Cerro Noroeste Road
 

Has anyone ridden the part of the road that starts here and heads south, up to 8k+ ft:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=frazie...92.724609&z=16

Based on the street view, it looks like the road is paved and opened at least at the bottom. According to the gps sites, looks like the road goes to 8k+ ft.

I've never bicycled it, but I've driven Forest Route 95 between I-5 and State Route 33 twice, most recently about a year ago, and the road was definitely paved and traversable by automobile over its entire length. I recall that the pavement was in reasonably good condition, with fairly light traffic west of Pine Mountain Club, becoming heavier towards Frazier Park and I-5.

In some places, the shoulders are narrow and the sight distances are limited, but not materially worse than, say, portions of Angeles Crest Highway, and the surrounding country is generally pleasant and different from the typical Southern California mountain vistas, particularly once you enter the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

For planning and to take on your ride, I'd suggest you get a copy of the U.S. Forest Service map, Los Padres National Forest: Mt. Pinos, Ojai, and Santa Barbara Ranger Districts (2008), available at ranger stations, for purchase online, and to view on the Web:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/forestvisito...ndex.php#south

(Among other things, the map shows which roads are paved, and where you could find a forest ranger or fire station if you were to need one.)

I bet Big John has. I think he told me about that road , steep!!!!!!!

it looks like a nice climb...about 8 miles and 2,253' of climbing to an altitude of almost 8,300'.

I have driven on that road before, because a family member has a home in Pine Mountain Club. The advice that anon_cyclist gave you (a couple of posts up) are right on the money.

ridden mostly on the motorcycle, but i have done it a couple of times with big john and others on the 4 counties ride put on by the l.a. wheelmen late in the year. not much traffic at all and a great road all around. you should come out for the next one

I've ridden it. It is part of the Heartbreak Hundred (both single and double century). I have also ridden it as part of a loaded tour from Palmdale to the central coast. It is a nice road with a couple of steep sections known as the "Apache Saddle". There is a general store at Pine Mountain Club to re-supply but take lots of water, ther rest of the road is pretty sparse. Beautiful views looking down into the valleys. Here's a link to the Heartbreak Double website for a little more info: http://www.planetultra.com/heartbreak/index.html

HtH - Jim

Ben is not referring to Hwy 95. He is asking about Forest Rt 9N25, an 8 mile offshoot from Hwy 95 that ends at the summit of Cerro Noroeste/Mount Abel.

Yep, sorry, I read the post too quickly and missed the key word "south":o

Carry on. - Jim

It starts at Apache Saddle and climbs to 8300 feet, the top of Mt Abel. I used to climb it when I lived up there, sometimes on the mtb in the snow/sleet.
It's not a super hard climb but it does get bumpy at the top.
One time on the way back down one of the ladies hit a squirrel but she didn't crash.

If the LA Wheelmen are doing the 5 county ride in October I will do it. $20, great support, and you cant beat it.

I have ridden up to mt Abel before. there is a gate at the bottom but its been open when i went up. Rough pavement but a good climb.

Thanks for the additional responses (belated!)

A really great climbing route can be done with this Mt Abel climb. Start in Frazier Park, bear right on Cuddy Valley Road and go to the end of the road (where it meets 33/166) and turn back. But, do the two climbs on the way back (Mt Abel and Mt Pinos). Lot of climbing at high altitude.

What would the mileage be on that? Sounds interesting as I sort of know the area. A friend used to live in Pine Mountain Club. Great area.:50:

Finally climbed this road today (with Mt Pinos and some other stuff). It was as good as I thought it'd be.

Here:
http://app.strava.com/rides/1659225

That's a quality ride right there, good stuff.

Great looking ride. A friend used to live at Pine Mtn. Club, and unfortunately I did not take advantage of that except for a ride or two up in that area. I would spend weekends up there all the time, but went hiking most of them that were not spent drinking beer. LOL . That road around PMC can get dangerously slick in the winter time, black ice is a real problem. :50:

I like how you put "easy" next to the title on the hride page. Easy for you, maybe.

btw, the LA Wheelmen are running the 5 counties ride on Oct. 15th. If you've never done the loop, this is the best way. I'll be out of town so I'll miss it.

Easy as in I took it easy...

What's the 5 counties ride?

Starts in Lake of the Woods at the LDS church, you go out through Pine Mountain Club to hwy 166, to hwy 33, and back through Lockwood Valley, similar to the Heartbreak 100 except you go down to the fwy at the end, if you are so inclined. Some people do start at the fwy. Good support, $20 last time, and usually about 80 riders. Some of our club will be at another event this time, however.

Looked on their website -it's identical to Heartbreak

Except the start is up at Lake of the Woods so you can skip the first climb if you want. And it's 1/4 the price, and the support is better.

Digging up an old thread, Ben what's the water situation like on this route? Thinking about doing something like it next week.

There's not much water out in that area once you get away from the populated areas. There is a c-store on hwy 33 and a bar a few miles later. There used to be a faucet at Ozena Station, the fire station on 33 near Lockwood Valley road, but I think it's gone. No water on Mt Able or Mt Pinos roads.

Did an abbreviated version of this ride today, both of those climbs are super nice, I was quite surprised. I parked at a park in Pine Mountain Club instead of starting down by the 5. I think the herdest part of this ride is the 15% kickers (both directions) between Mt. Pinos and Pine Mountain Club. This starting point worked out super well, as I was able to grab a coke and refill my water at the store there in PMC.

http://app.strava.com/rides/7665308