Just a thought.. For those interested in a challenging drive in Monterey County, E. Carmel Valley Road (G20). This runs between the town of Carmel Valley , as you might guess, to Greenfield on 101 south of Salinas. When leaving Laguna Seca, from 68, drive south over Laurles Grade Road and turn left on E. Carmel Valley Road.
This road takes about an hour and twenty minutes for the 40, very interesting miles. You will miss much of the view, for this road will command all of your attention. This is not the easy highway 9 driving and one that shouldn't be considered a mountain road course (keep your speed down and stay close to your edge of the road). The road is two lanes, but there are places that the lanes are shared (no center line and not quite wide enough for two cars to pass each other) and areas of just a single lane. There are NO services along this road. So make sure you have plenty of gas.
The bad thing about this time of year is you'll miss the winter and early spring foliage. Now, everything is brown and dusty. The good thing is that much of the bad shoulder and pot holes from last winters rains have been repaired.
It could be a fun group drive and is different when driven from opposite direction.
Going west from Greenfield to Carmel Valley means you finish the drive in the vineyards and free wine tasting. Now advised to do before taking the trip in the eastward direction.
anyways if you guys go have fun! 