Last edit:June 13, 2011 2130 PDT
Ok, I thought about this with a bit of creativity in making the ride more practical. I realized that if we run the route in the opposite direction it will allow flexibility at the end of the day to keep adding mileage if time permits. Any group ride, from 2 to 50 bikes, will only go as quick as the pace of the slowest rider. I don't mean any disrespect to anyone as I want all that have to committed to this to show up. It just means that time will need to be allowed to bunch up the group at specific meeting points, to get in pictures and meals, fuel stops, etc. So, as of now I am going to plan that we will do the same mileage in this revised Google map link:
The Big Loop- counterclockwise
This map shows these important stops:
A is the breakfast location in Anaheim for those of us starting from my house. The restaurant is Mimi's Cafe 1240 North Euclid Street Anaheim, CA 92801 We will need to be there at 0700 to beat the Saturday morning rush AND get on the road by 0830.
From here we will head east to meet those who are in the Riverside/San Bernardino area. That brings us to point
B, which is a Circle K convenience store in beautiful Mentone. Please be there, with full fuel tanks ready to ride at 0930. After a quick headcount and pre-ride chat we will continue to follow the map.
Our next scheduled stop will be point
F, a group of gas stations just about 100 miles from our previous stop. Everyone should top off here. We will then ride another 20 minutes or so until we get in to Wrightwood. The plan is to stop at point
G, the Grizzly Café for our lunch. This is a nice place with good sandwiches and friendly service, and the parking is easy.
Ok, with everyone refreshed the famous Angeles Crest Highway will be our next test. When we travel through to Upper Big Tujunga Road we will decide whether to continue on the original route or an alternate, this is up to the group based on time left in the day and other factors. I have 2 other paths that will shave between 30-50 miles off our day,
IF NEEDED! No matter what, we will finish up going through some wonderful twisting roads before returning to the freeway system for the rides back to our respective homes for the day. If we continue on the original path, our next stop for fuel and rest will be a point
J, a Shell gas station in Santa Clarita. From there we will finish up going through Little Tujunga Canyon and out to the freeway.
Now, in the interest of safety, there are some items I want us all to acknowledge and agree on:
- Everyone on this ride should carry some piece of luggage to hold a minimum 2 bottles of water/sport drink. Fanny pack, backpack, tank bag, etc. We will be in both desert terrain and high altitude for several sections of this route, and mid-July in SoCal can mean 100°F for 6 hours at a time. I know that some riders will be able to carry more than other and there might be a temptation to store stuff for your buddy. However, events might dictate that your drinks on someone else’s bike no longer become available (you all should know what I mean here…) and it is imperative to take care of yourself if others are not around.
- NOBODY is expected to ride at a pace that they don’t feel comfortable at. There will not be any peer pressure at all from the core group of riders, and there will always be a sweeper/tailing rider that will keep an eye on those who wish to ride at a relaxed pace. We will stay at or near the speed limits for almost the entire trip with no dangerous maneuvers. Passing protocol will be discussed in detail with everyone when we all meet in Mentone. We will do an accurate head count when we start the ride and refer to it at several points to make sure nobody gets separated.
- A few rapid-fire items…Check your bike a few days before the ride to verify all the usual maintenance factors, in particular tire pressure/condition, chain condition and brake effectiveness…..Get a good nights sleep on Friday evening so you are alert and happy…Wear your best riding gear as these roads have a lot of potential hazards…Make sure you have emergency contact information, insurance cards and any other relevant data in your wallet in case it’s needed…
The fuel challenge: If anyone wants to do this it is really simple. We will max-fill our tank(s) at the same fuel stop, zero our trip meters and ride to the next stop, minimum of 100 miles. Put fuel in together, check trip meters to verify distance and see who is the most conservative. The only disclaimer: you must be riding a motorcycle with at least a 600CC motor. If anybody shows up with a Ninja 250, Burgman scooter, etc. I think it’s not going to be a fair competition. Beat my MPG and I’ll buy your lunch, no limit! If I beat yours, just admit defeat in front of the rest of the group and we are all good!
Can’t think of anything else right now. If something needs to be added or edited I will do so on this specific post and change the date listed above. Comments/etc just post them here.