Southern California - Roads in Malibu ??

I was wondering if the Malibu area is good for road biking. I used to spend some time in that area but I remember Decker, Mulhuland, Kanan and other roads as being very popular with motorcylists and cars racing through there. Are they safe roads to bike on ?

Having been a life-long resident of the area (and motoring enthusiast) I'm going to have give the thumbs-down on that idea. Out of any of those I'd say Kanan would be the best.. but I'd still advise against riding it on the weekend.

Since some of the local guys might chime in, I was wondering if someone could explain the need to be on Las Virgenes during commute hours? Yes, you have a right to be there.. but it seems like suicide to me.

Having been a life-long resident of the area (and motoring enthusiast) I'm going to have give the thumbs-down on that idea. Out of any of those I'd say Kanan would be the best.. but I'd still advise against riding it on the weekend.

Since some of the local guys might chime in, I was wondering if someone could explain the need to be on Las Virgenes during commute hours? Yes, you have a right to be there.. but it seems like suicide to me.

Are you a cyclist or a motorcyclist? As for a big thumbs down, I disagree entirely. There are many canyons (Latigo and Stunt being two of my favorites) to climb on. And yes, we do have a right to be out there. I try to avoid Las Virgenes during super busy times, but sometimes it can't be avoided. I ride as far over to the right as possible and expect motorists to remember that they do share the road and that we legally have the same right as they do to be on any public road (other than most freeways).

Having been a life-long resident of the area (and motoring enthusiast) I'm going to have give the thumbs-down on that idea.

Are you serious?

Great cycling through the Santa Monica's. It is better on Saturday's there seem to be many more motorcyclists on Sunday.

Unfortunately there are a few inconsiderate motorcyclists that ruin it for the rest and has caused increased patrol. If you get buzzed by a motorcyclist, call the Malibu Sheriff at 1-818-878-1808 (I have it on speed dial). They won't be able to do anything about that particular motorcyclist but they will send units and start writing tickets.

Ok, for bicycling, as Mary said, Latigo and Stunt are great. All roads up to SaddlePeak are great (the top of Stunt).

Also, Decker, Deer Creek Rd, Yerba Buena, Mulholland, well, just about all. The ones I avoid are Malibu Canyon and Kanan Road.

The ones I avoid are Malibu Canyon and Kanan Road.

Except up to Stunt and the Rock Store climb, right? :D

Except up to Stunt and the Rock Store climb, right? :D

Like you said, Malibu Canyon is hard to avoid sometimes. But I always avoid Kanan (except to cross it on Mulholland or the little stretch from Mulholland to Latigo), not that it is particularly bad, it just lacks the character of the other canyons, it seems to be more of a freeway through the mountains.

Having been a life-long resident of the area (and motoring enthusiast) I'm going to have give the thumbs-down on that idea. Out of any of those I'd say Kanan would be the best.. but I'd still advise against riding it on the weekend.

Since some of the local guys might chime in, I was wondering if someone could explain the need to be on Las Virgenes during commute hours? Yes, you have a right to be there.. but it seems like suicide to me.

hmmm, seeing that the SM's are my backyard, I ride there all the time.
As Mary and Jim stated, I avoid Kanan and Malibu Cyn as much as possible...
I am on Las Virgenes from Lost Hills until I turn on Mullholland but that is it...
I go though Calamigos Ranch from Latigo to avoid Kanan...
I love all the other roads though...Stunt, Piuma, Deer Creek (Up not DOWN!!), Decker,
Encinal, etc.....
I do try and avoid Rock Store on Sundays though
My sunday ride is normally Up Westlake, Down Encinal, to PCH, up Latigo and back....

My sunday ride is normally Up Westlake, Down Encinal, to PCH, up Latigo and back....

:beer: perfect ride. Oh, and by the way, it also depends on weather conditions. I did avoid riding those canyons yesterday due to the heavy fog. Cyclists do need to be smart about riding any roads in bad conditions since we are more vulnerable. No way I wanted to climb Latigo or Stunt in that dense fog. A car wouldn't have seen me until right up on me. But other than that, I've found many of those roads have little traffic on them excepting the above mentioned Mulholland and Kanan, but even those can be utilized smartly (i.e. alert and single file).

<snip>
My sunday ride is normally Up Westlake, Down Encinal, to PCH, up Latigo and back....

nice!!

:beer: perfect ride. Oh, and by the way, it also depends on weather conditions. I did avoid riding those canyons yesterday due to the heavy fog. Cyclists do need to be smart about riding any roads in bad conditions since we are more vulnerable. No way I wanted to climb Latigo or Stunt in that dense fog. A car wouldn't have seen me until right up on me. But other than that, I've found many of those roads have little traffic on them excepting the above mentioned Mulholland and Kanan, but even those can be utilized smartly (i.e. alert and single file).

You haven't had much luck lately, 1st the fires canceled the ride then the fog.

:beer: perfect ride. Oh, and by the way, it also depends on weather conditions. I did avoid riding those canyons yesterday due to the heavy fog. Cyclists do need to be smart about riding any roads in bad conditions since we are more vulnerable. No way I wanted to climb Latigo or Stunt in that dense fog. A car wouldn't have seen me until right up on me. But other than that, I've found many of those roads have little traffic on them excepting the above mentioned Mulholland and Kanan, but even those can be utilized smartly (i.e. alert and single file).

Yesterday WAS foggy, but climbing Latigo was fine...Descending Encinial (no idea how to spell that!!) was bad, but once on the coast, it was like we were below the fog layer, it was fine along the coast..then no fog climbing Latigo (cold but not foggy!!)

I figured that would elicit a reaction. Not trolling, just trying to figure it out as I'm coming from one end of the spectrum to the other (slowly).

It wasn't so long ago that you could find me tearing through the canyon roads on weekend afternoons- idiotic now that I think about it- but having experienced more than a few ugly situations in the past I simply wouldn't put myself in that position (in a car or otherwise). Few shoulders, no bike lanes and blind corners everywhere.

It's great to hope that motorists are aware of the legal right for bikes to share the road.. but when Joe Porsche is trying to apex a turn such thoughts usually don't cross their mind. I'm not saying bikes shouldn't be on these roads (as I'd love to try most of them) but having been that lunatic behind the wheel before I just wouldn't feel safe. I can't call the Sheriff's department from the afterlife.

-Chris

It's great to hope that motorists are aware of the legal right for bikes to share the road.. but when Joe Porsche is trying to apex a turn such thoughts usually don't cross their mind. I'm not saying bikes shouldn't be on these roads (as I'd love to try most of them) but having been that lunatic behind the wheel before I just wouldn't feel safe. I can't call the Sheriff's department from the afterlife.

-Chris

Following your logic, cyclists shouldn't ride on ANY road. Last time I checked, Joe Porche has access to any road I have access to in Southern Cal. Cycling is a risk, no doubt, but so is driving. We have to do the best we can with what we have.

I figured that would elicit a reaction. Not trolling, just trying to figure it out as I'm coming from one end of the spectrum to the other (slowly).

It wasn't so long ago that you could find me tearing through the canyon roads on weekend afternoons- idiotic now that I think about it- but having experienced more than a few ugly situations in the past I simply wouldn't put myself in that position (in a car or otherwise). Few shoulders, no bike lanes and blind corners everywhere.

It's great to hope that motorists are aware of the legal right for bikes to share the road.. but when Joe Porsche is trying to apex a turn such thoughts usually don't cross their mind. I'm not saying bikes shouldn't be on these roads (as I'd love to try most of them) but having been that lunatic behind the wheel before I just wouldn't feel safe. I can't call the Sheriff's department from the afterlife.

-Chris

Knock on wood, but I haven't had any problems in the canyons....
I have had Motorcyclists and Cars come up slowly behind or beside me and slow down and comment on my bike and my attire!
No negitivity at all that I have experienced....

I got buzzed before up @ AC, but not in the Malibu area....

I figured that would elicit a reaction. Not trolling, just trying to figure it out as I'm coming from one end of the spectrum to the other (slowly).

It wasn't so long ago that you could find me tearing through the canyon roads on weekend afternoons- idiotic now that I think about it- but having experienced more than a few ugly situations in the past I simply wouldn't put myself in that position (in a car or otherwise). Few shoulders, no bike lanes and blind corners everywhere.

It's great to hope that motorists are aware of the legal right for bikes to share the road.. but when Joe Porsche is trying to apex a turn such thoughts usually don't cross their mind. I'm not saying bikes shouldn't be on these roads (as I'd love to try most of them) but having been that lunatic behind the wheel before I just wouldn't feel safe. I can't call the Sheriff's department from the afterlife.

-Chris

Chris, it goes in waves. I was through there Saturday and there was very little motorcycle traffic and the motorcyclists that were there were not ripping each turn. That leads me to believe that there were enough tickets given recently to quell the crazies there for a while. It won’t last but our only defense is to call the Sheriff and say “they’re back’.

For the first time in a long time, I actually saw two deer on Mulholland between the Rock Store and the start of the climb. Sure, I see them off the road a lot, but they were right in the middle of the street. They were not moving either, I had to startle them to get them off the street.

For the first time in a long time, I actually saw two deer on Mulholland between the Rock Store and the start of the climb. Sure, I see them off the road a lot, but they were right in the middle of the street. They were not moving either, I had to startle them to get them off the street.

I heard about that!!!! I was up there Saturday too, but must have been after you......

Following your logic, cyclists shouldn't ride on ANY road. Last time I checked, Joe Porche has access to any road I have access to in Southern Cal. Cycling is a risk, no doubt, but so is driving. We have to do the best we can with what we have.

Again, I have no problem with cyclists bring on any road.

My point is that this particular area seems to encourage Mr. Porsche to take more risks than anywhere else (and I speak from experience). If someone is looking for new places to ride would you not do them the favor of at least mentioning this?

Again, I have no problem with cyclists bring on any road.

My point is that this particular area seems to encourage Mr. Porsche to take more risks than anywhere else (and I speak from experience). If someone is looking for new places to ride would you not do them the favor of at least mentioning this?

Chris, I'm not attacking you or your opinion. :) I just feel very strongly opposed to what you wrote. I also don't imagine that you have ridden up there on a bike based on what you stated. Yes, motorists take risks in Malibu, but no, that area is not the worst. Motorclists take extreme risks on Angeles Crest (and are very often killed because of it). Although I would warn a rider to stay as far over to the right as possible on AC, I wouldn't discourage them from riding in that area. Again, it's about riding smart and alert (right here I could start the whole wearing an iPod debate...but I'm not that bored today :p) Your comments seem discouraging, IMO. If you are a cyclist, why not try out an area before stating that other cyclists should avoid it? That's all.

Chris, it goes in waves. I was through there Saturday and there was very little motorcycle traffic and the motorcyclists that were there were not ripping each turn. That leads me to believe that there were enough tickets given recently to quell the crazies there for a while. It won’t last but our only defense is to call the Sheriff and say “they’re back’.

Admittedly I am speaking from what I saw a few years back.. I'm sure that what you describe is more along the norm now. Actually, the deer story is something I haven't heard in a very long time.. so it must be working. :)

Chris, I look forward to riding with you through the mountains and get your perspective. I bet we both learn.

And the wave length is measured in weeks not years.

Well, rather than continue the debate, as all points have been covered, let us extend an invitation to you to see for yourself and ride the SM's! There are numerous opportunities to ride it with a group, if you want. Both Agoura stores, Sundance Cycles and Agoura Cycles, have a Saturday morning group ride that often covers the SM's. (Check www.sundancecycles.com for the upcoming routes each week. AC doesn't do that yet despite our pleas to Joel!)

Conejo Valley Cyclists (www.cvcbike.org) hits it constantly. This Thursday, several of us will be riding with CVC along Mulholland to Stunt and back, a good way to work up an appetite for Turkey!

Sheldon

Good idea, Sheldon! Or, Chris, come out and play with some local BFers. We ride up there in small groups all the time. Thomson is the best tour guide through there I've met and he knows all the less trafficked roads.

Good idea, Sheldon! Or, Chris, come out and play with some local BFers. We ride up there in small groups all the time. Thomson is the best tour guide through there I've met and he knows all the less trafficked roads.

Yeah! So, ME, are you joining Adam and I Thursday if we ride with CVC?

Sheldon

Chris, I look forward to riding with you through the mountains and get your perspective. I bet we both learn.

I wouldn't doubt that! I'll admit I'm a little gun-shy about being on the road as I've been the offensive part of the equation more than I'd care to admit. Hopefully karma won't decide to seek payment in full. :)

What time are you starting Sheldon?

And, btw, you ARE that Sheldon.

I wouldn't doubt that! I'll admit I'm a little gun-shy about being on the road as I've been the offensive part of the equation more than I'd care to admit. Hopefully karma won't decide to seek payment in full. :)

One thing that helps is a mirror. However, you will probably note that I am the only dorkwad here that wears one.

Yeah! So, ME, are you joining Adam and I Thursday if we ride with CVC?

Sheldon

I'm considering it. :) You boys are so much faster than I am and I'm still nervous about the whole time thing. I may get up and ride at 5:00am straight from my door, though. I've been wanting to ride from my place to Chantry and back again. I doubt I can get that in, but I can get up to the RB canyons and back for sure with time to spare.

One thing that helps is a mirror. However, you will probably note that I am the only dorkwad here that wears one.

You're a smart dorkwad. My dad keeps telling me to buy one.

One thing that helps is a mirror. However, you will probably note that I am the only dorkwad here that wears one.

Ehh.. well, that was going to be my next purchase.

Now, Chris, I don't mean a mirror to blind drivers coming around the turns. I mean one that mounts on your helmet or glasses to give you some rear visibility.



I have been through a lot of them, the best, by far is Take a Look (http://www.planetultra.com/OrderForms/MirrorOrder.html)

You're a smart dorkwad. My dad keeps telling me to buy one.

Yeah, I tried with you guys too. The furthest I got was Scoot bought one but never installed it.

Now, Chris, I don't mean a mirror to blind drivers coming around the turns. I mean one that mounts on your helmet or glasses to give you some rear visibility.



I have been through a lot of them, the best, by far is Take a Look (http://www.planetultra.com/OrderForms/MirrorOrder.html)

Ya know I have one of those Take a look mirrors, I tried it 1 1/2 years ago when I started road riding, but I am a dumbass, I kept wanting to turn my head! And then I would just keep looking @ my shoulder...DUH! It drove me insane, I took it off after 2 rides.
Maybe I should try it again....

Maybe I should try it again....

Or, just always ride with Thomson. :p

Now, Chris, I don't mean a mirror to blind drivers coming around the turns.

Well then- got any recco's on an oil slick or smoke screen? :beer:

Thanks though, I'll definitely consider that. I've been avoiding streets out of backwards sight paranoia (not hard to do when the Strand is 100' away).

Karen, after a while, you can actually focus on the mirror and straight ahead simultaneously. That is the coolest.

But, in its normal use. you should be able to have a 100% view behind with just little head moves. There are no blind spots.

I will admit it is not for everyone, I have heard of people not being able to focus and even some becoming nauseated (motion sickness?) But, if you have one, I would give it a try. try it for a few weeks before giving up.

Well then- got any recco's on an oil slick or smoke screen?

:roflmao::roflmao:

But, if you have one, I would give it a try. try it for a few weeks before giving up.

Or, just ride with Thomson. :D

What time are you starting Sheldon?

And, btw, you ARE that Sheldon.


Here is the e-mail from CVC:

"Bad Ass Coffee/First Bank and Trust parking lot. ( Westlake Village)

9.00am start

Via Juan Bautista De Anza park, Mulholland and climb to top of Stunt Road. Probably around 40 miles total.

Return same way."

I'm considering it. :) You boys are so much faster than I am and I'm still nervous about the whole time thing. I may get up and ride at 5:00am straight from my door, though. I've been wanting to ride from my place to Chantry and back again. I doubt I can get that in, but I can get up to the RB canyons and back for sure with time to spare.

Well, Adam is that fast...not me! Wanna cut the time down and still join us? Park your car at De Anza Park at Lost Hills. We'll roll by there and then you don't go as far and have a shorter return ride.

Sheldon

I wouldn't doubt that! I'll admit I'm a little gun-shy about being on the road as I've been the offensive part of the equation more than I'd care to admit. Hopefully karma won't decide to seek payment in full. :)

I have to agree with the posters here that the many roads in the area are terrific for cycling but do have their risks. Just out of curiosity, what have you done in the past that is making you feel so guilty and leery of your karma?

Just out of curiosity, what have you done in the past that is making you feel so guilty and leery of your karma?

Growing up, those roads were my playground away from civilization. Blitzing through them drunk/high, racing at high speeds (let's just say that I had a timed 'lap' for Stunt Road) and deliberately causing property damage are just some of the offenses.

It's not like I'm a reformed alcoholic who teaches Sunday school now (not that there's anything wrong with that) but I just shudder to think of what I used to get away with around there- it's not a stretch for me to imagine someone else doing the same.

I was wondering if the Malibu area is good for road biking. I used to spend some time in that area but I remember Decker, Mulhuland, Kanan and other roads as being very popular with motorcylists and cars racing through there. Are they safe roads to bike on ?

I live on Point Mugu Naval Air Station and started mapping my routes going through all the canyons south of us. I live 15 min from the base of Deer Creek and 20 min from Yerba. Other than the occasional shaking of their heads as they drive by I personally have not had any bad run inn’s with motorist. Knock on wood.. I do tend to ride by myself so I’m not as hard to get by as a pack. I also make an effort to be seen when I’m climbing, which means coming out to the top of a turn apex for traffic that is coming up behind me, I make sure to get back to the bottom of the apex as to not to slow them down, it's simply a way to be seen. On the way back down I dare Joe Porsche to try and keep up.



http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=5436

I also make an effort to be seen when I’m climbing, which means coming out to the top of a turn apex for traffic that is coming up behind me, not to slow them down just to be seen. On the way back down I dare Joe Porsche to try and keep up.

THAT is what I'm talking about.

It's not for every road- but hopefully bikes and motors can co-exist on the ones that appeal to most of us with just a little effort and understanding. I'll let Joe's friends know to take a late apex. ;)

Are they safe roads to bike on ?

That's an interesting question, SunFlower, and I think one that is difficult to answer without bias.

In the past, we've had similar discussions on these forums about the safety of riding on city streets as a commuter, versus the safety of riding the mountain roads on weekends, and opinions have been sharply divided. Who do you believe? Beats me.

I would argue against those who would dismiss your (and CMY's) non-cycling observations as being irrelevant. You know what you've seen and experienced, and that should be factored into your decision-making process about cycling on those roads.

And, of course, the responses you receive on this message board may or may not give you the whole picture. People who ride those mountain roads recreationally will have a bias toward believing them to be safe, while others will have a bias in the other direction. (For example: my friend who is a forest ranger on one of the more popular weekend cycling roads in the mountains, and is a first responder to the accidents. His point of view is bit darker, as you might expect!)