A Rider's Wonderland

By: Jeanette Tran

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In the heart of where all amazing roads meet, you will find Alice’s. Not only will you be able to fulfill your physical hunger, but also you will be able to fulfill your longing for a great ride. Before I even owned a motorcycle, I heard stories and knew about Alice’s and the roads leading up to this restaurant. You cannot be a rider in the Bay Area without knowing about Alice’s Restaurant.

Typical meet spot or start for a ride would be at the Union 76 gas station at the intersection of Big Basin Way and Saratoga Ave. This is the start or Highway 9. This is probably one of the infamous highways in the Bay Area. This is a 2 lane windy road that riders love to do runs on. [And by runs I’m referring to when you ride the road in one direction, turn around, and ride it again in the opposite direction, and then repeat] Be warned, cops patrol this road because the 35mph speed limit is commonly ignored. In the early mornings this road can be seen occupied by riders. As the day goes on, you will see speedy cars, slow moving trailers, and even bicyclist sharing the road, so just remember, ‘the early bird always gets the worm.’ The road itself is wide enough o feel comfortable on, and the scenery provides a good amount of coverage from the sun.

After about seven miles of sweepers, you will have completed the bottom portion of Highway 9, and now come across Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard). Many riders know this intersection as Four Corners. Any direction you choose to go at this intersection will take you along a great ride route. In order to head to the restaurant, make sure to bear right at this intersection onto Highway 35. Up Skyline Boulevard, you can see for yourself why this highway has been named the way it has. The trees start to thin out, and you will be able to see over the city areas off into the distance. So make sure to take advantage of a rest stop when you get a chance along the route.

After a long scenic stretch of about 13 miles, you will start to notice the trees coming back along the side of the road. At this point, you will have made your way to Alice’s. Pull in, take a breather and have some good food. You have your choice to sit inside the restaurant, the back patio, or out front to watch the motorcycles pull up. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Some of their menu items actually have motorcycle inspired names. I have been here a handful of times at different times of day, and I can honestly say that there food is mouthwatering.

After stopping to fill your stomach, you can also fill up your bike gas tank. From here, you have once again 4 choices for which road/direction you would like to take. From here, one of my favorite routes is to continue west from the restaurant on to Highway 84 towards the cost. Highway 84 is one of my favorite roads to ride on because it’s filled with wide-open sweepers. Eventually, you will feel the temperature start to drop, and you will come to a stop at a T-intersection. At this point, you have gone from city, to woods, to the coast all in one ride. This is one ride that covers great locations, amazing views, and great roads all in one trip. There are plenty of other routes you can take, but this is by far my favorite way around this wonderland of roads.

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Published: Apr 21, 2010

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