bergmen
Well-known member
PSA-Highway 253 (Boonville Road)-Update-9/6
Update as of today (9-6-18):
Well, they are starting the "next phase", hopefully the third and last of the paving project. They are doing surface prep (roughing up the surface) for the next layer of fresh asphalt. As a recommendation, this is not motorcycle friendly once again, lots of one-way time consuming traffic controls and loose gravel everywhere (no fun at all).
They are also embarking on a comprehensive project of installing (or replacing) brand new guard rails. There are many places that have none and one small goof could send you down an uber-steep canyon slope for a long, long ways.
So, if you are planning a ride up this way, expect issues with traversing this road for a while. I will report on progress as it happens.
Dan
-=-=-=-=-=-
Update as of yesterday (8/17/18):
They are working on the second phase of the repaving project and this phase is not motorcycle friendly. It is a full scale chip seal using messy road oils and gravel. I was very surprised at this since the first layer of asphalt was very smooth and clean.
It was explained to me by one of the crew (very attractive sign holder BTW) while we were waiting for the pilot car that this is a step to assure durability and strength over the winter months. After this, the final layer of asphalt will be applied (not sure when).
Never heard of this process before but I'll take her word for it. In the meantime I am recommending that riders skip this road until they do the final paving.
Just an FYI.
Dan
A couple of things. I've lived on this road 1 1/2 miles from State street in Ukiah for nearly 20 years, so I see a lot.
1) They have just started a major repaving project, they are starting about 2 miles from State and paving up the hill. I haven't driven up to see how far they are going but I bet they are eventually going to repave the entire 16 mile run to Boonville. This has been needed for a LONG time and it really looks like they are doing it right. This is a GREAT moto road, just worn out from all the logging trucks, etc. First layer of asphalt is down, more to come.
2) If you are coming from Ukiah (State Street), be aware that the first 2 1/2 miles or so is low density housing (ranches, farms). Lots of driveways and vehicles pulling out and in, all locals. If you want to hit this road, just cool it for these first few miles and let it all hang out once you reach the base of the twisties (you will know what I mean).
This is for everyone's safety as well as harmony with the neighbors. If you cruise easy, all will be well. If you decide to hit the afterburners as soon as you turn off of State you run the risk of creating enemies (including me) and elevating risk to everyone, so please go easy at first, then have fun.
Now back to your regularly scheduled program...
Dan
Update as of today (9-6-18):
Well, they are starting the "next phase", hopefully the third and last of the paving project. They are doing surface prep (roughing up the surface) for the next layer of fresh asphalt. As a recommendation, this is not motorcycle friendly once again, lots of one-way time consuming traffic controls and loose gravel everywhere (no fun at all).
They are also embarking on a comprehensive project of installing (or replacing) brand new guard rails. There are many places that have none and one small goof could send you down an uber-steep canyon slope for a long, long ways.
So, if you are planning a ride up this way, expect issues with traversing this road for a while. I will report on progress as it happens.
Dan
-=-=-=-=-=-
Update as of yesterday (8/17/18):
They are working on the second phase of the repaving project and this phase is not motorcycle friendly. It is a full scale chip seal using messy road oils and gravel. I was very surprised at this since the first layer of asphalt was very smooth and clean.
It was explained to me by one of the crew (very attractive sign holder BTW) while we were waiting for the pilot car that this is a step to assure durability and strength over the winter months. After this, the final layer of asphalt will be applied (not sure when).
Never heard of this process before but I'll take her word for it. In the meantime I am recommending that riders skip this road until they do the final paving.
Just an FYI.
Dan
A couple of things. I've lived on this road 1 1/2 miles from State street in Ukiah for nearly 20 years, so I see a lot.
1) They have just started a major repaving project, they are starting about 2 miles from State and paving up the hill. I haven't driven up to see how far they are going but I bet they are eventually going to repave the entire 16 mile run to Boonville. This has been needed for a LONG time and it really looks like they are doing it right. This is a GREAT moto road, just worn out from all the logging trucks, etc. First layer of asphalt is down, more to come.
2) If you are coming from Ukiah (State Street), be aware that the first 2 1/2 miles or so is low density housing (ranches, farms). Lots of driveways and vehicles pulling out and in, all locals. If you want to hit this road, just cool it for these first few miles and let it all hang out once you reach the base of the twisties (you will know what I mean).
This is for everyone's safety as well as harmony with the neighbors. If you cruise easy, all will be well. If you decide to hit the afterburners as soon as you turn off of State you run the risk of creating enemies (including me) and elevating risk to everyone, so please go easy at first, then have fun.
Now back to your regularly scheduled program...
Dan
Last edited:
