Re: Scooter route - Murrieta/Temecula to South Orange County California

 

wrote:

Considering the heavy commuter traffic flow on all those roads and the
fact that you're a beginner, not really. Small scooters are primarily
designed for 'around town' rides, and the commutes you mentioned are
somewhat risky during rush hours even on a full-sized motorcycle.

One little glitch and you're a Buick's hood ornament.


Not that show on the map.

 

wrote:

There may be a ton of alternatives - that's what makes motorcycling
fun - finding the good alternatives.
Are they safe? As Twibil says, not really. If you've already done the
commute, you've seen how crazy those roads can be at commute time.
Ortega is a fun road on two wheels when there isn't a lot of traffic,
if there's trouble on the road, 2 wheels may be the only way to get to
your destination.

As for safety, that commute is OK if you're mature and learn to ride
well. That means taking not just the MSF course, but advanced training
as well. For that commute, in the first year figure that once a month
somebody will scare the crap out of you.

I disagree with the 650 min size. A 500cc motorcycle would be fine for
that. You might wish you had more power to get out of people's way, or
to make quicker passes going over the hill, though.


I'd bet in another 6-10 years.


If you include decent riding gear, probably not.
But if you prorate the fun, gas mileage, travel time, and parking
ease, it's prolly worth it.

 


It's interesting that you would respond to someone's direct question
about particular roads, yet have no clue what they are.

http://www.theortegahighway.com/
Googlemap it. The road is a major thoroughfare in the area, connecting
the inland communities with the coast. It has a fun bit of twisties
and goes from ~sea level to 2500' and back. It is notorious among
sportbikers, and has a fairly heavy police presence because of it. It
will occasionally get closed because of brushfires, accidents, etc.

AFAIK, the other roads are local and the last I knew didn't go all the
way through. New development may have changed that. Basilone goes
through Camp Pendleton, and I don't think there is public access.

 




I used Google Maps for directions and it gave me several options for my
route.

Is the Ortega Highway the only road that actually goes through all the way?
If so, there's a problem with Google's database.

If not, which of these routes is the safest?
 

 

wrote:

I'm pretty sure it is, but there's been a lot of development since I
last explored the area.


OK. It seems you really are a newbie to cycling. You really shouldn't
even consider buying a scooter as small as you've suggested. You'd be
relegated to riding on the side of the road, dodging cars that are
going 50mph or more. The speed limits on Ortega AIR are ~50mph, with
several miles of twisty 2 lane. Imagine 2 trucks passing each other
with you toodling along on the edge of the pavement. OTOH, if you got
a bike with decent power and handling, and worked off-hours to avoid
traffic, that commute could be _really_ enjoyable.

The safest? The safest roads are freeways, where you need to maintain
a minimum of 45mph. That's either 91 or 76, both of which are out of
your way.

Are you a new resident? It sounds like you don't know the area at all.
If you have a car, you should drive the route a couple of weeks, then
decide if you want a scooter. I'll bet the answer is no. Anything
smaller than a 250 on that road is enough to get you into trouble, but
not enough to get you out of it.