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[SIZE=14pt]Ride Report: Escape from the Snow[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]More Pictures at: Pics Clicky[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]After a week and a half of snow, I was ready to leave the PNW. A guy named George Zelenz, some of you may know him, was organizing a LD ride to test ones character and stamina. Not just some old SS1K down the freeway and back, but one that never sees a freeway and only experiences twisty roads. I knew I wasn't going to do the SS1K (I'm sane) but the location and the roads interested me enough to want to make the trip to southern CA and enjoy the roads during the daytime. So while the hardy souls were out in the middle of the night testing their endurance, I was at the Pizza Port with George and Chuck Hickey getting the lowdown on the best of the best roads to ride the next day. I'm getting ahead of myself as the ride started in Vancouver, WA, in the middle of January with the expectation of rain and cold.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Day 1: Rainy Day.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I followed the weather closely, as a 1000 mile trip in the rain, in the winter, isn't in the cards. The weather looked good, and I mean very good. First day to be all rain, with the next four days being sunshine and then some more rain on the last day coming home up through Oregon. I bundled up with good rain gear and electrics and headed south on I-5. A week before I did a test ride, see "Wet till Next Year" RTE. On this trip there was a light rain and the roads were very wet, as if it had just been raining hard. This lasted all the way through the hour long stop and go traffic in Portland, but stopped just south of Wilsonville. I had some real rain going over the mountains south of Salem then it was wet roads and no rain to Eugene. From Eugene on it were mostly dry roads. The temperature was warmest at Vancouver, at 51 and between Medford and Ashland, where it was close to 60. Once in the Siskiyous it got colder and stayed that way all the way to Willows, CA, at around 40-48. When you do the slab there really isn't much to talk about, other than the weather. 512.7 miles, 53.2 average speed, 64.6 moving average.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Mt. Shasta with a couple lenticular clouds:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 2: Making Time.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I got out of Willows on time at 7:00am, just before sunrise. It was around 40 degrees and clear, and a very light fog. It was this way most all the way to the Grapevine. Once on the Grapevine, the clouds/fog got heavier and then I broke through as though I was entering Heaven. The clouds got extremely white and the sun got stronger and stronger until it was just blue sky. Rather spiritual. By the time I got to the Northern tip of LA County, the temperature had risen to near 65, and I was cooking under my gear. I stopped and changed to warm weather undergear and then got back on I-5. I merged onto I-210 and made it to Upland around 3pm. 1011.8/ 499.1 miles, 52.9 average speed, 68.6 moving average.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 3: Visiting.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I took the day to visit my cousin in LA. We played golf and I shot a respectable 83 from the blue tees. After golf I reviewed my email and made reservations at the Motel 6 in Oceanside, then got on the freeways and headed south. As dusk came on me, I was exercising California riding skills of splitting lanes and making time on a very congested I-215, especially from Riverside to Perris. This was my first experience of doing this and it seamed to be very natural. Most cars actually moved over to make room for me to share the number one lane with them and when they didn't, there was usually room to squeeze by anyway. I got off and headed toward the coast on SR 76, with a short ride south on I-5 to the Carlsbad Valley exit. Down to the end of the street and a quick drop in at GZ's ride briefing already in progress at the Ocean Palms Motel. There were 12-14 folks making final notes on their maps and directly after the briefing were firing up there mounts, all decked out in LD gear, to make the start. It was kind of cool watching them make final preparations and departing. After pizza I headed for the motel and quickly went to bed as I planned on getting up early, 5ish, and getting on the road at 6am. 1107.7 total/95.90 day, 48.7 avg., 66.7 moving.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Intended 500-600 mile ride for Saturday (the sane way to ride):[/SIZE]
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[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 4: Riding the Canyons of San Diego Co.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]This was a very exciting day as I headed into the mountains to find the best roads southern CA had to offer. Up SR76, by the Casino at Pala, on to Palomar Mtn. Left turn on S6. I had researched this road on Google Earth and knew what to expect, basically all corners are 15mph and lower, top speed maybe 45mph, maybe, and never out of 2nd gear. On up to the Palomar Observatory at 5550 feet. Back down the mountain on S7. Did I mention that S7 is twisty too, no, well it is. A right turn on the Mesa Grande Rd., twisty, you betcha. Another right on SR79 to Julian, then staying on SR79 to Pine Valley. This road goes through the Cuyanaca Rancho State Park and has very nice twisty turns, ups and downs, and nothing rhythmic, very exciting and picturesque. The road is very intense, so I didn't have time to stop and take pictures. Left at Pine Valley and back over Mount Laguna. Now this road is slightly faster and is basically through high dessert, at around 5000 plus feet. Right on SR 79 and a stop at Julian for breakfast. Talked to a nice couple from BC riding a GS1200. Out of Julian on SR78, did I say this road was newly paved and tight and twisty, it was! Left on S3 headed toward Borrego Springs, twisty, twisty, twisty, just yummy. I'm doing so much work I am working up a sweat and had to stop to summer up as the temps were now in the 60s. A ride out to the Salton Sea for gas then back on S22. Got lost coming out of town and had to ask for directions from a couple squids. Climbing up the mountainside on very twisty S22, 20-30 mph corners, came across an accident were a WRS spun out and ran into a guardrail. I move up to the front of the line and waited for release. Grabbed a handful of nuts and cranberries, some water and rested. Over the top of the mountains free of any autos and on down to S2 and SR79. Right on 79 toward Warner Springs and SR31. Very nice relaxing ride through the countryside with many turns and road pleasantries. Right on SR371, and a left on SR74. Right on SR243 up to mountain resort are at Idyllwild and Pine Cove at elevation around 5,000 feet. Down this very twisty road to Banning at 2400 feet for gas and turn around and head back up to Idyllwild. The most interesting part of this ride is the views and the wind. Riding the corners edge to edge and getting hit by a windblast that uprights you in the middle of a corner can be very stimulating. Lots of energy is spent on corrections rather then the perfect line. Over the top of the hill and make a left on SR74 for about 10 miles and then a U-turn and back up the hill. Now this road is special as the corners are banked and you don't have to drop your speed as much to make for very smooth transition from right to left to right. 74 back to 371 and then a left on 79 all the way to 78 near Julian. Right on SR78 all the way to Carlsbad and the Motel. There was much more traffic on 78, but it moved along well and didn't spoil the twisties too much, anyway it was at the end of the day and I really didn't want to press it. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I got back at 5pm and had plenty of time to go visit the LD riders and listen to their stories. Mine was simple, get up early, hit the twisties in the daylight, ride hard and get back before dark. 1617.7/510 miles, 43.1 average, 53.3 moving average. Turn on Google Earth and follow this route, you will not believe how great of a ride this was until you see the roads from above. Maps just do not do it justice.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Palomar Observatory[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]At viewpoint on Hwy 243 near Idyllwild.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 5: Southern Route 1:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I took off around 7:30am and headed up I-5 to I-405 and US101. After about 200 miles and 4 hours I finally got out of the City and reached Hwy 1. Kinda. I went over to Lompoc, Gaudalupe and then got back on 101 at Pismo Beach. It was a nice relief from the freeways.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]At San Luis Obispo I got back on Hwy 1 and headed up the coast. This section will not disappoint anyone that likes twisty roads. Lots and lots of miles of twisty roads. No pictures because I was just having too much fun. The interesting thing is that it never really stops, just more twisties. I stopped for the night at Monterey, skipping the 17 mile tour out to Pebble Beach because it just took longer to get there then I had planned. 1 ½ hours longer. I picked up a sandwich at the local grocery store, which had a huge deli, and some sparkling water and retreated to my room for the night. 2056.7/439 miles, start new 51.8 average speed, 60.2 moving average. Don't let the moving average mislead you; the first 200 miles out of Carlsbad had a moving average of over 72 mph.[/SIZE]
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[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 6: 20 Degrees above normal.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I got out to the bike in the morning to discover it must be 65 degrees. Am I dreaming? I dress like it is summer and only have a long sleeve micro fiber shirt on under my jacket and summer gloves. I get on US 101 and head towards San Francisco. Over the Golden Gate Bridge and then a left on Shoreline Hwy. Do not miss this road if you like twisties. I rode through Muir and Stinson Beach on up to Marshall and then on to Bodega Bay. That is a must ride road. I think I will spend a week there in the future. On up the coast line through Fort Bragg and the marvelist 20 mile section of road just before Leggett. All motorcyclists, that like twisties, need to do this in their lifetime. If you haven't done it and are going north or south on 101 you need to reanalysis your priorities in life. Just saying![/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I get back on US 101 and notice that that took longer then expected and that riding on the Avenue of the Giants will pretty much be in the dark, I elected to go ahead and take the freeway to Eureka. After a stop to layer up, as the temps had dropped in the woods, I made it to Eureka around 8pm. I have more pictures to show but also took more time. 2489.7/433 miles, 46.2 average, 55 moving average.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=14pt]
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[SIZE=14pt]Russian River and seals:[/SIZE]
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[/SIZE]
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[/SIZE]
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[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 7: Arrive home.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Not much to report here. Hwy 101 from Eureka to Reedsport is pretty much scenic and has some nice curvy sections but after riding Hwy 1, there really isn't any comparison. The weather was fantastic, with temps between 40 at Eureka to 60 at Bandon. The sun was shining the whole time, no fog and no real bitter cold from the moist air along the coastal sections.[/SIZE]
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[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Reedsport to Drain, then up I-5 to Vancouver. Got home at 7pm because I stopped in Bandon to visit some. 2949.3/459.6 miles, 43.9 average, 56.1 moving average.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Do it again?[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Just call me.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Ken Hattan[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Pictures: (Pic Clicky) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]More Pictures at: Pics Clicky[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]After a week and a half of snow, I was ready to leave the PNW. A guy named George Zelenz, some of you may know him, was organizing a LD ride to test ones character and stamina. Not just some old SS1K down the freeway and back, but one that never sees a freeway and only experiences twisty roads. I knew I wasn't going to do the SS1K (I'm sane) but the location and the roads interested me enough to want to make the trip to southern CA and enjoy the roads during the daytime. So while the hardy souls were out in the middle of the night testing their endurance, I was at the Pizza Port with George and Chuck Hickey getting the lowdown on the best of the best roads to ride the next day. I'm getting ahead of myself as the ride started in Vancouver, WA, in the middle of January with the expectation of rain and cold.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Day 1: Rainy Day.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I followed the weather closely, as a 1000 mile trip in the rain, in the winter, isn't in the cards. The weather looked good, and I mean very good. First day to be all rain, with the next four days being sunshine and then some more rain on the last day coming home up through Oregon. I bundled up with good rain gear and electrics and headed south on I-5. A week before I did a test ride, see "Wet till Next Year" RTE. On this trip there was a light rain and the roads were very wet, as if it had just been raining hard. This lasted all the way through the hour long stop and go traffic in Portland, but stopped just south of Wilsonville. I had some real rain going over the mountains south of Salem then it was wet roads and no rain to Eugene. From Eugene on it were mostly dry roads. The temperature was warmest at Vancouver, at 51 and between Medford and Ashland, where it was close to 60. Once in the Siskiyous it got colder and stayed that way all the way to Willows, CA, at around 40-48. When you do the slab there really isn't much to talk about, other than the weather. 512.7 miles, 53.2 average speed, 64.6 moving average.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Mt. Shasta with a couple lenticular clouds:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 2: Making Time.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I got out of Willows on time at 7:00am, just before sunrise. It was around 40 degrees and clear, and a very light fog. It was this way most all the way to the Grapevine. Once on the Grapevine, the clouds/fog got heavier and then I broke through as though I was entering Heaven. The clouds got extremely white and the sun got stronger and stronger until it was just blue sky. Rather spiritual. By the time I got to the Northern tip of LA County, the temperature had risen to near 65, and I was cooking under my gear. I stopped and changed to warm weather undergear and then got back on I-5. I merged onto I-210 and made it to Upland around 3pm. 1011.8/ 499.1 miles, 52.9 average speed, 68.6 moving average.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 3: Visiting.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I took the day to visit my cousin in LA. We played golf and I shot a respectable 83 from the blue tees. After golf I reviewed my email and made reservations at the Motel 6 in Oceanside, then got on the freeways and headed south. As dusk came on me, I was exercising California riding skills of splitting lanes and making time on a very congested I-215, especially from Riverside to Perris. This was my first experience of doing this and it seamed to be very natural. Most cars actually moved over to make room for me to share the number one lane with them and when they didn't, there was usually room to squeeze by anyway. I got off and headed toward the coast on SR 76, with a short ride south on I-5 to the Carlsbad Valley exit. Down to the end of the street and a quick drop in at GZ's ride briefing already in progress at the Ocean Palms Motel. There were 12-14 folks making final notes on their maps and directly after the briefing were firing up there mounts, all decked out in LD gear, to make the start. It was kind of cool watching them make final preparations and departing. After pizza I headed for the motel and quickly went to bed as I planned on getting up early, 5ish, and getting on the road at 6am. 1107.7 total/95.90 day, 48.7 avg., 66.7 moving.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Intended 500-600 mile ride for Saturday (the sane way to ride):[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 4: Riding the Canyons of San Diego Co.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]This was a very exciting day as I headed into the mountains to find the best roads southern CA had to offer. Up SR76, by the Casino at Pala, on to Palomar Mtn. Left turn on S6. I had researched this road on Google Earth and knew what to expect, basically all corners are 15mph and lower, top speed maybe 45mph, maybe, and never out of 2nd gear. On up to the Palomar Observatory at 5550 feet. Back down the mountain on S7. Did I mention that S7 is twisty too, no, well it is. A right turn on the Mesa Grande Rd., twisty, you betcha. Another right on SR79 to Julian, then staying on SR79 to Pine Valley. This road goes through the Cuyanaca Rancho State Park and has very nice twisty turns, ups and downs, and nothing rhythmic, very exciting and picturesque. The road is very intense, so I didn't have time to stop and take pictures. Left at Pine Valley and back over Mount Laguna. Now this road is slightly faster and is basically through high dessert, at around 5000 plus feet. Right on SR 79 and a stop at Julian for breakfast. Talked to a nice couple from BC riding a GS1200. Out of Julian on SR78, did I say this road was newly paved and tight and twisty, it was! Left on S3 headed toward Borrego Springs, twisty, twisty, twisty, just yummy. I'm doing so much work I am working up a sweat and had to stop to summer up as the temps were now in the 60s. A ride out to the Salton Sea for gas then back on S22. Got lost coming out of town and had to ask for directions from a couple squids. Climbing up the mountainside on very twisty S22, 20-30 mph corners, came across an accident were a WRS spun out and ran into a guardrail. I move up to the front of the line and waited for release. Grabbed a handful of nuts and cranberries, some water and rested. Over the top of the mountains free of any autos and on down to S2 and SR79. Right on 79 toward Warner Springs and SR31. Very nice relaxing ride through the countryside with many turns and road pleasantries. Right on SR371, and a left on SR74. Right on SR243 up to mountain resort are at Idyllwild and Pine Cove at elevation around 5,000 feet. Down this very twisty road to Banning at 2400 feet for gas and turn around and head back up to Idyllwild. The most interesting part of this ride is the views and the wind. Riding the corners edge to edge and getting hit by a windblast that uprights you in the middle of a corner can be very stimulating. Lots of energy is spent on corrections rather then the perfect line. Over the top of the hill and make a left on SR74 for about 10 miles and then a U-turn and back up the hill. Now this road is special as the corners are banked and you don't have to drop your speed as much to make for very smooth transition from right to left to right. 74 back to 371 and then a left on 79 all the way to 78 near Julian. Right on SR78 all the way to Carlsbad and the Motel. There was much more traffic on 78, but it moved along well and didn't spoil the twisties too much, anyway it was at the end of the day and I really didn't want to press it. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I got back at 5pm and had plenty of time to go visit the LD riders and listen to their stories. Mine was simple, get up early, hit the twisties in the daylight, ride hard and get back before dark. 1617.7/510 miles, 43.1 average, 53.3 moving average. Turn on Google Earth and follow this route, you will not believe how great of a ride this was until you see the roads from above. Maps just do not do it justice.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Palomar Observatory[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]At viewpoint on Hwy 243 near Idyllwild.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 5: Southern Route 1:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I took off around 7:30am and headed up I-5 to I-405 and US101. After about 200 miles and 4 hours I finally got out of the City and reached Hwy 1. Kinda. I went over to Lompoc, Gaudalupe and then got back on 101 at Pismo Beach. It was a nice relief from the freeways.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]At San Luis Obispo I got back on Hwy 1 and headed up the coast. This section will not disappoint anyone that likes twisty roads. Lots and lots of miles of twisty roads. No pictures because I was just having too much fun. The interesting thing is that it never really stops, just more twisties. I stopped for the night at Monterey, skipping the 17 mile tour out to Pebble Beach because it just took longer to get there then I had planned. 1 ½ hours longer. I picked up a sandwich at the local grocery store, which had a huge deli, and some sparkling water and retreated to my room for the night. 2056.7/439 miles, start new 51.8 average speed, 60.2 moving average. Don't let the moving average mislead you; the first 200 miles out of Carlsbad had a moving average of over 72 mph.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]
[SIZE=14pt]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 6: 20 Degrees above normal.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I got out to the bike in the morning to discover it must be 65 degrees. Am I dreaming? I dress like it is summer and only have a long sleeve micro fiber shirt on under my jacket and summer gloves. I get on US 101 and head towards San Francisco. Over the Golden Gate Bridge and then a left on Shoreline Hwy. Do not miss this road if you like twisties. I rode through Muir and Stinson Beach on up to Marshall and then on to Bodega Bay. That is a must ride road. I think I will spend a week there in the future. On up the coast line through Fort Bragg and the marvelist 20 mile section of road just before Leggett. All motorcyclists, that like twisties, need to do this in their lifetime. If you haven't done it and are going north or south on 101 you need to reanalysis your priorities in life. Just saying![/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]I get back on US 101 and notice that that took longer then expected and that riding on the Avenue of the Giants will pretty much be in the dark, I elected to go ahead and take the freeway to Eureka. After a stop to layer up, as the temps had dropped in the woods, I made it to Eureka around 8pm. I have more pictures to show but also took more time. 2489.7/433 miles, 46.2 average, 55 moving average.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=14pt]
[SIZE=14pt]Russian River and seals:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]
[SIZE=14pt]
[SIZE=14pt]
[SIZE=14pt]Day 7: Arrive home.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Not much to report here. Hwy 101 from Eureka to Reedsport is pretty much scenic and has some nice curvy sections but after riding Hwy 1, there really isn't any comparison. The weather was fantastic, with temps between 40 at Eureka to 60 at Bandon. The sun was shining the whole time, no fog and no real bitter cold from the moist air along the coastal sections.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]
[SIZE=12pt]
[SIZE=12pt]Reedsport to Drain, then up I-5 to Vancouver. Got home at 7pm because I stopped in Bandon to visit some. 2949.3/459.6 miles, 43.9 average, 56.1 moving average.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Do it again?[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Just call me.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Ken Hattan[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Pictures: (Pic Clicky) [/SIZE]
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