Modern Vespa

North 101 - east 76 - Palomar Mountain South Grade Road (S6) and East Grade Road (S7) - east 76 - south 79 - west 78 - Del Dios Hwy - Via De La Valle - 101.


map - http://tiny.cc/Yfc8u


I like this route because it has a nice mix of scenic slow roads and straight moderate to fast roads as well as a more challenging technical road. There are also lots of ways to modify it: you can easily eliminate Palomar Mountain's twisty South and East Grade roads (S6 and S7). Just continue straight on east 76 until you reach the 78 junction. You could lengthen the ride to include Warner Springs and/or Julian. Or take a more southerly route back to the coast through Poway and Rancho Penasquitos. Plenty of options available.

Another reason I like this ride is I don't need a map. As a somewhat directionally-challenged and non-GPS owning rider, having just a few turns with well-placed and easily-seen signs is a plus.

There are some interesting side trips along the way if you like to stop from time to time. There's the San Diego Archeological Center, San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, two missions, Wilderness Gardens (a wildflower preserve), a couple of casinos, even the Wild Animal Park. Gas and food are readily available, if needed.

I think this ride is best in springtime on a weekday. The smell of orange blossoms is heavenly, as is the sight of abundant wildflowers. Temperatures can vary greatly, so please layer accordingly. Enjoy!


Northbound on Coast Highway / 101


eastbound on 76


too bad the preserve is closed throughout August


acres of orange groves


a couple of signs along South Grade Road




Horses, cows even chickens can be found in east county San Diego


Lake Henshaw

I lived in the Leucadia area for 30 years and have made that ride a zillion times. It was always one of my favorite rides. Never did it on a scooter since I didn't give up my motorcycles until two years ago (I moved to SC four years ago) and moved to scooters in 2008. I'm sure you've stopped at Mothers Kitchen on top of Palomar Mountain for breakfast? They have great omelets and pancakes.

Great scenery, thanks for posting this, it is such a great way for those of us who don't live where you live to see some of what you get to see when you ride.

I can almost smell the orange blossoms from here. Thank you for including us on your adventure.

I've been meaning to ride that route for sometime now. Thanks for posting!

Hey, I rode almost that same route on August 8th, but not quite so far north. I went from Downtown SD, up to Oceanside Blvd on 101, then east to I-15, then south to Del Dios Hwy, then back to 101 at Carmel Valley. 120 miles in all. I stopped for coffee in Rancho Santa Fe. That was nice!

Last Sunday (8/16/2009) I went out to Santee/Lakeside, up Wildcat Canyon Road to Ramona, then down Highland Valley Road to Pomarado, then back to San Diego via Black Mountain Road. About 90 miles. Highland Valley Road is very twisty. I was practicing turning, but I was passed by faster motorbikes.

I almost plowed into the back of an SUV on Hwy 67, but used my swerving skills to save my neck. I wasn't paying enough attention, and the traffic just stopped in front of me. I was thinking about the curves on Highland Valley Road when I should have been thinking about the cars in front of me.

Overall, it was a great cruise.

Richard

Hi Richard! I rode that approximate route yesterday. It was such a nice day I extended it to include Julian. FUN! But I forgot the camera. Next time you go, maybe do a write up and pic posting. And, if it's not a spur-of -the-moment thing, post something in the events section. I'd love to tag along.