Rod
Registered user
Hi, I'm in the US on a three week business trip, but had three days with no work, so rented a GS from Eagle Rider in Long Beach (did the same last year).
On the first day I rode Hwy 2 'Angeles Crest Hwy' (did same last year) what a fantastic, fast, winding mountain road. Then on day 2 & 3 rode Hwy 138,18,38 'Rim of the World Bwy' and Hwy 243 between Banning & Idyllwild, then down to Ortega Hwy & back to Long Beach. Entire trip approx 670 miles. The roads are great, very well surfaced & nearly all double solid lines in the middle, so hopefully should be no overtaking cars on the wrong side of the road. Every year I ride in the mountains of Europe, but have to say this is just as good, with better surface. Some great sections of continues corners, some banked, but the whole route is corners all the way (except where you cross the valley floor between Idyllwild & Lake Elsinore).
Contrary to the driving on the freeways (be VERY careful) most of the cars in the mountains moved over into the pullout to let me past ( have to say though, there was very little traffic at this time of year). The weather was perfect, hot in the valleys & cool up in the mountains (at 9000ft at times). The Rim of the World Bwy takes you past Lake Arrowhead & Big Bear Lake. The whole route is very beautiful, mostly in pine trees & almost deserted (at this time of year & mid week).
A great three day break.
if you are in the area i think this is a must do.
I found some very useful maps called Mad Maps (www.madmaps.com) which show great riding/driving roads.
One note with Eagle Rider: make sure you take out the extra SLI insurance, otherwise i think you are only covered for the State minimum for 3rd party ins. which I think is only $30,000-.
On the first day I rode Hwy 2 'Angeles Crest Hwy' (did same last year) what a fantastic, fast, winding mountain road. Then on day 2 & 3 rode Hwy 138,18,38 'Rim of the World Bwy' and Hwy 243 between Banning & Idyllwild, then down to Ortega Hwy & back to Long Beach. Entire trip approx 670 miles. The roads are great, very well surfaced & nearly all double solid lines in the middle, so hopefully should be no overtaking cars on the wrong side of the road. Every year I ride in the mountains of Europe, but have to say this is just as good, with better surface. Some great sections of continues corners, some banked, but the whole route is corners all the way (except where you cross the valley floor between Idyllwild & Lake Elsinore).
Contrary to the driving on the freeways (be VERY careful) most of the cars in the mountains moved over into the pullout to let me past ( have to say though, there was very little traffic at this time of year). The weather was perfect, hot in the valleys & cool up in the mountains (at 9000ft at times). The Rim of the World Bwy takes you past Lake Arrowhead & Big Bear Lake. The whole route is very beautiful, mostly in pine trees & almost deserted (at this time of year & mid week).
A great three day break.
if you are in the area i think this is a must do.
I found some very useful maps called Mad Maps (www.madmaps.com) which show great riding/driving roads.
One note with Eagle Rider: make sure you take out the extra SLI insurance, otherwise i think you are only covered for the State minimum for 3rd party ins. which I think is only $30,000-.
