Bear Creek Road
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Bear Creek Road is a great way to avoid HWY 17 to get to Skyline Blvd. or to Santa Cruz. From HWY 17 up to the summit, it is a tight technical road. There are some houses and “resorts” on this road, so be aware of traffic. Once you get to the summit, Bear Creek Road down to HWY 9 is super highway smooth. Recently paved, the medium speed and tighter corners cry for smooth swift transitions. There are residences along this section as well with many more the closer you get to HWY 9 and Boulder Creek. There are several wineries as well. Because of the houses and wineries, traffic can be a concern both on weekends and commute times (many locals use this road to get to and from work). Once you get down to HWY 9, you nave several options. Up HWY 9 to Skyline Blvd, down to Santa Cruz via HWY 9 or Empire Grade, or through Big Basin Redwoods State Park. And while I do not condone drinking and riding, there is a great brewery in Boulder Creek with outstanding food.
