Anyone know of any good, fun routes to take in Northern CA? I went to Napa the other day from Stockton and took I-5 north to Highway 12 west. It's a nice drive with some good scenery. Not many twisty roads but a majority of the highway is single lane with an occasional passing lane that can be kinda fun.

 

HWY 17, HWY 9, Skyline, HWY towards angels camp, and a few others in that area. Hit me up I will give you some tips

 

One of many excursions: Lucas Valley Road toward Lagunitas/Nicasio and go north at Olema through Samuel P Taylor Park to Point Reyes--lots of twisties. Park the car at the ranger station and stroll through Bear Valley. Poster perfect this time of year. If you are very energetic: Highway 1 from Bodega Bay to Sea Ranch or Fort Bragg and back. Wild flowers are just beginning to sprout through the greens.

 

Shhh - you're not supposed to tell everyone!

 

Try www.pashnit.com for an excellent source of roads all over the state. It is by far the best web site I have ever seen for road descriptions. It is mostly a web site for motorcyclists but any good motorcycle road is a good MINI road.

I live in Napa and the area is surrounded by excellent roads with very little traffic if you are willing to get off the main highways. I have been riding motorcycles in the area since I moved here nine years ago. I know them all. Can't wait to try them in my MCSc if it ever arrives.

 

Look at some of our past runs and downloadable routes that can be found at http://redwoodempiremini.com/calendar.htm

 

Mendo County: Highway 20 between 101 and 1. Then take Highway 1 to Highway 160 and 160 back to 101.

Contra Costa County - Alameda County: Bear Creek Road - Alhambra Valley Road from Orinda to Martinez. Short but fun.

Also Redwood Road in Castro Valley to Pinecrest Road in Moraga.

In the Peninsula and South Bay - Highway 92 to Highway 35, south to Highway 9 and down to Santa Cruz is always fun. Also, Old Santa Cruz Highway off of Highway 17 to Summit, then south to Soquel.

Highway 84 from Woodside (280) to Highway 1 (Pescadero) is also a good run. Take Highway 1 down to Santa Cruz, then take Highway 9 back up to 84.

Sonoma, Napa and Marin Counties all have some great roads. From Mill Valley, run north on 1 through Olema and cut back through the farm country to Petaluma.

 

I'd like to go on some drives with the MINI crowd.

I have a Subaru STi, and I'm still restoring my '68 BMW 2002.

Please check out the group drives from my Subaru club below:

http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87989

http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86832

http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90827

http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85931

David

 

Here's a site that has some great CA roadtrips....even though it's published for motorcycles, they work just as well with MINIs

http://www.pashnit.com/motoroads.htm

 

Did you hit the Oakville Grade between Napa and Sonoma? IT's a real hoot, and has wineries on it as well!

Matt

 

Who is down to hit up 35 (skyline) and connecting roads this Sunday?

 

Rain this weekend My Mini is allergic to water

 

Rain is predicted only for Friday and Saturday, only a small chance of rain Sunday, and the next storm Sunday night..... would consider joining your run, but we are already having one in Healdsburg with 25-30 people and around 18 MINIs have RSVP. It's going to be a great run!

See Redwood Empire MINI Enthusiasts Forum for details of the run.

 

Shoot up I-80 to Auburn and go north on Hwy 49 to Downieville and continue on 49 to Hwy 89 south and you will end up on Truckee. I-80 home. We also like Hwy 49 south from Auburn to Placerville and places south. These could lead you back to Stockton. Wine tasting is great south of Placerville.

Good motoring

 

You might want to try this one.... not too far from you.
http://redwoodempiremini.com/PDF/Sui...to%20Delta.pdf

You can join REME on April 9th for this run.