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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126556
~ e • SANDBERG LODGE • CN 00 c:J) 1"""'4 (l(") 1"""'4 ~ + ~ ::s = N ~ ~ CIENAGA #~.~~. (Top left) A sign gives you a brief history of the old Ridge Route. While you ride it you can compare what's on the sign to the modem, six-lena superslab that relplaces the old route labove left). or snuggle right up to it labove middlel. IAbove right) A crumbling wall is all that's left of the once-famous Tumble Inn. (Continued from page J6) • ,40. covered everything. Continuing up the route you will soon pass the remains of a stone wall on your left. This was the Tumble Inn. It was quite famous in its time and I'll bet that place could tell some really wild stories. It's a shame some of these old historic spots have not lasted or been preserved. At about 24 miles, a few stone walls on both sides of the road are all that remains of the Sandberg Lodge. It was stiU open on weekends in early 1959 and it burned to the ground in 1960. I've seen some pictures of it and it was a very beautiful old rustic wooden structure. Around a couple of turns you come upon county fire station number 77. Across from it is the road to Bald Mountain. The old weather station on top is now automated and locked tight as is the telephone repeater station. No No signs abound on that road, but if you stay on the pavement it's OK according to the Captain at the fire station. Near the top and looking north you can s,ee part of Jh~ California Aqueduct in the western portion of the Antelope Valley. A couple of years ago we ran into some pretty fair sized snow banks on this piece of road. Years ago my wife and I visited the weather station when it was manned and were given a tour. We were able to watch a weather balloon launching. The balloon had several thousand dollars of special equipment on board. Each time I make this trip 1 try and find the site of the famous "Sunfreeze Ice Cream" sign. I have not been successful. Not even the stone pillars can be found. Ask your granddad if he can remember it. To return, just retrace your route. Try and follow the old concrete, and notice how narrow it is. Two large trucks meeting in the dead of night on some of these curves must have been a little puckery. The asphalt was added through the years to help straighten the curves. Even with it. it is a snaky route at best. When you return to Templin Highway (if you don't have the time, save it for another day), go left (east). Follow the pavement !l.5 miles down to the canyon bottom. Cross the new concrete bridge and go up the road going east into the narrow canyon. The old plank bridges here used to wash out almost every year. This is Fish Canyon and within three miles you will come to Cienaga Campground. On the way in the stream crosses the road several times. These crossings can be slick at times so please be careful. The campground is a nice little spot in tl;te springtime and is not heavily used. There is usually no drinking water in summer or fall. Yau can continue east for seven miles to Elizabeth Lake Road. This is a nice rrip and if you wish to push on, you can go up Ruby Canyon and then down Clearwater Canyon an additional 10 miles to San Francisquito Canyon. At this point you must return the same way because other routes are very long and a possible five mile run on the freeway. If you are in the camping mood, there is another place you can camp and use as a starting point. On the west side of Interstate 5 at Templin Highway there is a piece of the old 19!1!l route. Head north on it a couple of miles and you'll find Oak Flat Campground. Drinking water is usuaI1y available all year. Total miles on this trip was 76 including the side trips to Cienaga and Oak Flat Campgrounds. Several maps will be helpful to you. The Angeles National Forest Map and the Auto Club Map of Los Angeles and Vicinity are two of the best. For you map freaks (like me) I suggest the following USGS topo maps: Liebre Mountain, Whitaker Peak and Warm Springs Mountain. So, get your bikes gassed up, pack a lunch, get mom and the kids together for a super ride into some of southern California's nostalgic past. And don't get in the way of those old Mack trucks. •