Touring * Slalom *

From U.S. 101, take the Grand Avenue exit in Arroyo Grande and head east, passing through downtown. Veer right at Branch Street to go around Crown Hill, and then turn right onto Huasna Road, which becomes Lopez Drive a mile down. Just before the Lopez Lake entrance station (another nine miles), take a right onto Pozo Road. Continue across the cattle guard, and follow the road another mile to the entrance sign to Ranchita Estates. Turn left and park near the sales office.

Just outside the Ranchita Estates gate, Pozo Road continues up a pretty valley. There is no marked or paved shoulder, but car traffic is scarce because the road turns to rough gravel on top of the hill. Climbing through the valley, however, the road is paved, straight, wide, and clean, passing a barn and a tule-filled pond populated by ducks and egrets. A windmill makes it all the more picturesque. Skating here is a refreshing change from congested urban areas. In this canyon you'll hear only the peaceful warbling of birds, the occasional lowing of a cow, and the roll of your wheels over the smooth pavement. If you're up for the climb, the hill at the end of the valley is a truly fantastic spot for downhill slalom turns, with a long, flat run-out at the bottom. Start with a test run from lower down to make sure you can handle the speed.