SoCal ride 10/16/11

[FJmonkey]

Mike in San Dimas was itching for a ride on the weekend and after spending a 17.5 hour day on Friday and up early again on Sat to close inventory so was I. I was tired of seeing LEOs every 10 miles on the Angelest Crest so I went East and rode on Mike's turf. We had a good ride up to Crystal Lake and some home baked Banana bread while we enjoyed the great weather and relaxed before our next leg of the day.




On the way to Mt. Baldy we stopped and looked down into the river portion of Crystal Lake and saw some serious mud sports in the low water sections.


It seemed like the purpose of the sport was to see how far you could take your vehicle into the mud and then get absolutely stuck. Jump out of your vehicle with a tow rope/strap that was over 100 feet long and drag it back as close as you could to where you entered the poorest choice of soil to drive on and wait. Then another vehicle that has better traction in the mud comes along and attempts to pull you and your inadequate vehicle out. This is not always successful and a second vehicle is required to strap up to the first so they can both pull your ass out of the mess you got yourself into. Once pulled out the mess you are required to find a new spot to drive into, sink up the door handles again and start the process all over again. I may post some videos but I digress from the ride.

Below shows how much they sink into the mud.



Then off to Mt. Baldy and a great burger and beer. The road there is a connecting road (East fork road) that is one lane for both directions. No center line except for maybe 300 feet. A real pucker up kind of ride that keeps you hugging the side and hoping some cager is not cutting the apex coming the other way. Mike had a friend that had a head on and will likely never drive this road again. Over all we covered about 90 miles, kind of short for a ride but I was short on time. A good ride over all and anytime riding is better than wishing you were. Thanks Mike for hosting.

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

Good times Mark. For those familiar with the area the mud hole was at the bridge to the east fork from 39. We spent nearly an hour watching the mayhem, it was hilarious. Could have stayed longer, but the clock was ticking. Hwy 39 above the bridge is really a great road. Plenty of twisties with a few strait sections long enough for triple digits if your inclined. Even on this past Sunday which was great day in So. Cal there was little traffic. Passed a couple of cars, a small pack of HD's and no hot dogs passed us. We came up via Glendora Mountain Road and East Fork. GMR is only about 15 miles but its truly is great road and in my back yard. Great for quick fix. In the late afternoon it is practically vehicle free. Many times I will not come across anyone. Mornings are another story. The stops at Crystal lake and MB are good. CL has small store with sandwiches and soft drinks (no beer ). MB  It is not well known that the road to Crystal Lake (about 30 miles) has been reopened after being closed for about 10 years. So you wont find a hoard of bikes up there. I'm sure that will change by this time next year. Like Mount baldy the road ends there, so that limits some interest. 39 to Hwy 2 (Angeles Crest) lake was closed at CL about 20 years ago and it was announced last week that there is no intention of reopening. The loop betwen these CL and MB  is only about 70 miles enjoyable miles. Hey want more, do it again!
Mike

[racerman_27410]

nice ride and report.... we have some mud dogs here in NC as well.... their only purpose in life is to get into the deepest, nastiest mud they can find and tear their shit up.

when someone says hey hold my beer and watch this?     its usually worth a great laugh to oblige them 


KOokaloo!