Motorcycle Route Author
By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points)
on May 17, 2011
Rider Reviews
Written Directions
Round trip from San Diego area was a total of 115 miles in 2 hours.I left La Mesa, east of San Diego, at 11 AM on a Saturday morning. After about 33 miles of easy highway on I-8 east, I exited on Sunrise Highway, S-1. After 30 miles of truly beautiful riding, I found the 79 east and I entered Julian. Famous for its pies, apple cider and fresh bread, and tourists, Julian was packed with bikes of all flavors.
I passed through Julian and continued to Ramona via the 78 east-south. After about 30 miles of uneventful riding, nice countryside, not too crowded, I rolled through Ramona. Stop and go traffic, lights, etc.
I passed by Lakeside and Santee, and hit the 110 mile mark when I reached the I-8 again. Another 5 miles on the I-8 west and I was at my exit in La Mesa.
This ride is picturesque and easy going ride with clear signage and several options for entering and leaving the route (if you're coming from Orange, Los Angeles or Imperial Counties).
Scenery
Not a really long ride, but a nice loop in the San Diego area. The Sunrise Highway Loop sees over 5,000 feet in elevation changes as it takes the rider from I-8 through the Cleveland National Forest, the Anza-Borrego desert, Julian, Wynola, Ramona, Lakeside and Santee before returning to the I-8.In the San Diego area and have 2 hours or more to burn? This is a fantastic ride; picturesque and easy going.