In an unplanned recognition of our former
name, all riders came on Hondas today! Mike Sleeman on his VFR,
Lon & Pam Larsen on their ST1300, Doug Taylor on his GL1800, and Brian &
Kellie on their ST1300. Nice matchup! We started off right
at 9:15 as planned then his our first obstacle. Actually, several
obstacles -- in the form of Caltrans work. Heading north on the
I-5 freeway, Caltrans shutdown three out of four lanes. So, we
hopped off onto The Old Road and made our way to Castaic Junction where
we were turned back by more Caltrans work that wouldn't let us get on to
Highway 126. So, we headed I-5 a bit further to Hasley Canyon
where we were met with bridge construction and a new traffic circle!
After getting through the construction we followed Hasley Canyon Road
back down to 126 and were finally on our merry way...Not wanting to
trudge along 126 for too long, we opted to take the scenic route via
Guiberson and Mountain Roads (where we were passed by a Maserati and a
Ferrari -- apparently stretching their legs where the Highway Patrol
wouldn't notice). Passing through Santa Paula, we took 150 (Ojai
Road) up through Ojai (and several more construction delays) before
finally hitting 33 North and out of the traffic and heat. As usual, 150
was clean and beautiful and entertaining with sweeping curves and great
views.
After a brief stint on 166 we headed down Cerro Noroeste into Pine
Mountain Club (and through a large swarm of ladybugs that left their
marks on our windshields!) for lunch at the Screaming Squirrel.
Service was, casual, though the food was good, so it all worked out.
From Pine Mountain Club we headed down Mil Potrero Hwy to Frazier
Mountain Park Road and Frazier Park itself. Skipping the freeway
we took Gorman Post Road and CA 38 (Lancaster Road) to the Old Ridge
Route, Pine Canyon (dirty in places, but always fun) to Elizabeth Lake
Road, then through San Francisquito Canyon Road back into Santa Clarita
for our final "finishing cup" at a local Starbucks. All told,
approximately 228 miles -- not bad!
Thanks again to those who joined us for the ride today, it was great
seeing everyone and we look forward to seeing you on the next ride!
Some pictures can be found here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/calif.msta/20090517GroupRideOjai
Brian
