Central Valley Classic Cars

I think I found the best route yet, between Santa Cruz and Burlingame. At least it was a very enjoyable drive yesterday.

Going down, I had my sister with me, so I took the traditional 101 -> 92 -> 280 -> 85 -> 17 (very direct, lots of cars, nothing I haven’t seen many times). But on the way back I was by myself, so I experimented with the route.

First stretch: Hwy 1 from Santa Cruz to San Gregorio State Beach

We all know this stretch well, often the less congested segment of the coastal route; curves here and there that open often to straight-a-ways, lots of amazing ocean view, occasional jaunts through the hills just inland, small passing lanes when the hills prevent clear sight on the straights. It was late afternoon, and the sun was breaking though the rain clouds of the earlier, road was dry and smooth. Not sure if the speed limit is 50 or 65, people drive the range, but there weren’t too many out and I had plenty of opportunity to explore the xk8’s possibilities. I stopped once to take pictures of kite boarders.

Second Stretch: 84 from San Gregorio to La Honda

Traffic on 1 was building, and I’m no fan of the congestion in Halfmoon Bay or 92, so I cut inland at 84 (good recommendation Ben). I had driven this many years ago, but the road was not in the shape it is now. From 1 to La Honda, it’s all fresh asphalt. A very nice balance of bends and straight-a-ways. A truck and an SUV, the only cars encountered, both slowed as dotted-yellow straights opened up, inviting me to pass, which I did with ease. Road is not windy but was really fun in the xk8 – just right for the grand tourer. Scenery is beautiful and easy to take in, rolling green pastures hemmed in by tree lined ridges, specked with wildflower color. No posted speed limit much of the way, occasionally reduced to 45 while passing through small communities.

From La Honda to Sky Londa

The road is much older asphalt, feels harder, rough, but no potholes. Much more windy as you climb into the mountains. Curves are tight and banked decently. As is often the case on mountain roads, visibility isn’t great as you snake around the outer ridges, but there are plenty of curves where you can see the oncoming road across a gully. I eventually got stuck behind a truck with surfboards out the back, but he clearly knew the road and was going about as fast as he should so it wasn’t a total drag to be behind him. Much of this area is posted as a 35 mph speed limit, with turn warnings ranging from 15 to 30 mph.

Third Stretch: 35 from Sky Londa to hwy 92

I love this stretch of road. Climbs higher along the ridge. Thick tree cover at the base, lightening slightly as you climb. Road is also old asphalt and could use a repaving, occasional potholes, but nothing I could not avoid while still staying cleanly within the lines. But the rhythm of smooth bends accented by tight curves and short but open straight-a-ways is most enjoyable. This stretch had a bit more cars on it as there are some get-way hotels/rustic resorts nestled here and there, but passing was never a problem, and some of the other drivers are there for fun too (passed 3 new looking Ferraris heading the opposite direction – one clearly a 430, other 2 likely 612s, and a Carrera S was getting off as I was getting on). A couple of miles south of 92 you crest the highest ridge and the view opens up to a breathtaking panorama of Albert Canyon to the west and Adobe Gulch and Crystal Springs Reservoir to the east (but my eyes were mostly on the road). I think stretches of 35 are posted at 50 mph. Much of it is unposted and the straights beg you to open up.

Final Stretch: 92 to 280 to Burlingame

Well, I had to get home, 280 beats 101 any day.

I’ve done 35 down to 9, through Big Bason before too. You can cut over to 17 at Felton or take 9 through Henry Cowell State Park all the way into Santa Cruz. That’s also a good drive, but it’s much of the same winding through forested mountain roads. Redwoods are impressive and everything, but this route had a bit more variety to enjoy:

A Google Map of the Route