Jameson Creek Rd connecting Boulder Creek to Bonny Doon had a hard winter 2016-2017 with three separate uphill (BC->BD direction) lane washouts that are still not fixed, stop signs in place. Overall poor shape of Jameson Creek but this is still probably safer than Alba (BL-BD).
Empire Grade and Pine Flat mainly open with faster gentler curves than some other roads in the area.
Started from Hwy 236 and went south on Jameson Creek. Zero traffic, fairly technical but quite fun...only a few miles long before it hits Empire Grade. EG is a little more relaxed but still enjoyable, but you do go through some residential areas...so watch for dogs, people, etc... You can stay on Empire Grade and go into Santa Cruz right by USCS (which I hear is good), but I opted to turn right onto Pine Flat, another zero traffic connector, which takes you to Bonny Doon. This road has a little more traffic but if those cars are moving fast, you should enjoy it. Steep grade all the way to Hwy 1. This is a good way to avoid the Santa Cruz hustle if you are looking to loop back up Hwy 1. Really nice ride!!
FZBob