Sporty roads north of Calistoga, CA area

[SF_STRS]

Hi All,

In August I’m going to be spending a weekend about 20 minutes north of Calistoga and I’d like to go on a nice sporty ride. I don’t know the area well and I’m looking for suggestions.
I normally ride the coast from Stinson Beach to up Duncans Mills and back down so I’d like a similar type ride… a nice smooth 2 lane road, not a lot of cross traffic, homes or intersections, a nice mix of tight corners and wider sweeping curves, minimal fucking cops (I like to go fast when i can), some shade (it will be August) and a few cute little coffee shops or places to grab a bite rest up now and then.

I know its a tall order but I’m sure a few of you may have some good Ideas.

maybe 150ish miles

Safe riding all!

 

[Moto Beck]

Butts canyon is great. , rt 29 from Calistoga to Middletown is probably the best road I’ve ridden in my life.

 

[DTM74]

SR29 - Butts Canyon - Pope Valley/Pope Valley Cross - Pope Canyon - Berryessa-Knoxville Rd - SR128 - Silverado Trail back to SR29

You're welcome!

 

[lvscrvs]

128 to Geyserville, then Dry Creek Rd to Skaggs.... stop at the bridge if you only want the smooth stuff, go all the way to the coast if you enjoy the narrow bumpy stuff too

29 from Calistoga to Middletown, then south on Butts Canyon and Chiles Pope Valley down to 128, left, and then another left on Berryessa Knoxville Rd to Pope Canyon Rd back to Pope Valley, then Howell Mt Rd back over to Silverado Trail

From Middletwon you can also take 175 through Cobb toward Lakeport, then make the left to Hopland and back down 101 to 128 in Geyserville

If you've never ridden these roads you're in for a treat.... :thumbup

 

[DTM74]

Ink Grade is another fun road too off Pope Valley that leads back into Howell Mtn.

 

[SF_STRS]

Thanks for the suggestions,

I think I’ll take 29 to Middletown - Butts Canyon - Pope valley - Chilies Pope Valley and then when you intersect with 128,

... has anyone taken the road East to Berryesa Knoxville rd all the way back up to Lower Lake? it looks like a long stretch of twisty road but I'm wondering what the road surface is like. I ride a Street Triple RS and on a smooth road the bike is amazing but once it turns lumpy with broken sections pavement it sends the shock waves up into the bars and seat.

 

[Moto Beck]

If i'm understanding the area that you're talking about the stretch of knoxville road from the bridge down to 128 by turtle rock cafe is a fantastic stretch of road.

Just be careful this time of year - your best bet is to hit it during the week or very early on the weekend. Lot of boat traffic and increased LEO activity on the weekends - it's not an area on the weekend you want to ride fast - way too many variables that would lead to either a nice ticket or a nice trip to the hospital.

If you're talking about making a left by the bridge and hitting knoxville that way - (facing the lake you turn left) - i believe that turns to dirt at some point down that way - always see dual sports going down that way but not sport bikes.

 

[SF_STRS]

I do plan on leaving early, depending on the weather I may try to be on the road at like 6am and hopefully back before noon.

and I want nothing to do with a dirt road or a ticket. Thanks for the warning

 

[GB500guy]

... has anyone taken the road East to Berryesa Knoxville rd all the way back up to Lower Lake? it looks like a long stretch of twisty road but I'm wondering what the road surface is like. I ride a Street Triple RS and on a smooth road the bike is amazing but once it turns lumpy with broken sections pavement it sends the shock waves up into the bars and seat.

That upper part of Berryessa Knoxville is all paved except for maybe 50 ft of gravel, but is FULL of pot holes and lumpy pavement. But it is wonderfully scenic and if you take it slow enough to see and dodge the rough bits it is well worth suffering the bumps. Then about 10-15 miles before you hit Lower Lake it becomes Morgan Valley Rd. and turns to wonderful fast deserted two lane with fair to excellent pavement. Then at Lower Lake continue west on 29 for a mile and turn left onto Siegler Canyon Rd. Lovely twisty sections there, then it becomes Loch Lomand Rd. and intersects 175. Take 175 back down to Middletown or go north toward Clear Lake. For one of the best twisty road rides anywhere, continue on 175 up and over to Hopland on 101. That road is a must-do!


Hwy 175 between Clear Lake and Hopland:

Pics of Spring Mtn. Rd, Lock Lomand, Seigler Canyon, Morgan Valley and Berryessa Knoxville here:

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.phplt=527547

This is just scratching the surface. Also try 253, Ukiah-Boonville Road for more action like 175. Enjoy!

-Bill

 

[budman]

There was a California best roads thread here on barf that had all the good shit.

Must find that!

 

[Junkie]

There was a California best roads thread here on barf that had all the good shit.

Must find that!

there's a thread "the most challenging motorcycle roads" in Best of BARF

 

[SF_STRS]

All of these great looking roads that are a little farther away from SF are making want a sport tourer… like a FJ-09 or Multistrada 950.

Bill - great pics, one day I’ll need to take that ride on 175

 

[Kalvin00]

... has anyone taken the road East to Berryesa Knoxville rd all the way back up to Lower Lake? it looks like a long stretch of twisty road but I'm wondering what the road surface is like. I ride a Street Triple RS and on a smooth road the bike is amazing but once it turns lumpy with broken sections pavement it sends the shock waves up into the bars and seat.

Just thought i'd reiterate that this section of Berryessa Knoxville (from Berryessa to Lower Lake) is definitely ADV bike territory. I'd steer clear if you like smooth pavement.

I don't know how many days of riding you have planned but Hwy 128 west from Cloverdale is one of my favorites, particularly the first 10 miles. Pretty minimal traffic after 6PM on a weekday too.

 

[Starpower]

Just thought i'd reiterate that this section of Berryessa Knoxville (from Berryessa to Lower Lake) is definitely ADV bike territory. I'd steer clear if you like smooth pavement.

I don't know how many days of riding you have planned but Hwy 128 west from Cloverdale is one of my favorites, particularly the first 10 miles. Pretty minimal traffic after 6PM on a weekday too.

Not so bad our group takes it each year on everything from Harley’s to Ninja 250’s. My R6 did it many times and now on my s1kr. 1-2” creek crossings can happen, big pot holes but there is fun in dodging them the reward awaits on the other end as you have a race track past the gold mine on to Lower Lake.

Blessed to live here in Mendocino co.

 

[dravnx]

Be careful of the creek crossings. The algae is really slick. I've seen more then one bike go down.

 

[Starpower]

Be careful of the creek crossings. The algae is really slick. I've seen more then one bike go down.

True enough. Go slow,straight and steady throttle and you’ll be fine. It is slicker than snot for sure. Helped a bud pick up his bike and I could barely stand let alone walk. But I’ve never had even a tiny wiggle. Don’t be discouraged it is a delightful trek!

 

[GB500guy]

This year all the crossings dried up about May.

-Bill

 

[macmaneurosport]

175 from Middletown is smooth with tight hairpins sections as long as traffic is light, my closest and favorite spot.
Moved to Lake County 3 years ago and never got away with so much back east where there are cops everywhere and by comparison, the hate bikes back there!
The Berryessa area is a bit more bumpy and as I am almost 70 now, I feel all that to the core!
Too many years of motocrossing though the woods I think!

128 to Geyserville, then Dry Creek Rd to Skaggs.... stop at the bridge if you only want the smooth stuff, go all the way to the coast if you enjoy the narrow bumpy stuff too

29 from Calistoga to Middletown, then south on Butts Canyon and Chiles Pope Valley down to 128, left, and then another left on Berryessa Knoxville Rd to Pope Canyon Rd back to Pope Valley, then Howell Mt Rd back over to Silverado Trail

From Middletwon you can also take 175 through Cobb toward Lakeport, then make the left to Hopland and back down 101 to 128 in Geyserville

If you've never ridden these roads you're in for a treat.... :thumbup

 

[DMo]

When I was new to the Bay Area, I did Berryessa Knoxville on a Yamaha Bolt cruiser with a few creek crossings that were higher than I would have liked.

It's definitely doable, but those spots were a little more nerve-wracking than I was planning for.

 

[budman]

OP never gave us a ride report. Just another good rode sucking vampire visitor? :laughing