SoCal: Angeles Crest Highway SUNDAY June 21, 2009

[Ken]

I'm getting Sunday the 21th off so...Anyone up for ACH on SUNDAY?!

I'm thinking meeting up at 8am and leaving by 8:15am to beat the massive crowds.

Nothing is set in stone so if anyone wants to come along and have input on what time please feel free to do so! Hope some of you SoCal guys are still alive and riding!


Route from Jay's Shell to Newcomb's Ranch.


Jay's Shell:


And if anyone is up for it, take ACH all the way through Wrightwood! We'll take breaks from time to time if necessary to enjoy the scenery.

[fjyang]

Hi, Ken nice talking to you on the phone, I'll be there to ride ACH with you and I hope we can get more Socal rider to join in this time around as its on a Sunday and more then ample time to plan/schedule some free time on the 20th. Weather should clear up by then.

[asuh]

How aggressively do you guys normally ride ACH? I pretty much exclusively ride Mulholland and the surrounding canyon roads and know the roads pretty well around there. I've been dying to ride ACH, but don't know if it's a good idea for me to ride it the first time in a group.

[ninjabrewer]

Good idea, I may be able to.. How far is the start point from Cypress?

nb

[fjyang]

ACH is realy relatively easy road to ride compare to GMR, Malibu or Ortega Hwy as the road is wide, corners, sweeps are big radious and long. I think its a geat road for new riders to grow their skills. If you go into a turn too hot, there is plenty of road/room for corrections and adjustment compare to other tight technical routes.

My approach to group ride is that its not a race, everyone ride their "own bike" own pace and if you feel you want to go faster, then pass the rider in front of you, if you feel you can't keep up then let the rider behind you to pass you so you won't hold up the faster riders. Usually in the first few miles of a group ride the pack will sort itself out and settle in everone's comfort level.

A fast rider that corners 60-70mph compare to a slower rider that take it 35-45mph is only gaining 30-60sec to Newcombs so its not worth it in my opinion unless you getting paid big bucks for that 30sec :-)...off course on a race track a few seconds is like forever.

[diablo250]

I'm game. My boss at the bike shop always lets me off to go on a ride. Just doesn't know which kind...

[ninjabrewer]

I have been wanting to go for a ride that didn't involve a lot to stop lights. The local riders have contacted me a few times, but I was never able to go for some reason.
Glad to hear that it is good for beginners, I have never rode fast twisties, Tantulas (sp) was fun but I needed to shift a lot.

nb

And I can't wait to ride it again, when I get back to Hawaii.

[ninjabrewer]

I have been wanting to go for a ride that didn't involve a lot to stop lights. The local riders have contacted me a few times, but I was never able to go for some reason.
Glad to hear that it is good for beginners, I have never rode fast twisties, Tantulas (sp) was fun but I needed to shift a lot.

nb

And I can't wait to ride it again, when I get back to Hawaii.

[ManyCavies]

Who says this is a road for beginners? I am confused. I thought this road is long and with no real breaks. Am I wrong?

[Beast]

I'm in Ken

I've been dying to ride ACH, but don't know if it's a good idea for me to ride it the first time in a group.

We will all ride our own rides, but that's hardly the point of riding as a "group". It's more fun to stick together, but we are all bound to get separated at some point

A fast rider that corners 60-70mph compare to a slower rider that take it 35-45mph is only gaining 30-60sec to Newcombs

That's not necessarily true and I speak from experience haha. I've been able to get from start of the Crest to Newc's in 20 minutes...generally not a good idea hah. First of all, 60-70mph on the Crest....on a weekend no less, will get you caught by the highway patrol GUARANTEED.

if you feel you want to go faster, then pass the rider in front of you

I hate to disagree with you on this, but that is definitely a "no" on that decision.

If the rider in front of you is going "too slow" for you then they'll obviously notice you in their mirrors, slow down, shift to the right part of the lane and usher/signal for you to pass them.

Who says this is a road for beginners? I am confused. I thought this road is long and with no real breaks. Am I wrong?

It definitely isn't for beginners. But what is a beginner really? Those who decide to join this ride should feel comfortable riding canyons already. There are definitely breaks...lots of them in fact should you choose to pull off to sight see in one of the MANY looky-loo spots. Some of these rest points are even full-fledged stops with restrooms.

The distance from the base to Newcombs ranch is about 28 miles. Takes about 35 minutes to get there depending on your pace.

[ManyCavies]

All I'm saying is that it's a long road. You need to think all the way through each corner, entering and exiting, time and time again. 28 miles worth. The typical new rider doesn't have the mind set to do it. It's not for beginners. And I find pulling off at rest stops only breaks the pattern and makes it harder. Maybe its just me but thats how I feel. I ride Hwy 74 from Palm Desert to Anza all the time. I have ridden Palomar, Banner, and Montezuma Rd. I won't ride ACH with a group.

[fjyang]

Chris, it goes without saying that you'll be riding in the front and the rest of us trying to catch up with you. I did exagerate on some of my point but the idea is that don't kill yourself riding beyond one's skill level for the few sec-min. of time that is not too meaningfull or worth the risk except on a track or in competition. If you can make it to Newcombs in 20min.....would you wait for us? :-)

I left out but agreed with you totally that if you want to pass the rider if front of you make your presence and intentions know before passing. I lost count how many time riding on ACH cruising 50mph and some guy blow pass you within inches going 80mph and scare the bejusus out of me.

ACH compare to Malibu or GMR is "better" for beginners in my opinion (not that its for beginners) I don't think there is any canyon road that is for beginners but if you only going 35mph, you can turn any canyon road into a leisure cruise.

[Beast]

Chris, it goes without saying that you'll be riding in the front and the rest of us trying to catch up with you.

We'll see :P Ken was supposed to keep up with me on a downhill stint one time but couldn't because he was "digesting".

I lost count how many time riding on ACH cruising 50mph and some guy blow pass you within inches going 80mph and scare the bejusus out of me.

No kidding. That happens way more than it should and often at the worst times. I've been passed mid-turn before

I did exagerate on some of my point but the idea is that don't kill yourself riding beyond one's skill level for the few sec-min. of time that is not too meaningfull or worth the risk except on a track or in competition.

Cool. I just wanted to clarify. I'm glad we're on the same page!

If you can make it to Newcombs in 20min.....would you wait for us? :-)

That was one time and one time only haha I wouldn't be so wise to try something like that on this group ride.

You need to think all the way through each corner, entering and exiting, time and time again. 28 miles worth. The typical new rider doesn't have the mind set to do it. It's not for beginners.

I fully agree with both of those statements. While not ultra-tight, the crest's drop-offs are unforgiving. I would like to hope that everyone who decides to join the caravan will be experienced enough to assess each situation intelligently and ride safe and aware.

[Ken]

Frank, it was nice speaking to you too. Hopefully more will show up when the day arrives!

Albert: I am by no means aggressive. I admit it in my signature. Ride your own pace. We are not racing to the top, or showing off to each other. It's a very enjoyable ride on a leisurely pace. When I go solo I usually tag along a random cruiser and ride the speed limit... or less.

I've rode ACH with Beast a couple of times including my friend Alex. Beast can be hard to keep up with , and if I see Alex fall back behind me we don't feel pressured to keep up with Beast. One time my friend and I arrived at Newcomb's to see Beast already off his bike .

The goal is to build camaraderie and have a safe, enjoyable ride. It's also a learning experience for everyone.


I wonder if we'll get 10+ ninjette riders to show up...

[diablo250]

I'm excited about this...I love hitting malibu/ventura canyons, and Ive heard about ACH for quite a while now...

[00v_Lucky]

um, i do not have any protective gear for me legs. any one got spares? im like a 30 waist

[Kurosaki]

Originally Posted by Beast

I'm in Ken

Hell, if Chris is going, I'm going!

(tentative, if I get my brakes changed and new tags this week.)

[Beast]

Originally Posted by Kurosaki

Hell, if Chris is going, I'm going!

(tentative, if I get my brakes changed and new tags this week.)

Which you will!

The goal is to build camaraderie and have a safe, enjoyable ride. It's also a learning experience for everyone.

Exactly!

Beast can be hard to keep up with

Exactly!



hehe...

[inbox526]

Heh how often do you guys go? I'm waiting for my own skill level to build before i try anything like the canyons. Quick successive turns make me nervous enough without the worry of shifting and handling that nose-dive braking feeling.

[Beast]

Originally Posted by inbox526

Heh how often do you guys go? I'm waiting for my own skill level to build before i try anything like the canyons. Quick successive turns make me nervous enough without the worry of shifting and handling that nose-dive braking feeling.

Not often as group like this...actually, this might be the first time with a group like this haha. Summer is just starting, so there will be more rides, however I don't recommend ACH for you yet and I'm glad you're smart enough to realize that you're not ready for it yet

Grabbing a handful of brake and "nose-diving" is never a good thing. Smooth braking should feel like a consistent, gradual stop...even if it is a "hard" stop.

Anyway, in the meantime, keep building your skills and ride safe

[Kurosaki]

Originally Posted by inbox526

Heh how often do you guys go? I'm waiting for my own skill level to build before i try anything like the canyons. Quick successive turns make me nervous enough without the worry of shifting and handling that nose-dive braking feeling.

I can usually be found at Glendora Mountain Road on saturdays and sundays.


I haven't been in about a month and I'm about to shoot myself in the head.

[00v_Lucky]

I will join you guys another time, my friends and I are going to go in our cars, and this way I will know if I am up to the challenge on my motorbike.

[diablo250]

How many bikes are coming on the ride?

[Ken]

Alright! We have a nice group so far.

Right now we have the following attending:
Ken
fjyang
ninjabrewer
diablo250
Beast
Kurosaki

asuh????

Anyone else?

[Beast]

This will be a great turnout!

[Ken]

For sure! We'll be able to check out other bikes at Newcomb's when we get there. Also the weather is going to be nice

Check out the Sunday forecast

[Kurosaki]

lol. there's nothing to check out on my bike. It's just stock with some scratched fairings.

[Ken]

Two more days!

[Beast]

Just to this out of the way. The one rule that must be enforced while riding in this group is this: If you're on the bike, you're dragging a knee. I want to see both knees dragging at the same time too <-- I call that move "Weekend Gardening" and it's sometimes known as "Praying at Church".

You're probably asking yourself, "Do I drag a knee in the straights?" The answer is yes. I don't want to see any excuses come Sunday.

[Alex]

Hooligans...

[Beast]

Originally Posted by Alex

Hooligans...

What? These are legitimate concerns I have for Sunday

[Kurosaki]

omg

[kkim]

have fun guys... be safe. looking forward to a "clean" ride report come next week.

[asuh]

I went up to ACH today to give it a little test run. I ride mostly Muholland and the surrounding canyons around PCH and used to the super quick and tight successive turns. I was kinda expecting the same from ACH, but found it to be much more enjoyable with the longer sweeping curves. I averaged around 55-60mph to and from Newcomb's Ranch (their fish tacos were pretty good). I can't commit 100% to this Sunday's ride...it all depends how late I stay out Saturday night. Count me in at 80%. haha.

[asuh]

Actually, count me in 100%. So how many of us are now going? This will be my first organized group ride. How exciting!!

One more thing...I have to be at work by noon. I run a restaurant in Santa Monica and it's going to be crazy busy, it being Father's Day weekend and all. The earlier we meet, the better.

[Beast]

This ia ridiculous! It seemed to have rained pretty heavily here in Burbank last night. According to the weather report now, it's also raining in La Canada Its supposed to clear up, but the morning is all that matters for us. Let's hope it's not the same outlook tomorrow :/ asuh, scroll up a few posts, the headcount is there
Posted via Mobile Device

[ninjabrewer]

Originally Posted by Beast

This ia ridiculous! It seemed to have rained pretty heavily here in Burbank last night. According to the weather report now, it's also raining in La Canada Its supposed to clear up, but the morning is all that matters for us. Let's hope it's not the same outlook tomorrow :/ asuh, scroll up a few posts, the headcount is there
Posted via Mobile Device

You ain't kidding. I have waited all week for the weekend, a sunny weekend, go to breakfast this morning and it is drizzling rain. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny. Depending on several things today, I might not make it for the ride, although I am planning for it. Looked it up on google and it is about a 45 - 1 hour ride to the meet up. 8 AM meet, leave hotel at 7, rise and coffee around 6.

Planning on seeing everyone Sunday.

nb

[Ken]

Hopefully some who didn't chime in will drop by.

See you guys at 8am

[asuh]

Hey fellas, I gotta take my sister to the airport early tomorrow morning so I'm not gonna be able to make it. A little bummed out, but you guys have fun and ride safe. We're all expecting videos/pics and a ride report tomorrow after the ride.

[Kurosaki]

yep