Flying out to Santa Barbara, CA February 10 through the 17th and we're (MD and I) contemplating renting a bike and riding for at least one day. Having never been in the area I'm looking for some ride route suggestions, a recommended rental business if any one knows of one in the area (not shipping the FJ out for such a short period, but I guess that wouldn't be completely out of the question depending on cost) and if any one would like to ride while we're out there that would be excellent as well.
On the side MD is taking the MSF Rider course this weekend on her way to getting her bike endorsement so she might even be riding at the next East Coast Spring Rally. :good2:
That's simple. Just take Hwy 1 up to Big Sur, or even Laguna Seca Raceway, home of the USGP. Then come back down 1 to Santa Barbara. It's about 120 miles each way and the scenery is breathtaking. If you haven't done this, it's a must do. Put it on your bucket list.
You should be able to do that in a day. Just fill your tank before your go or suffer the highest gas prices in the nation.
Craig O
90FJ1200
Thanks for the input. Having never been to Santa Barbara or CA for that matter I am completely clueless so a bucket list ride route sounds like what I'm looking for.
Dan,
hwy 150 out into the canyons thru Ojai is really sweet...and IIRC you can get to the super scenic Angeles crest hwy that way as well (day ride). but that highway 1 up the coast is even sweeter... unless its foggy...
good for MD... what's she gonna be riding?
KOokaloo!
Frank
Hey there frank, didn't know you made it all the way out to the left coast. As to MD, we're going to see how she does with the class first. I tried to get her riding a couple a years back on a KX80 but the power band/clutch coordination never really came around and I think she became a little intimidated. But maybe a 4stroke will be a little easier. I suggested that if she liked it a good choice would be a Ninja 250 but she's leaning toward something lower more along the cruiser lines like a boulevard, vstar 250.Doesn't really matter cause its just going to be a starter bike regardless. Kind of funny but this all started back at the 09 spring rally when Jim, Carey, Jack and I took off for our off road beating. When we got back she keep telling me she wished she knew how to ride so she could have taken the FJ out for the day.
Dan,
Yep a few years back my little sister lived in Santa Barbara.... i flew out and Mark Rittner loaned me his FJ for a few days (thanks again Mark) and the late Tom Slocum (RIP) was my tour guide for the Angeles crest/canyon tour. I explored Hwy 1 (otherwiase known as "THE one" on my own. If you do decide to go on the one take some windproof gear cause if that fog rolls in it gets cold quick.
once you get north of Santa Barbara the traffic isnt as hellish as LA and if you venture out into the canyons (or should i say places where there isnt cell coverage) its basically deserted.
i concur for a beginning rider being able to flat foot the bike is a big help so some kind of cruiser is definitely in order.
tell her i said hi and good luck (to you both) :good2:
KOokaloo!
Frank
Just stay out of the red (often-miserable city traffic) zone and any ride, any direction, will be memorable. Hwy 1 (the coast road) doesn't really start to get interesting until north of Pismo Beach. State 58 is a great if little-known run through the mountains to the Central Valley. Avoid I-5 if possible.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/52j5gi.jpg)
Keep an eye out for the weather (very changeable this time of year) and have a great time... And post pics if and when you can! (http://i35.tinypic.com/28a1gqx.gif)
Quote from: zero26tb4u on January 27, 2010, 09:19:05 PM
Ninja 250 but she's leaning toward boulevard, vstar 250. Doesn't really matter cause its just going to be a starter bike regardless.
Yes it does matter! !! Insist that she go with the Ninja! :ireful: she knows better
Have fun, See you in a few months KOOKALOO!
Quote from: threejagsteve on January 28, 2010, 03:09:01 AM
Just stay out of the red (often-miserable city traffic) zone and any ride, any direction, will be memorable. Hwy 1 (the coast road) doesn't really start to get interesting until north of Pismo Beach. State 58 is a great if little-known run through the mountains to the Central Valley. Avoid I-5 if possible.
I'm assuming I can avoid most of this by traveling through those areas during non-rush hours?
Quote from: TRoy on January 28, 2010, 06:39:53 AM
Quote from: zero26tb4u on January 27, 2010, 09:19:05 PM
Ninja 250 but she's leaning toward boulevard, vstar 250. Doesn't really matter cause its just going to be a starter bike regardless.
Yes it does matter! !! Insist that she go with the Ninja! :ireful: she knows better
Have fun, See you in a few months KOOKALOO!
TRoy, I'll let her know your opinion on the matter. I tend to agree but my argument has become diluted since picking up a cruiser for myself.
Quote from: racerman_27410 on January 27, 2010, 11:12:37 PM
Dan,
Yep a few years back my little sister lived in Santa Barbara.... i flew out and Mark Rittner loaned me his FJ for a few days (thanks again Mark) and the late Tom Slocum (RIP) was my tour guide for the Angeles crest/canyon tour. I explored Hwy 1 (otherwiase known as "THE one" on my own. If you do decide to go on the one take some windproof gear cause if that fog rolls in it gets cold quick.
once you get north of Santa Barbara the traffic isnt as hellish as LA and if you venture out into the canyons (or should i say places where there isnt cell coverage) its basically deserted.
i concur for a beginning rider being able to flat foot the bike is a big help so some kind of cruiser is definitely in order.
tell her i said hi and good luck (to you both) :good2:
KOokaloo!
Frank
The plan so far is to try and do a loop heading north on "The One" east into the mountains and south back to Santa Barbara. Only found one rental place so far that isn't exclusively Hadley but I'm still looking.
[quote author=zero26tb4u link=topic=1456.msg11264#msg11264 date=126469151
The plan so far is to try and do a loop heading north on "The One" east into the mountains and south back to Santa Barbara. Only found one rental place so far that isn't exclusively Hadley but I'm still looking.
[/quote]
my Buddy John rented a goldwing for he and his wife while they were out there.... he said they are surprisingly sporty and light handling (for a big bike) and for two up they just cant be beat .
I will see if i can find out where he rented from.
Frank
Quote from: zero26tb4u on January 28, 2010, 08:29:46 AM
I'm assuming I can avoid most of this by traveling through those areas during non-rush hours?
No - you don't understand. Those red areas are literally ALL city.
Your plan of going up on Hwy 1 will be fun and scenic - the SO will love it! (as long as it is not foggy - like Frank said - and it really shouldn't be in Feb) But dress warm - it WILL be chilly riding the one in February.
my Buddy John rented a goldwing for he and his wife while they were out there.... he said they are surprisingly sporty and light handling (for a big bike) and for two up they just cant be beat .
I will see if i can find out where he rented from.
Frank
[/quote]
Sporty and light handling goldwing isn't that one of those oxymoron's or even two of them. The only place I've found so far is werentmotorcycles.com have to call to get their location but it appears that they will drop off and pick up the bike at Santa Barbara. Kawasaki 1400GTR would probably be the bike from them they have the new VRF1200F but only in automatic, WTF is that.
No - you don't understand. Those red areas are literally ALL city.
Your plan of going up on Hwy 1 will be fun and scenic - the SO will love it! (as long as it is not foggy - like Frank said - and it really shouldn't be in Feb) But dress warm - it WILL be chilly riding the one in February.
[/quote]
Got it Marsh, NO GO RED, RED BAD
Quote from: TRoy on January 28, 2010, 06:39:53 AM
Quote from: zero26tb4u on January 27, 2010, 09:19:05 PM
Ninja 250 but she's leaning toward boulevard, vstar 250. Doesn't really matter cause its just going to be a starter bike regardless.
Yes it does matter! !! Insist that she go with the Ninja! :ireful: she knows better
Have fun, See you in a few months KOOKALOO!
I say, whatever get's her riding. I'm speaking from a position of knowledge. My Wife rides a Ninja 250, fun bike to be sure. But she jumped on, and rode better, my buddies Shadow 750. For her, it was lower and more comfortable. She'll be keeping the 250, but I was surprised at her more immediate comfort level of the Shadow.
To a certain extent, Riding ANY bike is better than not riding IMO.
Dan
Quote from: zero26tb4u on January 28, 2010, 08:29:46 AM
I'm assuming I can avoid most of this by traveling through those areas during non-rush hours?
The plan so far is to try and do a loop heading north on "The One" east into the mountains and south back to Santa Barbara.
Best times for getting through weekday traffic are 10-11 am and 1:30-2:30 pm.
Yes, the red areas are pretty much solid suburban sprawl amd small-town downtowns (and it gets worse the farther south you go: the 101-405 interchange (don't worry; it's waaay far from any sane route you might take! :wacko1:) is on lists of the worst and busiest in the country).
Sounds like a good plan - I'll keep my fingers crossed for the weather to smile upon you! :good2:
Hi all- I am brand new here to the forum but I live in San Luis Obispo so thought I would chime in about ride suggestions. Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is a 1.5 hour ride on Hwy 101. You can take Hwy 154 through Cachuma Lake Pass as a nice connector route and save about 15 minutes while enjoying a better road. Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 are the same road for much of the trip north from SB towards SLO. You don't really want to be on "the 1" between Las Cruces and Arroyo Grande i would suggest using 101. Hwy 1 becomes enjoyable north San Luis Obipso as you head to Cambria. If you are going that way it will be 2.5 hours up the Big Sur coast to Carmel where you could cut over to Laguna Seca on Carmel Valley Rd. connecting to Laurels Grade- all superb roads. That is the ride I take for the USGP.
If you are not ready to spend the night in Monterey I would look closer to Santa Barbara as there are great roads there too. Someone suggested Hwy 150 into Ojai- from there fine Hwy 33 and you are in paradise. 33 climbs through some incredible alpine passes of the Los Padres National Forrest.... it is my new favorite day trip.
tim
If you two are going to be hanging back, putting along, checking out the scenery, why not get a Harley?
They are perfect for two up slow cruising, it's what they do.
HWY1, a Harley, it would be fun.
Only problem with a Harley for that sort of thing is that those big tassled panniers need to be filled with tools and spare parts to replace all the bits that drop off. There won't be any room for all the clothes, makeup, kitchen sinks etc that the other half usually wants to take along for the day...(insert dull thud sound as Mrs Ned's rolling pin hit back of Ned's head)
Dont be so quick to judge the new goldwings capabilities.......
yes they are large
yes they are heavy
but they can dance........
deals gap on a goldwing/gl1800 by yellow wolf dragons tail (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo#normal)
BTW the chase bike is Yellow Wolf (a Deal's Gap local).... also on a wing
Quote from: racerman_27410 on February 02, 2010, 11:12:03 AM
Dont be so quick to judge the new goldwings capabilities.......
yes they are large
yes they are heavy
but they can dance........
After seeing that video it has changed my view of Goldwings.... not that I would buy one.
Quote from: racerman_27410 on February 02, 2010, 11:12:03 AM
Dont be so quick to judge the new goldwings capabilities.......
yes they are large
yes they are heavy
but they can dance........
Dam, that was impressive. I actually ride with a couple of goldwings with the cruiser crowd and yes they can be quite nimble. But having no experience with throwing one around myself I doubt that I would enjoy my limited ride time in CA as much on a wing as I would with something a little closer to the FJ. While I would love to have the FJ out there it looks like the Kawi 1400GTR is going to be the rental ride.
Quote from: Klavdy on February 01, 2010, 12:56:52 AM
If you two are going to be hanging back, putting along, checking out the scenery, why not get a Harley?
They are perfect for two up slow cruising, it's what they do.
HWY1, a Harley, it would be fun.
Who said we were just going to be puttin around. MD knows how to hang on and yea there will be some slower site seeing but its really about the ride for me. When MD wants to see something slower she just hits me in the back of the head and I slow down. :sarcastic:
Quote from: zero26tb4u on February 02, 2010, 02:47:25 PM
.Who said we were just going to be puttin around. MD knows how to hang on and yea there will be some slower site seeing but its really about the ride for me. When MD wants to see something slower she just hits me in the back of the head and I slow down. :sarcastic:
LMAO i know thats right :biggrin:
Quote from: axiom-r on January 31, 2010, 12:07:40 AM
Hi all- I am brand new here to the forum but I live in San Luis Obispo so thought I would chime in about ride suggestions. Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is a 1.5 hour ride on Hwy 101. You can take Hwy 154 through Cachuma Lake Pass as a nice connector route and save about 15 minutes while enjoying a better road. Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 are the same road for much of the trip north from SB towards SLO. You don't really want to be on "the 1" between Las Cruces and Arroyo Grande i would suggest using 101. Hwy 1 becomes enjoyable north San Luis Obipso as you head to Cambria. If you are going that way it will be 2.5 hours up the Big Sur coast to Carmel where you could cut over to Laguna Seca on Carmel Valley Rd. connecting to Laurels Grade- all superb roads. That is the ride I take for the USGP.
If you are not ready to spend the night in Monterey I would look closer to Santa Barbara as there are great roads there too. Someone suggested Hwy 150 into Ojai- from there fine Hwy 33 and you are in paradise. 33 climbs through some incredible alpine passes of the Los Padres National Forrest.... it is my new favorite day trip.
tim
Welcome, I don't really post that much, more of a lurker. But I don't usually miss an east coast rally since I bought my FJ three years ago. If you haven't been to a rally, definitely do so. I can't speak of the west coast rally goers but you'll never meet a more fun, obnoxious, depressed, happy go lucky, pain in the ass, talk to little, talk to much, crazy, conservative, fast, slow, intermediate (insert PC term "diverse") riders as you do at an east coast rally. Thanks for the route input. We're actually going to be leaving out of Santa Anna in the morning, shooting for 7a.m. departure. My initial idea was to take 101 into Morro Bay and find a spot for lunch (if you have a recommendation lets hear it) then one up to Big Sur. Then something farther inland for the return back to Santa Anna. Its the return thats up in the air at this time. Or would you think a better idea would be to take an inland route up and return via one and 101. Oh and if your up for a ride or part of it feel free to join us. Looking at riding on a weekday to avoid as much traffic and the law as possible.
[/quote]Who said we were just going to be puttin around. MD knows how to hang on and yea there will be some slower site seeing but its really about the ride for me. When MD wants to see something slower she just hits me in the back of the head and I slow down. :sarcastic:
[/quote]
Must be a universal language. :-) Problem is it can have many situational interpretations.
Can mean "Slow Down, I want to look", can also mean "Did you see that Cop?", can also mean "Stop looking at *HER* and ride"
Cheers,
Arnie
If you rent a GTR1400 you will be underwhelmed by the FJ when you get back on it.
Go on, get a Harley, you know you want to.
Then, you can wave at all the other folks on real bikes, talk righteous smack to 'em in gas stations 'Bro then report back on your findings.
Plus, you get to wear a Do-Rag!
And scowl!.
Quotenew goldwings capabilities
Thats right, they can really scoot with a good rider. I chased one up and over Independence Pass CO. awhile back. Between tourons, gravel, water running across the road, granite on the right, trees on the left (or nothing at all), I kept up but didn't pass.
Thats when it became ok for me to have one. Make sure your rental has an eagle painted on it and some flags and stuff or you will be gay.
Quote from: racerman_27410 on February 02, 2010, 11:12:03 AM
large heavy dance.......
I love that video, probably seen it 50 times.
...it kinda reminds me of following Dean with only half-a-load :sarcastic:
Very impressive.
They look like a flying refrigerator on wheels.
Cold beer mmmmm...
Yes that video is pretty good, but crap it sounded like there was a lot of scraping going on and it would be nice to see an FJ with them to see what sort of pace they were doing and if they could keep up. Most of them are like you are riding behind a couch going up the road - they look so wide, no offense intended to any Goldwing riders out there.
Colin
I have ridden with the guy shooting the video and most of the east coast rally attendees would have a hard time keeping up. There were a few places where he pulled on me, which is fairly rare on public roads.
"yellow Wolf's" wing has a ton of work done to the suspension but is otherwise stock. He ran a business for a while filming other riders, and the look in his eye showing a demo video with a sport rider losing ground with his knee on the ground was priceless.
check this out...
http://killboy.blogspot.com/2006/10/titanium-butt.html (http://killboy.blogspot.com/2006/10/titanium-butt.html)
Bill, just watched that video.........couple of comments.
YW obviously knows that road like the back of his hand.......very smooth and hardly ever over the double lines.
The Duke rider seemed to be very stuttery in his riding style.......especially in the early part of the run......over the double lines quite often.....maybe not as familiar with the road?
Harvy
Definitely. Rick (YW) knows that road like the back of his hand, but it does go to show what a well ridden and set up bike can do... even a behemoth like the wing.
Quote from: zero26tb4u on February 02, 2010, 03:36:08 PM
Quote from: axiom-r on January 31, 2010, 12:07:40 AM
Hi all- I am brand new here to the forum but I live in San Luis Obispo so thought I would chime in about ride suggestions. Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is a 1.5 hour ride on Hwy 101. You can take Hwy 154 through Cachuma Lake Pass as a nice connector route and save about 15 minutes while enjoying a better road. Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 are the same road for much of the trip north from SB towards SLO. You don't really want to be on "the 1" between Las Cruces and Arroyo Grande i would suggest using 101. Hwy 1 becomes enjoyable north San Luis Obipso as you head to Cambria. If you are going that way it will be 2.5 hours up the Big Sur coast to Carmel where you could cut over to Laguna Seca on Carmel Valley Rd. connecting to Laurels Grade- all superb roads. That is the ride I take for the USGP.
If you are not ready to spend the night in Monterey I would look closer to Santa Barbara as there are great roads there too. Someone suggested Hwy 150 into Ojai- from there fine Hwy 33 and you are in paradise. 33 climbs through some incredible alpine passes of the Los Padres National Forrest.... it is my new favorite day trip.
tim
Welcome, I don't really post that much, more of a lurker. But I don't usually miss an east coast rally since I bought my FJ three years ago. If you haven't been to a rally, definitely do so. I can't speak of the west coast rally goers but you'll never meet a more fun, obnoxious, depressed, happy go lucky, pain in the ass, talk to little, talk to much, crazy, conservative, fast, slow, intermediate (insert PC term "diverse") riders as you do at an east coast rally. Thanks for the route input. We're actually going to be leaving out of Santa Anna in the morning, shooting for 7a.m. departure. My initial idea was to take 101 into Morro Bay and find a spot for lunch (if you have a recommendation lets hear it) then one up to Big Sur. Then something farther inland for the return back to Santa Anna. Its the return thats up in the air at this time. Or would you think a better idea would be to take an inland route up and return via one and 101. Oh and if your up for a ride or part of it feel free to join us. Looking at riding on a weekday to avoid as much traffic and the law as possible.
Santa Ana to Morro Bay will be about 3.5 hours and I would suggest that you negotiate LA based on AM traffic, get onto the 101 north to Santa Barbara and then you have a choice: long straights on 101 right along the coast or save 15 minutes and go over Cachuma Lake Pass on Hwy 154. You will see on any map that 154 cuts off a portion of the trip for you. Both have good scenery- you may want the 101 route if it is not foggy and you want to ride right along the coast for a bit. If it is foggy then cutting over the grade will put you "in the fog" and then above it. Coastal weather does not reach the east side of Cachuma pass.
Definitely take 101 and not 1 up to Morro Bay once you are north of SB. You will get back onto the 1 in San Luis Obispo. For lunch I highly recommend Taco Temple for fresh fish and "California Fresh" Mexican food. 2nd choice would be Bay Side Cafe which is well.... down by the bay side! They have a typical menu and its a cool spot. Taco Temple is the better food though- we love the place. Taco Temple is also right on your route. There are a couple of lights on the highway in Morro Bay- turn right at the first one "San Jacinto" and double back south on the frontage road half a mile. The restaurant is in the parking lot of Spencers Grocery.
It will be a little more than 2+ hours between Morro Bay and Carmel. This is THE section of Hwy 1 that makes riders drool. There is no advisable road to head inland until you reach Carmel. Big Sur is closer to Carmel but about half way between there and MB. Be sure to buy fuel in Morro Bay and top off! You will pay close to $4 a gallon on Hwy 1 north of Cambria and the stations are few. See how you are/feel when you hit Carmel. If you both still have the legs for it you could come back down the 1 and reverse your trip. If it is late and you want to make better time, cut east back to the 101 for the trip south. You could do this on Carmel Valley Rd. (first light in Carmel on Hwy 1- there is also a Chevron Station there) connecting to Laurels Grade (a left turn). Laurels grade connects you to Hwy 68 East that runs right into 101. If you turn left onto 68 (west) you are about a mile from the entrance to Laguna Seca.
I am in the middle of rebuilding my front end and waiting on some caliper seals. If my bike is together I am up for some miles for sure! My buddy has a Futura and we have been talking about a ride for awhile so maybe the timing will work out! I will look back at your posts for the dates..
tim
I am in the middle of rebuilding my front end and waiting on some caliper seals. If my bike is together I am up for some miles for sure! My buddy has a Futura and we have been talking about a ride for awhile so maybe the timing will work out! I will look back at your posts for the dates..
tim
[/quote]
Thanks, the route is getting clearer and now I have a local recommendation for eats. Looks like the ride is going to be set up for Thursday the 11th. Get the stops on the FJ done and hopefully we'll see you out there.
Back home now, the ride was excellent. Ended up with about 800 miles an the Concourse in about 16 hours time. MD now knows the true meaning of monkey butt. I'll try to post more detailed ride report with pics later this week. Roads very similar to Boone and Tellico with a little more wide open areas along the coast but the scenery is exceptional and the pics unfortunately do not do it justice.