Alternative to the Grapevine LA to Central Valley

Conquer the grapevine, you'll be happy you did. Just take it slow in the truck lane and don't ride the brake (see opnspaces speed control method above, exactly what I do). Remember the speed limit is 35 in that lane no need to worry about the folks in the other lane. That 35mph limit gives you the perfect excuse to take is slow and safe, it's almost like they gave you training wheels. Once you make it down you'll wonder why you were so stressed (at least I was).