Hi all,

Visited CA a month ago, amazing area and people

The wife and I are visiting friends in San Jose over labor day weekend, from there we are hitting Sonoma and then San Fran for a few nights.

I saw a little of the PCH last month and wanted to hit it again, I then saw Route 84 and decided to drive 84 from San Jose' see some Redwoods, Alice's and enjoy that drive in contrast to the PCH. We are on vacation in a good ride so I don't mind the extra time. What I'm concerned about is that we'll be doing this drive (San Jose' - 84 - PCH to Sonoma) on Labor Day. I know we'll hit some traffic but how bad will it be? What times are better than others?

Thanks all, been around S2KI for all a long time and am active in the community, hope you can help an east coaster out! Andy

 

Your best bet is to go up highway nine at around 8-9am then turn right on 35 aka skyline then left on 84 to highway 1

The front side of 9 is much better than the front side of 84, less traffic as well. If you time your departure from Alices you should be relatively clear for the backside of 84 and this is one of my favorite roads on the bike or in the car.

Take note: the sheriff up on 84 have some pretty good hiding spots.

 

Thanks Mac

I should have added that we will depart San Jose' after lunch sometime. I mapped the above and it doesn't seem to add more time over taking 280 out of San Jose', I was sticking to 280 as it looked like a major highway, what kind of roads are 17, 9 and 35?

What does a 1:00 or 2:00 Labor Day departure do to this ride?

 

17 wasn't mentioned but it's a faster windy road that's usually patrolled fairly well.
9 is a twisty road, can be quite quick in some sections but majority are lower speed corners.
35 is a huge assortment of stuff with some nice views of the Bay Area.

I really don't know nowadays but from passed experience it's pretty quiet over the holidays. You should hopefully be ok.

 

If the weather is at all good in Santa Cruz, 17 is a nightmare, possibly even on the holidays. Mac's first suggestion is a good suggestion.

On top of Alice's, when you dump over the hill, you may want to head back down south to Davenport to the Bonny Doon Wines Tasting Room.

Or, if you head north, grab a snack and beverage at The Moss Beach Distillery. Great ocean views from the porch of the place.

 

I agree with all of the above. 9 West - 35 North - 84 West - 1 North will be a very enjoyable drive for someone from out of the area and with a passenger. There are other roads I prefer from a driving perspective but they are bumpier, more remote and less scenic, all of which are not ideal for passengers, photos or bathroom opportunities.

I also second the Bonny Doon and Moss Beach Distillery suggestions as great places to stop.

 

I think you should avoid 92 East after your PCH run, too many tourists to deal with.

I'd personally backtrack and take 84 to the 280 or go back down Skyline to the 9.

 

http://www.alpinespeedstars.com/map/

Considering possibility of traffic, avoid 17/92 and have fun!

 

Thanks for all the great advice all!

Which one of you guys can I rent an S2000 from?

 

Tkeyyyy, thomsbrain, and ics2ks have been pretty generous with loaning me their keys when I've needed a helping hand.
We've got a pretty good community spirit here, and I've always appreciated the inherent generosity from my bretheren.