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Following are some suggestions for traveling to Sonora. Any of the highways listed by number are good bets for either scenery or entertainment (with the exception of the interstates or main arterials). Of course, if you can locate a good local map or check one of the good mapping programs, there are many interesting backroads that are too numerous to list. For example, most of Hwy 49 is paralleled to the east and west by other great secondary roads, some of which are not marked very well. If you have some time and are willing to make the occasional backtrack, these are great riding. The same is true of much of the Delta area between the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the Wine country near Napa. The Sierras are a little more limited due to the likelihood that Hwys 4, 108 and probably 120 (Tioga Pass-Yosemite) will still be closed on Memorial Day. Check with the CalTrans web site for updates on these passes.

From The North:

For the Northern California, Oregon and Washington riders, you have many choices. The direct route of course is I-5 to Stockton, and East on Highway 4 to 99, then South to Highway 120 to Sonora. For more interesting riding, you could ride down Hwy 99 and take Hwy 20 at Marysville to Highway 49 at Grass Valley. This is a little more pleasant than the superslab, but traffic tends to be pretty heavy. The prettiest scenery would be to come through our old stomping grounds at Quincy via any of Hwys 89, 36, 44, 70, 139, or 395. Follow Hwy 89 south from the Quincy area through Truckee and down the west side of Lake Tahoe. Stay on Highway 89 south over Monitor Pass to Highway 395. Head south until you hit Highway 108 north of Bridgeport. If you come from the coastal area, say Hwy 101 near Ukiah, take Hwy 20 which will drop you out near Marysville where you can pick up the first route in this group. You can also go south from Hwy 20 at Lakeport to Hwy 29, south on Hwy 175 to Middletown, ask directions to Pope Valley and go around to Lake Berryessa, finally emerging in the Central Valley on Hwy 128 near Winters. From there, E6 will take you east to 113, where you can go south to I-80 east and Highway 16. Take that east to Plymouth and Highway 49 south to Sonora. If you come down Hwy 1, break off at Hwy 128 south of Mendocino, and follow Hwy 128 all the way to Winters. This is one spectacular ride (don't miss the Booneville brewery), except for the crowded stretch of 128 near Calistoga/Napa. If you continue south on Hwy 1 (past 128), ride through Jenner and then Bodega Bay and then take the Petaluma Rd. straight after Valley Ford. Follow Hwy 121 out of Petaluma, connecting with 128 near Napa and then on to Winters.

From the East:

Riders from the east can take the most direct route, which is I-80 to Highway 49 south to Sonora. For more variety, you can also take Hwy 50 to Placerville and South on 49 to Sonora. From Carson City, south of Hwy 50, Hwy 88 is a little less crowded still, and once you reach Jackson, turn South on Hwy 49 to Sonora. If you are east of Highway 395, simply follow it north or south, as appropriate, to Highway 108 and Sonora.

From the South:

The quickest way of course is I-5 north to Highway 120 east to Sonora. I-5 and Hwy 99 separate just south of Bakersfield and rejoin in Sacramento. If you want the quickest way time-wise, take I-5. The only reason to take Hwy 99 would be to split off onto Hwy 41 at Fresno (ask to sit at Brenda's table at Split-Pea Anderson's in Selma, she'll show you pictures of the stock-car she races), go north to Hwy 49 at Oakhurst and then north on Hwy 49 to Sonora. Oakhurst to Sonora via Hwy 49 is about a 3 hour drive. There are some good sections of motorcycle pavement along the way on this section of Hwy 49, but there are also lots of small towns and lots of sightseers traveling below the speed limit for miles on end. It is a nice ride if you're not in a hurry. If you continue north beyond Hwy 41 in Fresno, from Merced on Hwy 99, take Hwy 59 north. This is a great way to cutoff a big chunk of superslab yet still get you to Sonora in reasonable time. Hwy 59 north passes through Snelling, turns left to La Grange (great Prime-Rib sandwich at the LaGrange Saloon). Follow Hwy 59 North to Hwy 108. Turn right on Hwy 108 to Sonora.

If you travel via Hwy 101 or Hwy 1, you will probably want to cross through Pacheco Pass on Hwy 152. You can take the new 156 bypass near San Juan Bautista which will put you on 152 near the world famous (for what??) Casa de Fruta. This bypass takes you by the new Corbin Factory in Hollister. Stop at the Wizard's Cafe if you're in the area. When you reach I-5, turn north and follow the directions above, or continue east on Hwy 152 approx. 20 miles to Hwy 59 North. Take Hwy 59 through Merced and then follow the directions through Snelling, etc. above. If you decide not to cross into the Valley at Hwy 152, continue on to the Bay Area by whatever route and see directions below.

From the West:

We are expecting a large contingent of attendees from the greater Bay Area. Most of you are familiar with the area. Suggestions include Hwy 130 over Mt. Hamilton to "The Junction" where you intersect Del Puerto Canyon road. You'll end up in Patterson on I-5, where you can follow the "from the south" directions above, or continue east on J17, jogging briefly north in Highway 99 to J16. J16 takes you to Snelling where you'll pick up J59 north to Highway 120 and east to Sonora.

We have not covered above every possible route you might take from wherever you are leaving. These are tried and true options that you might consider if you are unfamiliar with central California. If you have the time or the inclination, there are many, many other ways to go. Just be sure you make it to the '49er Rally.