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Favorite Motorcycle Rides in Ventura County and Beyond
The relaxing motorcycle ride is an art practiced by a select few.
If you are interested in out-of-the-way-back-roads-motorcycle outings, then these escapes are for you. If you are interested in freeways and direct routes, then forgo these excursions. If you like to meander while in the saddle and take in the sights, then you will like these treks. These tours -- ranging from 50 to 375 miles -- will be mostly two-lane roads with plenty of variety and little traffic.
I have been riding for 37 years, the last 27 while living in Ventura County and working for the Ventura County Star. Between being a newspaper photographer and a motorcyclist, I have been on virtually every road in Ventura and surrounding counties and on many of the overlooked routes in the region. You can rely on my experiences to turn your day trip into a memorable ride.
Each route includes a map, detailed directions, highlights along the way, and will begin at motorcycle shops, restaurants or hot spots around the county.
So many roads, so little time!
Ride No. 1, Santa Monica Mountains, west
Camarillo, Hidden Valley, Santa Monica Mountains and Thousand Oaks
Ride No. 2, Two Missions
Ventura to Santa Barbara the back way
Ride No. 3, The Triangle
Ventura, Santa Paula and Ojai
Ride No. 4, Four Counties
Ojai to Mount Pinos and back through four counties
Ride No. 5, Three Canyons
Santa Paula to San Francisquito, Spunky and Bouquet Canyons
Ride No. 6, South Mountain Loop
A loop around South Mountain
Ride No. 7, James Dean's Last Run
Ojai to Cholame through mountains and foothills and back down the coast
Ride No. 8, Angeles National Forest
Simi Valley to Angeles National Forest, high desert and back
Ride No. 9, The Perimeter
The Ventura County perimeter
Ride No. 10, Harley's Rock Inn
Camarillo to Ojai the long way
Ride No. 11, Ghostriders
Ventura to Los Alamos
Ride No. 12, Santa Monica Mountains, end to end
Mugu Rock to Calabasas and back
Ride No. 13, Burger Run
Los Olivos to Jalama Beach
