My Coastal Roads Hall Of Fame - Pics from around the world

[Orson]

A photo essay.

I first rode California's Highway 1 in 1983 and i became entranced by the road. There's just something about reaching the edge of a continent that makes me all introspective and mushy. It makes me ponder how far I've come, where I've been, where I'll go, both, mentally & physically. Then, when you get on your bike and ride the coast, your brain is incessantly bombarded with vistas, each one seemingly more beautiful than the last. Highway 1 has that rare combination of twisties, scenery & weather that make it hard to beat when it comes to motorcycling enjoyment. It's number one in my personal hall of fame for roads.

My love for this road has led me to ask myself, is it possible that, somewhere on this planet, there might be a road that can surpass Highway 1? Might there be a hidden gem out there just waiting for me to straffe? With that question burning in my mind, I've made it my personal quest to seek out other coastal roads...searching for that elusive motorcycling Nirvana.

I present to you my personal coastal roads hall of fame:

In 8th place, the coast road in Galicia in the far northwestern corner of Spain. This picture was taken on a dark & stormy day on Cape Finisterra. Finis means end and terra means earth. The end of the earth or so they thought in the days before Columbus. The dark sky added to the forboding nature of the angry seas. It also gave it a northern California vibe. Alas, the condition of the pavement was less than perfect so, I had to deduct points for this. Europe is also densely populated so, it seems you can't go very far before you're slowed down by having to ride through populated areas. More points were deducted for this. Still, all in all, it was a very enjoyable ride.

[Orson]

In 7th place is the mesmerizing road on the northern coast of the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. While the beauty of this road is undeniable, its sheer scariness and tightness renders mega powered bikes useless. This road is more suitable for a supermotard...ridden very carefully I might add. One wrong move and there would be no need for a medivac.

[Orson]

In 6th place, the road along the west coast of the Mediterranean island of Corsica. It has a rugged beauty that resembles the California coast in some places. Unfortunately, the condition of the road varies widely from racetrack smooth to broken asphalt and gravel more suited for big trailies. Corsica is a big motorcycling playground. Lots of German & Dutch riders come down here and treat it as if it were their personal Isle of Man. Spectacular twisty roads through the inland mountains.

[Orson]

5th place goes to the Croatian coastal road along the Adriatic. I first read about this road years ago in a car magazine where they compared it favorably to California Highway 1 so, I was keen to sample it. The views do harken to the coast of California. Unfortunately, the road surface is a bit bumpy. It was almost like pavement motocross in places. My shoulder sockets were aching so bad, I had trouble falling asleep that night (shoulda drank more wine). They are building a freeway that will redirect most of the traffic from this road leaving the coast road for locals and motorcyclists As it is now, it's heavily populated with trucks, buses and holiday sun seekers. The questionable talents of Croatian drivers also make it a bit dicey. Hopefully, after the freeway is built, they will repave the coast road making it a real gem

Edited to add: this section of road is actually the old coast road south of Dubrovnik, now only used by pedestrians but, it gives you a good view of the coast

[Orson]

4th place goes to the magnificent coastal ride from Gordons Bay to Rooielse near Cape Town, South Africa. Good pavement with magnificent views. Unfortunately, I had to deduct points because it was so short. Whereas Highway 1, you can ride all day, this section of South African road only lasts for about 45 minutes. Also, while it is nice and curvey, it doesn't throw in those *really* tight curves that Highway 1 throws at you every few miles. Further points were deducted cuz they make you drive on the wrong side of the road Still, an enjoyable ride along the bottom of the world.

Staying in South Africa, the second photo is of Chapmans Peak Drive between Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope. It's not in my poll because it's so short, lasting only 15 minutes. It does merit honorable mention for its spectacular nature.

[Orson]

In 3rd place comes the road along the northern coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Why is it that it seems as if the northern coast of islands are always more rugged than the south coasts? Things that make you go hmmmm. This road places high cuz it's just flat out FUN. Good pavement, good ocean vistas and a good mix of curves from tight to flowing to yeeeha! Just about zero traffic cuz this road dead ends at the UN check point between northern & southern Cyprus. The only points were deducted because, the road is so lightly travelled that there aren't enough vehicles passing through to keep the road clear of falling rocks Points were also regrettably deducted cuz, they too insist that, you drive on the wrong side of the road

[Orson]

In second place, we have the road along the west coast of the South Island on New Zealand. The "good stuff" as the locals call it. Excellent, tacky road surface & incredible views keep things interesting for almost the entire length of the island. The lush vegetation sometimes resembles something out of prehistoric times with giant ferns and the like. The natives are among the friendliest I've encountered anywhere. I came into one town and stopped at a hotel that was unfortunately booked solid. The hotel clerk picked up the phone and began ringing other hotels in town until she found me a vacancy. I think I had to pick my jaw off the ground. Anyways, here too, points were deducted for being forced to ride on the wrong side of the road

[Orson]

Number 1 and still champeen, fending off all challengers is the venerable California Highway 1. I've yet to find a road that has all the elements come together as they do here. Length, beauty, fine weather...oh yah, and twisties If you only had time to ride one more road before you die, this would be the one. Then turn around and ride it in the other direction. I prefer the section north of the Golden Gate. Having grown up in the tropics, I have a great appreciation for the lush, darkened redwood groves and the deep blue sea.

My quest continues though, with many other roads left to travel. The Cabot Trail in the Canadian maritime provinces, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, the rugged northern coasts of Scotland & Norway so, we'll see if California Highway 1 will be able to hold on to its crown

[z_bassman]

Great write-ups! Thanks for sharing. Your 7th place terrified me. Looks more like a goatpath than a road. Yike!

[bonneville54]

I've been to two out of those ten and thought I was doing good. All I can say is.........................Holy Moly!