The Santa Barbara Ventura County loop

Motorcycle Route Author

By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 17, 2011

Rider Reviews

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Guest

April 17, 2012

I've ridden this loop with a friend from Santa…

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GeoffNriding

2 McR Points

September 16, 2015

A good ride...but to make it a great one take…

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Written Directions

This is a full day ride that is great for anyone in Santa Barbara Ventura County. I typically start in Ojai and take the 33 North to the 166. Then head west through Cuyama to the 101, down to the 154 and through Santa Ynez Valley to Santa Barbara, and back on to the 101 South. If you started out anywhere South of Ventura you may want to call it a day from there and stay on the 101, but if your heading back to Ojai take the 150 around Lake Casitas and back to Ojai. Depending with only stopping for fuel the ride should take about 5 hours but there are plenty of places to stop.

Scenery

You see everything on this route. Mountains, Fields, Rivers Gorges, and The Coast. Some of the pretiest country in California, that means in the world.

Drive Enjoyment

Road Conditions are good, anyone that has ever ridden the 33 or 150 knows about the twisties. There a lot of them. The 33 is a road for experienced riders only. If you are a new rider or on a new bike, take it easy. The 166 and the 154 both nice two lane roads with lots of straight-aways. But beware of the grade going down the 154 into Santa Barbara. The 101 is always a nice ride but watch out for out of starers.

Tourism Opportunities

As far as amenities go there really isn't much between Ojai and Cuyama. Make sure to top off in Ojai before heading over the mountains. There are a few little hole in the wall joints here and there. The Burger Barn in Cuyama is about the only place to get decent grub now that the Buckhorn is closed. From Santa Maria all the back to Ojai there is plenty to see and do. A favorite of mine is the Maverick Saloon in Old Town Santa Ynez, or stay on the 154 past Cachuma Lake till you get to the top of the hill and turn right on to Stage Coach Rd. and down the hill a short distance to Cold Springs Tavern, I haven't made a stop there in a while but they used to have the best tri-tip sandwiches on Sundays.