DAY 3 was yet another amazing day, and my second of beautiful weather. 101 to Paso. The Plan was Peachy Canyon Rd out of Paso Robles, but I turned too early onto Kiler Cyn Rd. I thought, I remembered, it seemed familiar. But when I stopped to ask a walker if it connected to PC and she said, "Yes, I think so. Just stay right on the dirt road."
Turned out she was right. 5 MILES of dirt. Mostly smooth, but some rutted or rocky sections sometimes putting down a foot or two. 15 was max speed. I really didn't want to drop my 3 month old Gixxer and crunch plastic. Or have to deal with a flat. But it worked out OK.
Connecting with Peachy Canyon, Vineyard, and Chimney rock in some of the most scenic rider's and cyclist's roads that tickle the taste for tarmac. Then connecting on more open, lightly trafficed roads
G14 Interlake Rd was open, gentle sweepers with almost no traffic. Early morning hunters were parked along the road. From Lockwood I went straight onto the secondary road. Instead of G14, do yourself a favor and enjoy Lockwood-San Lucas road. Open wide single lane with an intimate feel.
Back to 101 tucked in to Greenfield. A nice valley downtown and lots of good burrito choices. But the next course after lunch was Elm Street to G16 Carmel Valley Rd. Again, another gorgeous road but a few more users as you get closer to tony Carmel Village. Less elevation gain than I expected. Good for bicycling I noted. I went over Laureles Grade back to Salinas, then on home.
REFLECTING on the ride: It was spectacular. Three days of a variety of scenery, great riding roads, the society of a few people, and a movie nite. It was fun visiting Mark, chatting with the attendant and another visitor at the museum, talking to a few shop keepers. I'm really lovin' on the new bike, happy that I'm relatively comfortable, even for a 900 mile/3 day-er.