You've had some great advice so far. +1 on having heated gear if possible.

I'd carry a laptop with a broadband modem and data plan, or even better an Ipad, to have good quick access to weather.com and google maps throughout my journey. Especially if you decide to nip up into the higher elevations, where weather can change quickly.

But, sometimes mother nature cooperates and some great riding remains accessible.

If you feel like exploring SF while you're there, this may be of interest: 49-mile drive.

BTW, given the amount of time you've budgeted, unless you've ridden the Northern CA coast before I'd start with a good ride up north and back. It won't be warm but there will be no disk of snow or ice. Often December has less of the fog that can take away the views. It's real "Bucket List" material.

Here's a route that takes you up from SF, through the often-missed "Lost Coast" area (Petrolia), then back south starting with the "Avenue of the Giants". I had to stick lots of waypoints to keep the route on the Avenue and off the nearby parallel 101.

Then I have it returning south via 101 just to avoid the repetition, but honestly after the Giants I'd head back to Hwy 1 and retrace my steps south from there: San Francisco, CA to Morro Bay, CA - Google Maps

The bit between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz (with an obligatory stop at Alice's Restaurant of course) is really nice, especially once you get to 236. After that you'll want to stop at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing for some Cioppino.

+1 on the advice about Hearst Castle and Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd. But beware, google maps has lots of other enticing squiggly lines in that part of CA, that are often unpaved, primitive surface.

That should be a great time of year to visit Death Valley. From there to New Orleans is something I'd probably plan on the fly based on the weather. There are some wonderful roads in AZ and NM, but most of the best can't be counted on in the winter. You may be able to catch the south rim of the Grand Canyon, but only if the weatherman gives you permission.

Here's a route that should be safe:
Morro Bay, CA to Unknown road - Google Maps. Sticking to the southwest, south of the Rockies, all you should need to be concerned with is the occasional freak ice storm. Big Bend National Park should be quite fun.

From there to New Orleans is dues-paying time. Very slabby, through San Antonio and Houston. Depending on the weather and how much time you have left, I'd probably instead explore the Piney Woods of east Texas, or maybe even nip up to northwestern and north central Arkansas for some really great riding.

I hope this helps!

Regards,


King of the ferries!
"Ride To Eat" data Czar