Ridin Plans ... Where you going this year. Hmmm?

[bubba zanetti]

Going to my first St.N National with old pal Dr. Zorko.   We have two weeks so will meander about a fair bit. Borscht Burn of course and then maybe a some backroads with the A-man and some fly fishing....  :

What about you ?...

[andreychuk]

Commuting
W/ a bit of luck I'm going to NYC in Aug., rent a bike for 2 days and see what I can see.
in sept I wanna throw my bike in my truck when I take my son to Univ. in Kelowna, then carry on to Oregon, unload and ride parts of Northern California.
Thats the tentative plan.

[bubba zanetti]

Commuting
W/ a bit of luck I'm going to NYC in Aug., rent a bike for 2 days and see what I can see.
in sept I wanna throw my bike in my truck when I take my son to Univ. in Kelowna, then carry on to Oregon, unload and ride parts of Northern California.
Thats the tentative plan.

Well if your route comes through the Koots. Say hi !

[Huron52]

Big Trip for this year is Newfoundland. I was planning on going last year but it just didn't work out.

This year for sure.... after that just long weekend get aways...

[Croak]

This thread got me looking at my schedule, and while I won't be able to take my multi-week trip this year (hence the Tuono purchase), I'm pretty damned sure I can take a week off for the National in June, it being so close and all.

[bubba zanetti]

This thread got me looking at my schedule, and while I won't be able to take my multi-week trip this year (hence the Tuono purchase), I'm pretty damned sure I can take a week off for the National in June, it being so close and all.

We will leave too early for you. But maybe we can ride together on the way back ?  Though keeping up to the Tuono is likely too much for even a KTM  

[Croak]

You forget who the rider is?  I wouldn't worry about keeping up.

So this is on the tail-end of your two weeks?  Riding back would be cool indeed.  My tentative plan was to leave on the 11th and take a meandering route down, and try to be back up in Vancouver on the 17th or 18th.  

Haven't decided if I'll bring the Sprint or the Tuono, depends on if I want to camp or hotel it on the way down, the Tuono being luggage challenged and a pseudo-unicycle already.  And short-legged too, ~150 miles on a tank or so.

[Croak]

Double queen at the Bavarian booked, 13th through 16th.

[Mr.Black]

I am going to Clay's on

"The quest for Cat Tour '11".

[bungie4]

Big Trip for this year is Newfoundland. I was planning on going last year but it just didn't work out.

This year for sure.... after that just long weekend get aways...

Pfft. You never get to go anywhere.

Me, new job so no vacation time. I'm hoping to snag the odd extra long weekend here or there. Glad I rode nearly 50K last season.

[ST1300Rider]

Nelson and area the end of June for a week or so. It's the host city of this years Western STOC rally. This will be 2 up playing tour guide so more tour than sport. September I get to play a bit. Meeting a Seattle rider in Montana, then Wyoming, Colorado where we hook up with the rest of the SPAMS (Seattle Polish American Motorcycle Society..... don't ask) bunch, Utah for 3 or 4 days and then home. I'll be on the GS for this one. Being semi-retired has it's perks.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Big Trip for this year is Newfoundland. I was planning on going last year but it just didn't work out.

This year for sure.... after that just long weekend get aways...

We'll wave if we see you      Dan and I are headed up that way early August. Might even have a secret surprise West Coast guest with us    (and sadly no, not da poofster   )

[jimmy]

Just a heads up to those travelling to Newfoundland.

For the last two seasons there have been major cancellations of ferry rides from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland.

In 2009, it was trucks that were held back, leading to the spoilage of perishables being transported.

For 2010, the trucks were given priority to cross, while tourists were held back.  

I ran into more than one annoyed tourist while down east last year.

While I have no knowledge of the situation this season, one would be wise to do some research before finalizing any plans to travel in those parts.

[blkhrt81]

Assuming my passport gets back in time, I'm off to Scotland Monday. Pick up the Trophy and do a few days before ferrying across to Amsterdam and the start of the run to Russia. Haven't decided yet how deep into the Motherland I'll go, like to see some friends in Nizhnevartosk but don't know if I'll make it that far.
My daughter is meeting me in Kiev for the return trip to the UK and then I'll be in BC in July.  

[Mr.Black]

Assuming my passport gets back in time, I'm off to Scotland Monday. Pick up the Trophy and do a few days before ferrying across to Amsterdam and the start of the run to Russia. Haven't decided yet how deep into the Motherland I'll go, like to see some friends in Nizhnevartosk but don't know if I'll make it that far.
My daughter is meeting me in Kiev for the return trip to the UK and then I'll be in BC in July.  

Wow. Never mind my trip to Mich. If this were a contest this guy would win.

Have a blast!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

While I have no knowledge of the situation this season, one would be wise to do some research before finalizing any plans to travel in those parts.

Thanks for the heads up; I'll be sure to look into it more carefully before we head out  

[bubba zanetti]

Assuming my passport gets back in time, I'm off to Scotland Monday. Pick up the Trophy and do a few days before ferrying across to Amsterdam and the start of the run to Russia. Haven't decided yet how deep into the Motherland I'll go, like to see some friends in Nizhnevartosk but don't know if I'll make it that far.
My daughter is meeting me in Kiev for the return trip to the UK and then I'll be in BC in July.  

Win !!  

Seriously, that is an epic trip. Hope you rub it in with an equally epic trip report !

[Sputnik]

a) last 3 weeks of June: either roam around the PNW and the Washington/Oregon/Calif coast (must do Olympic National Park one of these days), or else Alberta to New Mexico;
b) Borscht Burn in July
c) a few weekend trips to Montana and N. Idaho (e.g. Thompsons Pass, Lolo Pass/ Harpster Grade etc.)
d) most likely a 3 day getaway to Kaslo with my bride in mid-September.

[Scratch33]

Lessee - Newfoundland is on our list for early September; we've got the RoadRunner meet in July in Staunton; and the Burger Run at the end of the month.   One other I can't think of off the top of my head.

[Hoochie Papa]

The wifes best friend moved out to Kamloops (I think) a month ago. She is talking about us taking a ride out to visit this summer.

[KLRchickie]

 

Our year really isn't planned out yet, vacation wise.  We've done our week of riding in Moab already, ZED has three more weeks of vacation to use in the year, and we do need to get it booked shortly.

We'll be riding over to the KBB, of course, and as many other long weekends into the Kootenays as possible.  A week long trip *somewhere* southish is always something we try to fit in.

[alphabet man]

No real plans for Lizzbett and I, suspect we will be around Castlegar lots, making sure our new granddaughter is being sufficiently spoiled. So I guess I will spend a lot of time scooting around the Kootenays maybe a couple of rides over Hwy 20 and can't forget Lolo pass

Hmmm might need something different for the task  

Hey Ivan I am probably off the last 2 week of June

[Acadian Rider]

Leaving June 4th or 5th and riding down as far as the Smokey Mountains area.  

Not the first time but this year I'll be with at least two friends from Moncton and possibly a another rider who I don't know.    

We are planning this as a two week trip.  

Other than that, I'll be doing some long weekends here and there.

Last night I was looking at the Sanair dragstrip schedule to see when they were having the "Wheelie weekend" this year.  To my surprise they are now callig it "Bike Week Canada" and it is scheduled for labour day weekend.   Hmmmm!   Interesting.  

 http://www.bikeweek.ca/eng/

[Sputnik]

No real plans for Lizzbett and I, suspect we will be around Castlegar lots, making sure our new granddaughter is being sufficiently spoiled. So I guess I will spend a lot of time scooting around the Kootenays maybe a couple of rides over Hwy 20 and can't forget Lolo pass

Hmmm might need something different for the task  

Hey Ivan I am probably off the last 2 week of June

Dave, I'll let you know what's in the works for last 2 weeks of June. I might have to be in Toronto for a few days in mid- or late June, but if possible we will try and schedule our riding adventures to be in the Portland area then, drinking some fine McMenamins ale and attending an outdoor Jethro Tull concert...they must be in their 70s now....
http://www.mcmenamins.com/events/87988-Celebrating-Aqualungs-40th-Anniversary

[Kootenanny]

I'm going down to San Francisco.  Not really all that far, but it'll be the longest single trip I've ever taken.

I have a wedding to attend in Vancouver in the middle of June, I'll ride the bike there and head south the day after.  Not sure of my route, exactly...I'll play it by ear, depending on weather, time, etc.  I've got a week to get to SF before my wife arrives by plane, then a few days in the city before she flies home and I can wander my way back up to BC.  I'm looking forward to riding in NorCal.

[blkhrt81]

Arrived in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon, met by a very nice Scottish couple, George and Pat. Got the bike, got to the hotel and have made a couple short trips around Livingston. Think I'll try a run into Edinburgh proper this afternoon then off to the ferry tomorrow.
Bike runs just lovely!

[alphabet man]

Arrived in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon, met by a very nice Scottish couple, George and Pat. Got the bike, got to the hotel and have made a couple short trips around Livingston. Think I'll try a run into Edinburgh proper this afternoon then off to the ferry tomorrow.
Bike runs just lovely!

  have a good trip Bill ,we do expect regular reports and pictures
Ride well

[Kwacker]

Just a heads up if you are plannig to tour in B.C. this year.
  A co-worker failed to slow down in time when entering Salmon Arm (or it may have been Revelstoke) two weeks ago while driving home with his wife and 12 year old daughter.  The cops stopped him, claimed that he was going more than 40 over, and you guessed it, impounded his car for 7 days.  His family had to take a bus home.  

  After doing the bulk of my touring in B.C. for the better part of the past 30 years,  I think that I am going to go to Montana, Idaho, and Washington instead.  I`ll miss the scenery and roads of B.C, but i`m not going to chance losing my ride if I miss a sign or decide to stretch my legs a little.  

[blkhrt81]

That happened to a young lady I talked to just before I left. Got clocked by Golden, clocked not radar, and impounded. She was on her way to her grandads funeral and missed it. Tow truck driver told her they had 256 (IIRC) vehicles in impound in Golden.
I'm sure that stretch used to be 100 but it's only 90 now. Seems to me this a pretty easy system to abuse.

[alphabet man]

No one will care any ways, the snow is never leaving   I'm going to be driving the pick up until June

[JonS]

Maybe the MotoGP at Laguna Seca.
Take all the Scenic Byways from where I live to Ceday City and back.
Hwy 550 in CO to Montrose and back. It's not called The Million Dollar Hwy for nothing. Wink
I don't see any big rides for me this year. Headscratch

[rabbott5]

From Illinois we will be going to Ohio to ride the 555.  From there over to the Blueridge parkway.  Finishing the swing with the Dragon.  A few other routes for good measure.  2 bikes, 2 couples, 2400+ miles in 8 days.

[ST1300Rider]

No one will care any ways, the snow is never leaving   I'm going to be driving the pick up until June

Yep.... 4" this morning and it's still coming down. :sigh:

[KLRchickie]

  I'm not sure we have enough cursing smilies for this.....


 

[bubba zanetti]

Yuck !

Snow level way down the mountains here this morning and on all the passes.  Had a decent start a few weeks ago but lately it is cold and wet. When the sun is out it feels great with surprising warmth ... but ...  This is the year without spring !

[Croak]

That La Niña, she is a bitch.  And a cold one at that.

[alphabet man]

  I'm not sure we have enough cursing smilies for this.....


 

 OUCH Ok I feel better now, sorry!  at least its not sticking to the ground here

[KLRchickie]

There was a substantial amount of melting today, but there is still a HUGE amount of snow in the back yard.  *sigh* I'm tired of this shit....

On a lighter note, I saw some really confused looking robins out there today!

[birdrunner]

There was a substantial amount of melting today, but there is still a HUGE amount of snow in the back yard.  *sigh* I'm tired of this shit....

On a lighter note, I saw some really confused looking robins out there today!

Robin Williams try to snort some of the white stuff.???

[Oxblood]

I'll be heading south and east come June 11 for a couple of weeks. I plan on ambling through Washington, Idaho. Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon and back up to Vancouver. I have been doing map recce's for a couple of months now, and the choices are amazing. Might have to call my boss from the raod and say "Oops, I am going to be a few days late back to work, Dave."

[birdrunner]

I'll be heading south and east come June 11 for a couple of weeks. I plan on ambling through Washington, Idaho. Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon and back up to Vancouver. I have been doing map recce's for a couple of months now, and the choices are amazing. Might have to call my boss from the raod and say "Oops, I am going to be a few days late back to work, Dave."

You can always drop in on the Nat'l around then,  It's a nice ride from Yellowstone to the Black Hills.  

The Black Hills are one of my favorite places to ride.  Lots of tight twisty stuff, interesting things, and there'll be some cool people there too.

[Oxblood]

You can always drop in on the Nat'l around then,  It's a nice ride from Yellowstone to the Black Hills.  

The Black Hills are one of my favorite places to ride.  Lots of tight twisty stuff, interesting things, and there'll be some cool people there too.

Birdrunner, what is this National you speak of (forgive me, I am still relatively new to the site)? The Blackhills do sound like fun. I have always thought it would be cool to go see Deadwood.

[bubba zanetti]

Birdrunner, what is this National you speak of (forgive me, I am still relatively new to the site)? The Blackhills do sound like fun. I have always thought it would be cool to go see Deadwood.

Have a look here and all will be revealed.  This lists the main SportTouring.net motorcycle meets. There are several of us heading to Custer for the National event.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/board,63.0.html

A little closer to home .... I am one of the hosts of this meet.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/board,66.0.html

[birdrunner]

Birdrunner, what is this National you speak of (forgive me, I am still relatively new to the site)? The Blackhills do sound like fun. I have always thought it would be cool to go see Deadwood.

As Bubba has said.

Note,  the STN gatherings are meet and rides not parades.  Usually the group splits into small sub groups of similarly minded riders.   No strict protocol, and NO FORMATION riding.  I've been to Custer 2x, Colorado 2x, and West Virginia once.  Still have to try to make Arkansas (Lot of prairie between here and there. )  I might make Custer again this year.  

The Borscht Burn is certainly worth going to as Bubba, ABC, and their families make it a great time.

[Canuck]

I will be making a trip down all the way to southern Washington and Columbia River then back home via Idaho (probably Lolo pass or St. Regis Road) and Glacier National Park. That will be third week of June or thereabouts.

I might make it yet to Borscht and Burn, just really uncertain around those dates for awhile.

I realize there's probably a thread about this somewhere, but just what is this about going 40 over in BC and getting impounded? Just refer me to the thread if one exists. Thanks.

[ray916mn]

Smoky Mountains up to Indian Mounds - 9 day

Yellowstone, Custer, Jackson - 9 day

Lake Superior - 5day

Moab - 9 day

Still have some empty spots to fill. Maybe the Ozarks and/or upper Pennisula...

[bubba zanetti]

I realize there's probably a thread about this somewhere, but just what is this about going 40 over in BC and getting impounded? Just refer me to the thread if one exists. Thanks.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,56583.0.html

[PatM]

Marseille to Northern Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Italy then back to Marseille.

[Croak]

Pat wins.

[alphabet man]

Pat wins.

 Anyone want to sign up for the official I hate Pat M  club  

 Lucky boy  

[Acadian Rider]

I hate Pat.  

[PatM]

 

[birdrunner]

Pat wins.

I hate Pat too.

Did you notice HE'S the one who STARTED this thread,   probably just to brag.    Bastard.

[endo]

After the WCRM (June 3,4,5) I am going to Portland, then heading to Vancouver Island, east a province or two and then back home to Nevada in time for the Cal24 (June 10,11,12).  I can hardly wait!  

[Strog]

My brother-in-law just bought a house a couple miles from us so he can move back from CA. I'm riding out to meet him south of the Grand Canyon then we head up into UT and finally back to Tulsa.  I'm doing 3000 miles in 6 days. I've only done a couple days at a time in the past so I'm excited about getting out a bit farther.  

I'll probably spend the rest of the season showing him all my favorite roads in AR and MO.  

Not bad considering I started the season with getting my bike stolen. I got it put back together and upgraded a few things. I'll ride the bike to the thief's hearing in the afternoon and take off on my trip the next morning.  

P.S.
I don't hate Pat (I want to follow his footsteps).  

[bubba zanetti]

Was hoping to ride tomorrow as there is an excellent forecast. Out of the blue I have a nasty case of bronchitis.
 

[Croak]

Taking the train down to Seattle tomorrow, riding the Tuono back up.  

[bubba zanetti]

Taking the train down to Seattle tomorrow, riding the Tuono back up.  

And good weather too!  

[Oxblood]

I am liking the sound of the National, and I had already been eying the thread about Bubba's Borscht and Burn. Love the Kootenays. Some mighty fine riding in that neck of the woods.

[Croak]

Been meaning to ask, Ox, do you work downtown?

[Oxblood]

Been meaning to ask, Ox, do you work downtown?

Croak, no. I work in the ditch, south end of the Oak Street Bridge. Live in the City in Mt. Pleasant. Working today, as a matter of fact. One nice thing about the commute on a stat holiday is it only takes me 13 minutes to get to work  

[Oxblood]

Oh, and thanks for the heads up on the Nationals in Custer. I do think I shall have to add that to the itinerary. There are a lot of nice looking roads to ride for the 4 or 5 days I would take to get there.

[Rigger]

Got on the bike today for the 1st decent ride of the year.  I rode from here in Winnipeg, through pasrts of the city then west on the Trans Canada to Portage La Prarie.  Had coffee there and then road back to Winnipeg. 200 kms today and just under half a tank of gas.  Pretty good considering I had a crazy head wind heading to Portage. Looks like this years riding plans are going to be pretty much more of the same.  Once I get my new Manitoba enhanced drivers licence I will be heading into the States.  I would like to see Mt Rushmore this summer, but we will see what comes of this summer.  I might even head back to the Rockies through Calgary  

[blkhrt81]

Marseille to Northern Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Italy then back to Marseille.

Should be a great trip, I was through Austria about ten days ago and it was still pretty cool in the passes.

[alphabet man]

No European vacation for me but I have 4 days off next week and plan on doing some Guzzi bonding, I will have to settle forsome BC roads

 I think I will start with 3A north from Creston


and go visit Bubba


Then Maybe down to Kelowna via rock creek

and around the lake


Then home over the Anarchist on #3

[KLRchickie]

No European vacation for me but I have 4 days off next week and plan on doing some Guzzi bonding, I will have to settle forsome BC roads

 I think I will start with 3A north from Creston

You know, I don't know whether to or at your post

I don't know when we'll manage our first trip over the Rockies for the season to enjoy the roads you speak of.  Have fun!

[alphabet man]

You know, I don't know whether to or at your post

I don't know when we'll manage our first trip over the Rockies for the season to enjoy the roads you speak of.  Have fun!

 You should   for me,  I am praying that the snow will finally go away

[Canuck]

I think I've ridden all of the #3 at one time or other, but not being a local I have to ask: What is the anarchist? And the answer can't be Bakunin or Kropotkin. (Former Russian history student)

[alphabet man]

I think I've ridden all of the #3 at one time or other, but not being a local I have to ask: What is the anarchist? And the answer can't be Bakunin or Kropotkin. (Former Russian history student)

the road up Anarchist mountain coming up from Osooyus  heading east

 I would prefer other routes but it's a little early for some others

[bubba zanetti]

the road up Anarchist mountain coming up from Osooyus  heading east

 I would prefer other routes but it's a little early for some others

Remember the day/afternoon with your Aussie engineer and his R1 ? I think he rode it twice.

I have a love hate with the road. My Triumph hated the tar snakes ... but my KTM is stoopid fast on that road now. I had a ride last fall with an A4 Audi that was memorable. He actually gained on me up the hill from Bridesville.   Musta been the big turbo.  Big handlebars rock !! I busted his ass on the corners ...

[alphabet man]

Remember the day/afternoon with your Aussie engineer and his R1 ? I think he rode it twice.

  that guy drove me crazy

[Rigger]

It's now at 0 with rain/snow coming down  

no riding tomorrow

[Canuck]

Yeah, my niece, her husband and two friends came into town to see the Pixies. They were supposed to drive home to Winnipeg today, but the roads are all closed, both the Trans Canada and the Yellowhead, with blizzard warnings out. Tomorrow looks bad too.

May in Canada.

[Baz]

I am doing Beartooth and surrounding area with my 3 cousins in July.

[Rigger]

Yeah, my niece, her husband and two friends came into town to see the Pixies. They were supposed to drive home to Winnipeg today, but the roads are all closed, both the Trans Canada and the Yellowhead, with blizzard warnings out. Tomorrow looks bad too.

May in Canada.

I thought maybe the crap would miss us, but NOPE it is -5 here this morning and its snowing sideways. However we at least have good visibility.......for now

[alphabet man]

I am doing Beartooth and surrounding area with my 3 cousins in July.

 Beartooth is OK, lots of tourist but the Chief Joseph pass I found way more fun.

[Hayabillybusa]

Well... June 3rd off to the states.... NorCal hwy 96, hwy 36 oh ya, hwy 3? Trinity lake Blvd. maybe John Day Fossil beds(that was alot of fun), and there is alot of other twisty twisty oh tight twisty roads awaiting the oh mighty Busa! And of course the KBB

[Huron52]

 Beartooth is OK, lots of tourist but the Chief Joseph pass I found way more fun.

Hey I've been there!  I was surprised by the number of chipmunks at that lookout! And friendly

[bungie4]

Hey I've been there!  I was surprised by the number of chipmunks at that lookout! And friendly

Pfft.. Highly unlikely, you never get to go anywhere. This is just an amazing PhotoChop

[Oxblood]

I leave Vancouver June 10. I have decided that I am going to Custer for the ST.N meet. I will meander through WA, ID, MT and WY to get to SD. Should be fun. After that, spend another week wandering dwon through CO, UT, maybe AZ and then over to CA. Ought to be a nice two weeks doing nothing.

[Global Rider]

More of the same as a tour guide for a friend who is coming along again this year; I knew he'd be hooked on the Alps.

[Kootenanny]

Well, if I'm still here after 6:00 tonight, looks like I'm going to Hell...

[ST1300Rider]

Well, if I'm still here after 6:00 tonight, looks like I'm going to Hell...

You'll have company.  

[Croak]

[notarian]

For the most part, Scotland.

I'm still fussing with Norway and their 50mph speed limit, 71mph instant leave the bike on the side of the road and go to jail for 18 days plus a £3500 fine AND booted out of the country after retrieving the bike via a tow truck (if its still beside the road after jail time).

However, I'm happy to report that plans are newly afoot for two weeks in Ca and three weeks going to Banff via Idaho, around BC again (Bubba, I'll give you a shout!), eastern Wa and Or plus other undecided bits at this time.

EDIT: Whoa! Just had a look and see the Borscht, Burn and BBQ is on for 22-24 July = this just might fit in most excellently.

[Kootenanny]

EDIT: Whoa! Just had a look and see the Borscht, Burn and BBQ is on for 22-24 July = this just might fit in most excellently.

C ya there!

[birdrunner]

EDIT: Whoa! Just had a look and see the Borscht, Burn and BBQ is on for 22-24 July = this just might fit in most excellently.

That by itself will make the summer worth while

[T.Senchuk]

Surrey to Eastern Passage, NS.  On the return path, I will be going around the Gaspe peninsula and follow the St Lawrence back.  Maybe see C Boorman passing by...or catch him on my return pass.

[Galo]

yeap.....Geoff stayed over last night and we pumped him full of wine, food and 15 year old Puerto Rican rum.....he needed coffee this morning as he struggled up ftom deep sleep.
 
 

[KLRchickie]

yeap.....Geoff stayed over last night and we pumped him full of wine, food and 15 year old Puerto Rican rum.....he needed coffee this morning as he struggled up ftom deep sleep.
 
 

 
Knowing your hospitality, I do NOT find this hard to believe!!!

[Kootenanny]

Yes, a bit of Galo's coffee, and I could watch the hair on my chest grow...got a bit prickly under the riding gear later, though...

Had a great ride yesterday through the "West Cascades Scenic Byway," followed by a few hours of slabbin'it on the I-5.  I'll put up a ride report when I'm back home (when will that be?--open ended vacations are nice )

[ajf]

Had a great ride yesterday through the "West Cascades Scenic Byway," followed by a few hours of slabbin'it on the I-5.  I'll put up a ride report when I'm back home (when will that be?--open ended vacations are nice )

I'm just back from riding some of Northern California on the CBR, except I towed it down - my hat's off to you for planning to ride your sportbike that far.

You haven't asked for route advice, so I'll just make a few comments about four of the many great roads west of the central valley.  Two fabulous roads have so much traffic and enforcement that riding them is about as close to wasting time as you can come in that area:  DH 13 (#299 from Weaverville to Willow Creek) and DH 32 (#20 From Willits to Fort Bragg).  And two equally fabulous roads that have much less traffic:  DH2 (#93 from Callahan to Cecilville) and DH15 (#162 from Longvale Junction to Covelo).  DH2 is particularly attractive.  I rode up and down twice and met 10 cars, at most.  The pavement is excellent and the twisties are as at least as good as those of 31a and 6 in BC.  It's a lot higher than most of the good roads in the Weaverville area, so temperatures were in the comfortable 70s while the roads in the valleys were in the 80s to 90s.  But be careful about gas.  Coming from the south I filled up at Trinity Center and was on reserve at 190 miles when I got back there -  the station in Cecilville is closed.

You might as well put your radar detector away.  Mine sounded a half dozen times without any warnings from cars being lit up ahead of me.  Clearly the CHP has instant-on radar and is either very selective about who they aim it at, or they use a very low power beam.  Fortunately I was running at around 65 each time and with the universal 55 mph speed limit the cops didn't look at me as we passed.  (One even ignored me after rounding a corner while I was in mid-solid line pass.  There was plenty of room to pass safely and I guess that's a higher priority than rigidly enforcing the law - at least for that officer.)  Incidentally, the same roads in BC would have 60 speed limits, and being caught doing 105 would cost you over $2000 and the use of your bike for a week - for a "crime" that's not worth writing a ticket for in California.  I'll be back down there next spring!  (Except I'll go earlier in the year when temperatures aren't prohibitive in many of the areas I want to ride.)

Finally, I just have to say how much I love the ABS on the CBR.  I never commit to maximum lean until I can see the whole corner, so I haven't had to brake hard while as close to the limit as I ever get.  But at blind corner entry speed I can confidently stop very hard.  The occasional unmarked blind decreasing radius corner - much more frequent in N Cal than in BC - normally would have me tiptoeing into blind corners.  With the CBR my corner entry speeds for blind corners increased 10 - 15 mph, yet I felt more comfortable about being able to slow substantially within my sightline than I would have on previous bikes.

[Kootenanny]

I'm just back from riding some of Northern California on the CBR, except I towed it down - my hat's off to you for planning to ride your sportbike that far.

I got back last week, had a great ride.  And while the roads of NorCal are amazing, getting there and back was half the fun!  I'll ride down there again sometime.

Basically, I rode Hwy 96 from Yreka to Eureka (DH23, DH12, DH31), then from Eureka I followed Rob down to Leggett along 101 (detouring along Avenue of the Giants, DH66) and then down #1 through Fort Bragg to Mendocino (DH5), where we took a detour to Booneville via Comptche.  Rob headed back from there, but I took Mtn View Road (a real goat track) back down to the coast, and continued south along #1 to Jenner, where I headed inland to Santa Rosa (where I had a place to stay for the night).

Further routes included Coleman Valley Road (from Occidental to the coast), continuing south on #1, up through Tamalpais to the Golden Gate and into SF (where I parked for several days--my wife flew down to meet me).  Upon leaving, I visited some friends in Sacramento (took Wooden Valley Road to 128 to 121--DH 34 to the Sac), then was toured around a bit in the Sierras for a day (parts of DH19, DH16, DH54) before taking Ebbetts Pass (DH41, TEC, part of DH1) on the way out.  Went through Lake Tahoe (DH54) on my way to Quincy via Truckee (this was July 3rd--traffic was hellish, but ya gotta like lanesplitting!).

From Quincy, north on 89 (DH3) to Taylorville, and then around Antelope Lake (DH42--a real highlight of the trip!) and on up to Susanville, around Eagle Lake on A1 (DH60) and north to Adin and Alturas.  From there, it was into Oregon and through the desert on 395...not much of a road (looooooong and straight) but a real experience for a guy who's never ridden through a desert like that before.  

Anyway, I do intend to post up a trip report, once I get all my photos sorted and culled (I have well over 500 pics...).