We joined Progressive IMS Outdoors for a ride up the coast to Sonoma Raceway for the Northern California show. Check out Episode 9 of IMS Rides: Riding the Central California Coast, brought to you by Cardo Systems and Brake Free Tech. Thanks to Riders Share for the use of a BMW R 1250 GS for the trip.
Click here for a map of the route
We cruised up U.S. Highway 101 to Santa Barbara, went over San Marcos Pass on Highway 154, and had lunch at the funky Madonna Inn.
Then the fun really began on California Highway 1, riding past Morro Rock, checking out the elephant seals near San Simeon, and riding on the world famous stretch of Highway 1 from Ragged Point to Big Sur, for a night of camping at Fernwood Resort.
Fort Bragg to Sonoma Raceway: IMS Outdoors Northern California Ride
Even though it was July, the rugged Big Sur coast was foggy and cold. We rolled over the iconic Bixby Bridge before arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
After hugging Monterey Bay on Highway 1, in Santa Cruz we turned onto tight, twisty Highway 9 and rode into the towering redwoods. We continued north on Highway 35 (aka Skyline Drive) and stopped for lunch at the legendary Alice’s Restaurant.
Back on Highway 1 along the coast for a fantastic ride from Half Moon Bay to Pacifica, including a 4,000-ft Devils Slide Tunnel bored through the mountains.
In San Francisco, we stretched our legs at the Presidio before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and heading to Sonoma Raceway for the Progressive IMS Outdoors show.
For the 2021 Progressive IMS Outdoors tour schedule and to buy tickets, visit motorcycleshows.com.
enjoyed the ride