To SongDog Ranch
Our annual shop ride to March Moto Madness at Song Dog Ranch near Ballinger Canyon Rd, Maricopa, CA. Camping is permitted at the ranch for a modest fee, or stay in nearby New Cuyama (upscale) or Taft. First, enjoy a terrific ride over the Angeles Crest and then follow Lake Elizabeth and Hughes Rd. Visit the Rock Inn famous motorcycles stop. Get gas in Gorman before tackling Pine Mountain. Best in May during wildflower season and sometime a secondary bloom in November. Enjoy day rides around the Carrizo Plain or to the Central Coast from here.
Route Stats
| Length (miles) | 186 |
| Duration (hours) | 5.0 |
| Technical Difficulty / Terrain (1-10) | 5 |
| Elevation Change (feet) | 15,971 |
| Scenic / Historic (1-10) | 6 |
| Two-Up Friendly | Yes |
Carizzo Plain
This ride is some suggested favorite routes in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. These are bucket list rides if you are lucky enough for a wildflower bloom. As depicted, this is an extremely long riding day, especially if factoring in numerous stops. It is best spread across two days which creates an opportunity to explore the many other features of the Monument and/or nearby areas. Be sure to take the easy Soda Lake Road to the lookout over Soda Lake and to the Visitor Center to help finalize your plan. Elkhorn Grade and Hurricane Pass are more challenging, but can be done two-up in good weather. They may be impassable in even light rain. Sierra Madre Rd to the cell tower peak is a rewarding ride, but challenging in the best of conditions. Do not ride alone. A short cut back to Song Dog Ranch is Forest Rt 9N11. Be for-warned: the gate on this road is often closed and there is no way through. Be prepared to have enough time and gas to backtrack all the way to Highway 166
Route Stats
| Length (miles) | 212 |
| Duration (hours) | 10.5 |
| Technical Difficulty / Terrain (1-10) | Varies: 3 to 8 / Offroad |
| Elevation Change (feet) | 14,002 |
| Scenic / Historic (1-10) | 8 |
| Two-Up Friendly | Yes, except Sierra Madre Rd. |
From SongDog Ranch to Home
Nice Ride home from Song Dog Ranch taking Lockwood Valley Road and adding Spunky and Boquet Canyon Roads as a really twisty variation from the ride to Song Dog. Up and over the Angeles Crest from Valyermo to Wrightwood and then down the Cajon Pass to Riverside. Always beautiful!
Route Stats
| Length (miles) | 195 |
| Duration (hours) | 5.1 |
| Technical Difficulty / Terrain (1-10) | 6 |
| Elevation Change (feet) | 14,405 |
| Scenic / Historic (1-10) | 6 |
| Two-Up Friendly | Yes |
