We had a great turnout for this ride, nine bikes altogether (a couple ST1300s, two VFR800s, a FZ6, a Concours, a FJR1300, a Gold Wing, and a BMW K1200LT) and three additional passengers for a good sized group. The weather was cool but promised to be dry so we looked forward to a great day for riding.

Departing Newhall on time we headed up San Francisquito Canyon Road, then took Spunky Canyon Road over to Bouquet Canyon Road and up to Elizabeth Lake Road. After a brief run through the outskirts of Palmdale to get us to Sierra Highway, we headed south to Angeles Forest Highway, taking Angeles Forest to Upper Big Tujunga Road and finally to Angeles Crest Highway. Ignoring the “Road Closed” signs (knowing the road had just been re-opened) we enjoyed very light traffic all the way up to Newcomb’s Ranch for our lunch stop.

Newcomb’s Ranch had a fair number of visitors, but business has been down significantly since the Station Fire last year and all the following road closures and detours (they are still running on generator power since electrical service still hasn’t been restored). While the menu was greatly reduced, we still managed to find good food and enjoyed our meal.

After lunch we kicked tires a bit, admiring the other bikes and a gaggle of Vipers that showed up. Heading out from Newcomb’s we continued “up” Angeles Crest Highway (east) through the recently opened section of road, passing lots of snow along the way. Despite the chillier temperatures (dropping down into the 40s), everyone enjoyed the ride and great scenery as we headed up to Big Pines Highway near Wrightwood.

We followed Big Pines to Valyermo Road to Fort Tejon Road before taking Mt. Emma Road back to Angeles Forest Road (big loop!). Heading south briefly on Angeles Forest the group split up at Aliso Canyon with several riders (myself included) heading down Aliso Canyon back toward Santa Clarita and the rest heading through Angeles Forest to Big Tujunga Canyon Road and freeways home.

Many thanks to all those who came out for the ride (Jon, Mike, Lon & Pam, Steve, Guy, Mark, Dave & Mary, and Gilles and Kathy) and we look forward to seeing many of you again in July for the Arrowhead ride.

Brian (& Kellie)

Pictures along the ride can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/calif.msta/20100522MSTARideSoCalWandering