The California Coastline from Carmel and Big Sur offers dramatic scenery and enjoyable riding. This section of Highway 1 defines micro climates. On my most recent ride the weather was a typical 60's temp and mostly clear. However the section from just north of Bixby Bridge to the Andrew Molera State Park was very windy. The wind was pushing the bike around and could be difficult conditions for a beginning rider. Always be prepared for changing weather and visibility.

Photo Tip: Fighting haze with a UV filter

Fog and haze often pose a challenge to photographers on the California Coastline. A UV (ultraviolet) filter cuts the UV rays that make this fog and haze visible and will cut the blue tint; making your photos look much better with more definition and contrast.

HWY 1 Carmel Highlands - No Filter: This photo of a cove in Carmel HIghlands was taken with a Canon S80 digital camera without a filter.

This photo was taken from the turnout just south of the entrance to Carmel HIghlands Inn with a Canon Powershot S80 digital camera.

Most of the Canon Powershot digital cameras have lens adapters available that allow you to add filters and wide angle or telephoto lenses to your point-and-shoot camera. Many other manufactures also have adapters for their point-and-shoot digital cameras. These adapters are inexpensive, easy to mount and expand the capabilities of your camera so you can get high quality photos without carrying a DSLR camera and lenses which is not always practical when riding a motorcycle.

HWY 1 Carmel Highlands - UV Filter: Photo of cove in Carmel Highlands with UV Filter.This photo with a UV filter is much better with more definition and contrast especially in the sky without changing the natural colors.

I have used lens adapters on the Canon G and S series Powershot cameras and been very happy with the results using filters and the telephoto lenses. When using the telephoto lens you will need to zoom the camera until you don't see the adapter barrel.

Riders on Highway 1

Harley-Davidson Street Bob on Highway 1: Rider on a Harley-Davidson Street Bob on Highway 1 just south of Bixby Bridge.Here's a Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob riding North on Highway 1 just south of Bixby Bridge.

Harley-Davidson Street Rod on Highway 1: Rider enjoying his new Harley-Davidson Street Rod on Highway 1 south of Big Sur.
Highway 1 South of Fernly is in good shape but narrow. It is important to watch your lane position at all times and watch for gravel around the turnouts.

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