CentralCoast2007Page5Day2

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We tucked in our pride and wore our manly faces, then saddled up to continue our trek further north on Cerro Norriestre Rd. Cold as it was, we found relief as moved closer to Sea level and more reasonable temps. But not before we got a chance to enjoy the rest of our roller coaster ride on that beautiful 2-lane asphalt. Cerro holds no surprises as it is wide open, with good visibility on almost every turn. Thus, it is possible to gain some serious momentum on it. We kept ours in check and concentrated on smooth lines, clear exits, and keeping our speeds fun but safe. No reason to go balls out on a 1,000+ mile ride.
Cerro ends at the junction with Highway 33 right at the tip of the Carrizo Plains. We took a right turn towards Taft for some fuel, snacks, and to warm up. Taft is taft--it's an oil town and its soul industry is oil production. It is flat, featureless, and filled with oil pumps. The town of Taft lives a modest life and exists solely thanks to the industry. We're glad Taft is there to provide us with the fuel and supplies we need to cross the Central Plains of California.

Central Coast 2007 Page 5 Day 2

Right: A nice looking garage in Taft. That's really all there was good to see there. Although we appreciated its presences, there was not much going on in the town, nor does it have much of a charming atmosphere. It was just all business--just like this 3 car garage.

After topping up our tanks in Taft, we headed further north west on Highway 33 until we hit Highway 58. I have written and waxed poetic about Highway 58 many times so I'll try not to repeat myself here. Suffice it to say, 58 did not disappoint. It was lush green in many places thanks to the rain showers it had received so far. However, the absences of thick bush and big trees indicated how little rain this area of California gets.

Below: A small junction along Highway 58. As desolate as it may appear, there are quite a few farming communities surrounding Highway 58. The road also dissects the San Adreas Fault line in the middle of the Carrizo Plains National Monument.