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UTC

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LX150
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Location: Tarzana, CA
 
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LX150
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Location: Tarzana, CA
UTC quote
I'm sure someone out there has done this leg before:
http://goo.gl/maps/ikao

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

Just wanted to get some thoughts about this particular route. I was curious since CA-1 merges to the 101 north of Fort Bragg. Is the rest of the way a pretty decent, fun ride? It looks like most of it is foggy one/two lane highway (per Google Street View), and wondering if it's small enough to enjoy. Not a fan of 3/4 lane interstates, especially since I'll be on a 150.

I am unfortunately planning against a schedule in mid September, since a friend can't leave SF until Wednesday afternoon but we wanted to be in Portland by Friday night to pickup friends who are flying into the airport. I think that's barely doable (around 380~ miles a day, camping along the coast at night), and I am not comfortable having to 'rush' or have no cushion in the schedule especially if this is a smaller highway akin to CA-1 that hugs the California coast, that takes more time to traverse.

Plan B right now is to take CA-1 south to LA so we aren't rushing too much, but this is a route I've already done so I'm really trying to see if making it up to Portland is realistic for us..
@masala avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
Amerivespa was in Seattle a few years ago, and a bunch of Bay Area riders made the trek up. I'm sure the coastal route was included for at least part of the trip, if not most of it. They should pop in here soon, hopefully, and you'll get your answers! In the mean time, that sounds like an awesome ride! Hope to do something similar some day. SF --> LA is probably more realistic for starters, though.
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Ossessionato
2010 Orange S150
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2010 Orange S150
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UTC quote
If time is an issue you can always hit 99 in Oregon by heading inland at any number of points on that route. Its not the coast, but you'll make better time and still get some good scenery as well as less fog.
⚠️ Last edited by The Mocker on UTC; edited 1 time
@teacherquinn avatar
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Location: Valencia, Spain
 
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UTC quote
Yes we did pretty much that route on our way to AmeriVespa in Seattle in 07. Was it that long ago?

I'm not sure you could make it in your timeframe. It took us 3 days. We did SF to Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg to Coos Bay. And Coos Bay to Packwood. Someone pipe in if that last one is incorrect.

We rode in July and it was cold and foggy along the coast. September would be rather chilly! The route is fantastic though. Riding through the redwoods and along the Oregon coast is spectacular and something that everyone should experience.
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One of each
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UTC quote
Re: SF to Portland?
1 merging with 101 is where the hills are and it turns into 2-3 lane highway: I'm unclear, but if your 150 is loaded with even the lightest camping gear, and you some of those hills might be a challenge to maintain 40 while cars are zipping by at 60+

There are road conditions and more importantly views that you do not want to 'rush.' Now is prime time for agitated parents with a car load of screamers- plus those dream RV's being pushed at speeds towards 33 miles per hour, through the twisties. It will be memorable all right.

I think it might be cool and clearer in mid Sept, than 'the coastal summer.'

I'm all for unrealistic scooter travel, but unless you've can set your camp in the dark, and do two 9+ hour days of riding in a row (plus gas stops, bio breaks, photo ops, cheese and ice cream) you might consider spending more time elsewhere.

I've done SF to Medford and back in a day, and while possible, not a while lot of
UTC

Hooked
GTS 300 Super
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Location: San Francisco, California
 
Hooked
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UTC quote
I've driven that route several times in cars and motorcycles. It's a beautiful drive, but there are many sections where speeds average 50-60 miles/hr., and many other places where the road slows along the coastline. It's definitely not a straight shot, as the road goes through coastal and other towns along the way. As a practical matter, you'll have trouble keeping up in the faster sections, and significant slow downs through the windy sections and towns. Overall, you'll be lucky to average 35 miles/hr. of driving time over the entire route.

That means you're looking at least 12 hours of riding time/day, and that's in mid-September when dusk begins at 6:30 p.m. And that's assuming nothing goes wrong and everything else goes right. I think it's doable, but you'll have no room for error, mishaps, sightseeing, or really anything else. Don't get me wrong. I like taking trips like these where people think I'm crazy. I just think you'd enjoy your trip a lot more if you can find an extra day. But I understand from your post that it's simply not possible.

On balance, I'd still do the northern route over the southern route if you've already done the latter. I'd probably try and get in as much driving that first Wednesday afternoon to reduce the load for Thursday and Friday. I'd also goes as light as possible on the LX150 so you can maintain speeds in the faster sections.

Finally, be careful camping along the coast. You'll be tempted to pitch camp along the coastline, but local police look for people camping outside of designated overnight camping areas. During one motorcycle trip, my girlfriend and I got tickets for camping in an area not designated for overnight camping. We arrived at the site at like 9:00 p.m. and awoke to Mr. Policeman at like 6:30 a.m the following morning. To make matters worse, it was a no bail ticket and we had to go backup to the small town several weeks later to appear in court.
@bobovespa avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
21 75th Anniv. Primavera, 10 GTS Super 300, 64 Allstate, 61 VNB, 61 GL, 61 Lammy LI 125 Mahi Shriner, 57 Lammy LD125
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
I've done that ride up/down the coast a couple of times on a GTS/GTV 250. You are planning to ride a little too hard each day. It's doable but will take the fun out of the ride and the really outstanding scenery. Also, prepare for cold riding along the coast. That caught me off guard in the summer.

The inland part of Hwy 101 is gorgeous too. It's mostly a freeway but not a big one. Still, you'll feel underpowered on a 150 on the 101.

As someone else said, you can head inland at Crescent City to Grant's Pass. That road is incredibly gorgeous. But you will be underpowered on the Freeway once you get to Grant's Pass.

It's a GREAT ride from San Fran to P-town. Do it! But plan to take your time and get there on Saturday, not Friday.
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Kymco P250 Now, P200E in the 80's
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UTC quote
As for the weather, I would suggest that September is actually better than the summer... unless it is raining.

My experience with the coast rides is based on a bicycle tour up the coast from SF to Jenner. We rode on the shoulder (about 1-3 inches of asphalt in some sections). We contended with RVs and full sized cars that were so prevalent in the late 70's. I have also ridden in a car along the coast as far and Fort Bragg.

The views would be gorgeous and and a 150 will keep up with the RV's in most sections. In general, you will driving in a line of vehicles without any passing opportunities unless the RV pulls over to the side to let everyone pass. Then you will in the same line of cars chasing up to the next slow RV.

My suggestion is to find two cars you don't mind riding between and that you can see over/around. Even if this means moving back a space or two to get away from the the poor driver ahead of you. Avoid the pickup truck full of crap and the trailer towing fool with a car full of kids and no ability to stay in the correct lane position.
⚠️ Last edited by TechGuy on UTC; edited 1 time
@jess avatar
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Petty Tyrant
0:7 And counting
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Location: Bay Area, California
 
Petty Tyrant
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UTC quote
I've done that route as well (with some of these other characters) and it's quite beautiful. The advice you're being given here is pretty much spot-on: do-able, but not in two days.
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Location: Valencia, Spain
 
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UTC quote
Re: SF to Portland?
ritchj wrote:
1 merging with 101 is where the hills are and it turns into 2-3 lane highway: I'm unclear, but if your 150 is loaded with even the lightest camping gear, and you some of those hills might be a challenge to maintain 40 while cars are zipping by at 60+

There are road conditions and more importantly views that you do not want to 'rush.' Now is prime time for agitated parents with a car load of screamers- plus those dream RV's being pushed at speeds towards 33 miles per hour, through the twisties. It will be memorable all right.

I think it might be cool and clearer in mid Sept, than 'the coastal summer.'

I'm all for unrealistic scooter travel, but unless you've can set your camp in the dark, and do two 9+ hour days of riding in a row (plus gas stops, bio breaks, photo ops, cheese and ice cream) you might consider spending more time elsewhere.

I've done SF to Medford and back in a day, and while possible, not a while lot of
Did NO ONE else catch that? Very funny and a Bobo story that I always make sure I tell. That, and the screaming cheerleaders.
@jess avatar
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Petty Tyrant
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Petty Tyrant
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UTC quote
Re: SF to Portland?
teacherquinn wrote:
Did NO ONE else catch that?
Oh, I caught it. I had a nice little chuckle to myself, but figured it was too hard to explain to the people who weren't there.
⬆️    About 1 month elapsed    ⬇️
OP
@lovine avatar
UTC

Member
LX150
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Location: Tarzana, CA
 
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LX150
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Location: Tarzana, CA
UTC quote
Success
Just got back yesterday. Thanks all for the input, we ended up ditching our friend with the schedule and just went with the wind. Here's the route we ended up doing: http://goo.gl/maps/GWsY

Put down 2,600 miles on 8 days of riding (two were relax days in P-town). Camped all nights except when we stayed in Portland and the first night on the way down. Rain/drizzle on all camp days except for the last, experienced really amazing views through the California and Oregon coast, and cruising through giant redwoods. Pretty damn epic for me. I've done long camping trips before (First post! Touring on LX150, The 840 mile weekender), but it's a new route and I'll take on anything new any day.

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text


Here are the rest of my pictures:
http://lovine.com/photo/2010/balls-of-steel/
http://lovine.com/photo/2010/balls-of-steel-portland-to-la/

Stay safe people, and ride on.
@jess avatar
UTC

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Location: Bay Area, California
 
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UTC quote
Nice pictures. Thanks for posting.

Did I by chance meet you at San Jose Vespa a few weeks ago?
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@lovine avatar
UTC

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LX150
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Location: Tarzana, CA
 
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@lovine avatar
LX150
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UTC quote
jess wrote:
Nice pictures. Thanks for posting.

Did I by chance meet you at San Jose Vespa a few weeks ago?
Yes that was me! Got the bike serviced and it was purring better than new when I got those rollers replaced
@jess avatar
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UTC quote
lovine wrote:
jess wrote:
Nice pictures. Thanks for posting.

Did I by chance meet you at San Jose Vespa a few weeks ago?
Yes that was me! Got the bike serviced and it was purring better than new when I got those rollers replaced
Ah. Thought so. Sounds like a nice trip, glad you took it at a relaxed pace.
OP
@lovine avatar
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Member
LX150
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Location: Tarzana, CA
 
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LX150
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Location: Tarzana, CA
UTC quote
Also wanted to point out my experience with Basco from Vespa San Jose and John Bettencourt from Moto Amore, both whom might have literally saved my ass.

On my last leg from SF to LA, I passed by SJ to get a transmission rattle checked out by Basco, who gave the scoot a clean bill of health. I also told him about a flat I got from a small nail piercing 1,000 miles earlier. I patched it up with some fix-a-flat, but I noticed it was getting bigger and starting to split inside the tread.

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

Basco wisely insisted that I do not ride the remaining 380 miles down. He placed a call to John (who I got my original tire from) and John hooked me up with a new rear tire while I waited at his shop (on the floor, since all the lifts were occupied). He showed me around his shop, too. Really great guy.

Less than an hour later I was back on the road snaking my way back to SoCal (only after checking out the Ural dealer next door, of course). No question this could've turned into a blowout, but thanks again to this amazing scooter community, I'll be around to ride another day
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UTC

Molto Verboso
1974 Rally 200
Joined: UTC
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Location: Heading north on Forever Street
 
Molto Verboso
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1974 Rally 200
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Posts: 1775
Location: Heading north on Forever Street
UTC quote
Re: SF to Portland?
teacherquinn wrote:
Did NO ONE else catch that? Very funny and a Bobo story that I always make sure I tell. That, and the screaming cheerleaders.
Nothing like following your ID. Now, where are those pics archived???

\osc
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