Santa Maria - Solvang roads

[Gonzo]

Spent the whole day driving my truck on the back roads between Santa Maria and Solvang, CA. Great little roads, some straights and some twisties with no visibility. About half the traffic (and there wasn't much) was bikes - BOTH KINDS.
Also took a detour off Hwy 154 to go by the old Stagecoach Road. Went by the old Stagecoach Stop and noticed it has been revived, big time. Lotsa motorcycles parked outside. I can remember when it was amost gone.
Gonzo

[DataDan]

In your truck??? You've got to ride up some day. You'll easily get in a full day's worth of riding while exploring the picturesque and seldom-traveled back roads.

Presumably you took Foxen Canyon, which parallels the freeway between Santa Maria and the Santa Ynez Valley. That road and the Foxen tasting room were prominently featured in the movie "Sideways". Even if you don't care for the plot and find the characters despicable, the movie is an exquisite picture postcard of the Santa Ynez Valley. A few other highlights:
Solvang Motorcycle Museum (http://www.motosolvang.com). A small but eclectic display, including a Britten.


Pygmy ponies. Call me a sucker for cute animals, but the miniature horse ranch on Alamo Pintado between Solvang and Los Olivos always brings a smile to my face.


Santa Rosa Road. The back road between Lompoc and Buellton. Much nicer than 246.


Tepesquet Road. Runs between the northern part of Foxen Canyon and 166. Very rustic, but recently repaved. Watch out for water crossings in winter and spring, and animals year-round. In addition to the ubiquitous deer, I've also seen bobcats and foxes.


Alisal Road. The backroad into Solvang when approaching from the south on 101. In addition to the scenic (though narrow) road through the woods, you'll also find one of the few remaining stretches of the old coast highway, paved in concrete circa 1920s.


Jalama Beach. A fun little 14-mile road out to an isolated county beach, stop for a burger and a soda, turn around and do it all over again.


Neverland Ranch. Prolly best to leave the kids at home.

[Gonzo]

hiya, Dan,
My mother has lived in Santa Maria for 41 years so she knows ALL the roads around there. My late father did the Sunday drive his whole life.
This weekend was truck time as we were visiting wineries and buying wine. Can't carry it on a bike.
Saw the pygmy ponies, took pix. We did see one doe.
Did a lot of Foxen Cyn. This year visited Alamo Pintado.
Took pix of the bridge above the Stagecoach stop.
Santa Maria always has great weather.
In a previous year, did the Solvang Century, a 100 mile cycle jaunt through some beautiful countrysides.
I'll take a pass on Neverland. P-tooey!
Saw "Sideways". The very best part for me was when the woman confronted the bridegroom and beat the crap out of him with her motorcycle helment. Some of the wineries up there make a big deal out of being in the movie. Blackjack, for instance sells what I consider a mediocre wine for big Buck$ because it was in the movie. BFD.
Gonzo

[DataDan]

Gonzo wrote: In a previous year, did the Solvang Century, a 100 mile cycle jaunt through some beautiful countrysides.
You might appreciate the attached photo of the Tour of California in Feb. This was taken about a mile south of the Foxen tasting room.

[Mark]

You want another pretty route, try this one...

I took Chris's ST1300 from Santa Ynez H.S. to Refugio Beach by way of Refugio Rd, the road has been closed since it washed out in.. what '82 (you didn't think I'd take *my* bike on that road did you!!! :-))

Be aware, I would suggest a dirt bike not an ST... :-)

Mark