Having a son living in LA gives me a place to satay, and a head start on
riding north and into the mountains above LA. For only a brief hour out of the
city, it changes for the good, and for those of us who ride, that is a good
thing. Starting out of Moorpark, take the seldom used back roads into Santa
Paula, warming up on the gentle curves. Then one of my favorites, SR 150 to
Ojai, 15 miles of curves that will make you want for more, but even there
civilization is creeping in, and it can be crowded on weekends. Then at Ojai,
you have decision to make, either riding up past Casitas Lake, or SR 33, over
the mountain. Today’s ride was to be the latter, and with great weather, there
were so many bikes out we dominated the road. Almost like the cars all stayed
home where they belonged. Riding the Tiger 955 with Theresa packing double, we
were ready, and as we passed dozens of bikes parked at the local hangouts, we
kept on, hoping for more open road ahead. Now I had settled into the Zone,
almost like riding on auto pilot, and was using all the Michelin the bike had to
offer, when I heard something coming up on me-an Aprilia, laid over and flying
by on my left, fuel tuck, and leaning farther than me. Which only made me go
faster, but also got me in the habit of looking in the mirror, as Ducatis,
Buells, Triumphs, and NInjas, CBR’s, and FZR’s kept blowing by-and I am not
riding slow. But the farther we rode, the total absence of cars was evident,
and I thought I was doing pretty good, until 3 BMW’s blew by, leading was a new
GS1200, followed by a K1600GT, with bags, and then another older GS. These guys
were cooking, and a new respect for German bikes and their riders overcame me.
And as my riding skills became more challenged, I fell back on the fact that I
was probably the only one riding with a plastic aorta, and my mind was
completely emptied of all stress, despite the aggressive riding, 33 had set me
free, and I was loving it!
And as I rode, I noticed groups of riders, marking their spot for a ride
back down the mountain. Talking on the side of the road, conversations I had
been part of many times before, talking of the road, and lunch when we get
back. But today was all about the road. A ride many had taken before, which
may explain so many high performance bikes I see with worn tires and low miles.
Some were racing up and back a 20 mile stretch, some stretching it to 30, or 40,
then back. Serious rides for serious riders, on a road that twists, turns, and
gains elevation to over 5000 feet. Maybe one of the best days ever riding in
over 40 years! But since we were out for a ride, and we ride loops, never
coming back the same way we came, we took a right on Lockwood Valley Road. In
the past I have gone down the hill, an over 20 mile straightaway that once was
rumored to be where Honda tested their bikes for top speed, myself once passing
a CHP car parked on the side of the road at over 130 mph. He never looked up,
maybe 130 never gets his attention there any more, but we never slowed either,
and he never gave chase. Where are cops like that when you need them? So after
riding for over 45 minutes of mostly car free roads, with no cops present, we
turned to the east and aimed for I-5 and civilization, a great continuing road,
and passed only 4 cars in the first 16 miles, then a group of Harley riders,
riding more aggressively than most I have seen, these roads just bring the speed
out in you. Great examples of why God made motorcycles, and why maybe on the
8th day He made roads. He knew we would ride someday, and until that time, we
needed to get around anyway, so He blessed us with roads like this. Kept cars
from them, and invented smooth pavement, banked corners, and views of the roads
from above like those seen only in the Alps. All within a 90 minute ride of Los
Angeles. Just far enough to keep the trendy from invading, who wouldn’t get it
anyway.
So off Lockwood Valley Road, into Frazier Park, across the 5 to Pine Valley
Road, then Elizabeth Lake Road, to Bouquet Canyon Road, then finally the San
Fernando Valley. All in an afternoon away from people who don’t ride. A day to
be remembered when bench racing for years to come. And being blessed knowing
there are others out there that ride faster, better, and can use all the
motorcycle that they can. It made me feel proud to be a part of them, and I
can’t wait for a Street Triple so I can return and ride faster. 33 will set you
free, but speed and riding will become an addiction. With only one cure....and
I had found the cure. On a road described as “not for the faint of heart.” A
road for the experienced only. If only they knew...
- I agree with the review, I would like to add some cautions. This road is prone to contamination from rock slides and dirt/sand. There are a few corners that are not marked or read well, and are on crowns and/or are increasing radius turns. Not for the faint of heart, otherwise this road is indeed one of the best in Central. - Michael Jordan (4/13/09)
- First off I would like to say that this road has extremely fast sweepers and slow twisties. The whole road is a scenic view with a couple of fire stations along the way. If you are coming from the Ojai side, you will pass the (Deer Lodge) restaurant on your left just as you are leaving town. They have great food and always a lot of bikes to check out. A few more miles out of town you will run into a series of tunnels, the first one sometimes has water flowing across the road. Once you are past all of that, you will come upon a little store on the right that has a (opening soon) sign with some shade and a couple of picnic tables to rest on. A few miles down the road is a fire station that has a water fountain for drinking if you are parched. Great road for an all day ride! Happy Trails. - Derrick Avery (12/1/08)
Now roads are nothing new to God. When He and Adam walked through the
Garden of Eden, it was probably on paths, the first form of roads. And when the
population grew, He added roads so they could get form one place to another. We
even find Jesus entering into Jerusalem on a road, and the good Samaritan aids
the beaten traveler on a road. Roads are mentioned 85 times in the Bible, turns
over 40, so God is familiar with roads, and He knows the one you are on. He
talks about straight and narrow, too far left you go into oncoming traffic, too
far right you are off the road. God loves to ride! But he also speaks of a
special road, one just for us..
A highway shall be there, and a
road, And it shall
be called the Highway of Holiness.The unclean shall not pass over it,But it shall be for others.Whoever walks the road,
although a fool,Shall not go astray. Isaiah
35:8.
So we are all on some road somewhere. And along
the way we will meet people, and go astray. It will take Jesus to get us back
on the road we need to be on. But will you recognize the signs, or will you
continue on, until the road ends, abruptly? There is still time to turn to
Jesus today. He rides, and He is the best road you will ever ride. He created
the mountains, the valleys, and the views of and from them. He is power when
needed, and a place to rest and take in the sights. And when walking His road,
or riding it, you will not go astray. It even has a name, the Holy Road. His
promise. Your choice, just how good a rider are you?
That perfect ride you are looking for is found
only in Jesus. 33 may set you free, only He will set you free indeed. A walk
unlike a road that is not for the faint of heart, He welcomes all, and when your
heart is weak, will guide you. I know, my heart was weak, beyond repair, and He
saved me-twice. I now carry the scar...
Enough said, let’s go riding. Remember whatever
road you are on, Jesus is there with you. And will guide you back when you
stray, and urge you one when needed. He knows what lies beyond the next
curve...all His corners are marked well. Straight and narrow in the curves,
only possible with a loving God. Who are you riding with will tell more about
your ride than any bench racing session. Get all you can from life, on or off
the road in Jesus. And leave the cages at home, where they belong.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com