California City to Randsburg

[WR4ZAZZ]

I saw an old post from tp3dxf regarding a ride to Randsburg, but wanted to get some additional info. Tried to search, but could not find any additional info. I ride in Cal City from time to time, but never have been from Cal City to Randsburg. My bike is NOT Dual Sport, so other than immediate streets of Randsburg, I can not take an streets. Is there a easy way to explain directions from Cal City to Randsburg - I believe it is North East, but can not locate a map that provides any detail. I have gone from Trona (north) down to Randsburg, but never from South end of desert. Any input would be great. Thanks ?

[WR372]

Without being to specific, yes you can ride from Cal City to Randsburg without riding on roads (kinda). You might have to cross over a road or two, or even ride along side of one but nothing major. As far as a map, I picked one up at the Dove Springs Ranger station for a couple of bucks. It should get you there, but it is always best to go with a couple of guys that kinda know the way incase you get lost.

[Jim_bo]

If you guys like riding in Cal City, you should drive a few more miles and come up to Ridgecrest. I frequently ride to Randsburg, through the El Paso's, Spangler hills, Wagon Wheel, Red Mountain, etc... I think the riding here is much better than Cal City.

Jimbo

[WR4ZAZZ]

Thanks - for the input. I will be going out this weekend and give it a "go". I guess not knowing exactly where you are going is half the fun.

As for ride from Ridgecrest, I have gone from Spangler Hills to Randsburg and it is a great ride. Spangler is just a little too far to go for the day - I enjoy camping at Spangler for the weekend.

[Birdie426]

Nick-

Welcome to TT. I hope you learn as much here as I have! Talk to Marv Swensen in pubs on my program for the skinny. He and his wife and son did the loop this past weekend before Garrett and I got there. He tells me it's about 45-50 miles round trip, and the only pavement is in Randsburg.

I'd like to join you this weekend, but we have football on Saturday and soccer on Sunday. I'll be glad when the kids sports are done!

Are you up for Calico over the Halloween weekend? A bunch of U-2 folks are going out there (again, we'll be tied up with football and soccer, so we won't make it)

Can't wait to get out there with you on the new scooter!

birdie

[JVP]

I go riding in that area quite often. It is wide open stuff, dogging brush, for the more part. Be careful though! ? My nephew accidentally made a wrong turn once and fell down a mine shaft. He dropped over 250 feet before hitting a piece of lumber. If he missed that piece of lumber he would have fell another 300 feet into a pool of water and drowned. ? A mine rescue team had to get him out. He is only two people who survived falling in a mine shaft in the past twenty years. ? There are over 3000 mine shafts in that area. ? Most of them are not marked. Stay away from the tailing areas!

Ride safe. Be safe.

[Dan_from_HB]

Thanks - for the input. I will be going out this weekend and give it a "go". I guess not knowing exactly where you are going is half the fun.

As for ride from Ridgecrest, I have gone from Spangler Hills to Randsburg and it is a great ride. Spangler is just a little too far to go for the day - I enjoy camping at Spangler for the weekend.

I don't know the riding level of your group, but we typically go over Government Peak, right at the microwave station. You can see it from almost anywhere east of Cal City.

You may run into some fairly steep downhills if you drop down the back side of Gov Pk, so be prepared.

The easiest alternative is dirt roads farther to the east between the peak and Hwy 395. Exploring those will get you to the paved road into Randsburg just past the main gate of the mining company. Sheriff doesn't mind green sticker bikes on pavement in Randsburg as long as you ride slow and no wheelies or any of that nonsense. Breaking those rules gets us all thrown out.

Have fun.