There are some really bad things about being a motorcyclist in California, the traffic, congestion, and distracted drives can make riding a little stressful at times. But then all you have to do is take a ride down some of the back roads just about any time of the year and all of a sudden being a motorcyclist in this crazy state makes perfect sense again. Here are four of my favorite head clearing rides in California.
Ojai:
Ride Distance: 50-100 Miles
Tucked away in the mountains just north of L.A. is the picturesque small town of Ojai. They 101 North to Highway 33 which will take you right into Ojai, after a stop for lunch or just to walk around the cool downtown you have a few choices on which way you can go. If you West on 150 you have a fun and challenging mountain road that takes you along Lake Casitas and eventually back out the coast and Highway 101 near Carpinteria. Or you can head East on 150 and enjoy the scenic views and landmarks like the Thomas Aquinas College, Steckel Park, and end up in the small town of Santa Paula along the Santa Clara River and enjoy cruising through beautiful farmland.
Pacific Coast Highway:
Ride Distance: 50-650 Miles
One of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world much of it running right along the edge of the water. Running nearly the entire length of the state of California there is over 600 miles of road to choose from, but my favorite ride is from Pismo Beach all the way to Half Moon Bay. It is about 250 miles but it takes through Cambria, San Simeon, Big Sur, by the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, then on to Monterey, and San Gregorio. If you keep heading north you will go over the Golden Gate Bridge, and north all the way to Leggett where Highway 1 merges back with Highway 101.
Highway 74:
Ride Distance: 50-80 Miles
Heading out from Hemet, California the Pines to Palms Highway takes you through the beautiful Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains down into the desert of the community of Indian Wells. The road is full of twists and turns as you go from the cool mountains to the arid deserts outside of Palm Springs. Once in the desert, there are several ways you can go, south takes you to the western shore of the Salton Sea, while to the north is Joshua Tree National Park.
Angeles Crest Highway
Ride Distance: 60-70 Miles
The Angeles Crest Highway runs through the length of the Angeles National Forest, over 700,000 acres of wilderness just north of Los Angeles. The windy mountain road is a favorite of L.A.'s native car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders and has several popular cafes along the route where all manner of vehicles will be on display. Leaving from the La Canada Flintridge, Angeles Crest Highway, Highways 2, makes it's way from the foothills of Los Angeles to the edge of the High Desert where it deadends into Highway 138. From there you can turn around and enjoy the road back, or if you have the time take Highway 138 eastbound towards Crestline and the resort community of Lake Arrowhead. Or head east on 138 to the I-15 South and pick up old Route 66 just one exit down.
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