NorCal (Bay Area) DRIVE Chat Thread

[BigFatFlip]

Originally Posted by Xxyion

Route Starts in Castro Valley on Palomares Rd. We then take that down to Sunol and make our way to Calaveras. Take that down to Past the national Park into Milpitas.

Like others have mentioned, I'd be extra cautious with that route. A bunch of us are very familiar with that route and know exactly what happens after a rain storm ie rock slides, mud, etc.

Most of Palomares should be ok if you are just taking it easy and doing a relaxed cruise. Like Finch said, I wouldn't recommend Calavera at that time of the day (dark) specially since you've never been there, waaay to sketchy imho.

[Clipdat]

Driven Calaveras once on a summer day and haven't had a desire to return. Just seemed too technical and narrow to be much fun.

However, it's possible it was just me being lame? Not sure.

Originally Posted by BigFatFlip

Like others have mentioned, I'd be extra cautious with that route. A bunch of us are very familiar with that route and know exactly what happens after a rain storm ie rock slides, mud, etc.

Most of Palomares should be ok if you are just taking it easy and doing a relaxed cruise. Like Finch said, I wouldn't recommend Calavera at that time of the day (dark) specially since you've never been there, waaay to sketchy imho.

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Driven Calaveras once on a summer day and haven't had a desire to return. Just seemed too technical and narrow to be much fun.

However, it's possible it was just me being lame? Not sure.

I had a bad experiance my first time due to fog that limited visability to under 30ft. Was going 10-15mph and still almost drove into a wall. Eventually went back and yeah, it isn't that fun imo. Too long being that technical without a break. I prefer roads where it mixes it up at that length.

[BigFatFlip]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Driven Calaveras once on a summer day and haven't had a desire to return. Just seemed too technical and narrow to be much fun.

However, it's possible it was just me being lame? Not sure.

Nope, not just you. The first time I drove Calaveras was on a whim one night coming from SJ. It was miserable: dark, narrow, blind corners, drop off on one side and cliff on the other. I was getting tail gated by, what I would assume, was a local, and there were no turn outs to let him pass. I just ended up driving beyond my comfort level, which in hind sight was a dumb move, should have just driven in my own pace. The only time I enjoyed it was one weekday morning I took it with my bike, and even then it still felt narrow.

[Clipdat]

Reminds me of this video:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20SNMdo3B3o"]Mazdaspeed3 (Shitbox) and BMW 335i on Calaveras road - YouTube[/ame]

Originally Posted by BigFatFlip

Nope, not just you. The first time I drove Calaveras was on a whim one night coming from SJ. It was miserable: dark, narrow, blind corners, drop off on one side and cliff on the other. I was getting tail gated by, what I would assume, was a local, and there were no turn outs to let him pass. I just ended up driving beyond my comfort level, which in hind sight was a dumb move, should have just driven in my own pace. The only time I enjoyed it was one weekday morning I took it with my bike, and even then it still felt narrow.

[BigFatFlip]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Reminds me of this video:

BMW drivers...

[Xxyion]

Alright so seems like Calaveras is out of the picture. Palomares seems like its ok. Initially this was going to be me and James and he's never driven a back road in his BRZ and my tires are poop so we were gonna take it somewhat slow and casual. If you guys think thats ok we'll probably do that and then freeway it down to Fremont for grub.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by Xxyion

Alright so seems like Calaveras is out of the picture. Palomares seems like its ok. Initially this was going to be me and James and he's never driven a back road in his BRZ and my tires are poop so we were gonna take it somewhat slow and casual. If you guys think thats ok we'll probably do that and then freeway it down to Fremont for grub.

Don't get me wrong. Palomares is drivable, but it's covered with mud and gravel in several areas. The road has narrowed in places too, as mud is piled on the sides. That's all before the rains that are now happening. I've led a drive on Palomares and live on Palomares, so I know what I'm talking about. Also, I've never tried to talk anyone out of driving the road before now. It's just a bad idea. I expect the road to be closed at least once between now and the 29th, which sucks for me, but oh well.

[Xxyion]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

Don't get me wrong. Palomares is drivable, but it's covered with mud and gravel in several areas. The road has narrowed in places too, as mud is piled on the sides. That's all before the rains that are now happening. I've led a drive on Palomares and live on Palomares, so I know what I'm talking about. Also, I've never tried to talk anyone out of driving the road before now. It's just a bad idea. I expect the road to be closed at least once between now and the 29th, which sucks for me, but oh well.

I really appreciate the information. Albeit a bit disappointing. Maybe we'll figure something else out. Thanks!

[BigFatFlip]

Originally Posted by Xxyion

Alright so seems like Calaveras is out of the picture. Palomares seems like its ok. Initially this was going to be me and James and he's never driven a back road in his BRZ and my tires are poop so we were gonna take it somewhat slow and casual. If you guys think thats ok we'll probably do that and then freeway it down to Fremont for grub.

Haha, sorry, not trying to dampen your fun, just would hate for something avoidable to happen. Unfortunately, its just not a very good season for driving, not like the last couple of years where it was bone dry Dec-Feb.

[Xxyion]

Originally Posted by BigFatFlip

Haha, sorry, not trying to dampen your fun, just would hate for something avoidable to happen. Unfortunately, its just not a very good season for driving, not like the last couple of years where it was bone dry Dec-Feb.

Nah man i'd rather it not be fun and alive than fun and dead. I'm actually really glad you guys are telling me all this as i've never been down these roads and i wasnt sure how bad it could be.

[TofuJoe]

I drove Mines and up over Mt. Hamilton last Monday (MLK). Lots of gravel, and also dirt and debris. Plus one epic stream crossing. There was also some ice and there was still a bit of snow up on Mt Hamilton.

Still lots of fun if you take it slow. Traction control on for that gravel, too. Not to mention a car wash when you're done.

[overlookedx]

Since we're sharing stories... the first time I drove Calaveras was in my WRX (first performance car ever) at night in the pitch black, following a friend in an S2K that knew the road very well. Needless to say, I drove above my limit and was a very stupid idea.

Have driven it dozens of times since (in the day light) and I think it's fun, albeit very treacherous and I wouldn't get anywhere near the limit cause 99% is blind corners. Used to love taking it home when it was on my route home from work.

[EAGLE5]

This all gets to the important point, that people like to over-drive.