Betty Does CA - July 2013 ride report

[Verharen]

Black Betty and I just returned from 5 days on the beautiful highways of California. I send out a BIG THANKS to Cali Rider for his help in route planning, and Mr & Mrs Lefty who offered a destination.

Day 1 - Sat July 27, 2013
Route map approx 315 miles travelled

1. Stopped at Urgent Care to find out why right eye was swollen and red upon waking. Just wanted to start with a little excitement and intrigue. Doc fixed me right up.
2. Rode AROUND Los Angeles. Stopped in La Crescenta and tried unsuccessfully to find ex-boyfriend's parent's house. Ah well, probably for the best.
3. Got off freeways and got on scenic highways. In Santa Paula I couldn't pass up the photo op of me with their motorcycle sculpture commemorating two local heroes.
4. DIDN'T stop at the "Men's Colony" on the Chumash Highway.
5. Checked into motel, met motel cat "Cleo", and found end of day beer. The beer part became my end of riding day ritual.

 

[Verharen]

Day 2 - Sun July 28, 2013
Route map to Lefty's town, then added another 60 mi loop for an approx total 325 mile day

1. A 1938 beauty in the parking lot near my bike let me know that good people stayed at this motel.
2. Visited Morro Bay and realized I should stay there next summer. Took pic of sub & Coast Guard boat because it made me think of Motojoe122!
3. In fact, many of you were with me as I listened to my new riding tunes playlist. Tower of Power, Led Zepplin, Goldfish, Hinder, Velvet Revolver, and Puddle of Mudd to mention a few, had me thinking of my brothers and sisters on the forum. BTW, you all had a fabulous time with me on the ride!!
4. The ride up Hwy 1 was as breathtaking as always. I wished I had a helmet camera to capture the spots where stoping was impossible. Traffic was slow, but that allowed me to look around more.
5. I finally made it to San Carlos and practiced my quick stop technique as I recognized a face in the garage I was passing! I can't tell you how cool it was to ride with another biker chick!! We tried to make a girl rider sandwich with Lefty in the middle, but he seemed to prefer the view from the rear. Go figure.
6. Wow, they've got some great little roads to explore! Just be prepared for a 20 degree temperature change while riding. Then...beer me.

Days 3-5 to come soon...

 

[motojoe122]

Great pics and report, Jen! Funny thing....I grew up not 2 miles from La Crescenta! My parents live up the road from the Lowell exit off the 210. You were SOOOOO in my neck of the woods:BLAA:
Edit:
That boat is a 44ft motor life boat (surf boat), used to rescue people from high surf conditions. It self righted by use of roller pins in the hull. The updated version is the 47ft motor life boat, self righting by use of buoyancy. Tip O' the day

 

[Erci]

You rock, Jen!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Was trying to give you rep, but got the old "must spread before.. blah blah blah"

Awesome pics and sounds like an awesome trip!!

 

[Jblk9695]

Cool, looks like you had a lot of fun:thumbup:

Jerry

 

[Verharen]

Day 3 - Monday July 29, 2013
Route map (at least I think this is about the route we did in reverse) mileage 253 according to the map...I quit checking daily mileage at this point.

This was my favorite day. Here are the highlights.

1. Early breakfast with the Leftys even though only one is a morning person (I'm not saying who).
2. Lefty escorted me most of the way south. We had hours of conversation via our Sena units while riding perfect California country roads. He got a shot of me "undressing" as I removed my hi-viz vest in the heat of mid-day.
3. Created my new motto: "I could go faster, but then I'd have to pay attention." (Erci, please don't hate me for that).
4. Perfect riding weather and the BEST pizza lunch special ever.
5. Really wish I lived closer so we could ride together more often Mr. Crankypants. That goes double for the Mrs.
6. Beer me twice.

 

[Verharen]

Day 4 - Tues July 30, 2013

My day of reckoning. I was supposed to head home, route tbd. I checked in with my house sitter and she asked me not to come home yet. She hadn't completely spoiled my dogs and felt one extra day would do the trick. Okie dokie, I can accommodate.

Ojai had been so beautiful on the way up I thought "hey, I could go to Ojai and get a massage!" But what route to choose? Sure, I could just do the 101 and slip inland on the 150...or I could find something a bit more adventurous.

Here is the route I picked. Please zoom in to discover the challenge I had chosen.

I felt like I had discovered the most awesome secret in southern California. So beautiful. Except for a few tight spots in Lockwood Valley, the day was filled with sweeping turns on well maintained but rarely travelled roads. Sure, no cell service, but I went slow to be certain I didn't get into trouble. Gotta get one of those SPOT gps deals so Motogiro can keep track of me.

 

[Lefty]

Thanks for paying us a visit Jen. I think you and Mrs. Lefty hit it off so well that I had the feeling like I was the 5th wheel by the time dinner was over.
I had a blast riding with you on Monday down Hwy 25/Peach Tree/Indian Valley Road and the lunch we had in San Miguel at that little Pizzeria was a pleasant surprise for such a bump in the road town. :thumbup:
By the time I got home from dropping you off outside of Paso Robles I had done 370 miles for the day plus the 60+ miles you, Mrs. Lefty and I did when you got here Sunday evening.

Being in a "chick sandwich" on the Sunday evening ride was a new experience for me.....

 

[Verharen]

(Evening of 4) and Day 5 - Wed July 31, 2013

Route for the day - mileage approx 345

I have a confession. When I rode into Ojai I was tired. I wanted a shower, a massage, and dinner (with beer) in that order. Rather than wander all over town, I did the most decadent thing ever. I stayed at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. At least I got a AAA discount! And all 3 of my desires were fulfilled.

My mantra: I am worth it. I am SO worth it.

1. I had been in touch with my LA riding friend Steve, and he invited me to ride with him and "Ron" on Wednesday. They picked me up on their way through Ojai and I got to do Hwy 33 again!! This time I didn't spend so much time watching the scenery, and after 4 days of riding...I'd become a pretty kicka$$ rider!
2. Steve showed me how to split lanes down the entire length of the 405 (yuck), and by the time I got to Laguna I was ready to get off the freeway.
3. I decided to try one more new road, and took Ortega Hwy over the hills to avoid any more bumper to bumper traffic. Gotta do that one again!
4. Home sweet home. Yep, dogs were spoiled, but they had been that way when I left.

 

[Verharen]

Final thoughts:

Thank you my dear forum friends. Even though the majority of my ride was solo, I felt you were with me and supporting my adventure.

Next summer I propose to do it again with company. Hoonapalooza 2014 should start in San Carlos. Maybe I'll have camping gear by then, but I have to say I appreciated a warm shower and cold beer at the end of each day.

Total mileage was 1473.

My new friend Ron has met the real Angelina Jolie and said I'm much nicer. I have to admit that Betty and I never looked better than we did on Hwy 33 on that last day. We were flying.

 

[Motogiro]

Awesome ride report "Wild Child"

Glad you had a great time!

I got in a short notice ride today with Luis and another friend We did Monty, Banner Grade and Sunrise Highway.

 

[VEGASRIDER]

I'm actually on a road trip myself. Currently in Teton Village Wy. My hotel is amazing, heated floor tiles in the bathroom, oversize jet tub for two, the works. But it cost a tire and a swing arm to stay here, it's really expensive I can only afford to stay here one night but will like to return again.

 

[Verharen]

I'm actually on a road trip myself. Currently in Teton Village Wy. My hotel is amazing, heated floor tiles in the bathroom, oversize jet tub for two, the works. But it cost a tire and a swing arm to stay here, it's really expensive I can only afford to stay here one night but will like to return again.

As I was getting my much needed massage I was thinking, "there goes my GoPro savings fund." Then checking the hotel bill after meals, "yep, pretty much equivalent to 3 therapy sessions in a cost/benefit equation." :rof:

Hmm, I think I've got a spare tire around here somewhere...

 

[Tailgate]

Final thoughts:

Next summer I propose to do it again with company. Hoonapalooza 2014 should start in San Carlos.

Yeah, right. NorCal Hoons, for some reason, aren't as connected as are SoCal Hoons. Maybe it's the SoCal air or Colorado River water? There probably are not many who would argue that SoCal Hoons aren't the most well-connected group riders on this forum.

Well, wherever Hoonapalooza 2014 starts, I hope to make it. How about a ride---this would probably be a first---crossing the border into Mexico/Baja for a day ride? Do they even have group motorcycle rides in Mexico? I smell excitement (and trouble?).

 

[Lefty]

Evil forces are in effect for planning the SoCal to NorCal ride next summer Stacy. :BLAA: With a special occasion to be included....keep your fingers crossed. :rockon:

 

[lytehouse]

Awesome Jen! I don't think I'd ever be brave enough to venture out on my own like that, kudos to you sister! :cheer:

 

[Verharen]

How about a ride---this would probably be a first---crossing the border into Mexico/Baja for a day ride? Do they even have group motorcycle rides in Mexico? I smell excitement (and trouble?).

I love visiting Mexico beyond Tijuana. Have camped there many times. But I would never ride there. The roads are not well maintained.

My bike is too nice to go to Mexico by choice. There is a lot of crime, especially near the border. In a car I'm not noticeable but on my bike...I'm screaming "come and get me."

Nope. Not me.

 

[mxgolf]

Thanks for the awesome ride report and pictures. Sounds like a fantastic week of riding with some great friends help on the way. Maybe next summer I can make it down to Cali to see and ride with all you good people. :thumbup:

 

[Motogiro]

Thanks for the awesome ride report and pictures. Sounds like a fantastic week of riding with some great friends help on the way. Maybe next summer I can make it down to Cali to see and ride with all you good people. :thumbup:

Hopefully us SoCal peeps will make it up to the NorCal area and you can meet with us for the 2014 NorCal Hoonapalooza!

 

[sandctrev]

I feel a momentary mental pause with Hoonapalooza. ... ...
It's gone.
Nice ride report. You put on a lot of miles? How's Betty doing? I used to visit Ojai a lot when I was stations at Port Hueneme. I think that little town is one of the reasons I like Ramona so much. Peacefull, away from the city's. I'd like to cruise threw there some time.