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DH1 (Non Feature DH)
Readers Rating: No. of Ratings: 65  

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Distance:

 22.3 mi / 35.9 km

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Video is optimized for broadband access. Wide-angle lenses used to record video straighten the curves out. For a truer sense of twistiness watch the mirror dip .
At a Glance
No traffic lights. No movie theaters. No high school. No bank. No doctors or dentists. Welcome to Alpine County, population 1200. But who needs the basics when you’ve got the greatest luxury of all? Northern California’s DH1, tucked away between Hwy 395 and the tiny county seat of Markleeville, is all any motorcyclist needs. Tied for tops in Twistiness. Top quarter percentile in Pavement. Ranked number three for Remoteness. And with the high, lingering views from the barren sagelands of Monitor Pass east to the peaks across Nevada’s Antelope Valley and south over the forested belts to the mountains of the Carson Iceberg Wilderness, it rates first in Northern California for Scenery. The only reason it falls to 21st for Character is because it’s over so fast. The Engineering, while appearing average, is outstanding when you consider that even though this road rises and falls steeply in its twisting climb over the pass, you can accelerate confidently through the curves whether you’re going up or down. The only exceptions to this are some of the curves on the spectacular climb above the Antelope Valley off Hwy 395 and a few in the rocky canyon east of the Hwy 4 junction. You might be left wondering, though – if this county has no tax base, where does it get its money? Ask the county sheriff.
 
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    Rider Reviews:

    'Just finished riding NorCal's DH1, and I must say that it doesn't disappoint. The road has been repaved end-to-end, so pavement quality is significantly improved. Absolutely worth visiting if you're anywhere near the Sierras.' --Chris Barbour

    'As far as being Northern California DH1 I couldn't agree more. I was so taken by the scenery I almost forgot I was here to ride! After 1700 miles thru NorCal it still was one of the best views. Really went well when paired up with DH8. What a way to end a trip!' --Bill Jones

    'Can't argue with the rating on this road. Me and three buddies on tour bikes did this ride from west to east in '07 and really enjoyed the "Twistiness" and view. We have this DH on our list again for next year's tour. ' --Steve

    'We rode DH1 10/28/07 which was probably too late in the season to ride it as hard as this road begs to be ridden! Had a blast going up but had to tone it down on the west side due to shady frost areas. The Cuttroat Bar on Hwy 88, north of Mville has great food and is any kind of biker (not just Harley) friendly! One safety note, beware of a rock on the cliff wall on the eastern or topaz side if you're going up. There is a one outcrop that seriously looks as if it will reach out and grab you! I am sure I was farther away from it than it looked but it sure gave my riding partners pause as they saw me duck to miss it! Have fun!' --moto131

    'Rode cross country in '03 (leaving from Boston) and rode DH1 on the way from South Lake Tahoe to Lee Vining and Yosemite. I was riding a '93 Suzuki GSX1100G that was loaded to the max so I can't say I was able to ride it like a local but the scenery was spectacular. Hoping to get back to Northern California in '08, thanks for the great roads I look forward to riding. When there's snow on the ground in January I'll be watching the videos of California and Washington and planning my next trip. Ride like a local!' --Rick

    'Can I say this isn't the best in NorCal for me? It IS very good, but the tar snakes really drop it off a bit. It is a must do...and contrary to intuition do it west to east. The views are stunning when ridden in that direction. Enjoy! ' --Bob
     
     

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