In 1914 WWI reached its apex. Woodrow Wilson was President. Alexander Graham Bell inaugurated the transcontinental telephone service. The Lusitania was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland. Nearby Lassen Peak (of the yet-to-be-named Lassen National Park) erupted. A Category 4 hurricane hit Galveston, Texas.
And California's 120-mile highway construction was begun connecting the northern and southern economies of the Eurika state and helping end talks in Sacramento to divide the state in two at the Tehachapi Mountains.
a 36-mile stretch with a 15 mph speed limit between Castaic and Gorman traversed 697 curves atop the mountain ridges. Several small filling stations and inns opened to serve the travelers and repair their mostly Model T vehicles.
21 miles of the remaining route can still be traversed. Although the passage is anything but routine. Portions of the mountain are falling onto the roadway, and segments of the roadway are eroding from the mountain. Sand washes abound and boulders the size of a small car litter the passage.
I had the pleasure of enjoying the beautiful remote area weekly during my sometimes weekly explorations on my GS.
There are 7 routes accessing the Ridge Route. Although most have barricades in place... proceed with caution. Prepare yourself for an incredibly remote and beautiful ride.
No comments:
Post a Comment