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Riding Nacimiento - Fergusson Rd ans staying at Hearst Hacienda Lodge

N4teTheGreat

N4teTheGreat

FknN8
Joined
Dec 5, 2009
Location
San Francisco
Moto(s)
2012 DRZ 400s, 2018 Ducati Hypermotard SP, 2008 KTM 950 SM
Name
Nathan
It's on the military base, so that's something. Anyone ever done this. Plan is for me a few buddies to ride out, stay there overnight (ideally swilling beers and eating in the parking lot, respectfully of course). One buddy is not a citizen so, given, ya know, things, he's somewhat trepidatious about the plan, despite having a valid green card and whatnot.

Anyone stayed there? How's the light pollution (hoping to be able to see some stars possibly)? We're going mid week, so there won't be food service as the bar / restaurant on premises only opens Thurs - Sun, but the plan is to stock up in Big Sur and haul everything in, or possible dinner in Big Sur then snacks and beers at the hotel. Mostly just hoping for a nice clean run at 1 down to ragged point and then N - F road which I have never ridden.
 
I have done N-F road no checkpoints when I went through. Did not go to the hotel, I have a friend who has stayed there, ex military so priority by the rules.
Below is from there website. Bold and colored are mine. Can't answer some of your questions without getting political so please read between the line in red.

Restrictions
Due to the historic nature of the Hacienda Lodge and its location on a Military Installation, certain restrictions have been implemented and must be strictly adhered to:

  • Military personnel take priority for reservations.
  • No smoking or vaping is permitted in the rooms or within 50 feet of the building.
  • No lighting or burning of candles, use of hot plates or devices posing fire hazards are not permitted in rooms.
  • NO PETS are permitted in-room, exceptions for Service animals are possible with prior notification at the time of reservation placement.
  • Guests will be charged $200.00 for deep cleaning fees due to any instances where evidence to include but not limited to cigarette/cigar/pipe/vape odors, burn marks, ashes, butts, pet hair or pet odors are found in the room by housekeeping either during your stay or upon check out.
  • You are responsible for your actions and the actions of your guests during your stay at the Historic Hacienda Lodge and will be charged a minimum charge of $50.00 per item for any room fixtures or furniture damaged or missing upon checkout.
  • The Fort Hunter Liggett Police Department will perform a background check to permit access to the base. You will need to provide a valid state driver's license, current insurance paperwork and vehicle registration.
 
we did it back in the day when the gate was still staffed and you had to show your DL and reg, I guess. Turned out our Road Captain's DL was suspended, so we had to ferry his bike--and he had to ride cupcake--across the military base toward the coast. the MPs were cool about the suspended DL. at least they didn't call the CHP about it. :facepalm :laughing

the gate wasn't manned the last time I did it, either (years ago, now). good luck! sounds like an awesome plan ... :thumbup
 
The first time we did it back in 2001 there was a checkpoint... DL, registration and insurance was checked. All times since there was no checkpoint. The restaurant was closed last time we went through, but it's been years. Nice to know it's up and running again. The Lodge, too. We found it to be rather spartan, but romantic with a very cool historic vibe. We really enjoyed our visits. In all the times we've eaten at the restaurant, we were the only ones in the place.

Edited to add: We've camped very close by in the winter numerous times, and as long as there were no clouds the skies were lovely. I have experienced some fog coming in a bit closer to the coast during summer months, but it shouldn't make its way all the way inland to the Lodge, I would hope.

Be sure to stop along the way on the climb up N-F from the coast. There are several pull-outs. The views are stellar.
 
N4teTheGreat said:
It's on the military base, so that's something. Anyone ever done this. Plan is for me a few buddies to ride out, stay there overnight (ideally swilling beers and eating in the parking lot, respectfully of course). One buddy is not a citizen so, given, ya know, things, he's somewhat trepidatious about the plan, despite having a valid green card and whatnot.

Anyone stayed there? How's the light pollution (hoping to be able to see some stars possibly)? We're going mid week, so there won't be food service as the bar / restaurant on premises only opens Thurs - Sun, but the plan is to stock up in Big Sur and haul everything in, or possible dinner in Big Sur then snacks and beers at the hotel. Mostly just hoping for a nice clean run at 1 down to ragged point and then N - F road which I have never ridden.
Click to expand...
Ridden NF for decades. Over the years the base has made it easier and easier. Used to be they stopped every bike and ID'd people, now I don't think they even man the entrance. I suspect if they have their own training event with stuff that goes boom or burns- they might tighten up for that, but I sure don't know.
 
The hardest part is deciding which way you're to go once to Hwy 1. Construction/closures of course makes for but one choices- know that both directions are really fun rides.
 
I was checking out San Simion for cheap beach hotels, bars, and restaurants. It looks like a fun little adventure.
 
Well dang, there you go giving me an alternate idea. I kinda like the idea of staying at the lodge on the base, but I also kinda like the idea of San Simeon and the beach.... I shall allow the rest of the group to be the tie breakers.
 
Nate, for clarity, the gate was moved several years ago from Mission Road near the junction with Jolon Road (next to the Sheridan tank on display). This means you can ride through to N-F Road. HOWEVER, there is still a manned gate to get onto the actual Garrison. The Hacienda is behind that gate. Unless one of you has an ID, it seems to be more hassle than it's worth (IMHO). Why not camp at Prewitt Ridge? Paso Robles isn't too far down the road either.
 
ThumperX said:
I was checking out San Simion for cheap beach hotels, bars, and restaurants. It looks like a fun little adventure.
Click to expand...

Did a bit of rockhounding in San Simeon last winter. Stayed at the San Simeon Lodge, ocean (and liquor store) view king on 2nd floor. It was cheap, quiet, and their restaurant was pretty ok. It's right on Pico Creek where it spills into the ocean, which was a great delivery system of lovely rocks! Nice being able to walk to the beach and all the little restaurants. Found an old-school family-run diner, Big Sur Restaurant, where we had a solid meal. Looked like 3 generations of the same family sitting in the back at a big round table playing cards when we walked in. They owned the place and gave us great attentive service. The whole town was pretty quiet, it being winter and having HWY 1 closed just to the north.

The Coast Riders Inn is a very moto-friendly place. Check it out! https://coastridersinn.com/view-our-inn

I'll be back there in 2 weeks with my niece, celebrating our birthdays with rockhounding, camping and staying in this room at the Cavalier Inn...


cavalier_patio273-sunset.jpeg
 
Do N-F road but end your day in downtown Paso Robles. Hunter Ligget isn't just worth it. I've got 40 years of trips over N-F in all kinds of vehicles from Cobra replica to split window VW campers and about a dozen different kinds of bikes. It is without a doubt one of the best billy goat roads in all of California. There some more fabulous roads that will get you to Cambria and San Simeon. Santa Rosa Creek is another great billy goat road that will get you into Cambria. Get a hold of a great map book. You'll spend hours devising endless loops.
 
MartyD said:
Do N-F road but end your day in downtown Paso Robles. Hunter Ligget isn't just worth it. I've got 40 years of trips over N-F in all kinds of vehicles from Cobra replica to split window VW campers and about a dozen different kinds of bikes. It is without a doubt one of the best billy goat roads in all of California. There some more fabulous roads that will get you to Cambria and San Simeon. Santa Rosa Creek is another great billy goat road that will get you into Cambria. Get a hold of a great map book. You'll spend hours devising endless loops.
Click to expand...
Or in Cambria, Morro Bay or SLO. We would find cheap hotels so we could bu$t our limit$ on great food. Badass riding east & south of SLO- Rossi's Driveway is a good preper, H58, H166, and everything in between. Grub at Nipomo BBQ and you won't be sorry.
 
stratslingr77 said:
Nate, for clarity, the gate was moved several years ago from Mission Road near the junction with Jolon Road (next to the Sheridan tank on display). This means you can ride through to N-F Road. HOWEVER, there is still a manned gate to get onto the actual Garrison. The Hacienda is behind that gate. Unless one of you has an ID, it seems to be more hassle than it's worth (IMHO). Why not camp at Prewitt Ridge? Paso Robles isn't too far down the road either.
Click to expand...

Came here to say this ^^^

Also, if you're camping you can continue past the fenced garrison and go out to The Indians. No light pollution out there. Options of a campground at Memorial or dispersed- I'm out there a few times a year camping.

 
WoodsChick said:
Did a bit of rockhounding in San Simeon last winter. Stayed at the San Simeon Lodge, ocean (and liquor store) view king on 2nd floor. It was cheap, quiet, and their restaurant was pretty ok. It's right on Pico Creek where it spills into the ocean, which was a great delivery system of lovely rocks! Nice being able to walk to the beach and all the little restaurants. Found an old-school family-run diner, Big Sur Restaurant, where we had a solid meal. Looked like 3 generations of the same family sitting in the back at a big round table playing cards when we walked in. They owned the place and gave us great attentive service. The whole town was pretty quiet, it being winter and having HWY 1 closed just to the north.

The Coast Riders Inn is a very moto-friendly place. Check it out! https://coastridersinn.com/view-our-inn

I'll be back there in 2 weeks with my niece, celebrating our birthdays with rockhounding, camping and staying in this room at the Cavalier Inn...


View attachment 589313
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That looks devine.
 
Let me know what you think about N-F road. I did it 12 months ago on my SuperDuke GT and it was a mess with with bumps and pot holes. I do plenty of goat trails on that bike, but I was never so glad to see hiway one in my life after doing that length. I have ridden it before hiway 1 closure and didnt think it was as bad as it was. YMMV...

Stay on the coast especially in San Simeon. Its close and more low key with a convenient Liquor Store.
 
Cabrito said:
Came here to say this ^^^

Also, if you're camping you can continue past the fenced garrison and go out to The Indians. No light pollution out there. Options of a campground at Memorial or dispersed- I'm out there a few times a year camping.

Click to expand...

Yes! The Indians is a stunning area, and is high on my list of favorite dispersed camping areas in CA. The first time we camped there was at Memorial, but we left the next day to find somewhere more private. The rock formations are spectacular to clamber around on, and it is stunningly green in the winter.

PC290137-XL.jpg


PC290136-XL.jpg
 
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