What seems to be a effective dead end is actually the asphalt paved haven of many of Southern California's motorcycle enthusiasts. On any given day, a significant percentage of traffic moving through ACH is 2-wheeled traffic of varying types: Sportbikes, Cruisers, Tourers, Motards, enjoying not only the native scenery, but what could be God's Gift to two wheels. While there are other hot-spots for motorcyclists in southern california, the Crest is one of the most popular destinations for rides, on par with the legendary (and infamous) roads of Palomar Mountain (near San Diego).
Beyond the simple label applied to roads such as ACH, Palomar, Malibu Canyon, Glendora Mountain Road (East San Gabriel Valley), and the 74 (Palm Springs)--"The Twisties"--each road has its own unique character and demography. The Crest can further be described as a series of more or less constant radius turns and high-speed sweepers, whereas Palomar is known for its treacherous but challenging decreasing radius turns. GMR, a favorite spot for not only bikes, but also cars, is much shorter ride with tighter turns, more technical demands, and lots and lots of debris. While the Crest's collection of turns may not present the same sort of challenge as other "more technical" routes, it's a welcome respite from dodging rocks, gravel, and drifters at GMR; or the decreasing radius turns and certified crazy people that make Palomar a little like going to that really ratty strip club down the street for the 1 really hot stripper that works there.
It would be a lie if i were to say that riders on the Crest are always in control and ride responsibly--almost every weekend there's an accident involving a motorcyclist who probably lost control as a result of riding too fast. After all, even if bikes rule the crest, there are plenty of cars, lots of bicycles, as well as wildlife which make "pushing the limit" a dangerous proposition. I can't say that I've observed the speed limit on my rides up the crest, but I like to think that I'm riding well within my limits, and not tempting fate by dancing along the jagged edge. Others lack the same self control, or perhaps I might find myself pushing too hard one day for the given conditions. It's not so much a damnation of reckless riding as my hope that the statement is a self-fulfilling promise that I will not do stupid shit on ACH.
But it's almost understandable--a ride up the crest is a wonderous journey. 1 part speed fix, 1 part hanging out, 1 part exploration, and 1 part introspection. Even if the route taken up the Crest (and its many tributaries) is the same week in and week out, familiarity only strengthens the bond between rider and road. Usually it will take nothing short of a bloody wreck to disturb this most-intimate of relationships between man and inanimate object.
Group rides up the crest generally spawn from messageboards. The internet makes finding people easier, after all. Meet times range from early morning to early afternoon (depending on how much daylight is available), and 90% (if not more) of all group rides congregate at "the Shell", which is a Shell Gas Station immediately off the 210/2 freeway off-ramp. As the riding season heats up (right about now), don't be surprised to see some 40 or 50 guys hanging out at a gas station parking lot in ridiculous looking leather suits and shiny bikes. In the same way that rides start at the Shell, most rides end up making a stop at one of 2 locations (if not both): Newcomb's Ranch, and the "Tree".
Newcomb's Ranch, or "Nukes" for short, is situated about 5-10 miles before the road closure at the top of ACH. Catering to bikers and tourists, you'd imagine that this rest stop on a road that goes to nowhere would be something out of Deliverance or the Biker Bar which serves as the scene for your worst nightmare. It's actually quite nice, the food is mediocre, but good nonetheless (especially when you're starving), and they've got a nice bathroom, 74" Plasma, and lots and lots of riders. (Picture again 50 people in leather suits hanging out and shooting the shit). The "tree" is a lone pine tree (i think) located off of Angeles Forest Highway, about 10 miles away from where AFH hits the 14 freeway. It's always surprising to think that Palmdale is a stone's throw away from Civilized Places like Pasadena.
Crest riders come from all walks of life. Well, that's a lie, because it's mostly men (though the age range is pretty wide, and there are some female riders) with the disposable income to have a 2-wheeled toy. Skill ranges vary from relatively new riders to grizzled old bike veterans, since the road layout presents challenges to all sorts of riders (after all, a gentle right handed sweeper at 50 mph can be just as challenging as a 90 mph pass if you're new to the sport).
This month is my 8th month of riding motorcycles. I've traversed roughly 8000 miles on a bike so far, have owned 3 different bikes (92 honda CBR F2, 02 honda CBR F4i, 07 triumph daytona 675) and can't keep myself away from ACH.
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