I was on the west coast earlier this summer, riding the 101. Went on a ride that I would never ask others to go with...it started asphalt, roughest pavement, I have ever ridden...went 20 miles and ran into new asphalt..like ok sweet. Another 10 miles I hit gravel and it was not friendly at all, danced for about 20 miles, thinking I should turn around. I hit the back side of the pass (brand new asphalt) and it was the most technical riding I have done in 50 years of riding, made the tail of the dragon look like a kiddy ride. And I was alone, not a car in sight for 35 miles...the only problem was, I came to a t-intersection...and went to the right. Later that day, I met an older indigenous man, and told him where I was. His eyes light up, he said son you are lucky to be alive...I later figured out I was in the Golden Triangle...no wonder I smelled skunk all the time...LOL