Parking lots for Practice

[Bumpits]

I think most DMV are still shut down and parking lots are still empty right now. I was bored a couple weeks ago, brought a couple cones and was doing some figure 8's. It was fun.

[katwoman]

Originally Posted by SpicyCactus

I took my MSF course where it says "Old Alameda Point" on Alameda Island on Google Maps, and there is a large space there. I think the MSF course has riding classes there every saturday and sunday for most of the day, but to my memory they only used half or less than half the space.

The pavement isn't incredibly smooth, but not bad either. I've been meaning to check it out for a while.

I'm just getting back on the bike after a really long time and I checked out this parking lot this weekend. It's huge, and I called Bay Area Motorcycle Training who holds the classes there and they don't care if you're there while they're having a class (it's so large, you're nowhere near the class).

There are no clear lines or markings on the lot, but there are these circular cement things that I practiced u-turns on.

[DesiDucati]

Mission College is where I practiced with my friends. The security patrols are mixed reactions. Some are indifferent and others will ask us to leave.

[hypergirl]

Looking for a parking lot to practice anywhere in Napa or Sonoma Counties that has at least a ~60' wide turning diameter and cleanish pavement.

I tried Sonoma County Fairgrounds, but the asphalt condition was poor and the parking space paint lines were slippery.

Tomorrow I'll check out Santa Rosa DMV and Santa Rosa Junior College.

If anyone knows of any sweet spots, please shout 'em out!

Thanks in advance.

[DannoXYZ]

I scoped out some places on my way back up 101N from San Rafael. As previously mentioned, public lots have tend to not kick you out like private facilities. I bring couple of cones with me to set up exercises so it's obviously an educational opportunity:

- Civic Centre area at N. San Pedro Rd. There's lots of big lots in that area. Also Lagoon Park has huge parking lot. County Fair lot on other side of Lagoon also has lots of huge lots.

- Sears Point Sonoma Raceway. Outside parking lot by charging-stations is plenty large. Empty on weekdays.

- Sonoma State University

- Napa Valley College

- Phoenix University in Cordelia next to Costco has huge lot that's always completley empty since their programme is mostly online.

[hypergirl]

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

I scoped out some places on my way back up 101N from San Rafael. As previously mentioned, public lots have tend to not kick you out like private facilities. I bring couple of cones with me to set up exercises so it's obviously an educational opportunity:

- Civic Centre area at N. San Pedro Rd. There's lots of big lots in that area. Also Lagoon Park has huge parking lot. County Fair lot on other side of Lagoon also has lots of huge lots.

- Sears Point Sonoma Raceway. Outside parking lot by charging-stations is plenty large. Empty on weekdays.

- Sonoma State University

- Napa Valley College

- Phoenix University in Cordelia next to Costco has huge lot that's always completley empty since their programme is mostly online.

Thank you! Those are some good tips.
I’ve got 5-6 cones I usually put out, so I look ... official ? Serious ?

[LachlanD]

I know a perfect spot- Alemany farmers market in SF. It's an empty lot on the weekdays and i used to practice wheelies/ riding techniques there. Sometimes there's people teaching others how to drive as well, so be mindful and respectful of the new drivers space
Picked up a nail there once though. Besides that it's a great spot

[trucks44]

Originally Posted by squidworth

Why not go to the Presidio? There are a ton of parking lots and fairly empty on the weekends.

+1 on the presidio for an SF learner. Lots of space on a weekend.

And +1 for the alemany market lot on a weekday - but the scenery sure is nicer in the fort.

Some other great lots mentioned, but I'm assuming if you're just learning to ride, ya probably dont wanna ride 2 counties over before you're comfy on the bike....

[bigbadandugly]

The Walnut Creek DMV is empty and ungated on the weekends. Ive gone there a few times to run their test “track” for shits and giggles.

[cellige]

Anywhere they do msf is usually good, I like the lot at San mateo college... Kind of secluded in the back.

[thepretender]

+1 on DMV my friend is So. Cal even got permission from the DMV to hold moto gymkhana meat ups twice a month. Lots o fun.

[SF_Hawk]

Presidio seems like your best bet close to you

[Scruffyboy]

I've been going to the City College lot at Frida Kahalo way. They don't seem to mind you using the upper lot but there are usually one or two motos and anywhere from 2-3 cars using the lot on weekends so not ideal but manageable. Take a slow roll around and check out any hazards on the lot

(there are SEVERAL!)

Bottom line? Keep your head on a swivel, watch where you're riding and don't be a d!*khead!

I usually try to make contact with others using the lot and make my prescence known, makes the 4 wheelers more aware of motorcycles while they're learning to drive, not a bad thing but again, BE NICE!

The lower lot is accessable to motos via the ramps however... City College Police and SFPD *generally* don't want you using it. I usually use the lower lot on weekdays. I've also seen families & kids using both lots to ride their bicycles & scooters so make contact with parental units keep an eye open for the liddle kiddles.

[Scruffyboy]

I've been going to the City College lot off Frida Kaholo (sp) way. There ae usually instructors and vehicles using the "upper" lot on weekends. You're not supposed to be using the "lower" lot and a lot of times there are kids practicing on their bicycles, sometimes theres a SFPD officer hanging out in the upper lot. The lower lot has the DMV test course painted on the pavement.
Pavement isn't great but it isn't bad either, watch out for potholes & loose gravel!

[mamuso]

Originally Posted by katwoman

I'm just getting back on the bike after a really long time and I checked out this parking lot this weekend. It's huge, and I called Bay Area Motorcycle Training who holds the classes there and they don't care if you're there while they're having a class (it's so large, you're nowhere near the class).

There are no clear lines or markings on the lot, but there are these circular cement things that I practiced u-turns on.

We went today to practice to the Alameda parking lot where they do the MSF classes, and security came by to say that they don’t allow motorcycle practice in the lot (besides MSF). I have been there in other occasions without a problem but maybe I was lucky ¯\_(ツ)_/¯