I was sort of expecting a low turnout but was pleasantly surprised by eight other riders (and a couple passengers) showing up! The very nice turn in the weather certainly helped, no doubt. After dispensing pleasantries (and not so pleasantries -- see http://www.sporttouring.us/showthread.php/7429-A-bit-of-a-difference-in-attitude) at Starbucks in Woodland Hills we headed off into the mountains. Joining us were Gary Ward ('03 FJR1300), Derek Randles ('08 Concours), Dave Richardson ('02 Goldwing), Steve Hein ('03 Concours), Wayne Brenner ('04 ST1300), Hank Schuman ('04 DL1000), Guy Simmons ('08 FJR1300), and Gilles Guizille & Kathy ('05 K1200LT).

Honestly, I didn't over-plan this ride (for once) so we were kind of making it up as we went along. From Topanga Canyon Road we briefly took Mulholland Drive West to Mulholland Highway to Old Topanga Canyon Road (much twistier than the new one). At the south end of Old Topanga Canyon we did a very brief stint on Topanga Canyon Road to Fernwood/Short Trail/Grandview/Tuna Canyon Roads before thoroughly enjoying Saddle Peak to Stunt Road. Pausing briefly at Stunt Road to gather everyone up, we headed down Stunt Road about four miles to Mulholland Highway (again) for a quick ride to Cold Canyon Road and Piuma Roads. Piuma was wide open and clear all six miles up to Schueren Road where we headed down Las Flores Canyon to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Being multi-lane with heavy traffic this stretch of PCH heading west isn't all that interesting so we headed up Malibu Canyon back to Mulholland Highway (recurring theme) and the fabled Rock Store (and mandatory rest stop to view the eye candy and see if Jay Leno showed up -- he didn't).

While kicking tires at the Rock Store we debated lunch and decided it was better to roll all the way to Carpinteria for a late lunch rather than someplace closer and fighting the crowds. So, we followed Mulholland Highway all the way west to PCH (again) before taking PCH and 101 to Carpinteria. For a brief video of what some of the curves are like along Mulholland Highway from the Rock Store to PCH, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0OCttdFU_E.

The ride from Mulholland/PCH to Carpinteria was rather boring, and very windy, but got us to "The Spot" for lunch safe and sound. Following a great lunch and some nice sunshine we reviewed our options and decided to split up for various paths home. Some headed back South on the 101, a couple opted for a quick run east on 126, and those of us living in the Santa Clarita area opted for a more scenic ride back avoiding major roads where possible. So, we took Casitas Pass Road (Hwy 150) to Ojai, then 150 through to Santa Paula. Rather than hopping on highway 126 we took Mountain Road and Guiberson Road all the way past Fillmore before joining highway 126 for the final 12 miles back into the Santa Clarita area.

Thanks again to everyone who came out for the ride, I look forward to the next one... Brian