Written Directions
This is a twistier option to running the whole SR35 Skyline Blvd in the Bay Area. Pick up SR9 in Ben Lomond and head north. Stay on SR9 until it tees at an intersection with SR236 (Big Basin Hwy). Turn right, follow SR9 till it meets SR35 (Skyline Blvd). Turn left (north) and ride SR35 to Alice's Restaurant.
Scenery
The route leaves the small town of Ben Lomond and heads into the redwood forest of the Bay Area Penninsula. The twisty two lane road winds in and out of tall trees, with vineyards and wilderness on both sides. In spots the view opens up to the west and you can see the Pacific Ocean, or east towards San Jose. Stop at the tee at Big Basin Hwy and look up; you're in a stand of California redwoods hundreds of feet tall. More tree lined curves await as you continue onto Alice's.
Drive Enjoyment
Tight technical switchbacks combined with medium speed sweepers greet the rider. The pavement is not new, there may be some mid corner bumps. But generally the road is well paved, and riders with adequate skills will enjoy this road. To spice things up the Bay Area fog sometimes creeps in, requiring reduced speeds and care on damp pavement. The best time to ride it is in summer, when the trees provide cooling shade.
Tourism Opportunities
Gas is available in Ben Lomond and Alice's. The song "You can find anything you want, at Alice's Restaurant" is true if that anything includes good food, bike/car watching, and great roads. Combine this segment with several other side roads and you can make it a great loop of the Santa Cruz area. From Alice's you can continue north to San Francisco, or west to the beach and back south to Santa Cruz.