Ojai - Sunday 6/27

[John]

The wife and I have a wedding to attend on Saturday in Camarillo. We're going to stay and ride Ojai on Sunday. Any pointers would be appreciated. Of course, you are free to join as well.

I saw this on another thread. Can you guys let me know how we should attack this (i.e. where to start, gas stops, food breaks, etc)?

Ojai / Los Padres National Forest
Hwy 33 - rivals Angeles Crest Highway, incredible variety of terrain & elevation changes, nice long ride
Hwy 150 - east of Ojai is scenic but not too twisty; west of ojai wraps nicely around Lake Casitas
Cerro Noroeste - arguably the best moto road in all of southern California, remote (plan your gas stops well)

[rwalterk]

I can't make it but man I love riding up there.  Anyway, from Camarillo I would do the following:

http://bit.ly/cYFNF8

*  Get gas at or just before B (a few gas stations in the area).  There's a decent breakfast place called Eggs n Things in the Vons shopping center if you want breakfast.

*  Going from B to C is the awesome part of hwy 33.  Take your time and enjoy.

*  Pull in and take a break at C, the ranger station on the right.

*  Ride to D (slightly boring), then turn right on Cerro Noroeste, the best moto road in so cal.

*  Ride to E which is Pine Mountain Club, look on the right side for the Screaming Squirrel (can't miss it).  Pull into the parking lot and take a break.  There's a market and bakery if you want a snack, or if you skipped breakfast, eat at Screaming Squirrel and order sweet potato fries.

*  There's a gas station next to Screaming Squirrel; gas up if it's open, if not then you have to ride to F.

*  After getting gas at E or F, you can double back which is sweet because Cerro Noroeste is better going westbound; otherwise ride east until you hit interstate 5 and head home that way.

[rwalterk]

In case you're wondering why I didn't recommend Lockwood Valley Road next to point C on the map, here's why (since we had a pretty wet winter and that river is sure to be trickling across the road):

http://socal-letsride.com/forum/index.php/topic,810.msg9554.html#msg9554

[John]

Thanks Ray, this will be much appreciated. I'm glad you told me about Lockwood, I was planning on doing it. We're trying to book a room in Ojai - but that place is booked solid this weekend. We'll probably end up staying in Ventura.

We should do ride and stay one of these weekends. So many roads up there to explore.

[rwalterk]

We should do ride and stay one of these weekends. So many roads up there to explore.

I'm definitely down for that, especially so I can finally try hwy 58.

[John]

We thought about doing a epic ride yesterday, but the heat was pretty much unbearable. My bike was running 180 degrees at speed. We made it about 50 miles past the 150/33 split in Ojai and then turned around.

Aside from the weather, I have to say the area is awesome. Clean roads, easily manageable turns, awesome scenery, minimal leo presence, and just plain nicer people. The cars move over for you at the first safest spot, no aggressive riders making questionable passes, and even the cruisers were pacing at a decent clip.

I would definitely do it again, but maybe not during the summer. If anyone is planning to go in the summer, be sure to bring some fluids with you.

Ray, we ran into some locals and they said Lockwood is dry right now in case your pondering a ride up there.

[rwalterk]

Glad you enjoyed it, minus the heat.  I've actually done a few runs up there during the summer and yeah it's hot haha.  And thanks for the intel on Lockwood. 

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Lockwood!  Isn't that your fav spot Ray?   

My bike always runs 180 at speed ... well unless it's really cold out.  It gets right up to 212 if I am idling around; the fan comes on after that.

[John]

I usually do canyon rides when it's a little cooler. So generally, my bike is running at 160-170. If it's running at 180, it's a warm day for me. In any event, I don't think I'll be going back that way until fall.