Recently moved to NorCal from Orlando
 

Well, it has been a month since I moved here and am just now starting to get settled in. The number of boxes in the living room is slowly dwindling and I can actually enjoy having the doors and windows open without a second skin of humidity forming over everything.

A couple of days ago I found out that the road on which I live (Saratoga Ave.) turns into Hwy 9 about 6 miles up the street. I was greeted with one of the most wonderful road signs when I got there.

http://i.imgur.com/WbzESG8.jpg

Met a fellow BRZer on 35 and two other FRS' on the way to Santa Cruz and back. When I stopped at one of the scenic overlooks on 9 a couple of bikers walked up admiring the FRS and we had a great chat.

My only real complaint about 9 is all of the blind corners due to the trees. Don't get me wrong, I love the trees, but some occasional respite would be nice to be able to see if there is a cyclist or another car a few bends ahead.

Some other observations about CA over the last month... The roads don't seem to be as well maintained. The coilovers (on a medium rebound) transmit the harsh road... a lot. Also, I have noticed that pretty much everywhere, where driveways meet the street, is a huge dip and I wind up scraping as I exit. And, the slab sections of 280 heading north out of Santa Clara make the car feel like a bucking bronco (not so bad at 90 :-p) I am also not a huge fan of all of the street parking. I understand that it is a norm around here, it just isn't normal for me yet.

I have a neighbor who has an Argento FRS with some N-1 Concepts work and stickers on it. We spoke for a bit and he said that he is a member on these boards as well. Can't remember the handle though... Valar? Valdayin? Val-somthing or other.

Anyway, I am really anxious to meet everyone in the area. I was too late to really get into the SCCA scene in Orlando before I left but am looking forward to getting on the tracks here and having some fun.

Welcome to Cali, where the weather is usually good and the roads are always terrible! You definitely met Valer, I didn't know that he lives over off Saratoga Ave. I'm in Los Gatos myself and Hwy 9 is my favorite road.

We have a relatively active drivers club here in the bay and we are always finding excuses to get together. Check it out here.

Also there is a very large meetup coming up soon and I would highly encourage you to join up. It's right over in Los Gatos so its super close to you. That thread is here.

I enjoy driving up 9 late on Friday nights when there is no traffic. With a friend or two. If you're not busy around 11:30 you're welcome to join! Does that sound like something you might be interested in?

Welcome to the Bay Area. Check out our 86 fiesta and a whole bunch of us will be there. Short drive to follow.

welcome welcome!! if you see me driving around, feel free to stop me and say hi =)
Since you're around the 9, if you do take 85, be wary of the highway cops. they are quite the trickster when they are on ticket duty.

You live in a pretty good area for roads. Also above you is one of my favorite roads called la honda road.

Welcome, if you can't tell, we are a friendly bunch around here that like to get together and meet up for drives :thumbsup:

Lived in Orlando for a few years, so I'm gonna have to agree with most of your observations, but I'd take CA over FL anyday (insert bugs bunny FL gif here j/k). We are very lucky to be living in the bay area, some folks, like in the central valley, have to drive ~1-1.5 hrs. to get to some twisty driving roads.

Welcome, can't wait to have you join us out on one of the drives. Yes the Oct 19 meet will be the next big gathering where you'll see many of us. And if you're interested in track days, many of us are planning on doing Laguna Seca on Nov. 3... though I believe that event is now full.

Welcome to the area! I will keep an eye out for your car!

Hi there neighbor ;)

Hi there, next time you could go up to hwy 9 from Cupertino side: using Stevens Creek uphill , turn left on foothill and all the way into the mountain, turn right at the T intersection and then will bring you to the beginning part of Hwy 9.

See you around.

Welcome welcome. enjoy your stay!

Saratoga is very close to me.. Im always down for a drive when Im not working. I just moved here a couple months ago too, so I know how it feels to be new! Good thing is the norcal 86 community is pretty awesome, as you will soon find out :thumbup:

Welcome! What made you want to move to this side of the states? Work?

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Whoa. I'd been following your picture threads. Had no clue you were moving out here. Welcome to Cali.