Trip to Cali

[solman]

I'll be coming out to California for a few days next week. Tuesday, I plan on taking a day trip up to Solvang. I also wouldn't mind seeing this Rock Store as well. As much as I would like to bring the CB out, this will be a Bandit trip. Another Bandit rider might be going with me.

[solman]

I am getting the bike ready for the trip.  I got a new Metzler for the rear.  I am trying something different by using a 190 instead of the standard 180.  It was hard to pass up.  A $195 tire for $95.  I just need to do an oil change now.

[ippo]

I am getting the bike ready for the trip.  I got a new Metzler for the rear.  I am trying something different by using a 190 instead of the standard 180.  It was hard to pass up.  A $195 tire for $95.  I just need to do an oil change now.

Good choice.

[allan4169]

You also need to take a ride up CA-2. We call it the Crest Road over here in LA. Start at the 210 and go up the CA-2 ( Angeles Crest Highway) all the way up to Newcombs Ranch. After a great lunch when you leave go back (road does not go through to Wrightwood) take the right turn on to Upper Big Tijunga Road all the way to The Angeles Forest Highway. At the Forest road turn left and ride back up to the Crest CA-2 and then turn right and back to the 210. The road is posted at 45mph up to the Upper Big  turnoff and then 50 mph(I believe) up to Newcombs Ranch. Observe the speed limits as the Highway Patrol are out regulary and will not hesitate on pulling over bikes. Understandibly fed up with scraping newbies and sport bikes off the side of the cliffs. It is a great ride with smooth tarmac, tight and open corners, and beautiful scenery. Come up and enjoy the ride. I hope you get the chance to ride it. On a weekend with usual great weather in LA you can find near a hundred bikes visiting Newcombs Ranch.

[allan4169]

Another trip hint for you when you go to Solvang, make sure you go into the Solvang Motorcycle Museum. It is on Alisal Road, past the shops in a multi use building on the left. It is great museum with many old and very relevant motorcycles that have been produced over the years. Turbo CX500, Katana 1100, Honda NX and many more. When you leave Solvang continue east on to Santa Ynez, and turn right onto the 154 , San Marco Pass Road and follow onto Santa Barbara. Just past the lake on the right near the top  of the hill there is a road on your right called Stagecoach Road, and down there a bit is an old stagecoach station that is now a great place to eat. Back up to the 154 and on to Santa Barbara. On the way south after Santa Barbara, you can head east on the 150 Casitas Pass Road and go up to Ojai. Pronounced Oh Hi. You can go through Ojai and end up on the 126 which will take you back to Santa Clarita. Or once you hit the 126 go west and go back to the 101 and go back to LA through Thousand Oaks back to the Valley. I don't know where you will basing from in LA so it's a bit hard to give you all the best directions. Wherever you ride in Southern California, we hope that you have a great ride and enjoy the scenery.

[solman]

I am Originally from Upland (20 miles West of San Bernardino).  I will be based up in Hesperia as a starting point and going from there.  So I am not totally clueless about S. Cal, but I am a little shaky in the L.A. area and North.  I have been to both areas, just not much in the last 20 years.

[Pillage]

Hey Solman,  we just got another 1/2 foot of snow at my house yesterday.  So if you have some time please post some details about your trip, so the snowbound riders can at least dream about a road trip! 
BTW, you mentioned that you also have a CB, what kind?

[ippo]

Hey Solman,  we just got another 1/2 foot of snow at my house yesterday.  So if you have some time please post some details about your trip, so the snowbound riders can at least dream about a road trip! 
BTW, you mentioned that you also have a CB, what kind?

I agree...

[solman]

I had plans of having my camera before the trip.  But apparently DHL doesn't deliver on Saturdays(dirty bastards).

[allan4169]

Was going to go for a ride Sunday up to Angeles Crest but far too windy. But we do still have some snow up there in amongst the trees up at the top. Wherever you go have a great time. From the land of legal lane splitting.

[solman]

I also have a CB900F.  I had a good time on the trip.  I didn't make it up to Solvang, but I did make it over to Mulholland dr and rode it to Malibu.  We then proceeded down to Santa Monica and then on to Hollywood.  It was a good ride and I even got to see the famous Rock Store.  Unfortunately it was closed, but at least I got to see where it is located.  One thing is cool is that Hwy 134 is right behind my parents house.  So basically I have to warm up my tires pretty fast and I am in twisties. 

This first shot is a section of Hwy 134 just East of I-15.



This second is a shot of Mulholland Hwy.  The circled part is a famous spot for stunters and the turn at the top of the pic is fairly famous for photos/videos of people coming around the corner.  The arrow is pointing in the direction of the Rock store.

[Pillage]

Thanks for the post, sounds like you had a great trip.  Too bad the Rock Store was closed.  134 looks like a fun ride and Mulholland kind of reminds me of the Kangamagus up in New Hampshire.  Man I can't wait to get out of Dodge for a few days on the bike!