Eric Johnson plotted an incredible drive for us to enjoy.  We will start out in Westlake Village and cruise up through Ventura, Ojai, then through the Los Padres National Forest and the Sespe Condor Reserve

Cerro Noroeste is a mountain located in Southern California's Kern County, a mile north of the Ventura County border. It is located a few miles southwest of the community of Pine Mountain Club, at an elevation of 8,280+ feet (2,524+ m). The mountain is located in the Los Padres National Forest. It is surrounded by the Chumash Wilderness to the south and west, though the peak itself is not actually within the wilderness (since it is approached by a paved, public-access roadway).
The name Cerro Noroeste means 'northwest mountain'. It was formerly known as Mount Abel in honor of former Kern County supervisor Stanley Abel.[5]
The summit can be reached by taking Cerro Noroeste Road, Forest Route 9N27. The road is closed every winter after the first or second snow. It usually is reopened in May though there can still be substantial snow from heavy winters. Located near the summit are Campo Alto campground[6] and a radio tower.

Sespe Condor Sanctuary is a 53,000-acre (210 km2) wildlife refuge in the Los Padres National Forest. The United States Forest Service established the sanctuary in 1947 for the California condor, which is an endangered species and the largest living bird in North America.[1] For visitors, the sanctuary has a public-access corridor near Dough Flat.[2]
On 14 January 1992, two captive-bred California condors and two Andean Condors were released into the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, overlooking the Sespe Creek, near Fillmore, California. This was done by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the lead office for the California Condor Recovery Program. These captive bred condors thrived in the wild and have begun to reproduce freely.[3][dead link]
Before the sanctuary was established, numerous condors were killed by power line collisions. In order to circumvent this mishap, the captive condors were treated with "mock power poles" through the power pole aversion program. These poles emitted mild shocks when landed upon. They quickly learned to avoid power poles, which has significantly reduced their mortality rate.


Meeting place :  9:00 am   Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 968 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village
Lunch at J&B Grill and BBQ in Frazier Park

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-misc/AR000302.JPG)


Attending:
Lance
Art
Albert
Doug
Glenn & Steph
Demoe & Laura
Scott
Jim & Judy
Angel
Jon L
Bruce C
Fast Eddie
Joel
Dan & Connie
Raj
John +1
Ron & Marian
Ernie & Pat
Irfan
Eddie & Michelle
Dan & Mayo
Steve & Lynda

Awesome, count me in!

I'm in +1!

This is a great run.  Incredible scenery, no one on the roads, and excellent BBQ restaurant at the end of the run.  Frazier Park is close to the 5 Freeway and easy access back into So Cal.  One does not have to end up on the 101 heading south out of Ventura County.  The run goes through the top villages on Mt. Pinos and winds down into Frazier Park.  BBQ restaurant is excellent, beers are $1.00, they just need a heads up on when the club will arrive and about how many people for lunch.  I believe it is called J&B BBQ, Frazier Park.  There is a stretch of Hwy 33 > 166 junction that has no one on it, so maybe Art can get his viper up to speed!

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/california_condor.jpg)

I will post more information on this later.

There is another option on returning to So Cal.  Just about 1-2 miles west of the BBQ restaurant is the turnoff for Lockwood Valley.  This is a completely vacant road back to the 33 highway and back into Ojai > easy access to Ventura and the 101.  Will also post this as a return home option.  There is no one on this road and it has some great twisty roads on the west end of the valley.

Quote from: hemotox on July 31, 2012, 06:47:25 PM
This is a great run.  Incredible scenery, no one on the roads, and excellent BBQ restaurant at the end of the run.  Frazier Park is close to the 5 Freeway and easy access back into So Cal.  One does not have to end up on the 101 heading south out of Ventura County.  The run goes through the top villages on Mt. Pinos and winds down into Frazier Park.  BBQ restaurant is excellent, beers are $1.00, they just need a heads up on when the club will arrive and about how many people for lunch.  I believe it is called J&B BBQ, Frazier Park.  There is a stretch of Hwy 33 > 166 junction that has no one on it, so maybe Art can get his viper up to speed!

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/california_condor.jpg)

I will post more information on this later.

There is another option on returning to So Cal.  Just about 1-2 miles west of the BBQ restaurant is the turnoff for Lockwood Valley.  This is a completely vacant road back to the 33 highway and back into Ojai > easy access to Ventura and the 101.  Will also post this as a return home option.  There is no one on this road and it has some great twisty roads on the west end of the valley.

Nice pic Eric...  Where did you find the photo of our "VoooDoo" wing man?     ^2

I've already contacted JB's and he knows we are coming   >q

Up in the mountains again, eh? Now I gotta see if there are any good hiking trails or summits near, haha.

I should be good for this. Though, that's a lot of miles for me  >m

Looking forward to this run!   >j

   Glenn and Steph are in ....   Going to bring our first born.
       1HOTV10  wants to stretch her legs   <1

1HOTV10

Looks like the condor is related to you new baby!

Hey Doc,

I hope my Viper can keep up with the SSG.

I'm in with my scared wife Laura. Look at her... she is petrified.
(http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x338/Demoes4x/DSC_1179.jpg)

  DUDE!!!   Easy on the razor blades    ^2 <1

It was the weed wacker that malfunctioned.

Here is a map, (not drawn to scale), of the So Cal Viper CONDOR RUN

September 9, 2012 - A Most Excellent Run, No Traffic, and the Vistas are Incredible!   <2 >g

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/SCviperrun9-12map2final.jpg)

PCH VIPER

Looks like you will be bringing two vipers, these guys look pretty serious!   >11

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/lanceviperACRcondors.jpg)

 ^8

They look a little pissed off to be INSIDE a snake !

I think they managed to have holes cut into the windshield so it feels normal to them at high speed.  Just bring a few rabbits, that will keep them content.   <11

I'll be there for this one, I know this route very well I used to ride it on the motorcycle all the time. Lots and lots of twisty road. I hope it's not to warm! Ill be happy to lead the way on this one but you'll have to keep up.
Hirk

PCH VIPER

Looks like those crazy Condors repaired your front windshield nicely.  They look like they are ready for the Condor Run.  Sounds like we have a leader in Hirk ?  There is an excellent stretch of road on 33 about 5 miles south of the 166, that is fairly straight and one would hope that Arturo del Toro, could get his viper above 100 MPH!  The likelihood that anyone will be on this road approaches zero in the morning of the run.

The Coffee Bean and Tea restaurant is in a nice shopping center with lots of parking in Westlake Village plus there is a gas station on the parking lot premises.

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/lanceACRcondors.jpg)

One suggestion is to pull to the right at the "Ojai Gas station" (see image below) on Hwy 33, just after the 150 junction west of Ojai, so everyone can regroup before heading into the Los Padres Hwy 33 section.  There are some side streets around the gas station that will help in re-grouping the club.

Here are some images of the Hwy 33 - Hwy 150 junction west of Ojai.  Ojai Gas station is a good place to re-group everyone before heading up Maricopa Hwy 33 to Los Padres.

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/ojaigasregrouparrows.jpg)

Ojai Gas on Hwy 33, the Maricopa Hyw one blokc north of the Ojai 33-150 junction

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/ojaigasHyw33Nof150.jpg)

Hey Doc,

I hope my Viper can get up to 90, let alone 100!  I'll need you to give me a good push  >w

Quote from: NK BREKR on August 10, 2012, 11:05:51 AM
Hey Doc,
I hope my Viper can get up to 90, let alone 100!  I'll need you to give me a good push  >w

You have to release the parking brake and keep your left foot off the brake pedal!   >s

So... Eric I don't see your name on the list?  You are coming?   <1

1HOTV10 and 2 other IZ Vipers!

<B Sadly, I had planned this event with Lance and the only weekend I am booked in September is 5-9.  Actually doing a Double Crossing of the Sierra Nevadas (Devil's Backbone Crossing), with the So Cal MINI Maniacs.  It is a 900 mile run, returning down the 9th of September from Mammoth Lakes.  As I am the co- run planner and sponsor, I am committed to the MINI guys.  However, Scott Hirko and Lance will be perfect in guiding this run.  The BBQ is excellent at the finish.  Nice addition is it is very close to I-5 South, so returning home for most members will be easy as compared to driving home from like Santa Barbara on a Sunday afternoon!

I can't remember any Viper Run, save the vista on Hwy 74 at 3000 above Palm Desert that can compare to the vistas one sees on the Condor Run through Los Padres, Hwy 33, and Cerro Noroeste Rd.  It is spectacular, amazing contrasts between forest and desert and no one on the road.  And the vistas on the Condor run, just keep coming.  So I am sad I won't be there, I expect you to take some great photos.

<2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2  Six gears!

Jim and Judy are in.

If you have never been back in this area, it's a must see.

I have never been back there and can't wait !

I talked to the Stig and he is going to be in town for this run too !   It will be fun to drive with him again.   <2

You guys are killing me, move it back a week and I can make the run.

I'm in for this run... I know every turn and bump on hwy33. I have setup many rides with our Socal Riders Club.
You may want to be careful thru some sections, CHP may be present specially on the vista turn offs.
Some of the turns are very tight and someone that's been there before can take you very deep into the turns.
Sadly, my friend Anthony passed away on this road three years ago right in front of me, so I don't want to see anybody get hurt. Let's all be safe out there.

If you see me slow down on the way there... its all good I'll just be paying my respects.

Peace

I suspect most people will take this run at regular speeds, this is a great run with incredible vistas.  Maybe even see a Condor if one looks for them.

This is a cruise and we will be taking it easy on this road.   It is too hard to take pictures AND drive fast   <11

Quote from: PCH VIPER on August 16, 2012, 06:39:47 AM
This is a cruise and we will be taking it easy on this road.   It is too hard to take pictures AND drive fast   <11

Though Cathy and I won't likely make this cruise, please remember as Lance says above (Demoe will help with this), this is a CRUISE, not a race. 

If you guys want to go fast, come out to the track with us in Oct, Nov, Dec, etc.  Check the "Sidewinders" track section for more info.

Be safe,

Dan  <2 

Lance, I'll be there for this.

I'm going to try and drag a bunch of SD members up also!

This run can't be more technical than the mt baldy road, right?  <11

I've only driven a portion of this road.  We used to have some property up Hwy 33.  It is a REALLY fun road to drive even at the posted speed limit.  Awesome scenery and great curves in the road.   One of our members (CHP Officer) used to patrol this road.  We will cruise along and have fun.   Hopefully we will have enough gas to make it all the way back to Frasier Park

This is unique in the vistas and topography.  Taken at a good cruise pace, it is an awesome run.  Contrasts in scenery is rarely exceeded in any run I have done in So California.  Don't worry about running out of gas.  One can easily make Frazier Park from Westlake Village.  Gas stations are available in Ojai at the Ojai gas, and just east of the BBQ restaurant where Frazier Park road meets the I-5.

This really should be spectacular.  Sorry that the southern most members of the Orange County Vipers, ViperX and Mrs ViperX won't be joining the run.  I believe a little social pressure on them to attend is in order.   >g

Hey Raj come on buddy come see the country.

Would be nice to see Mr and Mrs VIPERX make the drive up to LA and Ventura counties to participate in this run.  There are exciting venues outside of ORANGE COUNTY, you know !   <11

Quote from: hemotox on August 26, 2012, 12:39:49 AM
Would be nice to see Mr and Mrs VIPERX make the drive up to LA and Ventura counties to participate in this run.  There are exciting venues outside of ORANGE COUNTY, you know !   <11

Yes, we know.  We drove Laguna Seca at the end of June and have many trips to the track planned this fall / winter.

Take care Doc,

Dan  <2

Eddie and Michelle are in we have driven the road it is awesome.

Quote from: ViperX on August 27, 2012, 11:41:07 AM
Yes, we know.  We drove Laguna Seca at the end of June and have many trips to the track planned this fall / winter.
Take care Doc,
Dan  <2

This may classify as a LAME EXCUSE ! >j

 O> I'm In !  This is one of the Best Routs in So Cal.... starts out Tight,  then some High Speed Sweepers....

  This won't be a Follow me Deal !  Run what you Brung !

 >8
Count me in, I will put the bra on too

I am looking forward to this run!  Count me in +1.

Quote from: Red Vip on August 31, 2012, 06:05:32 PM
>8
Count me in, I will put the bra on too

Raj,
If your putting on the "bra" you might want to put on your skirt too  >w

 <L I Did This Run Today ! I was on my Ducati <o, We may have Exceeded the posted speed limit, Damn.......Not 1 Officer from Ojai to Frazier Park,   Weather was Perfect .... Road was Clean and NO Rocks, There was a Fire somewhere around Lockwood Valley, Big plumes of Smoke..You could smell It, Temp around 80. Madona says she wants to go too, let's See !

Quote from: hemotox on August 28, 2012, 04:50:29 PM
This may classify as a LAME EXCUSE ! >j

Hey Doc,

After just a few track outings, I knew I'd been "bitten" by the Viper.....in a good way.

Cruises just aren't the same as they were when I started back in 04, and I cruised a bunch.  My 04 convertible is approaching 50K miles and almost all are "cruise" miles, except for a few trips to the drags and running the Nevada Open Road Challenge a couple of times.

There's nothing like running your Viper as fast as your courage and ability will allow at the track; i.e. no speed limits, no cops, no opposing traffic, no cliffs to go over, no trees to hit, and passing most other cars with relative ease is fun too.

IMHO, there's no excuse for any of our guys not to "try" the track at least a couple of times as it should at least be a "bucket list" item.

Not taking your Viper to the track, now that would require a LAME EXCUSE!

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

Viper X

Touche, Brute!

Agreed, but hanging socially with club members,combined with some great vistas, unpopulated runs, maybe even seeing a condor, hard to beat!

And running with the Flyin' Hawai'ian, also tought to pass up.  That's like missing out on driving through Honolulu with Steve Magarrett (Jack Lord), of Hawai'i 5-0!

For anyone who wants to drive up from the OC with me, I'll be at Spaghettini's at 7:30 and will leave at 7:45 sharp.

Spaghettini's
3005 Old Ranch Parkway
Seal Beach  CA 90740 

Hey Lance, count me in please. It's been too long since I got to hang with you guys.

Where are all the local 805 guys? Come on Ventura county Vipers it does not get any closer or better than this run. >j

Quote from: Got_Vnum on September 04, 2012, 03:33:26 PM
Hey Lance, count me in please. It's been too long since I got to hang with you guys.

Hey Irfan !
Glad you are coming out.  Looking forward to catching up with you.
See you on Sunday.

I will be honored to join the prestigious group at Spaghettinis.  See you there!

Hey Jon - great to see you this weekend.  See you at Spag's at 7:30

Don't forget to bring your walkie talkies if you have them !

Quote from: HISSSN1 on August 28, 2012, 02:55:31 PM
Eddie and Michelle are in we have driven the road it is awesome.

I don't see Mr and Mrs "Venom Bee" on the list... <1

Sorry for the late notice. Dan and Mayo will join the group in Westlake Village. Sounds like a really fun cruise!

Last minute change of plans, Steve and Lynda are in. See you at Spaghettinos

Great !  See you in the morning Steve.

Perfect Day for a Viper run.  After lunch Steph and I decided to back track the run in a more casual CRUZ of the "Flora and the Fauna". Beautiful country  <1

Thanks all for a great day.  I even enjoyed the brief rain shower at the end.

The road was great .... no accidents ... great friends .... who can ask for more?

Next year, we should have baked Condor ... I understand it tastes just like chicken!

The only thing missing from this run was Hemotox !!   Although he did "call in" during the run, so I guess that counts for something.   =27

This is probably one of the best driving road I have ever been on.  The scenery changes from beginning to end were awesome and the combination of elevation changes, canyon turns and flat out wide open country roads gave us a great variety on this 2 1/2 hour cruise.

Pictures are up on my site www.kouchicentral.com (http://www.kouchicentral.com)

Here are just a few:

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-16%20Condor%20Run/DSC_4600.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-16%20Condor%20Run/DSC_4614.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-16%20Condor%20Run/DSC_4618.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-16%20Condor%20Run/DSC_4631.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-16%20Condor%20Run/DSC_4644.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-16%20Condor%20Run/DSC_4651.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-16%20Condor%20Run/DSC_4654.JPG)

Joel was Ready to EAT !!!

Glen and Stephanie

Grazie Mille for the Condor, it is in the Viper now.  Sorry I was AWOL, next year for sure.  Had a 4 day run around the Sierras with the MINI Cooper Maniacs at the same time (Same one B Conklin did not go on!). Did you take the black "Condor" Viper on the run?

>o

Is that the 1st or 2nd plate of Ribs, OrignalRoot is consuming?

Sorry Eric - I couldn't get away for four days.  i want to see some pic's ... I'll bet you had a great time.

A close second, however, was the Condor run.  We had a great time .... thanks for the route.  Next year we will do it together.