Overall Route Rating
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4.36 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.36
14 Reviews

The Golden 49

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Aug 31, 2008

Rider Reviews

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DASHT120
104 McR Points
April 28, 2020
This is my favorite stretch of road in all of CA…
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Guest
December 14, 2008
The only issues with the "Mini Dragon"…
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Written Directions

This route is easy to describe and easy to find. Start out in quaint Coulterville, CA and head south on CA 49 all the way down to historic Mariposa, CA.

Scenery

Beautiful scenery of the Sierras. Mountain overlooks, and the almost never ending sight of twisted asphalt ahead. Any notice of the scenery is secondary to keeping rubber to pavement, as the twisties keep you more than busy throughout the ride. Recommend pulling off at the numerous overlook sites to take in the views. Starts you off full bore in quaint Coulterville, where you ride Highway 49's twisties high into the Sierras and end in the historic town of Mariposa, California. Although the trip is only 26 miles long, it is not for the faint of heart...it includes beautiful views, fueling stations, and 1st gear twisties the entire ride. And of course use caution as the road is nestled in the Sierras, and reaches elevations of 6,000 feet.

Drive Enjoyment

Great road all-around. No pots, dips, or heavy cracks to sabotage your journey. With smooth pavement the entire ride, you will feel at ease concentrating solely on the ride. The one and only drawback...depending on tire compound, 4-5 rides on this road and you are replacing a rear tire.

Tourism Opportunities

Coulterville has small country stores and a few historical landmarks. On your journey you will find overlooks and wonderful scenic views. Once in Mariposa, feel free to spend the day window shopping in the numerous country stores lining Highway 140. There are many historical landmarks in this small mountain town, and of course plenty of gas stations to re-fuel for the trip home.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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DASHT120
April 28, 2020
104 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This is my favorite stretch of road in all of CA! Challenging curves so stay attentive.
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Guest
December 14, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
The only issues with the "Mini Dragon" are too much law enforcement and too many "noobs" crashing.
Because of all the press the road gets, it's become way too popular and it is NOT a route for beginners! As such, many "accidents" occur, usually, involving inexperienced riders...
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Guest
October 14, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
We call this stretch of Hwy 49 the "Little Dragon." It's a bit more crowded these days, and the LEO have found it a good place to write up tickets.
About 6 miles up Greeley Hill out of Coulterville, you'll find a little gas station which carries 100 octane racing fuel.
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