Whew! Lots of my old stomping grounds around San Luis Obispo, Paso and Chalome.
A friend was killed a few years ago on Hwy 46 riding with a group headed East riding Harleys out of Paso Robles. There was a stalled car blocking the westbound lane and a speeding car went around it, hitting John's bike head on. He was the last one in the group and it was at the top of a hill, so the first time he saw the car, it was too late to avoid the cage. Sad timing for a great friend.
Every year or two we do a run through that countryside. It is stark and beautiful. In the springtime on a wet year, the wildflowers are an awesome sight.
There is another road I can recommend that runs between Hwy 25 and Coalinga, called Coalinga Road. You'll want to take it in a dry year or late summer or fall, because the creeks can get deep at the crossings, but it's a great ride through some beautiful country. Not a fast run and just over 1 1/2 lane much of the way, but quite memorable.
Thanks for all the great pictures! We need to get some of the Bay Area members to ride! Heck, I'm up for a run through the Santa Cruz Mountains just to shake out the cobwebs!