Pamestique 

A buddy and I rode from downtown Ventura up the Ventura River bike trail, through Ojai and out then circled back to find something to eat and start back to Ventura. I really enjoyed the ride and would like to explore the area more. We went out of town on Hwy 150 about 5 miles... where does this route go and are there any good loops in the area, something scenic (but not too difficult) to explore?

We were thinking of starting from Foster Park (because the lower trail is not particularly scenic) and then extending our route past Ojai. I would appreciate any suggestions! Thanks in advance. Also any eatery/restaurant suggestions?

thomson

Hi Pam
Going east on 150 through Ojai you end up going up the Dennison Grade and down into Santa Paula. Santa Paula. from there you can take flat streets back to Ventura or reverse your course and go through Ojai again.

Going west on 150 you will end up at the beach and it is a fairly enjoyable climb. Again, if you want to return via the flat lands it is possible.

In either case, if you return via the flat lands, it would just be easier all around if you started in downtown Ventura.

For some additional climbing, not steep just long, go north on 33 as far as you want.

Pamestique 

Thompson... I know this will make some sense if we check a map, but at some point 33 and 150 split and 150 goes into Ojai. I notice 33 mentioned several towns, something " - Springs" is this what you are talking about? It looked inviting.

Also road conditions... I had no problem traveling out on 150 past Ojai (hey I did Montana, narrow roads, big trucks!) but my buddy doesn't like much traffic (he's a mountain biker). Is the ride out on 33 similar to 150?

I think we might tackle the ride out to Santa Paula and then back to Ventura. Is it really flat back? Also any idea on the mileage for this loop?

Appreciate your help!!! I going to Google right now as we "speak" to check it out!

thomson

Matilija Springs is up 33, so yeah follow that sign. It should list Taft and Maricopa as well. All of that is up the 33. If you took the bike path all the way, it ends in a Von's shopping center. Turn left here, that is highway 33. Here is an eagle eye shot of the intersection.
https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...wloc=addr&om=1

Highway 33 has much less traffic than 150. It is really desolate out there. On weekends you have motorcycle traffic.


Ok, if you take 150 to Santa Paula, turn right on Main Street in Santa Paula and take it until it intersects Telegraph. Here is a map
https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...wloc=addr&om=1

Take Telegraph west until it intersects Main St (a different Main street, you are in Ventura now) Turn right on Main until you get back to the start of the bike path.

https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...wloc=addr&om=1

Admitly, these directions are just the simplest. You could look at taking Foothill back from Santa Paula for some rollers.

nesdog

My wife and I really like doing that route, although leaving from Ventura. We just do a nice ride to Ojai, cruise around the outskirts of town through the fields on the north/east side and then return to the park on Main St. for a picnic lunch. Then it's a nice relaxing ride back to Ventura, provided you don't do we like do and find yourself falling asleep in the park while lying in the sun!

Sheldon

Pamestique 

We actually started at a park lot next to the Natural History Museum (off Main St.). Is there a better place ot start? It's no big deal but the least scenic part of the ride was up the trail to Foster Park, although I do find the abandoned oil fields "interesting". Lots of homeless were out for some reason which made me uncomfortable. One guy sortof came after me. We thought if we started from Foster Park we (1) would avoid the weird part and people (2) would have a nice bath room to use before riding (3) could explore more of Ojai and either 33 or 150 although I do like the Loop suggestion. Since we are in Orange County, we have to drive up to Ventura. All in all takes about 2 hours to drive up and unload the bikes and then there is that awful drive back (lots of traffic it took 3 hours to return). Neither I or my riding partner like to get up too early preferring to leave about 8am and starting our ride at 10am. Hopefully the distance and time frame is doable with the few daylight hours we have right now.

Anyway looking forward to coming back up and exploring the area. It as very nice. New scenery is always fun!

thomson

You are right about that stretch being less than 'pretty'. If you do a loop, there is no avoiding it, either you do it first or last. In the morning it is usually quieter.