Kings Canyon - Central Valley - Paso Robles - Hi1 Ride

[elbacalao]

Originally my partner Kenya and I were going to ride up to Seattle this summer, but after blocking off two weeks in our schedule, she found out that she was contractually obligated to do some work on Saturday the 25th. So, we decided to break up our two weeks into two separate holidays. One on two wheels, and one fly away. Last Monday we hopped on the Multi Strada and headed East to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. We ended up on the Coast before we made it home. All in all a 4.5 day 704 mile mini adventure. The first day was boring. We jumped on 101 South to Pacheco Pass to 99 to 180 into the mountains.

 

[elbacalao]

It was raining in San Mateo when we left, but we never saw a drop after Redwood City.

 

[elbacalao]

The rear tire pressure was too high, so we stopped in Santa Nella to lower it. I believe we were in the upper 90s if not the hundreds.

 

[elbacalao]

We eventually made it to the Squaw Valley Motel. It served it's purpose and was within waking distance of a pizza joint.

 

[elbacalao]

 

[elbacalao]

The next day we rode 180 into Kings Canyon National Park. I'd been there before but Kenya had not. The park was not really crowded at all and on the ride down we pretty much had the road to ourselves. People were cool about using the turnoffs as well.

 

[elbacalao]

We didnt go all the way to the end of 180. I had done it before and we also wanted to stop more. We ended up going as far as Grizzly Falls before heading back up.

 

[elbacalao]

 

[elbacalao]

We had a little food, and then checked out the falls.

 

[WoodsChick]

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I wish I'd known you were coming. You could've stayed at our place in Miramonte. 7 miles from the visitor center as the crow flies. Extra added bonus, you'd get to ride Dunlap Road all the way to 245 on your way into the park! Love those roads!

 

[elbacalao]

 

[elbacalao]

Even with luggage and a (light) passenger, the Multi Strada still handles really well.

 

[elbacalao]

We rode back up 180 and then headed south to Lake Hume. It's a good spot to top of on gas and rest. The whole little town there is a christian camp for teens. We grabbed some snacks and rested a bit.

 

[elbacalao]

Right before we left for the week Kenya bought a new helmet, The AGV Streetmodular, some Dainese pants, and a pair of TCX boots. She had a pair of popular touring boots but she hated them, and she didnt like her leather pants in 100 degree heat. Thankfully the new gear was really comfortable for her.

 

[elbacalao]

We left Hume Lake and made our way back onto 180 but then took 245 south. Man what a road. I was really happy that we jumped on it instead of riding through the Seqouias, which I had done last year on a solo trip. I highly recommend 245. As a bonus you get this little guy cheering you on.

 

[elbacalao]

Eventually it drops you down into the Valley. It was fun to look back and see where we'd just been.

 

[elbacalao]

The 100 plus degree temperature started getting to me though, so on our way to Visalia for the night, we stopped so I could dump water all over me. during our descent on 245 I was really focused, as it was nothing but twisties. But once we hit the straights in the valley, my body started overheating.

 

[elbacalao]

We spend the night in Visalia and had some uninspiring sandwiches from a local place within walking distance. The hotel did have a self laundry service, which we took advantage of. The next day we had an easy two hour ride into Paso Robles. We stayed at our favorite central coast motel, The Adelaide Inn. It's moto friendly, you can park right in front of the room door. Pool, hot tub, and plenty of choices for food within walking distance. It's also right across the street from the fair grounds, and the San Luis Obispo County Fair is happening this week. We were lucky to have gotten a room. We arrived at 0ne o'clock and they let us check into the room right away.

The next day we hit 46 to hi1. We went from 100 degrees to low 70's. Gassed up in Cambria then stopped at Ragged Point for breakfast. We had stayed there overnight last October when my brother and SiL were in town. Hi1 wasnt open at that point, but it is now and the place was packed.

 

[elbacalao]

 

[elbacalao]

It was fun to be back on Hi1 again except for the people who drive 30mph on it. I may have crossed a few double yellows. But overall we enjoyed the ride up to Monterey where we both ate some amazing fish n chip at Sea Harvest Restaurant and Fish Market. I highly recommend.