California Dreamin'

[Capo]

Yesterday, I finally got to do what I've been longing for for a very long time...ride the roads of Angeles Crest Forest east of Los Angeles. My friend took me on over 150 miles of the best riding roads in the USA, in some of the nicest scenery imaginable.

First stop was Racy Rentals in LA, where I picked up a Honda NC700X. The $99/ day special. In that this was done last minute, their selection of Ducatis and Triumphs was already out. So, I took the commuter bike, and boy is it an adequate motorcycle. Ideal for students, urban dwellers, and couriers. But once I got used to it's diesel- like engine dynamics, powerful engine braking, and 6500 RPM redline, it actually acquitted itself well for the day, comfortable and stable. I was able to stay within sight of paul on his Ducati Multistrada.

If you are not familiar, google Angeles Crest, Angeles Forest, Nine Mile Road and Tujunga Canyon Road. Here's a taste:

http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/LittleTujungaRd.htm

These winding, nicely manicured roads spin up from 300 feet to 7000 feet in altitude. There are hundreds of switchbacks, compound turns and sweepers. There are no street lights or intersections to speak of for over 100 miles.  9 mile road (actually a section of Tujunga) is just that. 9 miles of 100 + MPH heaven. There is little traffic. At all. ( Angeles Crest road gets traffic as the day unfolds and the tourists come out, but Paul's knowledge of the better, less traveled canyon roads paid off) We got there around 9 Am, and by our first stop, after 60 miles of twisties, we had passed no more than 4 cars and 5 cruisers...and by the way, every one of them pulled aside or waved to let us past. It is hard to believe that you are only 20 minutes from Los Angeles.

We paused for refreshment at Newcombes Ranch, altitude 5500. http://03837ad.netsolhost.com/   Newcombe's is THE destination for motorcycles in the area, and there were hundreds of them there. Along with some exotic cars. We climbed a bit higher, where there was still some snow on North- facing hills, and at this altitude, it had changed from high desert to Alpine. Really amazing. We wound down for another 35 miles to the dusty Western town of Acton for a meetup with some of Paul's friends, and took off back up into Angeles Crest, three Ducatis, A BMW R1000RR, and me on my Dominoes Pizza delivery bike.

At the end of the ride, we pulled into The guys cool little 'clubhouse.' 20 guys, each paying $80 / month for nice little garage, with a workshop, lounge area, stocked fridge, and great camraderie. Oh, and a bunch of MVs Ducatis, Aprilias and a Triumph or two. 15 minutes from the base of the greatest riding roads imaginable. And it is walking distance to Pro- Italia motors, two beautiful dealerships with every Italian make plus KTM and Triumph. I very well May be stashing one of my bikes there, as I'm in LA often on business.

This is probably a yawner for those lucky enough to live in SoCal but for a Jersey guy who's bikes have been on trickle chargers for 4 months during this brutal winter, it was quite an awakening. Oh, and so was the earthquake that rocked my Hotel this morning!

Can't wait to come back in April.

[kevbroce_imp]

Newcomb's Ranch is less than 35 miles from my house, I consider myself lucky in that respect. Trade off out here is dealing with LA traffic, but that's what lane splittings for. There's a lot excellent roads between HW 1 and 101 if your looking for another route, plus cruising along the ocean is always nice on the PCH (HW1). Also, if you can make it up HW33 north of Ojai (just above Ventura), it's worth it. It's a fun road like Angeles Crest, only with much nicer scenery.

[Capo]

Kev, thanks, and you are fortunate indeed. I've been to most of those places on my business and pleasure travels out here for the last 30 years, but not on bikes. That's about to change!

[Mick65_imp]

Wow, that looks awesome riding, thanks for posting.
One question, what is lane splitting!

[Capo]

Wow, that looks awesome riding, thanks for posting.
One question, what is lane splitting!

Mick, you would call it 'filtering' over there. California, to the best of my knowledge,is the only state that it is legal in the US. YOu'd get thrown in the hoosegow 'filtering' in most states!

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Amazing roads. Thanks for sharing.

My son and his family spend around 6 months a year (for work) in San Diego. I think Dad might just drop by in the summer or autumn. Must do some research on good roads nearby or I would really appreciate any input from anyone on the forum.

Cheers

[the Ferret]

Ptero..I'm betting if you came over one of these nice lads would be willing to guide you for a day or two. I would if you were coming to Ohio, bit nobody ever comes to Ohio...they just leave.

Btw I am planning on riding Highway 1 from LA to San Luis Obispo later this year.

[Capo]

Ferret, don't leave LA without doing Angeles Crest and off of PCH, work your way up to Mulholland. Worth the diversion.

[Cormanus]

Capo, thanks for posting that tale. It sounds amazing. Something to add into a trip to the US—if it ever happens.

BTW one state of Australia (NSW) is having a filtering trial; in all other states you cop a fine at least.