There is a big misconception about Southern California, with respect to choice motorcycling locations. Given that SoCal is home to Los Angeles, Hollywood and other “big city” places, most believe there aren’t any decent “out in the world” rides left for the true motorcycle enthusiast. Well, let me share something.

For about a year and a half I have been a member of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club (MT. Baldy Chapter). With them, I have had the benefit of being in the company of a lot of good folks, who know a lot of great places to ride. Yesterday was one such ride. In fact, I’ll even go as far as to say, the absolute best, to date, ride I’ve taken with the SCRC! 

First, a slight mishap. I dropped my bike trying to turn around in the parking lot. I put my foot down, slipped on something, and down it went. No damage except a tiny, superficial scratch on the underside of one of the pipes. No biggie at all. 

We left San Dimas mid-morning, and headed east on the super-slab. Yeah, we burned about 55 miles on the freeway to get where we were going. Which was US Highway 101, north along the coast toward Ventura County. From there we took the ever-famous Mulholland Drive, a road with smooth sweepers and tree-top canopies, skirting the Malibu Mountains.

First stop, The Rock Store. The Rock Store, is a well-known stop-spot for motorcycling enthusiasts of all kinds. From the hard-core Harley guys, to retirees with their vintage British bikes, to the sport-bike crowd, to celebrities, to the simple joy-rider, the Rock Store is an attraction that you simply must visit. Great ride getting there, the people are cool, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity for good-old-fashioned motor-head conversation.

From there, lunch at Malibu Seafood for some tasty fish-n-chips and onto Latigo Canyon road for about 20-odd miles of some really hairy twisties! What an awesome ride! No traffic to speak of, few bicyclists, great weather which lead to great visibility, and a group of folks who know how to negotiate their big cruisers through those tight switch-backs! And me at the back of the pack, digging into the turns and occasionally dragging the floor-boards! Yes!

Riding home was south from the LA/Ventura County line on the Pacific Coast Highway, all the way into Long Beach and eventually, home. A coastal ride with the waterline to our right and weather that couldn’t make up its mind. We rode through warm and energizing sunshine, to brrr, chilly and damp air, and it even rained for about 30 seconds! What?!

In the end, I had enjoyed freeway, sweepers, twisties, tight switch-backs, and a wonderful coastal ride. We actually hit every venue I enjoy. And surprisingly, I came in at just under 300 miles for the entire day.

So to those who will assert that Southern California doesn’t have any nice rides, I’d like to suggest you check out the hills and coastal rides of beautiful Malibu! I promise, you’ll soon change your view.

Raves, Rides