You've had some great advice so far. +1 on having heated gear if possible.

I'd carry a laptop with a broadband modem and data plan, or even better an Ipad, to have good quick access to weather.com and google maps throughout my journey. Especially if you decide to nip up into the higher elevations, where weather can change quickly.

But, sometimes mother nature cooperates and some great riding remains accessible.

If you feel like exploring SF while you're there, this may be of interest: 49-mile drive.

BTW, given the amount of time you've budgeted, unless you've ridden the Northern CA coast before I'd start with a good ride up north and back. It won't be warm but there will be no disk of snow or ice. Often December has less of the fog that can take away the views. It's real "Bucket List" material.

Here's a route that takes you up from SF, through the often-missed "Lost Coast" area (Petrolia), then back south starting with the "Avenue of the Giants". I had to stick lots of waypoints to keep the route on the Avenue and off the nearby parallel 101.

Then I have it returning south via 101 just to avoid the repetition, but honestly after the Giants I'd head back to Hwy 1 and retrace my steps south from there: San Francisco, CA to Morro Bay, CA - Google Maps

The bit between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz (with an obligatory stop at Alice's Restaurant of course) is really nice, especially once you get to 236. After that you'll want to stop at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing for some Cioppino.

+1 on the advice about Hearst Castle and Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd. But beware, google maps has lots of other enticing squiggly lines in that part of CA, that are often unpaved, primitive surface.

That should be a great time of year to visit Death Valley. From there to New Orleans is something I'd probably plan on the fly based on the weather. There are some wonderful roads in AZ and NM, but most of the best can't be counted on in the winter. You may be able to catch the south rim of the Grand Canyon, but only if the weatherman gives you permission.

Here's a route that should be safe:
Morro Bay, CA to Unknown road - Google Maps. Sticking to the southwest, south of the Rockies, all you should need to be concerned with is the occasional freak ice storm. Big Bend National Park should be quite fun.

From there to New Orleans is dues-paying time. Very slabby, through San Antonio and Houston. Depending on the weather and how much time you have left, I'd probably instead explore the Piney Woods of east Texas, or maybe even nip up to northwestern and north central Arkansas for some really great riding.

I hope this helps!

Regards,


King of the ferries!
"Ride To Eat" data Czar

I've ridden the southern route from Missouri to California in mid October and almost froze! Of course it depends on the year and how hearty you are. I just looked up the average December 25th temperature for Las Vegas (which you would assume is fairly warm) and for the last four years the HIGH varied from 45 to 52 degrees f. I would suggest the following web site for weather data.
Welcome to Weather Underground : Weather Underground

Roberto Forsellini

Sorry, I don't know how to give you embedded Google mag links on Google maps. But just Google the main roads or towns and its all there.

From Pismo (or in the area)

Head NORTH on 101. Exit at Santa Margarita road. (highway 58 / 229)
Go EAST on 58 towards Creston. shortly, you Go left at the 229 cut off towards Creston. Bunch of great roads right in this area. But to get you down to DV we'll skip most of them. Lots of ways to go to get you over there. Once you are out in the Central valley, not very interesting.

Continue on past Creston to Highway 58. Take a right ... Go EAST.
Take 58 all the way to Highway 5. This is a long stretch. Watch your fuel.

Highway 5 is the main north south artery for the whole US west coast. Go South on highway 5. Exit about 20 miles South at 223/Arvin. Go EAST on 223 all the way to highway 58 (remember that one?)

Go South (right turn) onto 58, go South over the Tahachapi pass. If really really bad weather you can have SNOW or ICE on this bit. Very unlikely but it does happen. If the Semi trucks are going, you can go. If bad, CHP will close it. Get a room, it never lasts more than a day or two. I done it about 50 times, only turned back once.

As you come down the South side of the pass you'll approach Mojave and a junction with Highway 14. This is before the town. Watch for sign for Highway 14 and go NORTH. (left turn ... or loop around at junction)

Go North on 14 until 178 / Ridgecrest. Turn Right (East) Follow signs to Ridgecrest. As you approach Ridgecrest town proper there is a very serious military base entrance. DO NOT DRIVE in that entrance! Turn Right! (follow main road) This is posted but some folks get confused. DO NOT ENTER .... they WILL SHOOT YOU! (Drone program and God knows what else run there)

Go through Ridgecrest on main road (Gas up) and follow 178 signs. You will turn left off of North China Lake Blvd. onto 178. Watch for sign about 3 miles.

If you'd like to adopt a wild Horse or Burro, the BLM's Burro center is right out of town. Hundreds there. Quite amazing and sweet guys.

Continue on 178 all the way to 190. You are now in Death Valley. Follow signs. Take Wild Rose Canyon, best road to get to Stovepipe Wells.
From here use your maps and guide books. Be sure to visit the Museums in
Furnace Creek and do a Scotty's Castle tour. (worth it). Lots to do and see in DV. Tons of Europeans. But usually they come in Summer (mistake) when it 120F. :confused1:

All the roads listed are PAVED roads ... with the exception of a few gravel patches on Wild Rose Canyon in Death Valley. No problem at all.

From here you're on your own. Stay South if bad weather.
Have a great trip.

I think he's only got about two weeks total, otherwise I would have suggested going North, weather permitting. The Lost Coast area has the best roads in California. We ride them every year.

Some of the Google routes linked above are dirt roads. I don't think the rental bike is going to do that well on that stuff ... and dirt roads take LOTS OF TIME .... I know cause I've done most of them riding dirt, dual sport and Adventure bikes! There are dozens of routes in these areas. All you need is time and some good maps.

Nacimiento-Ferguson rd, just above Highway One, Big Sur.

Great hiking in Death Valley

Stunning landscapes everywhere you look in Death Valley

Short Cut across the Mojave? Hmmm?


Be sure to stop at The Pinnacles near Trona, between Ridgecrest and Trona. Doable on a street bike.

Great Pics.

The dates he mentioned gives him 20 days, I think that's plenty to include the trip up north. Like you said, Lost coast is something special. Here's some pics from a trip out there.

If the weather cooperated, I'd even add a loop out 36 and back 299.

Are you saying my link included some dirt roads? Not unless I made a mistake with google maps. I've ridden all of that and didn't hit any dirt. Can you tell me what part you're talking about?

Regards,


King of the ferries!
"Ride To Eat" data Czar

Nice tip! I took the park map at its word and assumed that was bad road. I'll try that next time I'm out there.

Regards,


King of the ferries!
"Ride To Eat" data Czar

Not sure ... as I didn't follow every road you mapped out. But I know in the California City and Ridgecrest areas there are several dirt roads that go cross country, most over to 395. I guess there are now more and more paved ones. Lots of paving in the last ten years. Most are doable on a street bike but some look like the pic I posted.

We do a dirt short cut into Ridgecrest, not too bad, these guys made it OK:





This in March ... and its COLD. (about 50F)