Heading out of Salinas California on Highway 68 towards Monterey you will see the sign for Reservation / River Road. Reservation Road goes north into Marina and Highway 1 and River Road heads South along the hills into the Salinas valley between the farm land and the Monetrey County wine country.

River Road is a relaxing ride for motorcycle riders of all skill levels. Normally the ride starts with cool temperatures in Salinas and will get hotter the farther south you go.

Victorian House

This Victorian house is patiently waiting to be returned to its former glory. This house is located in the Monterey County Wine country. San Saba winery has a new tasting room at the corner of River Road and Foothill Road, this Victorian is just up the street.

Hann / Smith & Hook

This view of the valley is from the Hahn / Smith & Hook wine tasting deck. It's about 1 mile off of Foothill Road but offers a great view of the valley and the hills to the west.

Santa Lucia Highlands

There are excellent views of the valley and the mountians.

Arroyo Seco River

Just to the west of Soledad G17 turns West on Arroyo Seco Road. This is a very scenic ride through the canyon along the Arroyo Seco River.

Carmel Valley Road (G16)

Make a right off Arroyo Seco Road on to Carmel Valley Road. Carmel Valley Road varies from 2 lanes down to one lane in some spots. I ride sportbikes, however I have ridden this road many times with riders on cruisers and sport touring bikes and they have not had any trouble riding this twisty road into Carmel Valley.

Carmel Valley

There are restaurants and sandwich shops in Carmel Valley, so it's a good place to stop and take a break. There's a Chevron station and mini mart as you get into Carmel Valley, a gas station will be a welcome site for those riding bikes with short ranges..

In Summary

The short cut back to Salinas is Laureles Grade (G20) that takes you over the hill just outside the gate of Laguna Seca Raceway. It is about an 80 mile ride from Salinas to Carmel Valley and about 20 miles back to Salinas if you take Laureles Grade to Highway 68.

If you are riding North up 101 through the valley and need a break from the slab I recommend cutting over to Arroyo Seco Road just outside of Green Field. It will take you longer to get to Laguna or Monterey but it's worth the ride.