Bay Area Winter Adventure Riding Ideas

[troys42]

Hi BARF, I'm in need of advice & recommendations. I have some friends coming down from Seattle Mar 21-25 who want to go on a short 3 day mini "adventure" ride. My first thought was to take them up to Mendocino National Forest, staging at Fouts Springs then riding a counter clockwise loop to Penny Pines via Old Mill, Cedar Camp, Bear Creek then taking M3 back around Snow Mt. Wildnerness. The obvious issue this time of year is snow. According to the Forest Service snow depth there isn't much snow up there right now. I'm going to call the ranger offices tomorrow to verify.

My question to the brain trust here is where would you take 3 newby ADV riders for a quick trip that's within 3 hours of the Bay Area that would ideally not be snow bound and provide some good entry level riding.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[stratslingr77]

Carrizo Plain!

Get there via Hwy 25/Old Hernandez/Coalinga Rd. then on to Parkfield Cafe for lunch.

 

[WoodsChick]

Carrizo Plain!

Get there via Hwy 25/Old Hernandez/Coalinga Rd. then on to Parkfield Cafe for lunch.

Yes, my initial thought was heading south toward central Cal, too, rather than heading to the mountains. Lots of lower-elevation stuff to play around in. The Pozo area just south of Carrizo is fun, too. You could ride from Carrizo to Pozo to Ballinger Canyon. Be careful of anything that looks even remotely damp on the Carrizo Plain. The mud there is notoriously sticky and difficult to deal with.

 

[ThumperX]

Yes, my initial thought was heading south toward central Cal, too, rather than heading to the mountains. Lots of lower-elevation stuff to play around in. The Pozo area just south of Carrizo is fun, too. You could ride from Carrizo to Pozo to Ballinger Canyon. Be careful of anything that looks even remotely damp on the Carrizo Plain. The mud there is notoriously sticky and difficult to deal with.

Additionally the old Pozo Rd. Washed out 2 years ago, wonder if it’s open enough to scoot bikes through.

 

[troys42]

Thank you, this is the right kind of idea vs the cold mountains. Where would you all recommend staging at? Day 1 will be camping at the car, Day 2 adventure riding, camping elsewhere off the bikes, Day 3 return to car+trailer then head home. Would love a secure place to leave the trailer and car.

 

[ThumperX]

If not too far I Love Songdog Ranch.

Cuyama Badlands - Hipcamp in Cuyama, California

If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash...

www.hipcamp.com

 

[CDONA]

Possible parking in Parkfield?
They do have weekend events there, may allow RV's

Parkfield History — V6 Ranch - Authentic California Ranch Experiences

Parkfield, California, established in 1884, is a historic one-block town with a population of just 18 people. Parkfield sits just a few miles from the V6 Ranch, a working cattle ranch enveloping 20,000 acres of the most diverse and alluring country in the heart of Central California.

www.v6ranch.com

 

[troys42]

Does anyone have and gpx tracks for this area? Looking for smooth dirt roads, got 2 newbies coming with me. We plan on riding about 3 days so just looking for an easy loop around the plain. Songsog ranch looks amazing, we may stage there. Thanks.

 

[troys42]

The trip was a success, though we didn't ride very far due to a blown oil filter o-ring. We staged at SongDog Ranch which was absolutely awesome. First day was spent riding the ranch and a tiny part of the OHV, teaching my newbies the ropes. Then we trailered up to Selby campground (highly recommend) in Carrizo and rode a loop down Soda Lake Rd (wide, washboarded), then back up the other side of the valley on Elkhorn road. Elkhorn is the bomb, smooth, flowing, great valley views, tons of spots to stop and eat, totally alone.

Thanks again for the suggestion to hit Carrizo, will go back again with my faster friends and explore the area more, especially up north to Parkfield.