The day was cloudy with light winds. Temperatures ranged from the mid 50’s to mid 70’s.
Day’s distance: 144 miles
Total trip distance: 2012 miles
I traveled along the base of the San Bernardino Mountains and through Oak Glen. Oak Glen Road was called out as twisty and exciting on the Butler Map and that was my first destination. Again, I ran into fog and wet roads.
I rode conservatively through this area, partly because of the wet roads and fog, but also because there were businesses and homes throughout this area. I don’t really agree with the rating and wouldn’t recommend this route.
A short hop on Interstate 10 took me to Banning where I intended to ride up the San Jacinto Mountain using Hwy 243 and back down into Hemet along Hwy 74. I stopped at a school at the base because of the ominous looking clouds that covered the top of the mountain.
It was misting at the school and I knew if was going to be a wet and foggy crossing. I decided to detour around the mountain using I-10 and Hwy 79.
I stopped in Hemet for a bite to eat and continued on Hwy 74 from there. My next destination was the Ortega Highway through the Cleveland National Forest. There was cloud cover over the mountain here as well. I checked my weather app and there was no precipitation between Lake Elsinore and the coast indicated, so I proceeded.
I stopped at the The Lookout Road House for a photo of my motorcycle with Lake Elsinore in the background 🙂
This road was worthy despite the fast moving traffic. Here’s a photo from the Lake Elsinore side …
and one from the western side where much of the pavement seemed new.
I ran into traffic once I was off the mountain. I quickly remembered how aggressive Southern California drivers are and how much traffic I’ve avoided by taking roads less popular. I am staying with friends in Huntington Beach for a few days and it didn’t take long to get there from Dana Point.
Despite not completing my entire planned route, it was a good day of riding and exploring.