Construction workers' day off ride...

[xs650mike]

Ducati Tim and Kawi Tom were off work today so we rode a loop down to Lake Berryessa and back. 29 to 53 to 20 to 16 to I-505 to 128 to Lake Berryessa then Pope Valley and Butts Canyon back to Middletown in Lake County where Tom split off up 29 to Clearlake and Tim & I rode over Cobb Mt. on 175 back to my place. Great ride, great weather, few bikes on the road and it was the first time I've ever been to Posers' Corner when there were no other bikes. Amazing to find no posers! 172 miles on the clock.

Will post a more detailed report tomorrow...

[81xsproject]

I have been by there a bunch of times, but didn't know it was called posers corner.

[xs650mike]

The Ride

Don't have any pictures so I'll illustrate the route with Google Globe images. If you don't have Google Globe you should get it, great program and free!

Below is the start of our route, the map is centered on the City of Clearlake. My house is by the Route 281 circle on the left of the map. Tim and I rode south on 281 to 29 and east to the Shell gas station at the 53 junction where we met Tom, then north to 20 and east to 16. Soon after we turned onto 20 we were treated to the sight of a half dozen Tule Elk grazing in a cow pasture on fresh grass and mustard greens. Farmers and ranchers don't care much for these animals as they trample barbed wire fences. As can be seen from the satellite image, this is very rugged country.


Here's another image which shows 20 near the top and 16 on the right. Highway 16 is a real gem with little traffic. It follows Bear Creek down a canyon until it reaches Cache Creek and then down Cache Creek into Capay Valley. The scenery is absolutely spectacular and the road itself is a blast to ride. Bear and Cache Creeks were swollen from the recent rains so a lot of white water was in evidence. These creeks are popular with rafters though they can be dangerous. The body of a rafter killed over a year ago has yet to be recovered. It is believed to be trapped in an underwater grotto unreachable by divers because of the strong current.


More to come...

[xs650mike]

Originally posted by 81xsproject
I have been by there a bunch of times, but didn't know it was called posers corner.

Don't know who came up with that name but when you mention Poser's Corner to any local rider they know what you're talking about.

[xs650mike]

Hwy. 16 down the canyon...

This shows our route down 16 from 20 to I-505.


This is a closer view showing the confluence of Cache Creek coming from the west and Bear Creek coming from the north with 16 alongside it down the canyon.

This stretch of road is twisty but fairly fast, the XS11 likes it a lot! Once we get to the Cache Creek Casino traffic increases since most of their business comes from Sacramento. Here's a view of the casino complex.


To be continued...