BajaNomad

Motorcycle trip

Dave - 4-5-2010 at 02:51 PM

I'm planning a ride this weekend from Baja to Palm Desert. I plan to cross at Tecate, Take 94 East to La Posta Rd then hook up with Kitchen Creek Rd up to Mt Laguna... then the Sunrise Hwy to the 78 then Borrego Springs... Then over to the Salton Sea and up to the Desert.

Has anyone ridden these roads and could tell me their condition? Also, info on gas availability would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

tripledigitken - 4-5-2010 at 03:07 PM

Dave,

I have been on all the roads in the past two weeks with the exception of Kitchen Creek. It might be a challenge on a heavy street bike with the recent snows. The rest of the route is all in good shape, just watch for gravel/dirt on roads from runoff.

Gas is available in Pine Valley, Julian, Borrego Springs, I think Salton City, and on 86/111 just at the north end of the Salton Sea at the turnoff to Mecca.

What kind of bike are you riding?

Ken

[Edited on 4-5-2010 by tripledigitken]

Dave - 4-5-2010 at 03:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Dave,

I have been on all the roads in the past two weeks with the exception of Kitchen Creek. It might be a challenge on a heavy street bike with the recent snows. The rest of the route is all in good shape, just watch for gravel/dirt on roads from runoff.

Gas is available in Pine Valley, Julian, Borrego Springs, I think Salton City, and on 86/111 just at the north end of the Salton Sea at the turnoff to Mecca.

What kind of bike are you riding?

Ken

[Edited on 4-5-2010 by tripledigitken]


Thanks Ken.

I'll be riding a Honda PC 800.

Will there be snow on the roads up at Mt Laguna? If so, I'll bypass and use 80.

tripledigitken - 4-5-2010 at 03:22 PM

Dave,

I would think hard about taking Kitchen Creek.

Unless it snows later this week the roads at Laguna should be fine, except for being a little dirty. There was snow on the ground at Laguna last Friday, but the roads were clear.

Ken

Probably right

Dave - 4-5-2010 at 03:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken


I would think hard about taking Kitchen Creek.



Think I'll take the 80 through Pine Valley over to 79 and up to Julian. The 78 just out of Julian looks like a kick. You ever ridden that way?

tripledigitken - 4-5-2010 at 04:04 PM

I have been riding the back roads of San Diego on M/C's for a very long time. Yes, Banner grade is a hoot to ride. Second and third gear bliss! La Posta is one my favorite roads as well. Have fun!

Ken

Thanks for all your help Ken!

Dave - 4-5-2010 at 04:21 PM

Follow up

Dave - 4-13-2010 at 08:37 PM

Crossed Saturday morning at 9AM. Went the described route...Sunset Hwy through Julian and down the Banner Grade...

WOW!!!

Turned around, went back up and down. What a hoot! It will now be my planned route from the desert to Baja.

S3 over to Borrego Springs is also a fun run although the road from S22 over to Salton City is in bad shape. Beautiful scenery though.

tripledigitken - 4-14-2010 at 08:39 AM

Dave,

Get in touch when you plan to do it again. I have another road that you can combine with Banner for a loop going to Palm Desert. Glad you had a good time.

Ken

Let me guess

Dave - 4-14-2010 at 09:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Dave,

I have another road that you can combine with Banner for a loop going to Palm Desert.


Down Banner grade...S3 to Borrego Springs...S22 to S2 and back up to 79?

Leaving for Baja tomorrow. I'll go up Palms to Pines, down 79 and make the loop in reverse.

I'm hooked. :lol:

I forgot to ask...

Dave - 4-14-2010 at 09:32 AM

What is it about Kitchen Creek that you don't like?

Bad road?

tripledigitken - 4-14-2010 at 09:38 AM

Dave,

I haven't been on it in quite awhile so my information is dated. But, in the past it was part graded road and wasn't maintained very well. It also isn't open year round as there is a gate at the north junction on Sunrise Highway that is occasionally locked. I will make a point of driving it in my car in the next couple of weeks and report back.

Ken