What a terrific idea for a ride Wookie! I screwed up with the meeting location, but we did eventually meet at Newcombes Ranch, and it was a great evening.
When my brother Steve and I got to Newcombes, their flashy sign said it was 39 degrees at the approximate 6000 foot elevation we were at. We got a table near the fireplace, and in no time felt warm again. The chile I had kept me warm the rest of the night actually. My leathers kept the cold out and my internal gas heat in.
I had begun to realize my mistake about the meet place. I thought Newcombes was just off the freeway, and hence the meet place. Turns out it's about 30 miles of scenic twisty road up the mountains, and the address was for the Shell station we had stopped at briefly. Again, sorry Wookie.
But, we were halfway through our meal, Wookie showed up and started taking his layers off. After eating and talking, we layered up again and hit the road with Wookie leading the way to as far as we could go. We had to take it slow, and soon had snow on the sides of the road. Except for a little sand and gravel in some areas, the road condition was okay though. Had to swerve to miss some fallen rock and chunks of snow, but nothing serious. With the near full moon, and somewhat clear skies, the views were great. When we reached the end of the road, you could see Palmdale/Lancaster off in one direction, and the Los Angeles basin in the other. We peaked at just over 7000' elevation, and I'm sure the temps were in the high thirties for some time there.
I've heard a lot about the Angeles Crest Highway, but this was my first time on it. Steve and I plan to do it again in the day light. It takes a bit of freeway riding to get to the great roads of Southern California, but it sure proves worth it when you get there.
Wookie and I plan to do more rides, and it sure would be nice to have some of the other area members join us. I know you're out there.
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