Favorite Driving Roads
 

We've all got our favorites. I was wondering if it might be cool to build a collection of Google Maps here in the forum for California (i posted this suggestion in the off-topic section too but I like the in-state idea better after thinking about it some more).

If I get enough of a positive response, I might write up a DYI on how-to set up a custom map on Google to share and we can make this sticky.

I'm imagining the maps would look something like this: It's a map I picked up from Auto Blog on Malibu Canyon. http://goo.gl/maps/Myg93

Source:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/16/a...malibu-canyon/

I like this idea. And you know, if you load up GoogleEarth it actually gives you a 3D simulation of the actual road which is real cool. good idea !

Only downside is if po-po starts reading this forum. I've seen some meets/cruises have to go to PM for details so they wouldn't be met by flashing lights when they get there.

He's not talking about meets/cruises. The police already know all the roads people go to cruise already so no there's no point in PMs.

Sounds like a great idea. May I suggest checking out the following threads as starting points:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...t=roads+routes
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...t=roads+routes

I used to love pashnit, discovered many great roads there. Stopped using it when they started to charge though, never joined as I didn't own a motorcyle. I should probably throw them some cash though as I benefitted quite a bit from the great descriptions and photos of every possible twisty road in my area. :thumbsup:

Actually google maps is doing this now too. You just have to enable the feature.
http://support.google.com/maps/bin/a...answer=1699472


Edit: I thought you were talking about the program Google Earth -- I just realized the google maps plug-in is also called Google Earth. We're both right.
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do it!

I use the app best biking roads on my droid...
http://www.bestbikingroads.com/

And I like this one too
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Route...fornia_80.html

Best biking roads show police presence rating that I really like

I've also used this app when I'm bored and just want to drive (more of a spur of the moment kind of thing)

http://www.ultimatedriveapp.com/

Its a little hokey, but works.

Love the set up of this site, does anyone know how to place a bunch of routes on the same map? I'm pretty sure it involves some light coding and publishing through Google Earth. I've searched a bit for an answer, but not extensively.

Otherwise I'm thinking we just pursue individuals posts in a sticky section using a format somewhat like this:

Post Title: Name Your Route
Brief Description:
Best Time To Drive:
Hazards/Tips:
Police Presence: rated 1-5

Photo highlights: link to photoset or post your best pic (just make sure we don't have 400 pics per post). I love what @Revmatch did here.

Google Map Route Link

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What does everyone think?

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I'm only aware of the ability to make one route at a time, save it and link to it... here's the one I made of Mt. Hamilton/Mines Rd...

http://goo.gl/maps/pBMC7

Post Title: Mt. Hamilton/Mines Rd
Brief Description: Over 100 miles of awesome curvy road up and over the tallest mountain in the South Bay. Scenic views at the observatory up top. And curves and hairpins of your dreams on the way down the other side out into the middle of nowhere, with scenery you won't believe is here so close to the urban centers. The back road takes you up back into civilization through the vineyards of Livermore.
Best Time To Drive: Early mornings. Night driving not advised.
Hazards/Tips: Watch for cyclists, motorcycles, oncoming traffic. Blind turns. Precipitously steep cliff edges along the road in many areas. Falling rocks and loose debris. Livestock and other wildlife. Take it easy going up from San Jose side. Going down the other side you can let loose a little.
Police Presence: rated 1-5: 3. I used to see sheriffs near the observatory all the time giving fixit tickets to car clubs passing through. Haven't seen much presence lately though. Maybe budget cuts. :)

Photos:
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...raveled034.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...7b1b56f09d.jpg

@PMok NICE! :party0030:

:bow:

angeles crest highway. All the way to Redlands from Alta dena/ 210 back in the day it connected to route 39/ azusa canyon, east fork and Glendora ridge route/ Gelendora Mountain Road and Mount baldy too..LOTS O FUN FOR ALL

Best roads ever

I used to FLOG my SP311 2liter 510 and AE86...up and down GMR (lived in Glendora) never was closed before...used to lose 2-3 high school kids/ year ther I figured Darwinism...;-)

Broke an ankle and arm up there (bicycles go figure)...railed an armco twice brother driffed moms caddy into a catchbasin..lol said he could keep up with my 510 (BRE mods 295/50/13 BFG's that car was FUN (dangerous fun but FUN)

I might be biased, since I live practically on highway 2... but that road has to be on the list, from the high desert to Glendale. Just keep an eye out for rocks.

Also, if going west from Wrightwood, going left at Mountain High instead of continuing (right) on 2 is pretty fun, especially if you stay on Big Pines Highway all the way to the abbey in Valyermo. Good stuff.

Lake Berryessa, not a bad road around there. Might get stuck behind someone towing a boat and I have seen a few cops but it's a lovely drive even staying under the speed limit.

Down here, my buddies like to go to Palomar Mountain. Once you get there, it's a short trip up/down but you can get many runs in and there are always photographers out getting pics. Tons of motorcycles and even cyclists, so it keeps you on your toes. But no driveways, so you don't have to worry about someone backing out to get groceries.

I've only been up there a few times, but it lots of fun. You can take E Grade Rd back down for a slower, less-tense cruise.

http://goo.gl/maps/NCPGr

Stop at the restaurant up top for something to grub on while the brakes cool down. Haha who am I kidding...who uses brakes?!?!

How did I not know about this?!??! I lived all over the bay for years...

well the Observatory's been at the top since 1896 so... you've had plenty of time. :iono: :lol:

a small group of us ran this route this morning:

http://goo.gl/maps/u1GNJ

Am I the only dorky one who spends hours staring at Google Maps, looking for new twisty roads to explore? :D

You are not alone. Looking up google map and searching for new driving route becomes my new adventure. This road I tried last weekend I suggested DON'T GO THERE: it is highway 35 Skyline blvd, the ending section between Black road and connect to Bear Creek Rd, before 17. I found it is very twisty on the map but it is a FREAKING one car wide two way road. That means if 2 cars meet head to head, one must go back! Or crash! The 15 mins drive was super slow and scary because I am so afraid there will be a car come in face to face behind the blind corner. I enter from the 17 side and I double check the 35 San Francisco sign before I turn in that road, still cannot believe there is such a road like that in CA with a highway 35 sign!! AVOID IT!! DANGEROUS ROAD!!

yeah that is why sometimes a road that is great for motorcycles, is not ideal for sports cars... some of the roads I've driven on are like that, narrow in some spots and that definitely makes me nervous too, but it's wide enough for 2 cars to pass and you just have to be cautious. Can't go drifting around a blind corner expecting nothing to be there on the other side... because there will sometimes be a truck, bicyclists, or another car.

https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=...77177,0.169086

Mother's Kitchen
33120 Canfield Road
Palomar Mountain, CA 92060

its the same place just being redundant.

Highway 58 between Bakersfield and SLO is nice.
Highway 198/25 from Coalinga to Hollister is a blast, too.

Good resource: http://www.butlermaps.com/