California 15 Best roads - part 1 of 4

On the road to a Triple Crown;

In addition to the US 15 Best roads, and the 3 flags classic, et al, Southern California Motorcycle Association also has the 15 best road in California. These next four posts are of my ride on the 15 roads in order of completion. The photos are the required starting and ending gas receipts and at least one picture somewhere along the road. In addition to the three required pictures I posted some that are just fluff as they don't fill any of  the requirements that are part of the SCMA rules.

I started this Ssssssmoking So Cal Classic ride on 4/20 of 2021.

(again, in order of completion)

*Click on the picture to enlarge*

#1 - Ca 190 Olancha to Ca 127 (Death Valley Junction)   - Central California

A very enjoyable ride! One of the items on my mental 'bucket list' was Father Crowley's overlook which I passed twice as I completed this ride. I stopped and spent some time looking it over. Unfortunately I missed two military jets going through the Star Wars canyon by less than 30 minutes....but I still was happy to finally get there and definitely will go back again.

#2 - Amboy/Kelbaker Rd, 29 Palms to Baker  - Southern California

Kelso Station

I'm not lying (ahem)....this was (sort of) near Roys

Also near Roy's

#3 - S22 Montezuma-Borrego Hwy/Borrego Salton Seaway Hwy 2 to Ca - 86  - Southern California

My lodging at the Salton City

The end of this road and the beginning of the next road receipt.

I have visited Salvation Mt several times, but didn't even realize there was a city on the other side of the Salton Sea. 

Before starting on this road, I stayed overnight in Salton City and other than paper thin walls, I enjoyed my lodging and the friendly owners.

#4 - Ca-79 Santa Ysabel to Temecula  - Southern California

The end of the Salton City road and the start of this road.

When I saw this sign I thought this must be an 'Adult recreational facility'.......but it turns out it is just........a Ranch.

Leaping Lizards... I mean Jumping horses!

#5 - "Casitas Pass" Santa Paula to US 101  - Southern California

Five planes flying above the city....I think they might have been doing a 'missing man' formation for a funeral.

#6 - Ca-154 "San Marcos Pass" Santa Barbara to US 101

More in part 2

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((Or click on 'part 2' in the menu to the left))

California 15 Best roads - part 2 of 4

Continuing the SCMA California 15 Best Roads; 

#7 - Ca-1 "Cabrillo Highway" San Luis Obispo to Carmel  - Central California

Elephant Seal point

Ca 1 is an amazing treat!

#8 - G-14 King City to Paso Robles  - Central California

I didn't realize how close I was to the San Antonio De Padua Mission until I saw the sign near Fort Hunter - Liggett, so I entered the Fort to see it, but sadly it was temporarily closed.

#9 - Ca-58 Santa Margarita to McKittrick  - Central California

Another receipt used twice, the above road and this one

Could not find an open gas station near McKittrick so I had to ride about 20 miles to get gas and this receipt.

First number is the odo at McKittrick the second is when I fueled.

#10 - Ca-180 "Generals Highway" Kanawyers to Ca-198 ("do-over" in part 4 - 

I turned and rode on the wrong road, but this was such an awesome ride I'm going to leave this here and enter the correct road in part 4)

Snow on the trees, but this picture doesn't show the rain, hail, and thick fog encountered on this awesome road!

More riding in part 3

California 15 Best Roads - part 3 of 4

 #11 - Ca-29/175 Calistoga to Hopland  - Northern California

As I was taking this pic two of the Firemen at this station stopped to talk with me. We had a great chat and lots of laughs. 

That is one of the best things about traveling is the spontaneous interactions with such good people!

I stayed at the beautiful Clear Lake for two nights.

Looking out over the lake from the back of my lodging.

(And the last road on this trip)

#12 - Ca-20 Marysville to I-80  - Northern California

When I left on this trip I had hoped to get all 15, but as I got closer to the end of my planned route I found out the  Morman Emigrant Trail was still closed. So I decided to head home and return to California in a couple of weeks and finish the rest of these incredible roads.

My plan is to return the first weeks of June and bag the rest and finish this RR with a part 4

California 15 Best Roads part 4 of 4

I put my nose to the grindstone (ahem...)  as I return to to California to complete the 15 best.

Don (nvr2old) joins me to ride a couple of them and mans the camera for several of these shots.

First is the Mormon Immigrant Trail starting at Sly Park Dam

#13 - Morman Emigrant Trail Pollock Pines to Ca-88

No gas station at the end so we ride for several miles before we can get a receipt.

# - 14 CA-44 Susanville to Redding

# - 15 CA-96 Yreka to Willow Creek

After an overnight stop along the way I make it to Willow Creek the next morning. I'm solo now as Don has returned home to Washington

# 15 REDO of # 10 CA-180 "Generals Highway" CA-198 to Kanawyers

Where I gassed at both the beginning and the end.

This was an awesome project. I was very surprised and happy to learn about these roads that for the most part have never been on.

I can't wait for next years!

I made a new friend...maybe he will ride with me next year...