From Route 66 and therefore the Pacific Coast Highway to Sunset Boulevard and beachside Malibu, movies had seared Californian streets into my consciousness. Despite this, nothing prepared me for the mind-blowing scenery and epic contrasts I’d find zig-zagging the town on my bike.
The more I ride, the more I realize it’s all about the timing. Many of the routes I highlight today are soul-crushing during peak hours within the week, yet free-flowing on the weekend. If you don’t own a motorcycle and you’re getting to rent a steed, bear timings in mind when planning your rides.
Today, I’m not getting to offer any prescriptive routes from A to B as I don’t know where you’ll be coming from or how experienced you’re riding bikes. But regardless of where you’re coming from, know you’ll always rent a motorbike anywhere in LA. Many of the circuitous canyon routes in and around LA are challenging. I’ve drawn attention to those so you’ll find an appropriate ride for your ability level. So, use these loose routes as a jump-off point for your own adventures.
I’ve tried to incorporate a broad spread of rides today, some short hops in and around LA-proper, others much lengthier jaunts calling for the entire day. Whether you would like to slide on your leathers for an exhilarating hour-long burn around city streets otherwise you prefer saddling up for the day, inspect these 15 awesome Californian rides.
Highway 1 Pacific Coast
Barreling down Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) on a motorcycle is exhilarating. This 127-mile stretch of curvy coastal road provides sweeping views because the ocean breeze kisses your hair.
One of my favorite pockets of the winding Highway 1 is out beyond Malibu near Ventura County. This stretch of road is pretty beyond traffic most of the time with the coastline getting less crowded.
It’s worth making a fast pit stop at Neptune’s Net, a bar featured in both Point Break and Fast & Furious. Park your bike in one among the slots ahead and tuck into some fish and chips.
For me, it’s the contrasts of PCH that provides it a foothold. You get redwood forests and waterfalls, smooth roads and jagged rocks, teens in Ferraris, and seniors on Harleys.
If you’re a sucker for sunsets, take PCH bent Santa Monica Pier with its iconic Ferris wheel.
Mulholland Highway
Mulholland Highway runs from the valley to the beach beyond Malibu Canyon.
The toughest section of this undulating highway is “The Snake.” This series of 21 consecutive turns will leave you feeling dizzy but energized. And it’s tough. If you’ve just started riding, consider taking over this beast.
If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll find this sequence of curves just past The Rock Store, a daily haunt of Jay Leno. The coffee there sucks, but it’s a well-liked hangout for bikers and you’ll be ready to capture some great panoramic shots.
Los Angeles Crest Highway
Cutting between the l. a. National Forest and therefore the San Gabriel Mountains, AC serves up a pleasant mixture of sweeping curves and hairpin bends. Who doesn’t love taking tight curves on a strong bike?
Much like “The Snake”, this is often not a beginner-friendly route. You’ll twist, turn, and drop among sweeping mountain scenery.
The views along the Crest are sublime with wonderful elevations. At the crest, it’s about 7900 feet high and therefore the views are awesome. There are not any ocean views on this ride, just undulating mountain scenery, and vistas across l. a. with bright sunshine and a warm breeze to blow away those cobwebs.
During the week you ought to find it plain sailing. Traffic tends to clog this road on the weekend, though. the entire highway covers about 66 miles, an excellent length for a scenic ride. You’ll end up around 20 minutes outside downtown l. a. and every one its attractions.
Decker Canyon Road
If you wish to urge low on rolling canyon roads, Decker Canyon isn’t for the faint-hearted. The tight corners challenge even the foremost experienced riders. I really like this sort of ride, but I do know my limits. These limits were sorely tested by Decker Canyon.
You could take DCR if you stopped off at The Rock Store I discussed above and you would like to urge back onto Pacific Coast Highway. Just take care of taking over this route and therefore the Snake on an equivalent day.
Out to Route 66 Classic Grill
A short, sharp blast down Little Tujunga Road through the Angeles National Forest will take you into the San Gabriel Mountains.
Look out for Canyon Country just off Little Tujunga Road where you’ll find Route 66 Classic Grill. choose between a powerful and wide menu with Wednesdays as dedicated bike nights. Inspired by the eateries along Route 66, there are many specials on dinner and drinks alongside live entertainment.
Malibu Canyon
I could ride Malibu Canyon all day long. With expansive ocean views and plush landscapes, this is often a laid-back route and ideal for beginners.
Listen as your exhaust note is magnified as you scythe through tunnels, but go easy as this road is sort of heavily patrolled.
Stop at Malibu Creek state park for a picnic at the designated picnic benches. you’ll usually buy a bathtub of strawberries here at the park entrance.
There’s ample opportunity to prevent off safely along the way and luxuriate in canyon views.
Malibu Canyon can get loaded with traffic on weekends. Hustle down during the week and avoid getting snarled up behind a procession of RVs and slow-moving vehicles.