Going to Santa Barbara CA and I want to ride. Need Suggestions, Recommendations

[zero26tb4u]

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.   

[craigo]

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

[zero26tb4u]

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.

[racerman_27410]

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

[zero26tb4u]

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.

[racerman_27410]

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) 

KOokaloo!

Frank

[threejagsteve]

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.




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!  

[TRoy]

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!    she knows better

Have fun, See you in a few months KOOKALOO!

[zero26tb4u]

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?

[zero26tb4u]

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!    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.

[zero26tb4u]

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) 

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.

[racerman_27410]

[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

[Marsh White]

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.

[zero26tb4u]

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.

[zero26tb4u]

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