Angeles Crest Highway (ACH) Moonlight Ride - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

wookie · 11-26-2007, 09:51 PM

I have this idea of doing an Angeles Crest Highway (ACH) Moonlight Ride on December 21st (Friday).

Basically, the idea is to meet up at the Shell Gas Station just south of 210 freeway, exiting Hwy 2 (which is ACH) around 5 PM or so. Then ride north on ACH until the road closes (~40 miles), passing over Newcombs Ranch. This stretch should take about 1 hour, traveling at speed limit, or slightly slower. If weather cooperates, then we should have an awesome view of the moon rising (not quite full though) and the distant skylines of Downtown LA. Then we can double-back along the same route to Newcombs Ranch for a dinner by 6:30-ish. Wrapping up dinner by 7:30-ish or 8, then we can get back to the meeting place by 8:40.

One advantage for riding at this particular time of the day is that by then, most of the speed-demons will have gone home so the road would be relatively clear of hazards. I've done this route numerous times, mostly at night.

All kinds of bikes welcomed. We will do it safe: ABSOLUTELY NO CROSSING OF THE DOUBLE YELLOWLINES and we will do no faster than posted speed limit (this is a ride, not a run).

If anyone is interested, please let me know.

SoCalCruisin · 11-26-2007, 09:57 PM

Wookie, I'm in as long as it's Friday evening. I work Saturday evenings. Sounds like a lot of fun.

I'll do my best to keep my nimble little canyon carver in my own lane, but you know how I like to tear up the asphault.

**Clint** · 11-26-2007, 09:58 PM

There's no way in hell I'm ridin' for 27 hours to stay at the speed limit with you grannies.

robertc729 · 11-26-2007, 10:04 PM

@ Rowdy

SoCalCruisin · 11-28-2007, 05:05 PM

Here we are talking about doing a "moonlight" ride on December 21, and not one person from the cold climates is saying anything about it. Come on you guys, you gotta be jealous as hell.

PhotoJoe · 11-28-2007, 05:54 PM

I suspect the deafening silence is from all of them having to defrost the keyboards before posting their complete hatred for any of us who aren't snowed in. The ride sounds awesome. Have a great time. If I only had a bike.......

wookie · 11-29-2007, 05:35 PM

OK. Friday the 21st it is.

I will send a link of the map later on.

KD57 · 11-29-2007, 06:00 PM

That sounds fun, a moonlite ride here involves dodging deer, not too safe at nite.

wookie · 12-05-2007, 11:48 PM

Here is a route we will take. For some reason, I can't post the URL (probably way too long). If needed, PM me with your email address and I will send it separately.

Start address: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
End address: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

Start at: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

1. Head north on Angeles Crest Hwy toward Craig Ave - 39.6 mi

Arrive at: Angeles Crest Hwy (this is where the road is closed)

2. Head west on Angeles Crest Hwy toward NF-3N17/Santa Clara Divide Rd
- 13.2 mi

Arrive at: Angeles Crest Hwy (Newcomb's Ranch)

3. Head south on Angeles Crest Hwy toward NF-3N21 - 26.5 mi

Arrive at: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

tricker · 12-06-2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalCruisin

Here we are talking about doing a "moonlight" ride on December 21, and not one person from the cold climates is saying anything about it. Come on you guys, you gotta be jealous as hell.

wookie · 12-16-2007, 05:34 PM

Reminder:

Angeles Crest Highway (ACH) Moonlight Ride

As a reminder, we will be having the ACH Moonlight Ride on Friday December 21, 2007.

The meeting time is at 5:00 PM with kickstand up time at 5:15 PM. Meeting location is the starting address:

4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

If you need a detailed map, please let me know and I will send you an email. The pct-sign used in the google link doesn't react well with the message board's software.

SoCalCruisin · 12-16-2007, 06:23 PM

Looking forward to seeing you there Wookie.

Even though I saw snow along that route on the news the other night.

SoCalCruisin · 12-20-2007, 01:44 AM

Just wondering if you've checked the road conditions lately. What's the elevation where we are riding? The snow level is getting lower, and there's been quite a bit of it.

Let me know if this is still safe enough to do.

wookie · 12-20-2007, 02:17 AM

I will do a check-ride Thursday to find out more of the condition and will report my findings.

SoCalCruisin · 12-24-2007, 12:07 AM

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.

Stratoliner Blue · 01-25-2008, 01:58 PM

Too bad this thread is old and I just saw it.
I thought I was the only one doing nightime rides

SoCalCruisin · 01-25-2008, 04:03 PM

Stay tuned Stratoliner, we'll be doing more. Welcome to the forum.

11-26-2007, 09:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
wookie U.B's LoveChild Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: '05 SV650S; '05 GSX-R600;'04 749S Location: 20 Miles East of LA Posts: 1,174	Angeles Crest Highway (ACH) Moonlight Ride I have this idea of doing an Angeles Crest Highway (ACH) Moonlight Ride on December 21st (Friday). Basically, the idea is to meet up at the Shell Gas Station just south of 210 freeway, exiting Hwy 2 (which is ACH) around 5 PM or so. Then ride north on ACH until the road closes (~40 miles), passing over Newcombs Ranch. This stretch should take about 1 hour, traveling at speed limit, or slightly slower. If weather cooperates, then we should have an awesome view of the moon rising (not quite full though) and the distant skylines of Downtown LA. Then we can double-back along the same route to Newcombs Ranch for a dinner by 6:30-ish. Wrapping up dinner by 7:30-ish or 8, then we can get back to the meeting place by 8:40. One advantage for riding at this particular time of the day is that by then, most of the speed-demons will have gone home so the road would be relatively clear of hazards. I've done this route numerous times, mostly at night. All kinds of bikes welcomed. We will do it safe: ABSOLUTELY NO CROSSING OF THE DOUBLE YELLOWLINES and we will do no faster than posted speed limit (this is a ride, not a run). If anyone is interested, please let me know. __________________ "Don't wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pigs love it." "Don't argue with idiots. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience." "The Universe is a contest between engineers making things idiot-proof and God making bigger idiots. So far, God is winning by a wide margin." Last edited by wookie; 11-29-2007 at 12:33 PM.

11-26-2007, 09:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
SoCalCruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: May 2006 Bike: 2005 Yamaha Midnight Royal Star Venture, 2005 Boulevard C50T (For Sale) Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 338	Wookie, I'm in as long as it's Friday evening. I work Saturday evenings. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'll do my best to keep my nimble little canyon carver in my own lane, but you know how I like to tear up the asphault. __________________

11-28-2007, 05:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
SoCalCruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: May 2006 Bike: 2005 Yamaha Midnight Royal Star Venture, 2005 Boulevard C50T (For Sale) Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 338	Here we are talking about doing a "moonlight" ride on December 21, and not one person from the cold climates is saying anything about it. Come on you guys, you gotta be jealous as hell. __________________

11-28-2007, 05:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
PhotoJoe Third gear and cruising Joined: Mar 2007 Bike: Looking for my first bike Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 505	I suspect the deafening silence is from all of them having to defrost the keyboards before posting their complete hatred for any of us who aren't snowed in. The ride sounds awesome. Have a great time. If I only had a bike....... __________________

11-29-2007, 05:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
wookie U.B's LoveChild Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: '05 SV650S; '05 GSX-R600;'04 749S Location: 20 Miles East of LA Posts: 1,174	OK. Friday the 21st it is. I will send a link of the map later on. __________________ "Don't wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pigs love it." "Don't argue with idiots. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience." "The Universe is a contest between engineers making things idiot-proof and God making bigger idiots. So far, God is winning by a wide margin."

11-26-2007, 10:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,774	@ Rowdy

11-29-2007, 06:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
KD57 Can Ride And Chew Gum Joined: Oct 2007 Bike: 2008 ZZR600 Location: Under a rock in Texas Posts: 2,061	That sounds fun, a moonlite ride here involves dodging deer, not too safe at nite. __________________ The "other" ZZR rider.

12-05-2007, 11:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
wookie U.B's LoveChild Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: '05 SV650S; '05 GSX-R600;'04 749S Location: 20 Miles East of LA Posts: 1,174	Here is a route we will take. For some reason, I can't post the URL (probably way too long). If needed, PM me with your email address and I will send it separately. Start address: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 End address: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 Start at: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 1. Head north on Angeles Crest Hwy toward Craig Ave - 39.6 mi Arrive at: Angeles Crest Hwy (this is where the road is closed) 2. Head west on Angeles Crest Hwy toward NF-3N17/Santa Clara Divide Rd - 13.2 mi Arrive at: Angeles Crest Hwy (Newcomb's Ranch) 3. Head south on Angeles Crest Hwy toward NF-3N21 - 26.5 mi Arrive at: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 __________________ "Don't wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pigs love it." "Don't argue with idiots. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience." "The Universe is a contest between engineers making things idiot-proof and God making bigger idiots. So far, God is winning by a wide margin."

12-16-2007, 05:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
wookie U.B's LoveChild Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: '05 SV650S; '05 GSX-R600;'04 749S Location: 20 Miles East of LA Posts: 1,174	Reminder: Angeles Crest Highway (ACH) Moonlight Ride As a reminder, we will be having the ACH Moonlight Ride on Friday December 21, 2007. The meeting time is at 5:00 PM with kickstand up time at 5:15 PM. Meeting location is the starting address: 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 If you need a detailed map, please let me know and I will send you an email. The pct-sign used in the google link doesn't react well with the message board's software. __________________ "Don't wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pigs love it." "Don't argue with idiots. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience." "The Universe is a contest between engineers making things idiot-proof and God making bigger idiots. So far, God is winning by a wide margin."

12-16-2007, 06:23 PM	#12 (permalink)
SoCalCruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: May 2006 Bike: 2005 Yamaha Midnight Royal Star Venture, 2005 Boulevard C50T (For Sale) Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 338	Looking forward to seeing you there Wookie. Even though I saw snow along that route on the news the other night. __________________

12-20-2007, 01:44 AM	#13 (permalink)
SoCalCruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: May 2006 Bike: 2005 Yamaha Midnight Royal Star Venture, 2005 Boulevard C50T (For Sale) Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 338	Just wondering if you've checked the road conditions lately. What's the elevation where we are riding? The snow level is getting lower, and there's been quite a bit of it. Let me know if this is still safe enough to do. __________________

12-20-2007, 02:17 AM	#14 (permalink)
wookie U.B's LoveChild Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: '05 SV650S; '05 GSX-R600;'04 749S Location: 20 Miles East of LA Posts: 1,174	I will do a check-ride Thursday to find out more of the condition and will report my findings. __________________ "Don't wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pigs love it." "Don't argue with idiots. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience." "The Universe is a contest between engineers making things idiot-proof and God making bigger idiots. So far, God is winning by a wide margin."

12-24-2007, 12:07 AM	#15 (permalink)
SoCalCruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: May 2006 Bike: 2005 Yamaha Midnight Royal Star Venture, 2005 Boulevard C50T (For Sale) Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 338	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. __________________

01-25-2008, 01:58 PM	#16 (permalink)
Stratoliner Blue Newbie Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 2007 Stratoliner Location: Southern California Posts: 20	Too bad this thread is old and I just saw it. I thought I was the only one doing nightime rides

01-25-2008, 04:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
SoCalCruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: May 2006 Bike: 2005 Yamaha Midnight Royal Star Venture, 2005 Boulevard C50T (For Sale) Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 338	Stay tuned Stratoliner, we'll be doing more. Welcome to the forum. __________________

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