A little wine country loop

Yesterday was foggy and wet, so it was an excuse to take my first peek inside the valve cover of the CB-1 to check clearance, and also just to admire the gear driven DOHC goodness.



All was in spec, so once back together the bike was begging to hit the road.



Happily the sun came out today so I headed over the hill for a nice wine country loop. Taking 121 to Napa I headed through town and out Dry Creek Road. There is always lots to see in the area, including roadside art.



Taking Oakville Grade down to Hwy 29 I headed west toward St. Helena. The mustard is just starting to bloom in the vineyards, and will be much more dramatic in coming weeks.



Last winter's heavy rains left some roads officially closed, but sneaking around the barricades rewards with untraveled paths. This is on Old Howell Mtn. Road....






The view from the top....



Back on open roads the CB-1 was in its element, swooping down Howell Mountain, through Pope Valley, Chiles Valley and down 128.















Home is just around the corner, it was another great day on two wheels.



-Bill

Nice!! Where did you see the T-Rex? I did a loop up dry creek and over oakville grade to 29 and I feel like that would have stuck out in my brain if I went by it

gitter said:

Nice!! Where did you see the T-Rex? I did a loop up dry creek and over oakville grade to 29 and I feel like that would have stuck out in my brain if I went by it

Click to expand...

Ha! It is along Dry Creek Rd. but on a driveway on the left (west) side along a twisty wooded section where you're needing to watch the road. It's worth stopping and looking around, the place is a regular Jurassic park with lots of smaller metal sculpture creatures. I'll have to grab a selfie in from of one next time.

-Bill

That pix of Howell Mtn rd, that barrier somewhere on the lower half, up from Silverado? Not what was stacked up @ the Deer Park and White Cottage/Howell Mtn intersection?
When I was there last (week of halloween), there was K rail stacked off to the side at this intersection, with a new gate much like the one shown, but swung the other way.
How do the homeowners have access?

CDONA said:

That pix of Howell Mtn rd, that barrier somewhere on the lower half, up from Silverado? Not what was stacked up @ the Deer Park and White Cottage/Howell Mtn intersection?
When I was there last (week of halloween), there was K rail stacked off to the side at this intersection, with a new gate much like the one shown, but swung the other way.
How do the homeowners have access?

Click to expand...

There are two barriers, the one I showed is about half way up from Silverado just past the last driveway. The other is close to Deer Park/White Cottage. There are no driveways in the closed section so it's just used by bicycles, motos, and hikers. Lots of fallen trees and boulders that people have cleared for a narrow path, and some bad slides. Makes me wonder if the county will ever reopen it for cars.

-Bill

Your ride reports always give me wanderlust.

Mad

Maddevill said:

Your ride reports always give me wanderlust.

Mad

Click to expand...

Glad to be of service!

-Bill

Nice pics, I like the exposed frame on the front portion, color is nice too. I'm a riding newb (permit only) and have not ventured away from el camino, but when riding around unknown roads where there may be wildlife do you need to protect yourself? For example stray dogs, or bears or wolves (idk if we have bears or wolves in these parts?) Is this a something that concerns most riders? I guess maybe carrying some easily accessible bear mace would suffice?

ruckus430 said:

Nice pics, I like the exposed frame on the front portion, color is nice too. I'm a riding newb (permit only) and have not ventured away from el camino, but when riding around unknown roads where there may be wildlife do you need to protect yourself? For example stray dogs, or bears or wolves (idk if we have bears or wolves in these parts?) Is this a something that concerns most riders? I guess maybe carrying some easily accessible bear mace would suffice?

Click to expand...

You have very little to worry about from animal attacks, but for sure there is always the hazard of hitting a bird or animal. Deer especially are the main one I worry about. Also wild turkeys and other birds can fly into you. Not much you can do if an animal darts out from the roadside. I avoid riding in evening and night time when deer, raccoons etc. are most likely to be out, but the danger is still there during daylight. It's just a risk you have to accept, moderate your speed in likely deer areas, and watch the roadsides carefully. I tend to slow down when passing houses where domestic pets might run onto the road.

-Bill

ruckus430 said:

Nice pics, I like the exposed frame on the front portion, color is nice too. I'm a riding newb (permit only) and have not ventured away from el camino, but when riding around unknown roads where there may be wildlife do you need to protect yourself? For example stray dogs, or bears or wolves (idk if we have bears or wolves in these parts?) Is this a something that concerns most riders? I guess maybe carrying some easily accessible bear mace would suffice?

Click to expand...

Forget bears around here. Your main threats, other than car drivers and the usual dirt/ rocks in the road , are deer and turkeys. Deer are EXTREMELY unpredictable. We had a ride where a deer jumped ON a guy who was literally the 51st bike to go past it. Anytime you're out in rural areas keep your eyes open for them. They are most active in the mornings and evenings. Adjust your pace accordingly. Don't try to avoid suicidal squirrels. Just run them over if you have to.

Mad

The first thing I do when skimming through topics in this section is look for new threads by "CB500guy".

Thanks for another great share.

Thanks for the response guys I'll watch out for deer and domestic pets or racoons.

Such a beautiful bike. I've always loved the look of the Bandit 400 as well.