July 1 - 3 Cali Ride

[Vegasrider]

Wade68 and I, and possibly GM will be heading out for a multiple night ride towards the coast.  I'm not a camper so for me, I'll be staying in a hotel, and I'm willing to share a room in order to cut down the expenses (no spooning allowed). 
I'm open for suggestions but I'm thinking of hitting Highway 36 and spending the night in Fortuna.  Then hit the Lost Coast and work our way down south along the coast towards SF and the Golden Gate Br.  Maybe hit Mt. Hamilton heading back east from the Bay Area and work our way towards and through Yosemite.  I don't want to be riding on the Friday or the 4th in order to avoid the holiday traffic.  This is why I posted the ride from the 1st to the 3rd, but could be extended to include the 4th.  As far as mileage, its not going to be too excessive, maybe around 1200 for the 3-4 days.

[GreenMachine]

Sweet!

[dub]

That will be fun. I'll be at Thunderhill 1st - 4th.

[renowingnut]

sounds like an awesome ride!   

[GreenMachine]

Better get your reservations done quick.  Pickings are getting slim.

[Vegasrider]

Hotel in Fortuna may get tight. Looking at the Comfort Suites, rooms around the Bay area should be plentiful, especially around the airports. Towards Yosemite will be challenging, maybe lay up in Fresno. I'm going to be looking into rooms this weekend. I'm going to reserve a double if anyone is interested in splitting or not. I'm pretty selective when it comes to accommodations and my bike. No Motel 6 or roach motels

[RichVee4]

Sounds like a fun ride but the Mrs and I are cruising to Alaska that week.

[rg500nut]

RG is in.  Solidify the first night's motel and I'll meet you there the first night and avoid the 180 mile numb butt ride over to the great roads...or I'll be waiting for you in Red Bluff, then on to Fortuna with you would be best.

I'll split the room or get my own.

[Vegasrider]

As suspected, Fortuna Hotels are pricey.  Going rate is $200.  For that kind of price, I ended up booking 1 room with 2 queens at the Big River Casino.  Why there, they have a garage, at least that's what their website stated. Being a casino, security is usually very good with lots of cameras. Food is 24hrs, plenty of options to eat and drink on-site without gearing up and riding someplace to go eat.  Quick getaway to head towards the Lost Coast.  If someone wants to bring a sleeping bag, I don't object for a 3rd person in the room.

Total cost with tax for 2.  $236.  Room can be cancelled 24 hours prior to arrival

https://www.bearrivercasino.com/

Does anyone have a preference staying around the Bay area? I prefer farther south, around SJ or Santa Clara.  As mentioned, near the major airports is where you begin to find cheaper rates, as they are usually dependent on business travelers to fill the rooms and being a holiday weekend, not many are traveling. Looks like the prices will range around $150 with tax. 

[GreenMachine]

I know you're not into fleebag motels, but Garberville has some decent overnight accommodations you can't find online.  We actually just dropped in unannounced and got a $59 rate for a two twin-bed room.  We took the money we saved and ate out in style.  Even had apple pie for dessert.

On a serious note, I spot to RG about this trip.  I'm still in, but maybe abbreviate the route to stay up north, then come home, skipping the ride south to S.F. & Yosemite.   Not sure about him.  Reason being, the two of us will be in Monterey the Thursday of that week for WSBK.

[Vegasrider]

I know you're not into fleebag motels, but Garberville has some decent overnight accommodations you can't find online.  We actually just dropped in unannounced and got a $59 rate for a two twin-bed room.  We took the money we saved and ate out in style.  Even had apple pie for dessert.

On a serious note, I spot to RG about this trip.  I'm still in, but maybe abbreviate the route to stay up north, then come home, skipping the ride south to S.F. & Yosemite.   Not sure about him.  Reason being, the two of us will be in Monterey the Thursday of that week for WSBK.

When it comes to overnight trips, especially during the holiday weekend,  I do not wing it just because I will not have any camping gear with me.  When I hit my destination point, my riding is done for the day. 

Has anyone ridden up and over Mt. Hamilton? I originally planned on hitting Monterrey and the PCH but due to all of the road closures, I choose to hit Hamilton since it's just due east from San Jose.  Hitting Sonora is an option too bypassing Yosemite.  It's got to be open by then?

[rg500nut]

We may all need to gather in person, but here I go.  I have numerous rides over there and Weaverville has always been a great stop with , like $80 rooms if I remember correctly, and look where it is, right in the heart of all the good riding...

Look at that, if that is suitable for one stop (first I assume), I will try to scope some rooms...........

RG

[Wade68]

Just a suggestion in thought:  Is this ride something that can be put on the calendar?  Newbie talking again!

[GreenMachine]

I'm glad you asked!  Yes.  Anybody can add rides and events to the SSA Calendar and you are encouraged to do so.  See this below linked thread.

How to use the SSA rider forum - navigation, posting & searching

Since this thread has already been started, just tell the calendar event you create not to start a new thread.  There will be a check box for that.

Good luck!

[Sub-Sonic]

Has anyone ridden up and over Mt. Hamilton? I originally planned on hitting Monterrey and the PCH but due to all of the road closures, I choose to hit Hamilton since it's just due east from San Jose.  Hitting Sonora is an option too bypassing Yosemite.  It's got to be open by then?

Yes, been up Mt. Ham many times, great ride, tight and technical, a lot of fun

Sonora pass now open.