The rush up the flank of Sierra Hill is a wiggly bit, but has good, smooth pavement, topping out at Hurricane Point. Pulling off at the Vista Point we look down to Bixby Bridge, made minorly famous as the opening scene in the television series “Then Came Bronson.”  The Rapide would have eaten Bronson’s Sportster for a mid-morning snack. When the bridge, an innovative concrete span, opened in 1937, it was the completion of the last link between Cambria and Carmel.

After Bixby Bridge the Cabrillo Highway smoothes out a little. We are getting back into what loosely passes for civilization, here called Carmel Highlands. Beyond the Highlands is Point Lobos State Reserve, where entrance by car or motorcycle is strictly limited. However, you can park by the road and walk in.

We pass a last open meadow and drop down to Carmel River State Beach. Cross the Carmel River on a boringly efficient flat bridge, and the choice is to stay in Carmel, or gas up at the filling station and head back. A Vincent can cover those 100 miles rather rapidly. MC 

Read more about the motorcycles mentioned in this article: 
• 1962 Velocette Venom Clubman 
• Marty Dickerson Back in the Saddle 
• Then Came Bronson Harley-Davidson Sportster