Back in the Spring, SMcBain (Scott) from Texas contacted me about SoCal rides. After some emails, we decided to meet up an go for a ride. However, this was a meeting that almost didn't happen. My son in Upland, CA called the day before the ride saying that he was really sick and dizzy. So, I pack some stuff on the bike so I can go I can help out my son, and if he is ok, ride the next day (luckily, my son is currently staying pretty close to where I was going to meet Scott). So I hang out that day with my son and he is doing really good by that evening, its no fun being sick. The next morning, he woke up a little sick, but started recovering quickly, so I decide to at least go meet Scott for breakfast and then see how my son is doing after that. Scott and I meet met at McDonalds in San Dimas for a not so quick breakfast and strategy session to plan the day's adventure. I quick check with my son, he is doing fine, so its time to RIDE!
<Imagine a pic here at a McDonalds>
SoCal is is locked up pretty tight when it comes to dirt roads/trails within our available range, so we opted to take a popular paved ride on Hwy 2, Angeles Crest Highway (ACH). So, we hopped on over to the Sports Chalet at the beginning of the ACH in La Canada to pick up a forest permit (tax). We start heading up the steep, curvy, being careful to mind our speed because all the motorcycles are giving warnings of polilce ahead. First stop was Mt. Wilson Observatory.
<Imagine another pic here of the radio/TV towers and observatory>
We had to be careful, because there was a bi-athalon going on with a number of runners around.
We left Mt. Wilson and continued east on ACH for a while, enjoying the curves, pine trees and cool air until we came up on Newcombs Ranch, a popular motorcyclist hangout. We stop for a bit and park at the end of a long row of bikes, next to a GS1100 with a milk carton bungied on (go figure).
<Imagine a pic of a long row of bikes>
We wander through the restaurant/bar area and look at a large raised-relief map, but there wasn't much else there. We soon pass where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the ACH, and Scott turned around to go back and take a look. I could see the wheels turning, he wanted to try it out on his bike! Hehehehe. A little ways further down the road, we turn on a side road. After it passes a Christian camp, it turns into a rough, secondary forest road, the closest thing to dirt we'd see all day. It was a couple miles of wandering, broken pavement through the trees before we were stopped at a gate. The road probably wandered all the way down to the desert, but only if you are on foot.
<Imagine a couple bikes among the chaparral and pine trees, with cute little bunnies hopping around and birds singing>
Turning around, we head back out to the ACH and continue on our way. Scott reminded me that I hadn't checked in on my son in a while, so I spent the next 10-15 miles looking for decent signal. A quick call and he is doing well, and we are on our way again. Along about now, cold sodas are starting to sound pretty good. We stop in at a visitors center, but there are no vending machines. They can't even "sell" the water bottles they have on the counter, they can only take "donations". After being denied, we continue on and finally get to Wrightwood. We finally have sodas and sit down at a picnic table to solve the worlds problems. With problems solved, we shake hands and part ways.
It was great to meet you, Scott!
As you all can see, I wasn't very good at taking pictures. Maybe we can talk Scott in posting a bit of his video.
However, here is a link to my Spot tracks
https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=e3c655b6c0af11a51Post log: I saw my son last weekend, and all illness issues are gone.