California motorcyclist Clark D. shares his favorite rides, roads, and ways to get there. As long as the wind is in his face—whether on land or sea, mountain twisties or smooth city streets, Clark loves to take in all the sights.
How long have you been riding, which bikes have you owned and how did you become interested in riding?
I started riding in 2004 when, in my youth, I was infatuated with speed, mixed with the freedom in the open road, and a new M1 license. There was nothing better than being able to become one with a motorcycle and tackle the twisted roads like it was second nature! I even rode my CBR600RR to pick up my wife on our wedding day. Looking back, there were times I felt like the thrill of a fast bike (R6 and CBR600RR) was going to be my demise.
Riding home from work on the first day of bereavement leave, my mind was not on the road but on the death of my newborn daughter. I lowsided and crashed. It felt like time to hang up the leathers because I couldn't imagine my 2-year old son growing up without me, and vice-versa. I committed to becoming a full time father, and eventually started my own business to make that goal possible. That was the BEST DECISION I MADE, HANDS DOWN.
My son and I have a special relationship due to this foundation we built and I wholeheartedly enjoyed raising him to be the young man he is today. I do have to admit that while taking him to the zoos, aquariums, playgrounds, parks, etc., I held a hidden passion to ride once again, especially when we would see a motorcycle zoom past us.
"Life" happened and my son is now a teenager who prides himself with his independent tendencies. This gave me the ability to revisit my motorcycle passion. After a +12-year hiatus, I was feeling like I was missing out on the motorcycle world. I started buying a few bikes and my goal was to have a certain bike for a certain occasion, from a relaxed ride with my Harley Davidson Road King to a nice twisted road ride with my Ducati Panigale. Now that I'm a bit older and wiser, the desire for speed has been replaced by pure safety. I wished someone told me that when I was younger, but then again, I don't know if I would have listened.
I currently go on solo rides, mainly down the coast with stops at beaches, when the most people are at work on the weekdays. On some weekends, I join my riding group with riders who, similarly, now have older kids. Having 3-4 bikes, I love having the ability to choose which motorcycle to ride before each ride. With this many bikes in a loaded garage, it was a no-brainer to rent them out on Twisted Road to help with repairs and maintenance costs -- but most importantly, to let others enjoy what I enjoy with my motorcycles. Thank you Twisted Road!
Rubber side down, Clark
What moto trips have you taken (long or short). Where did you go, stay and explore? Tell us some highlights.
Things have changed since 2004. More people on the roads, more tech, more phones, more busy commuters not paying attention. With that in mind, I’ve limited my long trips and enjoy shorter trips by the Highway 1 coast when people are at work. I’ve done Mt Diablo for the twisted roads and summit, Napa for the wine, coast to Big Sur, and my favorite is the Four Corners (and a secret spot nearby that I’d like to keep to myself and friends, for now).
What hobbies do you enjoy when you're not riding?
Snowboard. Wakesurf. Road, downhill, and mountain biking. Running and trail running. Hiking and backpacking. 4x4 riding and cruising in a convertible to anywhere.
What do you enjoy about being part of the Twisted Road community?
I love meeting experienced riders, sharing riding info, and shop talk about my own bike(s).
What are your favorite biker friendly places around your hometown?
Pacfica: The beaches. The Taco Bell by Linda Mar serves alcohol! And Puerto27 has great Peruvian Food.
Half Moon Bay's main street has a nice old town feeling. Check out HMB Brewing Company, Barbara's Fishtrap, and Sam's Chowder House in El Granada, and of course Alice's Restaurant at the Four Corners
What are your favorite rides near your hometown?
From San Francisco, Hwy 280 to Hwy 92 to Hwy 35 to Alice's on weekends; this is a mecca of motorcycles AND CARS. It's like a car and bike show. Then, take Hwy 84 towards La Honda/the coast. The shaded roads and tight turns are overwhelmingly beautiful. There is an internal dilemma: Do I slow down to enjoy the views or do I tackle the tight twisties and enjoy the road? Tough decision. This road has some of the best twisties near the coast, which you can ride at higher speeds. The roads are well maintained and the temperature changes from hot to cool towards the coast.
You can stop at the San Gregorio General Store, but this is where you take a left (detour to the coast) on my secret stash road: Stage Road to the town of Pescadero, where you can stop for food and drinks at Arcangeli's. Stage Road is...well, you'll have to experience it yourself. Afterwards, hit the coast to Hwy1 and head back to the city.
What location is on your moto trip bucket list?
Yosemite National Park on a motorcycle. I'd like to make this a moto camping trip, and I would like to get an adventure bike.
Check out Clarks' Bikes Available for Rent on Twisted Road in Daly City, CA
