Smooth Curves: ACH and Beyond: Saturday 7/1

[NukleoN]

Meet Time:8am
Meet Place: Shell Station at the Bottom of ACH

The idea behind this ride is to ride ACH in honor of our deep respect for Officer Stout, but also to enjoy some great, smooth, clean roads. I ride this every few weekends. Here's the route:

-Start at the base of ACH (Shell station) and go up to Upper Big Tujunga. Hang a left.

-Ride the amazing Upper Big Tujunga till it ends. Make a right at Angeles Forest Highway.

-AFH leads to Soledad Canyon and Sierra Highway. Gas up here, stretch, use the bathroom, have a stretch.

-After gas and a bit of a leg stretch, it's on to Bouquet Canyon and San Francisquito. For those who haven't ridden Bouquet, it's a peach...and San Fran since it was repaved is fun as hell.

Those of you who want to jet back afterward can pick up the 5 freeway, or take the canyon route back. We can eat after the ride, and those who want to get back sooner can do that to save some time.

It's about 150 miles or so from ACH.

For those who haven't tried all of these roads..they're not to be missed...these roads are curvy, smooth, usually very clean, with many turns you can see through.

I'm going either way, but I welcome any of you interesting in joining me. Post in the thread if you're going!

[superstud27]

Hm, i'm quite the newbie and have never ridden canyon/mtn roads yet. I was headed to ACH with a bike group from socalsportbikes last summer and my bike died on the freeway so I couldn't. I have however, been driving canyon and mountain roads for fun and I know how to take curves (as in the apex and whatnot, accelerate out)... you suggest I go?

[NukleoN]

Sure Super...just go at your own pace and you'll be fine. There are some great roads on this route. :D

[superstud27]

haha MAN this is so tempting. I've driven ACH before and i was "ACH"ing to ride a bike on the road. :)

[JV711]

That's Angeles Forest Highway (AFH) that connects Sierra Highway with Upper Big Tujunga.


Originally posted by NukleoN
Make a right at the end to some amazing road which I don't know the name of.

[Pdiddy]

hey superstud,

let me know if you gonna go, i might go on this ride. i live in fullerton and we can ride to ACH. Should be nice and freakin hot weather.

[Savona]

I'm not bursting any bubbles here, just throwing a warning out:

While we are all please with our newfound freedom on the crest due to the officer's 'incident', I wouldn't count out the possibility of there being some major sweep up there this weekend.

Typically on holiday weekends they bring out the cruisers, SUVs, and air patrol. The last one was Memorial day but I wouldn't be surprised if there's another one Saturday or Sunday. Just pay attention to other riders' signals.

I'll probably be up there myself in honor of the fallen officer :evil:

[NukleoN]

I agree, it's very likely there will be increased police presence, but I'm going anyway. :D

[quiklids]

Just did ACH-AFH-Big Tujunga this morning. Tujunga was a little dirty, so beware. Hardly any car traffic...no trucks (unlike Ortega) some single bikes, and a couple pairs of sportbikes. I love doing canyons on the weekdays! I'll be steering way clear tho on the holidays-

Anybody wanting to do weekday rides on ACH, Azusa or even Ortega, PM me-

[Kyoseki]

I can practically guarantee that the Crest will be swarming with rozzers this weekend, everyone knows Stout's in hospital and everyone's planning rides, add in the holiday and I'd say it's going to be a nightmare up there.

[TwistGrip]

Originally posted by Kyoseki
I can practically guarantee that the Crest will be swarming with rozzers this weekend, everyone knows Stout's in hospital and everyone's planning rides, add in the holiday and I'd say it's going to be a nightmare up there.

Not trying to hijack your thread, Dan, but had some thoughts. Without a doubt it will be mad up there. I like the original plan, but I'd propose two changes:

One - start the ride earlier, like 8am, so we can beat the RVs and the lookie-loos in their cages, and so we'll be done before it gets HOT hot.

Two - alter the route to include the top of Angeles Forest Hwy out to Upper Big Tujunga. Do UBT up and back, then continue out AFH to Aliso Canyon (the one you can't remember) over to Bouquet/San Fransisquito and around to lunch by noon.

Anyway, take 'em or leave 'em, just a couple of ideas to see what sticks. Just hate to do Bouquet at 25mph or be forced to pass on double yellow... I love that road!

pieces,
Evan

[Mojave Mike]

Me no can do..have to work Saturdays..Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are good tho'

Mike

[Burke]

Originally posted by JV711
That's Angeles Forest Highway (AFH) that connects Sierra Highway with Upper Big Tujunga.
Yeah, that's it. We rode that rode together the first time I met you.

A guy I work with was telling me that he was up in ACH a week or two ago hiking and that there was a huge wreck involving a car and a bike and that the bike was a cop. Airlifts and everything. I instantly thought to myself... STOUT. I'll bet that was the accident. Best wishes to him for a full and speedy recovery but honestly I won't miss him while he's gone. Even though he has never busted me personally, I know a few that he has. Malcolm?

[smokescreen]

yeah, the day it happened, we were trying to get up there with a little roadster for some lawlessness, and the road was closed.

[NukleoN]

OK guys....Evan has some good points...I don't know his new proposed route but I do know how to tell time. 8am it is!

:D

[Peiell]

Mmm, I am curious about these roads that I haven't been on. I may be there if my mind allows...

[malkey]

Originally posted by NukleoN
OK guys....Evan has some good points...I don't know his new proposed route but I do know how to tell time. 8am it is!

:D I'll be there with a couple of other peeps but we'd already planned a small group ride. So if you have more than a couple of people in your group please don't take offense if we don't ride with you. I'm just ready for a small group of experienced riders only for this one. :D

[NukleoN]

Sorry Malks...had no idea about the smaller ride till I organized this one. I wouldn't mind riding with you guys but since I organized this, I gotta show. :D

If anyone plans to come on this ride, please post in the thread! Otherwise, I won't know to wait for you.

[malkey]

No probs Nuke. :D I would have asked you but I don't have your email address. pm it to me.

If it is just you and Evan that would be ok.

[smokescreen]

oh... I understand.... just caus I'm not experienced........

















j/k

[malkey]

Originally posted by smokescreen
oh... I understand.... just caus I'm not experienced........

j/k We'll have to ask Julia that... :p

I always enjoy your rides Smoke but sometimes it is just nice to have a bit of "me time" in the canyons. :D

[Jerm]

Malkey, is your group heading out earlier?

[malkey]

Originally posted by Jerm
Malkey, is your group heading out earlier? 8am Jerm.

I'll do an open invite ride next time. :D

[sr9004u]

Damn!

[racinteach]

haha steve you have to get up early.....

[Peiell]

I always enjoy your rides Smoke but sometimes it is just nice to have a bit of "me time" in the canyons. :D [/B]

That just sounds filthy...

[wlk12]

I plan to tag along for the first part of the ride, but due to a prior engagement, I'll probably head over Mt. Emma to Wrightwood and home.

By the way, there's no way I'll screw up a smaller group that wants a more spirited ride. I'll just do it on my own - no problem at all.

[superstud27]

Okay, So I'm thinking about going out on the ride tmw. What time and where?


If we're gonna meet at ACH, anyone near the Orange County area wanna ride together up to ACH? Its more fun and I feel safer going with at least another rider in case something were to happen and what not.

Hey Pdiddy, I saw your post and I'll be down. I'm not 100% sure I'm going but i might as well post it up here in case so im ready.

I'm in fullerton so we'd probably take the I-5 North, 605N, 210W to the 2 right? Anyway, let me know thanks

[Burke]

Originally posted by smokescreen
oh... I understand.... just caus I'm not experienced........















j/k No, really I think it's your personality...

;)

[Pdiddy]

superstud,

i have my nephews b-day at noon so if i go i might have to cut out early. but i will let you know later tonight, i live off of rosecrans and beach. yeah 5 north all the way to 2 north is prob the quickest way to ACH.

[smokescreen]

Julia and I may or may not be going... So if we aren't there don't wait up, and if we are there.... Well, you get the idea.

[sr9004u]

Originally posted by racinteach
haha steve you have to get up early.....


Im always up early.....The earlier the better:o

[NukleoN]

Sounds like the ride is shaping up nicely...woot. Should be fun. Again, at the end the 5 freeway will be close for those who want to jet back, and we can do lunch at the ride's end...somewhere with air conditioning. ;)

[quiklids]

C-ya tomorrow, Dan...I'll be ridin' toward the back of the 'inexperienced' group!:)

[superstud27]

okay I'm back from a long class. anyway....



so will someone fill me in. We're meeting at the base of ACH at a Shell station around 8 Am. there are going to be two groups and that is purely coincidental. One is "experienced" and the other is not? And the creator of this thread is leading the more "relaxed" ride in which I am taking part of? Correct?


Pdiddy, you still going? I'm gonna have to head back to fullerton BY 4pm at the latest. Got a bday dinner hopefully that won't be a problem with traffic.

[racinteach]

not necessarily more experienced..just a more intimate group....malkey buys us drinks when he's done with us...

[superstud27]

ah sweeettttttttt damn i gotta wake up so f'in early. don't remember the last time i woke up so early

[superstud27]

agh damn it. you know every year it seems like Dejavu. Last year I went on a ride to ACH from a bunch of bikers from socalsportbikes.info and the OC group (about 15 of us) left Irvine to ACH. We were all going around 90mph on god knows what freeway (in the middle of nowhere to me, cause i've never been there before) and my bike decides to die. It just powered off, electrics and gas the whole deal. So i'm frantically waving my arms like a mad man trying to get off the road and not get run over by the stupid semis.


This year, i JUST realized... i might have to change my tires. It's too dark to check right now so i'll do it early in the morning but if i recall correctly... when i bought the bike the seller told me that he's never replaced the tires (he's had it about 1000 miles or so I think before the other owners sold it) so i don't really know the tire history which makes me uneasy. And... the front tires seem to have very very fine cracks in between the grooves. I dont know what that means but probably nothing good eh? If anyone reads this before 6am tmw morning.... will you give me feedback on whether it would be safe to ride to ACH tmw? Thanks.. i'm going to sleep

[Peiell]

Mmm, I dunno about the cracks in the tires, but I don't think it's too common for a tire to blow if that's what you're concerned about. Are the tires properly inflated and do they have good tread? If so, I'd imagine they be okay to participate in the ride. Just don't take it too hard, especially if you're still running stock tires. Oh, if that's the case you should DEFINITELY pick yourself up some new tires ASAP :p

[Pdiddy]

superstud,

not going to be able to make this one. gotta do the bbq grill pretty early for nehews b-day. about the tire if you see steel don't go to ACH. just got mine replaced by racinteach last week, he has good prices and knows what he is doing. next time we can ride up to ACH or Glendora together.

[malkey]

Originally posted by superstud27
okay I'm back from a long class. anyway....And the creator of this thread is leading the more "relaxed" ride in which I am taking part of? Correct?. That would be correct :D

[NukleoN]

okay I'm back from a long class. anyway....And the creator of this thread is leading the more "relaxed" ride in which I am taking part of? Correct?.
That would be correct

Hey! I resemble that! :D

Wow lots of us meeting today...two seperate groups at the Shell with the popo at the ready. Thankfully, he didn't come after us and the other one didn't bust a U when Evan pulled a sweet little wheelie.

Thanks for coming out peeps...Evan, thanks for showing us (me) some new roads...going the other way on UBT was interesting.

Also, sorry about the rather dull Sierra Highway...normally I don't take that route but I didn't want to take us the wrong way on Soledad since I wasn't familiar with the section we were on after that detour...Soledad is a more interesting road to get back to Bouquet.

What happened to you guys at Elizabeth Lake when I made a left? I looked back and all of a sudden it looked like a rider meeting at the intersection there. Since I was leading that section I figured you guys would follow me and we could stop on the side of the road, even tho I thought we discussed our route? Maybe someone was heading home to Palmdale or had engine trouble or something?

I stopped at the little general store with my bike in a visible spot to wait for everyone. I drank some Gatorade and waited a bit in the shade where I would have seen everyone go by. No sign of any riders (maybe you zoomed by when I was in the store). I busted through San Fran and didn't see anyone there either..it's as if ya disappeared! What happened after we got split up?

Will, what is the 2-2-5 signal you were giving me on the freeway?

Hope everyone made it home ok...thanks for coming out. It'll be a little less sloppy next time. ;)

[smokescreen]

Hey Nuke, great ride! Glad to see another ride end with no tickets or crashes... For us anyway. The cops were there from the start, but somehow we eluded them.

The one crash we rode up on was a lowsided sport bike in a mild left hander. Allthough the cruisers stopped IN the road nearly caused more crashes.

After gassing up I was stoked to have new twisties to look forward to, but the detour we took was mind numbingly dull.... After that, bouquet was fun, but the route had been soo extended, that there was no way I was going much further without a fill. So we were forced to go back to the fuel point we had stopped at earlier. We all fuelled up, chilled for a few... then hit the road. Angeles Forrest Highway, where Evanand Julia played with a squid, whilst Tony played with an MR-2. After passing a parked cop at about 64mph, I thought I was toast, but he didn't give chase, so, all the better! Next time out, I think we could leave a little earlier, say 730?, and alter the route for a little less in between time..

All in all, a great ride!!

Nuke- On the freeway, I was pointing at my speedo(not speedos) and holding five fingers, then two, then five. trying to get you to keep it at 75mph, but in retrospect, I shoulda just given you the slowdown signal. thanks for a great ride! It is rather nice to go out on a ride, and not be the one tasked with making sure eveything is kosher the whole time. So I'm all about others running these things!!

W

[NukleoN]

Yo Will (and Julia Gulia)!

Thanks for coming out...ok, next time for sure there won't be detours..but I'm glad we got to learn some new roads...good to know about them so I can include or not include them next time I plan a ride.

Duuuude...there was gas right where I waited for you guys! It was like a mile down the road from where you all stopped behind me. It's at this charming little small town store...in fact, I would have stopped there if you wanted...but I thought you all filled up in Palmdale at the Chevron? Maybe not...no worries...I was just wondering what happened. ;)

Oh yeah...I had no idea what you meant by the signals...but the slowdown signal would have worked (patting the ground) if I was going too fast in that straight boring section...you know the R1 can run a little more easily on those kinds of roads......maybe the KTM doesn't go that fast in a straight or were you guys worried about cops? Anyhoo...I gotta keep that in mind for next time....coz for sure Evan blows by me in the twisties like I'm standin' still hehee.

Next time, we can do the faster route without the freeway drone or boring Sierra Highway. ACH to UBT to Soledad, back to Bouquet and San Fran. I should have also recommended everyone fill up at Chevron too where Evan took us...for some reason I assumed everyone was getting gas there. I should have mentioned the little last chance gas station on the way to San Francisquito as well..had no idea you needed a fill. Dude next time just point to your tank and we'll get to the nearest gas station or I'll know to stop and talk to you. :D

Well cool..glad there were no tickets and it wasn't us crashing! DOH....

Fun ride...man it was HOT when I got back...when I didn't see you all I just made a beeline straight for the santuary of an air-conditioned home...still not eating yet...too hot! :D

[wlk12]

Great ride - thanks to all. Sorry I had to cut out early; however, the ride from AFH over to Wrightwood was nice.

And if the worst thing that happened was William getting a bee sting on the butt, it was a good day.

[quiklids]

That was one amazing ride!

Not even sure what route we took, but does it even matter?...as long as somebody's leading, I'll be content as Katie the Cleaning Lady...permanent sweeper!:D Thanks for hangin' with me Bill!

Lots of police presence from ACH coming back down...I was pretty whipped by then anyway...blast down the 2 to the 5 South...traffic jam! All the way home...yuk! 255 miles round trip, thank god for the gel seat, thanks Paul!

Thanks Nuke...hope we can get up there again soon!

[smokescreen]

Bill, it was great to meet you! Hope to see you on future rides with us!
W

[TwistGrip]

Hey, good riding, folks! Glad to turn you on to my way of hitting the Crest. I probably haven't been up there in a year, and definitely haven't ridden fast up there in a LONG time. It was good to go back to my old stomping grounds.

Highlights?

- That *unintentional* wheelie at the start of the ride, what a squid. I was caught talking at a green light and then tried to make up for my gabbing with a handful of throttle. Oops. At least the CHP didn't light me up.

- Cranking along at ??mph with my mental cruise control locked while traversing Upper Big Tujunga both ways. What a nice road, even I was surprised at how the KTM took to the sweepers.

- Loved the outer portion of Angeles Forest before hitting Aliso Canyon, again, just locked it on cruise control and made tracks.

- And Bouquet always makes me smile; at the bottom you have those tight kinks, and then it loosens up under the trees and then as you climb out of the canyon you have the open sweepers. Nice road.

When I got back I logged into my bank website and found my card had been flagged for possible fraud, which explains why I had no luck at the gas stops. Turns out, someone had made a copy of my card and was using it to buy stuff at Von's, Wallgreens and Food4Less... to the tune of $317 so far... but we shut down the card and have filed an identity theft form to get my $$$ back.

The snafu at Elizabeth Lake road was mostly my fault. The Sierra Hwy detour had not only eaten a bit of fuel, it had also used up my extra time and I needed to get going. There was no way I could have made it home in time if I'd gone all the way around "San Fran Sis Queeto." I made an executive decision to break off there and took everyone with me... oops.

Good riding, though. And glad everyone had fun, no one had to have the uncomfortable chat with the Man, and no one downed their bike... That heat was pretty overwhelming by the time I got back, too. I had to take a nap after everything was done here at the homestead, heat exhaustion?

Look forward to the next one.

in pieces,
evan

[Burke]

Glad you guys had a good ride. I broke off from Malkey's group at the old gun range on AFH and I actually came down Soledad and Sierra to Vasquez and Boquet. I was thinking of heading over to San Fransisquito to see if I could run into you guys but it was noon and getting HOT! Nuke, sounds like a fun one. Sorry I missed it. Looked like the CHP were setting up a vehicle inspection spot in ACH at the bottom of AFH. Too many coppers for my taste. Next time we'll head to my place after and I'll throw some burgers and dogs on the grill and you guys can entertain the neighbors by doing wheelies up and down the street and donuts on their front lawns... ;)

[NukleoN]

Yo WLK12 and Quiklids..thanks for coming out! Glad ya had fun...good roads eh? Too bad more of you didn't get to see San Fran....next time tho. :D

The heat was crazy Evan...I came home and took a nap too...and I still haven't eaten...interesting how heat sucks the hunger outta ya. I did hydrate on all the stops....glad ya got to buzz your old stomping grounds again. Thanks for the rundown of what happened...I guess that explains why I didn't see any of you after I headed for San Fran.

What's with the popo on ACH? Man they're going all out.

Sounds like your group had a good ride too Burke....glad everyone was ok...and no tickets! :D

[Buellba Fett]

Originally posted by wlk12
... And if the worst thing that happened was William getting a bee sting on the butt, it was a good day.

Smokey, am I to understand that you got poked in the BEE-hind?
:p

[Devilfish]

Ok so I passed by a group of about 8 SV's as I was heading back down the ACH this morning. Was that you guys!

[malkey]

Originally posted by Devilfish
Ok so I passed by a group of about 8 SV's as I was heading back down the ACH this morning. Was that you guys! It was probably this motley crew you saw. :grin:

There was 8 of us on SVs yesterday moring.

[smokescreen]

Damn Malkey, your little group was bigger than our big group!! What route did you guys take? How'd it go?

[Burke]

Nuke, what was your exact route?

[TwistGrip]

Originally posted by Burke
Nuke, what was your exact route?

I can fill you in.

We climbed Angeles Crest from the 210 to the top of the new pavement and turned left onto Angeles Forest Highway. That took us out to Upper Big Tujunga (right turn) and we did that road up and back returning us to Angeles Forest. Still with me?

Right turn on AF took us towards Palmdale, but we turned left onto Aliso Canyon for a more fun route. We then jumped on the 14 north to get to Palmdale for some fuel, drinks and shade at the Chevron.

Backtracking on the 14 south to Soledad Cyn exit then down Sierra Highway to Vasquez and the bottom of Bouquet Canyon. We rode Bouquet up to Elizabeth Lake road where Nuke turned left and did San Fransisquito solo and the rest of us turned right for more fuel in Palmdale and to return to Angeles Forest Hwy. We took The Crest back over the hill and returned to where we started roughly four hours earlier.

There was a bit of confusion over the best way to link all the roads, hence the backtracking on the 14, but it is possible to ride nothing but twisties and sweepers 95% of the time out there. We'll get it right the next time.

When is that anyway?

-Evan

[Savage]

I've never been up ACH...definately would like a guide to show me a few routes up there sometime in late July.

[Tom]

Originally posted by superstud27
haha MAN this is so tempting. I've driven ACH before and i was "ACH"ing to ride a bike on the road. :)

That's fine and all, but when your balls drop, you can try it on a bicycle. :D

http://www.planetultra.com/angelescrest/index.html

[sr9004u]

It was a great ride for group B as well, It was good to see some new and old faces to

[malkey]

Originally posted by smokescreen
Damn Malkey, your little group was bigger than our big group!! What route did you guys take? How'd it go? ACH to Newcombs, down Upper Big T to the old range. Then the reverse route back. Works out at about a 90 mile ride.


Originally posted by Savage
I've never been up ACH...definately would like a guide to show me a few routes up there sometime in late July. I may organise an "open to all ride" the weekend of the 15th. Would that work for you Dan?

[sr9004u]

I like it, Im in

[malkey]

Originally posted by sr9004u
I like it, Im in For the weekend of the 15th? If so you could sweep if that is ok with you?

How did the Power Commander fitment go today?

[sr9004u]

Well good and bad.....low torque like crazy! front wheel in the sky kind, Ive got a wire gone bad and it was cutting out on the way home.....I was gonna bail out in your hood but made it home!

[NukleoN]

I may organise an "open to all ride" the weekend of the 15th. Would that work for you Dan?

Sounds good Malkey...and if you want to throw Bouquet and San Fran that's cool too. There's a gas station in between Bouquet and San Fran, for future reference, but it's an old-skool 'cash only' type.

There was a bit of confusion over the best way to link all the roads, hence the backtracking on the 14, but it is possible to ride nothing but twisties and sweepers 95% of the time out there. We'll get it right the next time.


Yeah, the additional route ideas threw me off..normally I hit all my roads with no problems, no detours, and no u-turns or gas problems. So, since I organized this ride, I want it to be clear that the confusion came from agreeing to try out some new suggested roads...but unfortunately, I wasn't sure how to connect where we ended up on one new road to a fun road I had in mind. I took a route I knew would get us back to where I wanted to go, but yeah, it was boring and not part of my usual route.

In retrospect, group rides probably aren't the best time to try new routes if we don't know how to connect the roads.

The R1 gets about as much out of a tank as an SV, so next ride I lead I will make sure we're all filling up together so I don't lose the entire group because of something like gas when there's gas a mile from where you all stopped. If everyone had just followed me they could have topped off like a mile or two down the road, much closer than backtracking to Palmdale and we could hit San Fran for those who never tried it.

I assumed everyone filled up at Chevron like I did, and I had more than enough gas to get back to some gas stations near the 5 and beyond. I didn't see anybody indicate that they needed gas.

Normally if I need gas I'll let the ride leader (or the person in front) know by pointing at my tank...but then again, when I am on group rides lead by someone else, I top off at every gas station if we're taking the time to stop at one, especially if I don't know the route well. Man, I still remember being at 29.9 reserve (my reserve is supposed to be 29 miles) on one of the Ojai rides....now THAT is stretching it hehe. But still...no harm no foul. ;)

And next time, there won't be any route deviations...causes too many problems, so that'll be the best way to get it right next time.

[Burke]

Originally posted by TwistGrip
I can fill you in.

We climbed Angeles Crest from the 210 to the top of the new pavement and turned left onto Angeles Forest Highway. That took us out to Upper Big Tujunga (right turn) and we did that road up and back returning us to Angeles Forest. Still with me?

Right turn on AF took us towards Palmdale, but we turned left onto Aliso Canyon for a more fun route. We then jumped on the 14 north to get to Palmdale for some fuel, drinks and shade at the Chevron.

Backtracking on the 14 south to Soledad Cyn exit then down Sierra Highway to Vasquez and the bottom of Bouquet Canyon. We rode Bouquet up to Elizabeth Lake road where Nuke turned left and did San Fransisquito solo and the rest of us turned right for more fuel in Palmdale and to return to Angeles Forest Hwy. We took The Crest back over the hill and returned to where we started roughly four hours earlier.

There was a bit of confusion over the best way to link all the roads, hence the backtracking on the 14, but it is possible to ride nothing but twisties and sweepers 95% of the time out there. We'll get it right the next time.

When is that anyway?

-Evan

What may be a better route in the future is to head South on Soledad from AFH and go to I believe, Aquadulce Cyn. (Not too sure) to Davenport road to Sierrs Hwy. Then to Vasquez. It'll cut out a ton of needles FWY riding. and it'll get you to Boquet a lot quicker. Then instead of going all the way up Boquet, cut it off at Spunky Cyn and go over to San Francisquito. From there ou can go Right to Lake Elizabeth or Left down San Francisquito into Valencia then back up to Lake Hughes or back to Boquet or whatever yo want to do(back to my place for a BBQ?). Whatever I gotta do to stay out of Palmdale... No offens to those folks in Palmdale but SCV is hot enough...

What also may help is if I could learn to spell... Or type... :o

I'm out for the 15th. My nephew Ryan's 2nd B-Day. Uncle Burke missed #1 for MotoGP last year and I'm still hearing about that one so... No way out on this one. Maybe next time...

[TwistGrip]

Originally posted by Burke
What may be a better route in the future is to head South on Soledad from AFH and go to I believe, Aquadulce Cyn. (Not too sure) to Davenport road to Sierrs Hwy. Then to Vasquez. It'll cut out a ton of needles FWY riding. and it'll get you to Boquet a lot quicker. Then instead of going all the way up Boquet, cut it off at Spunky Cyn and go over to San Francisquito.

I totally agree, this is a good route. Love Spunky Canyon, but some of the newbies might not like sand and kinky roads as much as me...

The route I used to do up there had me riding AFH to Aliso Canyon to the 14north to Palmdale so I can get gas (2.1 gals, remember) and then on to Bouquet at the north end (Lake Elizabeth Road). I take Bouquet south and left on Vasquez, over to Sand Canyon and back to Sunland over Little Tujunga. It makes for a nice round trip (almost a circle) and it's pretty much all twisty "secondary roads" except for 10 mins on the 14.

Think I might have to go on a **scouting mission** tomorrow AM to make sure all those roads are open...
Evan

[NukleoN]

Spunky Canyon is probably awesome for the KTM, but I avoid it most times. :D So yeah, I usually skip that road...too dirty for my tastes...and I almost got killed there once with someone railing through a chicane on my side of the road as I was headed uphill...it's a good thing I was way on my side of the road or I would have been clipped....hopefully locals there don't have a habit of doing that or someone's gonna get killed.

[J.Moto]

Spunky...ahhhh...

It's technical and dirty. There's three specific turns/sections that increase the whole road's technical level by a few notches. And one of those sections caught me and made for my first crash. On the side of the road recovering from the crash, I specifically remember one pickup flying through the road sliding its tires and leaving its lane immediately in front of us. It wasn't the only vehicle going too fast. You need to be careful on that road.

And yes, the AV sucks, Burke.