Wrightwood, CA

[alanmcorcoran]

Last year I managed to get out to the local hill six or seven times, so, this year, for the first time ever, I figured I'd pony up for the heavily discounted season pass (it's like $250 in August.) My wife did all the BS on-line, but you have to go up there to get your picture taken and actually collect the pass. I figured I'd do it now, before the snow starts, to avoid a line when I actually want to go skiing.

When I drive up, it's nearly 100% highway/freeway and I can do the 74 miles in about an hour. Wanted to ride on backroads, so I asked Google to set me a route. This turned out to be a mistake on several levels.

Ten or twelve miles in, I get turned around at Carbon Canyon. It's only opened to residents on account of a bunch of their houses burned down and local law enforcement is apparently concerned about looters or looky-loos. I'm a fifty year old man on a 250cc bike with no saddlebags. Not exactly a threat to make off with the plasma TV. But, then again LEO's are not the best people to reason with once they've made a decision about something. So, U-turned and turned on my ABPS. Twenty minutes and 6 freeway miles later, I was back on track.

The non-freeway pace was quite slow. Speed up to traffic light, stop, repeat. At about 2 hours in I finally hit a very lovely stretch of backways: Lytle Creek Road. Beautiful, slightly winding, through a canyon next to a creek, up through the mountains. NO LIGHTS! Very nice. Started to relax and think ride wasn't so bad after all. About 8 miles up the road, I hit the recommended turnoff - a very sharp right on Sheep Canyon road. 15 feet in I almost dumped Suzi - the road was deep, loose gravel. Not suitable for anything other than maybe a Hummer or a Jeep. Screwed by Google! There happened to be a local family on a hike/walk. The first thing they asked me was if I had used MapQuest to get up Lytle Creek. Told me there's no way to get to Wrightwood from Lytle Creek. Back to the freeway. Cost me about 30 minutes total. Got on the 15, (the regular way I usually go) to the 138, etc. and got to Mountain High's season pass office at 4:30 - three and a half hours.

My ass had gone past the point of numb. Learned a new trick. If you stand on the pegs you can push the back of your ass up against the back seat and get some relief underneath. Rode quite a bit of the last half hour or so like that.

My ass being in the condition it was, darkness having set in, and there being no real back way back, I decided that being a pussy is a relative thing: I strapped on a pair, said to myself (a la O'Reilly) "Eff it, we're taking the effing freeway!" Hauled ass down the mountain (it was COLD up there, like 40!), onto the 138, onto the 15 and onto the 91. 74 miles of straight ass- hauling: bouncing, grooves, scallops, wind buffeting, trucks, debris, chuckholes, BE DAMNED. I was NOT going to drag my ass through Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Upland, Ontario, Chino, Diamond Bar, Brea, East Butthole, etc. for another three hours.

Got home in about 85 minutes give or take, including a stop for gas, power bar and coffee. What with the detour, my 150 mile ride ended up being closer to 160, but by the end of it, I feel like I have moved a little closer to being a regular biker.

[Moedad]

You had an adventure! Did you take pictures? I need to go for a ride tomorrow.

[alanmcorcoran]

No pictures. Didn't bother to take the camera on this one. Did get in a little of Rte 66 on the way out. Nothing noteworthy, stop and go traffic in Fontana.

[Easy Rider]

My ass had gone past the point of numb. Learned a new trick. If you stand on the pegs you can push the back of your ass up against the back seat and get some relief underneath. Rode quite a bit of the last half hour or so like that.


Did you also try the "heels on the passenger pegs" position? I find it quite helpful. Alas, my legs are not long enough for the "push back" to help me much. I REALLY wish there was an easy way to mount some "center" pegs.

I thought sure we'd see a windshield performance report but no such luck. How DID it do for you ?? (Maybe that part should go in your shield thread.)

[alanmcorcoran]

It's hard to say on the windshield. It'd be a lot easier if you could press a button and it rolled down like a window. Then you'd be able to quickly compare the two situations. As it is, I have to try and remember what it was like when I didn't have it and my memory is not so good.

Overall, I'm guessing it's a positive. I have definitely gotten less apprehensive and more aggressive on the freeways. (One thing that may not be clear to non-California riders: freeway <> multilane highway. Until you have ridden on the grooved, scalloped, and seamed concrete surface, it is difficult to describe. There are stretches paved with asphalt and these are a dream compared to the normal concrete. Plus some sections of the concrete are far more turbulent than others. Like I said, hard to describe.) I think the lowered level of wind buffeting reduces the chaos enough so I can still maintain my sanity while screaming along over the cobblestones.

I did another 20 miles or so last night on the freeway back and forth to a party -a trip I would have done on surface streets in the past. Over these last ninety miles, I've learned that I can goose the bike up to 60 in fourth. If it's flat, downhill or wind aided, I can go into fifth and get up to 63-68. I'm not sure if the windshield is affecting the speed or not, it seems like I top out now at just under 70, but I don't have to kiss the speedo to get over 60. Most of the time on the freeway I'm at a tad above 60 or less, partly because of traffic, partly because it takes ideal conditions to accelerate up higher than that.

[BusyWeb]

I thought sure we'd see a windshield performance report but no such luck. How DID it do for you ?? (Maybe that part should go in your shield thread.)
Yes, I also wanted to see how the Mr. Alan's windshied is doing..

Mr. Alan, seems you had a great riding.
How's I-15 riding down, I had yesterday night too.
I couldn't speed up like cars doing when I was riding down with GZ250. :blush:

[alanmcorcoran]

Well, it's definitely better going down than going up. I rode most of the way down drafting a bit behind a truck doing an even 60ish. I was about 50-75 feet back. The truck gave me a little relief from lane changers and an excuse for not going 85 like everyone else. After about 15 miles, he turned off and I was on my own again. Got a little clenchy when the cars were darting in front and then hitting the brakes at around Norco.

The main thing for me is I'm still adjusting to the constant wiggle/jostle and general turbulence at that speed on that surface. I've started to get a little more used to it, but it's still a pretty intense situation for me. Once it's dark, I can't see the road surface with my peripheral vision (I'm mostly looking ahead) and I worry about hitting a giant pothole or the various ladders, mattresses and other lost cargo that is commonly littered across the lanes.

[patrick_777]

Well, it's definitely better going down than going up.

I couldn't have said this better myself.

[trykemike]

Alan a few thousand more miles , you are getting there. Just don't hurt your back.
I did when I was 27 yrs old on a dirt bike and I pay for it ever since.

[alanmcorcoran]

Trike,

The back only bothered me for about 24 hours (and it didn't kick in until about 24 hours after the ride - so I'm not 100% sure if it was the culprit - probably though). I went to the gym towards the tail-end and did my core routine, including upside down situps, incline situps, sideways situps and roman chair leg lifts. Was probably just sore (old) muscles - nothing important broken. At 50 I'm coming to grips with a sharp decline in muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and limberness. Things seem to tear and tighten up a lot easier and stay that way for longer. Sooner or later I'll probably tear, pull or strain something more-or-less permanently and then I will be sorry, but, until then, I'll probably continue to live in a state of denial.

I've hurt myself a lot more in the gym and on the racquetball court and the soccer field - three more activities I probably shouldn't be doing at my age. I hate getting old.

[mr. softie]

Alan your ride report reminded me of some of the rides I've had where you just gotta keep on truckin' till you get home. The "what the hell am I doing" kind of ride. I still would rather ride than drive though. I think you might try my seat mod for a more comfy butt. It's good for 8 hours of pain free cruising for me. By the way I am still riding every day here in South East Pennsylvania. Coldest so far was 23 degrees one morning last week. Plus the sleet and freezing rain are a challenge.

[alanmcorcoran]

I'll look up your mod, softie, but don't hold your breath. Unless it is something real simple (like adding a windshield) I shy away from messing with my toys. Typically, I am less happy with my stuff after I messed with it than before, often owing to poor workmanship, impatience or stupidity on my part.

I also like to keep my options open if I ever want to sell the thing (to keep it in as close to original condition as I can.)

Your assessment of my sentiments when I was leaving Mountain High was spot on. Fortunately, had the benefit of having experienced similarly overly ambitious or otherwise poorly planned adventures on my road bicycle, and, comparatively, hauling ass on the GZ is a *lot* easier. On a positive note, I seem to have gotten past most of my fear of the freeway.

I've seen various replacement seat "kits" reference on here, but don't recall if anyone actually bought one and was happy with it.

[Easy Rider]

I've seen various replacement seat "kits" reference on here, but don't recall if anyone actually bought one and was happy with it.

Well, now that we have dragged you kicking and screaming into the world of windshield users...... :poked: :biggrin: , maybe it's time to work on the seat. :roll:

Given your overall situation, you might want to consider a gel pad like I've got; easy on, easy off; just a little expensive though. With an ass that is 12 years younger and your bike riding history, hopefully the one small one would be enough to give some significant relief.

[alanmcorcoran]

I'll keep it in mind. I'm not sure what my riding habits are going to evolve into. I've kind of backed off from totally pointless rides, but, at the same time, the bike has become my primary means of getting around. Last week we had a few days of steady rain and I took the Camry into work on Wednesday. Felt a little strange driving a car again!

I gotta get out with Moe on some more fun rides. I think I could do that Ortega a lot more aggressively with more practice and rideing time.

I've got to give some thought to my original (fantasy) idea of cruising the West (like the chick in Resident Evil.) Not totally ruled out, but now I have some more of the downside to think about. I think the key, as you and others have said, is to schedule some sensible breaks. The big question for me is, "Am I going to buy a bigger bike?" If so, I'll probably keep the GZ for commuting and around town and the seat on it is fine for that.

[Easy Rider]

I think the key, as you and others have said, is to schedule some sensible breaks. The big question for me is, "Am I going to buy a bigger bike?"


"I've kind of backed off from totally pointless rides," :skull: BLASPHEMY :skull: :biggrin:

Here's my take:
Bigger is not always better.
Riding on the Interstates is NOT a pleasure ride, no matter what you are on.
SO......
If you can arrange the GZ so it is comfortable AND resist the urge to pack too much, it will do just as good at 55-60 on the US two-lane highways as anything. You DO give up the option to get back home in a hurry if you need to but there are ways around that too if it REALLY is necessary........and maybe better options too than racing home on a big bike while distracted by a family emergency or similar.

3-400 miles a day is easily do-able......that's 6-8 hours. More than that is too much for a variety of reasons. On my ride down US 41, there were times that I went an hour and met maybe 10 cars; hard for a California guy to grasp, I know. :cool:

[Moedad]

On my ride down US 41, there were times that I went an hour and met maybe 10 cars; hard for a California guy to grasp, I know. :cool:

Go ahead, :poked: the California guys. We're not THAT gullible. Only 10 cars in an hour? Ha! That's a good one.

[Easy Rider]

Go ahead, :poked: the California guys. We're not THAT gullible. Only 10 cars in an hour? Ha! That's a good one.

And you can see for miles and miles and MILES..... :tup: :crackup

[music man]

I have to agree with Easy on this one, I just made a road trip on a 1200cc goldwing, and even though 70mph on it was way more comfy than the GZ even at 60 is, it still is not a fun ride HAVING to go 70-75 just to keep up, and I don't think that it would have mattered if the bike would have been a 3000cc, it still would not have been the highlight of my day to do it (I also despise getting on the interstate in a car).

[alanmcorcoran]

Well, believe it or not, in Southern California there are:

1) Places where the *only* way to get there involves significant freeway. I don't mean the only *fast* way, I mean the *only way, period*.

2) Quite a few more where you must decide "Do I want to spend 3 and a half hours going 35 miles, traffic light to traffic light, a block at a time or do I want to travel the same (totally uninteresting) distance in 35 minutes?" (The answer for me is the latter.)

Being somewhat newer (and far more crowded) than most states, we don't have the city/country/city deal out here. A very, very large chunk of the state is densely populated urban and suburban contiguous areas that go on seemingly forever. Traffic light to traffic light, Starbucks to Starbucks, McDonald's to Wendy's. The only thing that cuts through them is the freeway. In addition, the coastal portion of Southern California is a basin surrounded by mountain ranges. To get through the mountain passes, the freeway is the only option.

Yes, there are extreme detours you could take (like riding to Las Vegas by way of Arizona) but we're talking about reroutes that triple or quadruple your mileage (or worse), not mere inconveniences.

[mr. softie]

I am saving up for a goldwing or an ST1100 for slab work. I will keep GZ for sure.

[Moedad]

I am saving up for a goldwing or an ST1100 for slab work. I will keep GZ for sure.

I want a Wee Strom like Water Warrior.

[Water Warrior 2]

I am saving up for a goldwing or an ST1100 for slab work. I will keep GZ for sure.

I want a Wee Strom like Water Warrior.

Yup, they are a pretty decent bike. Looked at them for a couple years before I got mine. Basically the Swiss Army knife of bikes. The surprising/wonderful part is the aftermarket products made specifically for the Stroms.

[Easy Rider]

Well, believe it or not, in Southern California there are:


Yes :poked: Alan :poked: It was a joke. :poked:
Chill ! :roll:

It's the penalty you pay for good weather 51-1/2 weeks a year. :neener:

[deadman13]

Id be happy with a motorcycle only lane. That'd be nice. Have it blocked off from cages...oh the dream.

[music man]

I Would hate it if there were a motorcycle only lane, because people who ride motorcycles have been arguing for years that a motorcycle is just transportation just like any other vehicle, a motorcycle lane would squash any hopes of that becoming a fact, a motorcycle would become MORE of a novelty item (or a recreational toy) to people who don't ride them than they already are.

[deadman13]

Ah, I see the point there....crap. Well they have carpool lanes...meh. I do wish lane splitting was more or less legal everywhere. And I do know the dangers, but it makes more sence, especially on an air cooled bike (summer heat in sc, not fun.)

I was just thinking for safety. There's a vid somewhere online of a group ride near the mexican border, about 6 bikes lane splitting and they come to a closed off lane, jump through it and basically cruise till they hit the border and get waved through. *sigh*

[alanmcorcoran]

At the risk of pissing Easy off some more (a risk I'm willing to take), "In California..."

....we do have lots of "HOV" lanes, or High Occupancy Vehicle lanes. The funny thing is, in car crazy California, TWO people in the car (one can be a baby [But it mus have actually exited the birth canal]) qualify as "High Occupancy."

If you're on a motorcycle, or a hybrid purchased before they changed their minds, ONE person qualifies as High Occupancy.

So, although it's not exclusively for motorcycles, there is a sort of reserved lane. Haven't actually used it though. They typically go about 85 minimum in that lane... cause they can!

[deadman13]

Maybe we can make some narrow lanes, kinda like a toll road but for bikes. But instead of a straight line from a-b, they are a bunch of twisties, a few nice straights, bypassing cities altogether? Kinda like trail riding, but paved, and with a gas station or 2? (Again, this is just a "dream" in my head.) Could you imagine a mini Blue Ridge ride to work in the morning? Or a costal cruise to kill rush hour? I don't think thered be as much road rage if everyone could see the ocean, hell even pull off and swim some. Ah, in my world I guess.

[alanmcorcoran]

We have a few roads where the bikes almost outnumber the cars, Santiago Canyon and Ortega Highway among them.

Lot of bikers still manage to end up in trouble on them, though...