for me personally, goat roads are pretty much out. Especially when you throw a leg over a big ol boat like mine! Doing Ebbetts Pass is as "goaty" as I feel somewhat comfortable with. Roads like Monitor Pass, Sonora Pass, VC truck route and Sierraville/Downieville are more to my liking. Yikes, besides, all that rattling and jarring around loosens fasteners and bolts, not to mention my old bones! Now if I were about 50 years younger, look out!! ;D
Good topic Mel. I have been on MRR, Ebbets pass, Lost Coast so that is about extent of my experience on goat roads. I have only done these roads once for a reason.
In most cases the road was poorly maintained so pace was much slower, trying to avoid pot holes mostly. If I had an adventurer tourer maybe. On the street bike way to bumpy. 4 hrs on the Lost Coast and I though my suspension was going to be toast.
Roads with no yellow center line (Ebbets pass) the only line I focus on is the FAR right, hoping to not get run over by a RV. To stressful for me to fully enjoy the ride.
That is my take, but I ride with my wife a lot to so try to make it as enjoyable/safe as possible.
Goat roads can lead to some pretty awesome places. this is the Lost Coast rd near 101.
I would say i prefer smooth fast paved roads, and some rodes that are a little bit older. But as far as goat roads i try to stay off of them. And if I do end up on one, i take it easy.
I like em all but in the correct doses
I like all roads except for the ones with sand, gravel, tar snakes, painted lines, or traffic. :squidly
RenoRider75,
I can show you some goat roads that meet those specs ;)!
Mel
Well I gave them another college-try and nearly paid a price for it.
I'll leave those death defying roads to you experts.
For us novice riders, I'm going back to the more familiar roads NVgixxer and I like. Now that's my kind of fun!
:2cool
:crazy
:thumbup
:clap
:GrnWheelie
:disco
:grnbike :blackbike
:banana2
Where's the motorcycle b*ner emoticon? That's the only one missing. :evil1