Rob Edwards

Randy- if you think this is better suited in the SF08 sticky thread, please feel free to move it!


Mark Anderson asked me today if I would be interested in coordinating the fun run/drive for SF08, something I have not done before. I have a couple of routes in mind, but wanted to throw this out to the group and solicit opinion on times and places.


TIME: I did not attend the event in 2007 but the 2006 drive was held Saturday afternoon, leaving 928Intl at about 2 -2:30 PM. Sundown in LA is at 6:15PM on the 18th, so the interesting part of the drive should be complete by then. The alternative is that the drive could be held Sunday morning, and either go early in the morning (8-9 AM) so that people driving back home (NorCAl, PacNW, AZ, etc.) can get a headstart home, or a bit later (10AM?) so people can recover from the previous night’s festivities….


PLACE: Any interesting drive requires a commute from Anaheim. To the north are the LA foothills, including either Glendora Mountain Road and Mount Baldy Rd, which were part of the route that was taken in 2006. It’s 30 miles each way to either of these starting points.


Further to the west is The Angeles Crest Highway, which winds out of La Canada non-stop for almost 40 miles before dead-ending. It’s 45 miles from 928Intl to the base of Angeles Crest. Dr. Bob volunteered to 'scout it out' tomorrow for me...

South in Orange county is Silverado canyon and the Ortega Highway, but Ortega is under construction and down to 1 lane in places 7 days a week, not sure if that appeals to anyone.


Further west are the Malibu canyons, including Topanga canyon, Latigo canyon, and (of course) Mulholland Drive. 928Intl to the base of Topanga canyon is 50 miles, and the word is that the police presence is strong in the Mailbu canyons, particularly on Sunday morning. Not that any 928'er would ever commit a moving violation.....

Off to the east, just north of San Bernardino, is Rim of the World/Highway 18, which begins north of San Bernardino (50 miles from 928Intl) and runs 35 miles to Big Bear lake.

This covers most of the prime options for a good drive- PLEASE chime in with thoughts, feedback, opinions on venue/distance/timing/etc. I can post some google maps showing the possibilities if people are interested.

bronto

I loved doing the drive on Saturday afternoon in 2006. Much more "doable" for someone coming just for the day like me.

I did come down on Sunday last year for the Malibu drive, but only because it wasn't all the way back down there (from Santa Barbara) again. If it's on Sunday, I won't be able to make it if it's a longer drive.

I did a weekend drive with the Santa Barbara PCA through the Malibu hills 2 years ago. There is a strong CHP presence, but there's also a lot of driving groups going through there. I think the CHP's are watching for stuff way out of bounds and keep things sane. They aren't looking to pull over everyone they see. At least that's my impression.

I've always wanted to drive Angelese Crest. Maybe it will be repaired past the roadblock someday?

Ortega sounds interesting, but Sharktoberfest is every year, right? Save it for when the roadwork is done.

Tom. M

Hi Rob,

If the ride is on Sunday I would prefer an early ride with maybe a finish at around noonish. I am planning on heading back to the sunny PacNW Sunday afternoon..and the earlier I get out of town the better..Also..anything that heads north would be best for me..but it really isn't a huge concern.

As far as ride destinations...is there anything cool that can end up near the Ocean...but again..I'm up for anything..

devilinblack

I've been wanting to head to Ortega, but if it's under construction I'm sure it sucks mightily. I wish I had more suggestions.

Depending on the length of the drive I may not try it anyway, because I just don't trust the car that much yet. Within my 100 mile tow radius of the Anaheim area would be nice.

dr bob

I'll do a quick blast up Angeles Crest on Friday. Last time I drove it was a long time ago (maybe two weeks ago really...) so this is as much a refreshers as a fun run for me. Right in my back yard too, literally.

Start point is in La Canada, about 45 mins from 928 Int'l on a Sunday morning, an hour or so on a Saturday afternoon. End points are back at the start, or a slight detour at the end over to the 14 freeway for those who want to continue north on the 5, or around the corner to either the 138, or north on 14 to 58 to 15 north for those contuing to the 'other' northern reaches slightly to the east of north. Those destined for the south and east will double back east kinda towards 928 Int'l. There is a significant advantage to going Saturday from mid-afternoon. The road is very popular with the knee-draggers, two-wheeled tourers, and those others with the thumpin' V-twins. At the same time it's a happy hunting grround for LEO's. By late afternoon, most of those activities have calmed down and it's once again safe for 928's to pass through. In contrast, Sunday mornings are a lot more popular for other tourists and such.

I budget two hours from La Canada to La Canada, via the east end road closure at the top of old Azusa road. I come back to the loop down Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road, intersect Angeles Forest Highway and return to Angeles Crest Highway for the return to La Canada. About a hundred miles for the whole loop. That two hours sometimes includes picture stops, plus I drive kinda pokey most of the time.

SharkSkin

I really enjoyed the "Rim of the World" run in 2005. It was a fantastic run and that Mexican restaurant was incredible. I'd vote for an early Sunday funride departure, since we'll be heading back to NorCal after lunch.

Emickelsen

Thats my vote. I have always wanted to drive that, and I love mexican food. That would be a good Sunday drive.

Bill51sdr

Agreed on this. You may want to contact Keith about that route as he organized it. Ortega Hwy is a terrible idea on a weekend, construction or not. It is only 2 lanes and usually congested.

Rob Edwards

Yes, Ortega is nixed. Does anyone recall if the ROTW drive was clockwise or counterclockwise? Here's a link to a counterclockwise trek, it's 193 miles roundtrip Anaheim to Anaheim, and (IF we go Sunday) could end in San Bernardino (150ish miles total), so that NorCal folks can pick up the 210 W, the AZ crew hits I-10E, and the SD crew gets 15S. Max elevation on this route is just over 8000 feet, so bring yer superchargers.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sadd...07617&t=p&z=12

I will hassle Keith about the old route and see how this compares. What was the name of the Mexican joint, and where was it? I'll also make up a possible Angeles crest run map and an LA foothills course as well.

Bill51sdr

Keith's route was generally ccw. That restaurant wasn't too far from Fontana as I recall.

L8 APEKS

I'll be the guy trying to keep up in a white Volvo sedan. Don't laugh at me. I'm probably quicker than any of the early cars unless they're blown

My Shark is not roadworthy as of yet, but I would love to tag along as a photographer.

Bill Ball

I'll go with ROTW, Sunday am

devilinblack

I'd be happy to give ROTW a try on Sunday morning.

L8 APEKS

How early Sunday AM?

SharkSkin

Here's a photo from the first stop on the '05 run, if that helps:



The plaque indicates that this is the "Donald S Wieman" vista point, FWIW.

I don't remember the name of the restaurant, and I could only find Sfest '04 & '07 paperwork. Maybe Kieth or Mark would remember or have the original route map.