roadrunner 
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« on: June 14, 2011, 08:29:35 AM » |
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About this time of year the temperatures on the valley floor start rising and riding becomes more uncomfortable, especially with ATGATT. So, I decided to head for the nearby mountains in the Angeles National Forest to experience the cooler temperatures ..  Made a pit stop here at the Devil's Punchbowl County Park .. this is a great place for taking a hike, but not today.  This is Jackson Lake a popular spot for picnicking and fishing. Sometimes, in the middle of winter, this lake will freeze over which is very unusual for Southern California.   The snow in these mountains is almost completely gone. I held off riding up here until temps got above freezing to avoid the black ice issue.  Was hoping to see one of these guys but no luck. Did see a deer cross the road in front of me later tho..  Stopped here for a while and scanned the rocks above hoping to see a big horn sheep ...   Mt. Waterman ski area .. closed for the season.  Got back to valley about 3 PM and stopped in Palmdale for a burger, fries and RC cola. I was starving! .. not too many places to eat on the ride. |
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68 CL350, 74 DT250, 92 CB750
66 CT90, 82 FT500, 98 CB750
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tomb raider
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Life is Good !!
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« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2011, 09:22:16 AM » |
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Looksl like a Fun time, seems your a solo rider to  |
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Jimbo
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Burgi
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« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2011, 09:29:38 AM » |
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I'm so bummed we couldn't ride through there last time we were up. I've heard the road through is completely open now?
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Twist N Go
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roadrunner
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« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2011, 09:43:59 AM » |
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Looksl like a Fun time, seems your a solo rider to Most of the time. I guess I like the freedom to pull off the road and stop as long as I like .. take pictures of things I find interesting, and so forth. I'm also reluctant to ride at a speed determined by someone else. That being said, however, SOQS and I will take a ride with another couple on Wednesday to Tehachapi. He is a long-time rider and former employee of American Honda but they currently ride a Burgman. In fact, that's how we met. I was admiring his Burgman when he came out of Harbor Freight. I'm so bummed we couldn't ride through there last time we were up. I've heard the road through is completely open now?
Yes .. Highway 2 is completely open.  Not only that, much of the road is BRAND NEW! It looked like it had been laid and striped the day before! It got me thinking as to whether new asphalt was more slippery than older asphalt. Anyone have any knowledge in this area? |
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68 CL350, 74 DT250, 92 CB750
66 CT90, 82 FT500, 98 CB750
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fishball
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« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2011, 10:07:05 AM » |
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Looks very peaceful. Were there other riders out that day?
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Dan
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84 Honda cb650 Nighthawk
03 Honda Reflex (Sold)
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roadrunner
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« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2011, 10:24:19 AM » |
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Looks very peaceful. Were there other riders out that day?
Being a Monday I didn't see very many riders (or cages, for that matter). There were 10-mile stretches without encountering anyone else. Most of the people I saw were hikers who were tackling the Pacific Crest Trail. My personal theory on why the area is so unused has to do with the National Forest Adventure Pass which has prevented the large majority of the public from attending these "public" facilities. Ever since the law was passed in 1996, the number of visitors to the national forests has dropped dramatically. Since I don't have the pass, I was risking a ticket by simply stopping to take a picture at a lookout. Insane policy! (end of rant) |
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68 CL350, 74 DT250, 92 CB750
66 CT90, 82 FT500, 98 CB750
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NightHawked
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« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2011, 10:36:34 AM » |
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Great pics, thanks for sharing.
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JB1290
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« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2011, 10:47:34 AM » |
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Looks like a great ride. Thanks for sharing.  |
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I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6
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isleofmanfan
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« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2011, 11:13:10 AM » |
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Thanks for the ride! This looks a lot like the numerous rides I took up Mt Charelston, west of Vegas. I really enjoyed riding that mountain until I ran into the speed trap at the top.  I loved the cool, low humidity pine scented air up there. The Nighthawk used to loose some horsepower in the higher altitude. Bummer, but a beautiful region to ride. |
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Burgi
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« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2011, 11:15:46 AM » |
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Yes .. Highway 2 is completely open. Not only that, much of the road is BRAND NEW! It looked like it had been laid and striped the day before! It got me thinking as to whether new asphalt was more slippery than older asphalt. Anyone have any knowledge in this area? I heard on the radio some motorcyclist were lined up the morning the road opened to be the first on. The DJ sounded surprised but wrapped it with, "yes, people love the views up there!" I'm thinking "Oh yeah, they are there for the view, not fresh asphalt and world class twisties. |
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Twist N Go
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hppants
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« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2011, 11:22:21 AM » |
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Nice ride report - thanks for sharing.
One day I hope to ride in California. Let's hope I can still throw a leg over the bike by the time I can afford it.
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2005 FJR1300
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isleofmanfan
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« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2011, 11:25:00 AM » |
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Be careful of fresh blacktop road surfaces. Blacktop is a by product of oil drilling. Its very slippery when new before excess oil gets degraded by the sun, and washed away by the rain. A higher ambient temperature brings oil to surface of blacktop so use caution on hot days!
That said, they are darn smooth and its tempting to drag pegs on new roads!
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Isle of Man TT fortnight = Mecca
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isleofmanfan
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« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2011, 11:28:28 AM » |
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Looks like I need to add California 2 to my long list of must rides.  |
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Isle of Man TT fortnight = Mecca
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roadrunner
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« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2011, 01:39:31 PM » |
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Thanks for the ride! This looks a lot like the numerous rides I took up Mt Charelston, west of Vegas. I really enjoyed riding that mountain until I ran into the speed trap at the top. I loved the cool, low humidity pine scented air up there. The Nighthawk used to loose some horsepower in the higher altitude. Bummer, but a beautiful region to ride. Too bad about the speed trap  I guess they figure you're too involved with the road and the views to think about cops ... kinda underhanded! I didn't notice too much with the power even though I reached 7000 feet for a bit. However, when I rode 2-up with SOQS at Big Bear, there was a noticeable impact over performance at 2500 feet. Looks like I need to add California 2 to my long list of must rides. So many roads and so little time ..  I would like to ride Mt. Charleston some time .. and stay in Vegas for entertainment .. Thanks for the tip about fresh asphalt. I didn't notice any slippage except when I hit a tar snake on the older asphalt. Gotta stay off those critters!  Nice ride report - thanks for sharing.
One day I hope to ride in California. Let's hope I can still throw a leg over the bike by the time I can afford it.
If you are ever able to make it out here .. let me know so we can meet and take a ride together! |
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68 CL350, 74 DT250, 92 CB750
66 CT90, 82 FT500, 98 CB750
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Burgi
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« Reply #14 on: June 14, 2011, 02:31:07 PM » |
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The Nighthawk used to loose some horsepower in the higher altitude. Is the new bike FI? Looks like I need to add California 2 to my long list of must rides. Let's not pretend it wasn't already there...  |
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Twist N Go
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luckylindy
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« Reply #15 on: June 14, 2011, 08:51:11 PM » |
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Great ride report. Looks like some roads I would love to ride.
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'99 750 -Gone
'99 VLX-For Sale
'95 750 -Adopted 10-09
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isleofmanfan
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« Reply #16 on: June 14, 2011, 11:37:30 PM » |
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@ Burgi: No FI, the Bandit has carbs also.
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Isle of Man TT fortnight = Mecca
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Falban
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« Reply #17 on: June 15, 2011, 05:02:31 AM » |
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Awesome. Thanks for sharing RR.
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"Well, once again we find that clowning and anarchy don't mix."
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FearThis SC
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« Reply #18 on: June 15, 2011, 05:10:07 AM » |
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Great pictures.....thanks for sharing your ride!
Ride Safe...
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85 Honda NightHawk CB700SC
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Nocturne
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« Reply #19 on: June 16, 2011, 09:37:55 PM » |
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Those pics are great. I can't wait to embark on my own ventures like these. (Outside of rides to work and classes.  ) |
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~Destination is a state of mind.~
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