Ridge Route - Comments

The Ridge Route Book - Now Available for online purchase

Welcome to the Ridge Route Comment Page.

Please feel free to share your comments and experiences about the Ridge Route and about our site by sending an e-mail to:

RidgeRoute@yahoo.com

After we review your comments, we will add them to this section of the site.

In 1950, when I was just going into high school, I used to take a Greyhound bus from Long Beach over the Ridge Route up to Bakersfield to visit friends who had moved to Oildale. In 1954 and 1955 while at Pepperdine College our choir took an annual trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco and traveled the Ridge Route for our first performance in Bakersfield. Still later and newly married, my husband and I often made trips over the Ridge Route, either to see those same friends or to visit relatives in Fresno. As a native Californian, I have wonderful memories of that long stretch of highway. In those days, the Ridge Route was the Ridge Route, and the Grapevine was that final winding drop into the Central valley. Anymore on TV, the journalists NEVER make that differentiation. It is all compressed into a single word now -- "Grapevine." When I hear them say that I always talk back to them on the TV: "Get it right, guys. It's the Ridge Route those guys are driving over." I know times change and words change, but for us oldsters who throughout our lives have embraced that route, we'd like to have the nomenclature remain as it was. Cars today do not drive over the Grapevine. They drive over the Ridge Route!

Bobby Dobbins Title Mira Loma, CA
January 26, 2008

Years ago when my family lived in Bakersfield we traveled the old 1915 Ridge Route because my Dad always wanted to take the scenic route. He always told my older Sister and my younger Brother that we should look out the windows and see how beautiful the country was, but as children we just wanted to play tricks on each other and cause trouble. I recently saw the “California Road Trip” program and my Husband and I were very interested in the show. Our family of course traveled the old Highway 99 three-lane road and it indeed was a very memorable trip being my Dad never wanted a slow car in front of us so he passed every chance he got. Needless to say he scared the devil out of all of us. The next time my Husband and I go south we plan to find the Ridge Route and enjoy what I missed in the late Forty's and Fifty's. Thank you for bringing our attention to such a wonderful place to visit.

Ron & Jean Naylor 1-22-08

I just finished reading Harrison Scott's history of the Ridge Route.

My family migrated from the Mid-West to So. CA in the Spring of 1936, when I was two years old. My dad was from a close-knit family of nine, and nearly all of the other siblings and his parents migrated to Northcentral WA state to raise Apples. As a consequence, my family spent summer vacations in WA state most of the time starting in about Summer of 1938.

Although I am not old enough to remember the earliest Ridge Route, I do remember the old Hwy. 99 portion of it. We used to travel Hwy. 99 to Weed, CA, and then Hwy. 97 to Omak, WA. Our first trip was in the Black 1930 Chevrolet sedan that we moved to CA in. Then in 1939, dad bought a 1937 Chev. sedan that we had until about 1952. I am three years and one month older than Harrison, so my travel memories on those old roads start a little earlier than his.

Ron Williams, Granite Bay, CA

Monday December 10 , 2007

Saw and enjoyed Huel Howser Program this morning {08/18/2007} on KLCS {Los Angeles City Schools PBS station). Got to travel the Ridge Route as soon as it opens again. I was about 6 or 7 when we drove the 4 lane version out of L.A. to go camping in Yosemite for the first time in my folks new '49 Chevy pulling a teardrop trailer. Stopped for breakfast at the truck stop that was near the oil tanks slightly up the hill from the present "Grapevine Exit. In 1958 we went camping in my dad's new '57 Chevy truck with a Pullman Camper. We were headed to Atmore Meadows NFS campground and from Castaic turned off east from the original Ridge Route somewhere before Hwy 138 junction. As I said, got to see the whole thing soon.

Wednesday August 8 , 2007

I remember as a kid traveling to Idaho from Redondo Beach we took the Ridge Route. This was in the 1950's anyway on the way up the hill from Castaic our car overheated and my dad pulled to the side of the road and stopped by a tree. At this time of course the ridge route was 2 lanes in each direction. I remember looking back and seeing a runaway truck ramp, which is still there along with the same tree we parked by. I also remember going back to cataic and having our car worked on at a small service station I think it was a Richfield station but am not positive. Anyway it was an experience I will always remember.
Keith Dutson

January 16 , 2007

My memories of that region go back to the '50s and '60s. I grew up in Frazier Park, attended FP elementary, El Tejon, and Bakersfield High. The Lebec Hotel in all its baroque and ornate wonder will forever be etched in my memory.

Portions of Highway 99 merged into the Ridge Route in several places between Gorman and Castaic. Much is beneath water now, but traversing that ribbon of asphalt admidst those towering geologic wonders was one breath-taking, palpitating expedition. The ride back then rivals the most rousing of technologically virtual experiences today. Ridgeroute.com is a wonderful, scenic drive through those wonderous years gone by.

All the best, Kevin Cosgriff

Kevin Cosgriff
Friday, February 2, 2006 4:07:00 PM

Recently, my husband and I were through the Ridge Route and I was trying to see where I thought the old Lebec Hotel had been. I had been there approximately 50 years ago with my mother. We had been visiting someone at Frazier Park and she took me to lunch at the Lebec Hotel. I was about 7 or so at the time, but I remember how old the place was and I was so entranced. I thought it was a wonderful old mansion, and I got to order a French dip sandwich, my first ever, and I felt so special and grown up to be out to lunch in such a place with my mother. I remember the stairway leading into the hotel seemed so immense, and I'm sure as a child, it must've seemed that way. Every time we have traveled that route, I always look for evidence of the Hotel and now that you have a picture of what the site looks like today, I will look for the juniper bushes on my next time through. When I was there, I had remembered more trees around the hotel, but having looked at the picture, I think it might have just been the covering over the staircase. (Isn't the internet great!) This is a great website, and having been born and raised in Bakersfield, it sure brings back lots of memories. I'm going to get the book for my parents, who still live in Bakersfield.

Robin in Washington State
Saturday, January 14, 2006 9:57:46 AM

I viewed Huell Howser program a while back, which really sparked my interest. I recently discovered this website and on a regular basis check the status of the road. I'm waiting impatiently that it reopens so that I too can experience that unique piece of California

Guy Arlet - garlet@bak.rr.com
Friday, September 30, 2005 11:00:46 AM

For some unknown reason the Grapevine came to minds today....I told my wife how my mother and I visited there in the late 30s and early 40s and I recall a vivacious woman who was a long-time friend of mother by the name of Laura McLarty. I can still see her...Leonard's wife. Your site is a wonderful find. We drove the Ridge Route in a 1937 Studebaker Dictator.

John Graham - j_graham@grahamcomm.com
Monday, September 19, 2005 3:40:28 PM

Please note that the Old Ridge Route is officially closed on the Forest Service portion of the roadway. We are having problems with people ignoring the closure. This is an extreme safety hazard as the roadway is impassable in places and the utility companies are beginning their permanent fixes to their damaged utilities in the area. There is large construction equipment in the area and it is VERY DANGEROUS (as well as illegal) for the public to be in the area. Fines are up to $5000 and up to 6 months in jail for violating the closure. We are hoping that the permanent fixes to the utilities can be done in the next few months, then we can begin repairs on the historic roadway. We do have funds slated for this repair, and anticipate the majority of the roadway repair work to commence in 2006. We appreciate the public's cooperation during this time. CID H. MORGAN District Ranger Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers RD

Cid Morgan - chmorgan@fs.fed.us
Friday, August 26, 2005 5:00:53 PM

I am hoping this old road can & will be fixed somehow. I also have seen portions of this road high up on the ridge when driving I5, but never knew if it was accessible until I saw the documentary on PBS this year. Now I want to travel it.

Gary McJimsey - glm@theworks.com
Friday, August 26, 2005 11:07:36 AM

I missed the documentary but I remember the road. My father Elmer Huff and his best friend Alton McGovern used to drive produce to los Angeles in the late 1930s. They would leave Visalia at about 5:30 PM in order to make the Market in Los Angeles by 3:30 AM. Maximum speed up the Grapevine was 5 miles per hour. One day my father was on the fender lifting up the hood to help cool the engine(The hood lifted from the side like a model "A" Ford) when a brand new 1940 Chevy sedan going down hill side swiped them, scattering people all over the road. My father was not hurt due to the weight of the truck. Going south from Bakersfield trucks notice the grade starting about at Greenfield and continuing up the Grapevine. I first remember the road clearly in December 1947. Our 1941 Ford pick up could not exceed 50 MPH, while the 1940 LaSalle of his friends could hit 70 MPH over the pass. I remember reading somewhere years ago that it was thought the concrete highways would last forever like the Roman roads. If the Romans had built the Ridge Route I am certain there would be little damage today. In Three Rivers Ca. there are remnates of a similiar concrete road if you know where to look. Thanks for the memories. Gary Huff formerly of Visalia.

Gary Huff - kc_huff@comcast.net
Tuesday, August 23, 2005 4:04:31 PM

This is a well done web site. Good luck for your continued success in your research. I'll think about the Ridge Route with more respect the next time I am driving over. Joanne

Joanne Cox - jcox3030@sbcglobal.net
Monday, August 15, 2005 8:40:17 AM

I love Huell Howser, and last evening the show was on the Ridge Route. My Grandparents managed the old Sandburg Ranch when I was a young girl! The apple orchards were still there a few years ago, along with the original house. I was able to tour it with my kids...when I was there, Gramma cooked on a wood stove, had oil lamps, the fireplace heated the house...and a great root cellar. I used to run up and down the steps of the Tumble Inn. Gramma used to visit, pickup mail, deliver eggs, fruits and veggies to her friends there. I remember the 1st "RR", have a couple pix with my Mother and Stepfather. We rode the old RR occasionaly. I also remember riding in Grampa KD's old stake truck, hauling cattle to and from the L.A. Stock Yards in downtown Los Angeles. We travelel the 2nd "RR", the 3 lanes w/suicide lane. When my mother rode with us, even as a child, I remember her foot was always on the brake so to speak, and she would be sucking wind. I also rode those hills with him, looking for stray cattle, as well as the Tejon Ranch. Later, Gramma and Grampa KD moved into Gorman, managed the little old motel, she was hostess at the old restraunt, and KD drove ambulance, worked with the Sherrif, in fact I think he was a Deputy. I knew Mr Ralph, his kids, cousins, etc. I also went to the one room school house on the east side of I-5 (old 99) for a short time. I really loved that, as the cattle and horses wandered about outside. Gloria, and I can't remember the other girls name (both neices' of Mr Ralph), we also used to climb the hill behind the old hotel...boy was that a days job for us youngins' Lebec...once in awhile we would go to Lebec, the old hotel there and watch a movie! Nothing but fond memories!

Pat Mefferd - pedigree@cwnet.comTT
Monday, June 13, 2005 6:03:12 PM

I've been over RR several times starting with the 3 lane "99" in the early '40s and later the 4 lane version. By the time I started driving it, it was I-5. Everytime Dad drove it he would tell the stories of driving the original Grapevine in a Model T. It sounded really exciting. I guess that part of the RR is gone for good.

Jim Allen - stray.cat@earthlink.net
Friday, June 03, 2005 8:04:07 PM

Saw Huell Howser's program on Ridge Route recently & found it very interesting. I had not idea of this road from the early 1900's still existed. However, when the recent damage is repaired, my husband and I will make that trip. If it wasn't for PBS & Huell Howser's program, we would not have known about this important part of our California history. And thank you for trying to improve & maintain it.

Mary Feryan, Visalia - marymax3@yahoo.com
Friday, June 03, 2005 1:35:26 PM

I can't wait to travel that old road. Let's get the powers to be on the right road along with us and get it fixed. Thanx, Ric

Ric Potter - ricnbobi@sbcglobal.net
Friday, June 03, 2005 12:38:59 PM

I saw your road on Huell Howsers Road Trip on PBS on June 2nd 2005. Too bad someone couldn't build a rest spot at the midway point on the road for people. Even if it didn't have any electricity. How long is the road all together, or is it only 20 miles? My wife and I live in Visalia, CA. And can it be used as an alternate route to go from Bakersfield to L.A. without getting caught up in all the gridlock when they are working on the newest state road?

Jack Gerow Visalia,CA - DivineEyes377@aol.com
Friday, June 03, 2005 1:44:04 AM

I just saw the show with Ol' Mr Howser. It aired on 2 June 05. I have seen parts of the old road up high on the ridge. I never figured out how to get to it. It's a bummer that the road washed out. Hopefully the Angeles Crest Nat'l Forest and the County will stop bickering about who owns the road and fix it. Hey, if neither one wants to take ownership of it, I will. Then, there are ways to raise money to fix the road and make it safe for all to enjoy. It's a State and National Treasure, the first mountain road of it's kind in America.

Jim in Orosi california -
Friday, June 03, 2005 1:30:52 AM

Saw you guys on California Gold here in Fresno last night on PBS. June 2,05. While I never travelled over your road it was still very interesting. I have gone over the old Pacheo Road on the way to Gilroy, when I was a kid. Scary times. I am thinking of going over your route. Thank You

john Bermuded - john-bermuded@yahoo.com
Thursday, June 02, 2005 11:20:21 PM

Saw the show on Valley public TV tonight and wanted to travel the road. Hope it gets repaired. Have driven down I-5 many times(and 99 when I was a kid) but this road looks like the one to travel on for me.

Steve Weiler - stevweil@aol.com
Thursday, June 02, 2005 10:30:40 PM

I really enjoyed the program on the Ridge Route. It brought back the stories my Dad would tell of driving truck during the thirties when he hauled eggs over the Ridge Route from Fresno to L.A.

Kathy Schmall - eatraisins @ hotmail.com
Thursday, June 02, 2005 9:30:49 PM

Hello I came across your web page as i was looking for info on the Los Padres mine, My dad worked that mine in the 1980s. I know of the kelly ranch aka silver creek later owned by Frank Knapp. Would love to talk to people who know of it.

J Mendenhall - williams311@sbcglobal.net
Thursday, May 19, 2005 7:32:58 PM

I have been traveling 99 since I was an infant in the back seat of my parent's 50 Buick regularly transiting LA to Modesto. All back in the days of the burlap water bag strapped to the hood, picnic lunch at the old Garces Circle in Bakersfield, and looking out the window for the familiar landmarks - natural and human created, that helped me track the miles and the time remaining. I did also drive the old Ridge Route about 20 years ago just to have a better understanding of what came before those days. Thank you for capturing some of those places and times!

Michael Guerin - mguerin@csupomona.edu
Wednesday, May 18, 2005 11:37:59 AM

I saw Huell Howser's show of the old ridge route on KVIE channel 6 (Sacramento). I immediately visited your web site after the program. I loved the show, and love the web site with all the old photo's. I will make it a point to drive the route next time we visit southern California!

Mark van der Mik - sqk7700@sacbeemail.com
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 9:42:42 PM

Viewed Huell Howser's program on Monday's program and I didn't know that there was an older version than "old 99". I was born in 1935 in Bakersfield. We had family in San Diego and were traveling there a couple of times a year. I can remember that it took all day and possibly 2 to get there. But the Ridge Route!! Most of all I can remember my Dad setting the throttle and standing on the running board, driving. In those days we didn't have any potty stops, either. Great memories. (I still call it the "Ridge Route".)

Mary Jefferson - lpmaryj@yahoo.com
Wednesday, April 06, 2005 9:29:39 AM

THanx for the memories. My Father, Justin W. Cheshire, was a motorcycle officer back in the thirties, and rode the RidgeRoute quite often. The Heull Howser story on KCET was a great tour. I am looking forward to getting the book and a tape of that program. I was saddened to see the damage caused by the rain this January. Ron C. =========================

J.R. "Ron" Cheshire - DrPepper@Dr-Pepper.net
Monday, April 04, 2005 9:55:25 AM

I just saw the Huell Howser show on KCOP last night & cant wait to tour this historic road. I have lived in southern California all my life & its the first time I see this or hear about this road. Its a shame its currently closed due to the damage from the record rainfall, but hopefully they re-open the road soon.

Oscar Jimenez - ozcar28@sbcglobal.net
Monday, April 04, 2005 9:47:17 AM

I have lived in Southern California all my and have heard about the old ridge route. I did not know that the road still exsisted until I watched Huell Howser. Pieces of history such as this needs to be preserved for all to enjoy.

Mike Pierce - capnball@intergate.com
Monday, April 04, 2005 9:16:03 AM

Saw the show this evening it brought back many memories. Seeing Charlie Dodge was realy something. When was this Show Taped? In December 1940 my Brother and I had a car accident going down last grade to valley floor, He passed away in 2004 at 84. I have driven this route from the three lane to present and it good to hear about it's History

Ben Millar - millar@usa.com
Sunday, April 03, 2005 11:50:45 PM

Hi. I saw the show on Tv and loved it. I hope the road gets repaired for all to see and use in the future. I look forward to a tour as soon as the repairs are done. Keep up the good work. Thanks, Chris.

Chris Nielsen - commercialstunts@yahoo.com
Sunday, April 03, 2005 10:46:54 PM

Thanks for the memories! Saw the Huell Howser show tonight (4/3/2005) thus it led me to this site. I can recall vividly Dad and I coming over the old ridge route in his '39 Ford. He had a cracked block and we would pour liquid solder in the radiator (I guess) at the bottom of each hill. To young then to know how long it took

Tom O'Loughln - balboatom@adelphia.net
Sunday, April 03, 2005 9:05:07 PM

Just got done watching Huell Howser's replay of Ridge Route. I followed along with it on your web site. My father was a truck driver way back when and as a child I remember the photos would come out whenever cousins would visit and among them were pictures of the drive to Bakersfield. If I can locate the pictures, I'll copy them and send to the museum. Looking forward to taking the tour of the old road. Thanks for preserving some of California's great history.

Harry Almada - offroadrider77@aol.com
Sunday, April 03, 2005 9:02:30 PM

I've only known the CA 99 Ridge Route since the mid-1950s, when I was born, and later, I-5. I was glad to have come across this website which indicates it is still there. Would be fun investigating someday, although a bit far since I'm now in OR. I recall seeing certain rocks that would be painted with different graffiti that were visible on the southbound route of 99. In particular was "Name Rock", where people would put their names. I don't remember exactly where this was located, though.

Brian Lee - bclee.at.peak.org
Sunday, November 28, 2004 12:18:11 AM

Thank you for giving up your Saturday, 11/20/04, to lead the Ridge Route Tour. The four of us will never forget the time & information you shared at each stop. Your book is great but nothing beats an on site look. Our wives want to take a tour next spring when the flowers are in bloom, and we will bring an extra jacket for you in case it gets cold at Lebec.

Frank Lortscher - blackgoldfrank@earthlink.net
Tuesday, November 23, 2004 10:35:22 AM

We, the "A" pick up and I, had a great time on your tour Nov. 20. Good weather ('till the end), good company, and a great presentation. Thank you.

Bill Power - bi890@lafn.org
Sunday, November 21, 2004 8:49:10 PM

Great Site...I live in the SC and fequently use the Ridge Route and Resevoir rd to fish Pyramid Lake.. I know I'm giving away a little secret spot .. but if you don't mind the bumpy trip it's a pretty cool trip down to it...Jeff

Jeff - Stingrayz@earthlink.net
Thursday, November 11, 2004 4:51:56 PM

Having just seen the Road Trip by Huell, it will be a trip I wish to take on my own road trip to marvell at the scenic views available. Huell once again has bought a piece of Californian history to this Australian who wishes to expore more of what this states history has to offer. Well done to the committee to bring this history into print that could have been easily have been lost.

Michael Thomas - michaelthomas@nethere.com
Monday, September 27, 2004 7:47:28 AM

Great blog. Huell did a great piece on the Ridgeroute. Keep up the great work Scotty.

Tom -
Friday, September 24, 2004 2:36:58 PM

Huell's show was great!

Ray Ruppel - rlruppel@hotmail.com
Monday, July 12, 2004 2:15:40 PM

My wife and I like to wander around and we stumbled upon this road a couple of weeks ago. We had no idea where we were and where it would lead us. We figured it was probably the road that existed before the 5 was put in but could not understand why it was so far above the 5 in most places. We wish now we would have seen the Huell Howser show previous to going up there. We will now have to plan a future trip when the weather cools down and do some exploring. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cecere

Joe - jsesere@yahoo.com
Monday, July 12, 2004 12:36:52 PM

I enjoyed reading the story of the old ridge route. I have often looked at the remnants of the Grapevine section visible from I-5 and wished I could drive some of it. Now I will. In the summer of 1963 I drove an old (1939 International) hay truck around Shafter. I was complaining one day about the heat from the engine pouring into the cab, when an old trucker told me about how it was driving the ridge route before 1920 in a Packard truck with solid rubber tires. He said that often times while climbing laboriously uphill in low gear, he would set the throttle control (on the steering wheel in those days) and get out of the hot cab, reaching in through the door to steer.

Bruce Thompson - b.wt@verizon.net
Sunday, July 11, 2004 10:36:05 PM

What a great website. I drove the road 25 years ago and was amazed at the good condition. I will do it again this summer. Let me know how I can help continue it's heritage.

Paul Moshay - pmoshay2002@yahoo.com
Sunday, July 11, 2004 10:12:48 PM

Very interesting, My Wife and Me are planing a trip over the old route

Curtis F. Clark - cfclark81@aol.com
Sunday, July 11, 2004 8:24:09 PM

My husband and I live in California and have most of our lives - it was great to see the show on this area and we plan to visit it soon. Thank you.

Patti James - ajasgma@verizon.net
Sunday, July 11, 2004 7:19:53 PM

travelled the Ridge Route yesterday, was a great experience. they dont make roads like that anymore, for some of you concerned about road conditions, I made it with ease in a 27' motorhome. road was totally wide enough for passing traffic (not that there was any) didnt see another sole the whole way. was a very peaceful and educational day. if it wasent for this site, I may never have had this experience. THNXS

Robert - Ram1692000@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 15, 2004 4:38:40 PM

Greetings from England Thanks for the opportunity of see-ing and reading about this fascinating piece of American History. It is definately on my list to visit next time I am Stateside. Preserve and cherish it all, it is irreplaceable and it also belongs to future generations. best regards Geoff Hope

Geoff Hope - geoffhope@yiscali.co.uk
Tuesday, June 15, 2004 8:17:45 AM

Hi, Love this site. My daughter just told me about it last night. I just spent some time sitting by that water tower. you see My Husband, Ronald James Rogers inherited that land that Cornelia Callahan owned from His Father, Charles James Frank Rogers. Cornelia was my husbands Great Aunt, maybe great, great. I have lots of pictures and documentation on the ridge route and her proterty. I even have the original Homestead Papers on Cornelia's property. I went to the ridge route just last weekend to do some reminiscing, but to my surprise, it is soon to be destroyed by a land developer. Soon it will be just track homes. 4000 I was told. I tried to talk with a Real Estate Man there, but he had no idea who Cornelia Callahan was. I was glad to hear the Cordova's are still there. Grazing their cattle, like they did in the seventies when My husband and I spent time on the land. I suggest anyone that wants to see it in its original splendor, go now. It will soon be plowed over in parts near that water tower. Also if anyone out there can tell me what happened to Martin and Mildred DeCeta. I would appreciate it. I know they passed a long time ago but would like to know their burial location if possible.

Eva Rogers - eva.rogers2@verizon.net
Thursday, May 27, 2004 6:27:11 PM

There with my father as a child - rode it again on my Harley in the 70's. Thanks for the memories - Great Site ~

Michael P Dooley - deuceandahalf99@yahoo.com
Thursday, May 27, 2004 12:31:41 AM

I have been going over the pass to Los Angeles for over 50 years and it is GREAT to see some of the old sites. Thank you for putting them on line so everyone can enjoy. There are quite a few of old memories every time I travel hiway 5 route south and north. Thank you for the memories Rooster Sadler

Rooster Sadler - roostersaler@aol.com
Friday, March 26, 2004 9:09:07 AM

When I was at San Fernando High School in1950 I went to visit Cornelia Martinez Callahan with my two cousins. My uncle is related to her and told us where she lived. As I recall, the building was one or two rooms and had a dirt floor. She sat on her bed ( a cot, I think ), dressed in black, but was not very communicative. I was 15 and quite amazed. A friend would bring food and supplies for her every few days, from Castaic. As a matter of fact, I found this web site by entering the words "cornelia ridge route" in the Google search engine just today.

Curtis Plumb - curtisplumb@adelphia.net
Tuesday, March 23, 2004 10:25:44 PM

Very interesting and informative web site. I toured the area seeking features of the San Andreas Fault Zone. While access and features can be viewed from I-5, the Ridge Route offers the best, unaltered, or should I say, the best physical unaltered, natural views of the fault. The San Andreas Fault Zone is best viewed along the Ridge Route from Quail Lake to Frazier Park. Good web site. Well done! Peter Terrill, Brisbane, Australia.

Peter Terrill - emu@dr.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2004 7:29:12 PM

After a year and a half in California, I finally found and drove the old Ridge Route! It was on a rainy Sunday afternoon and it was a thrill! The mud and the fog really made it a surreal experience and took me back to the 'old days' of this road. I'm looking forward to going back some sunny day now for a little exploring!

Dale Houston - songman@bak.rr.com
Tuesday, February 24, 2004 11:48:39 PM

TOOK A RIDE ON THE ROUTE ON MY HARLEY. NICE RIDE.

ACOSTA - MANHUNTER@EXCITE.COM
Wednesday, January 07, 2004 10:24:33 PM

The Ridge Route is worth the trip to see it, there are also a lot of Forest Service Dirt roads to explore if you have a 4x4 vehicle. And afterwards you can head over to Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation area in Gormon. I only wish I had a chance to travel the raod when the old gas stations and the old inns were still there. In fact I I would have preferred to live back in that generation. It seems like the quality of life would have been much better. No gangs, Less Crime, People were friendlier, people stayed married..etc. I'm really into OLD ROADS, OLD BUILDINGS..Ghost Towns...etc. I found this cool website www.roadsideamerica.com that lists cool stuff like those buildings they used to have back in the 50's in the shape of a GIANT ORANGE along highway 99.

JeepTracks -
Wednesday, November 19, 2003 3:52:06 PM

I got a chance to travel the road. it was great.

Tuesday, November 11, 2003 8:28:56 AM

Your web-site is memory trip for me. My first trip over THE Ridge Route was in 1932 (I was just 2) in a 1927 or 28 Studebaker. My folks were making our first trip to Yosemite that summer. For many summers after that we went to the High Sierras, even through out WWII. The NEW road was 99. One my most persistent memories is that I always got car sick! We'd leave very early in the morning from home in South Gate and get up into the mountains sometime late in the afternoon. Thanks for the memories. Is there any way I could get a copy of the TV show?

Ophelia Pujol - opujol@aol.com
Sunday, October 05, 2003 4:44:54 PM

What a treat, we traveled the "Old Ridge Route" in our 1928 Model A, last week, Sep 26, 2003. We had a group of 10 Model A's and had a great time with no problems, we made several stops to look and awe at the sites. Those Model A's were built for that road and the 15 mph speed limit was probably about right.

Max & Nadine Howard - HowardMxN@juno.com
Tuesday, September 30, 2003 5:11:41 PM

Wow!!! What an awesome site!! I'm so fascinated about how "Old" California was like before the freeways and traffic. I plan on driving the Ridge Route very soon to see what it was like for our Grandparents and Great Grandparents getting into Southern California without Route 99 or I5. Thanks so much for an incredible website

Jose Gonzalez - djlatnhouse@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 18, 2003 10:40:40 PM

Really enjoyed Huell's show on "The Ridge Route". I'm making plans now to take a little trip ourselves along the ol' road. Perhaps this season in a convertable car. Thanks to everyone who make this web site possible. Very informative. Happy Trails Ya'll!

Mike & Vicki Frantz - Hibiscus@socal.rr.com
Thursday, September 18, 2003 10:20:37 PM

Way back when (50's) was able to get on part of the road but scared off by potholes, washouts etc. It is so great to see preservation,restoration etc.going on now. It makes you feel good that this is still going on even with those goliath developments being built at either end.

Bob Adams - adams6380@sbcglobal.net
Friday, September 05, 2003 12:56:11 AM

I've loved the 'Ol Ridge ever since I was introduced to it back in '77 on a bike ride (bicycle). Have ridden it at least once a year ever since until moving to South Carolina in 2001. I'm so glad to hear you got at least the upper part on the National Register, and just in time too, as I hear the devolopers have started moving in with their buldozers to tear it all up. At least part of it will be protected.

Chris Zacho - ChrisZCorner@webtv.net
Wednesday, September 03, 2003 6:25:52 PM

Keep up the GREAT work 99 was the west coast 66 and should get the same respect Gosh aint I-5 boring :)

Rick - rickcaller@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 03, 2003 12:13:30 AM

I remember crossing in an old plymouth with canvas water bags as everybody always overheated going over the Ridge Route. Was there an old restaurant at the bottom with a large gorilla or large horse statue? I seem to remember looking forward to seeing that. Perhaps it was further over on 58 coming down from Tehachapi?

Diana Watkins - datawoman@hotmail.com
Thursday, August 28, 2003 11:13:31 AM

I travelled the Ridge Route as a child in the '50's going back and forth from Orange County to Manteca. I remember the hairpin turns...and the Big Orange stands with their hamburgers and cold shakes. Your site is marvelous and a trip back in time for me. I just ordered your book and can't wait to read it. This time of year, summer, I always get road fever to take a trip up through the Tejon Ranch and see the sites. It's all changing - too damn fast. Keep up the excellent work and safe journeys.

Brenda -
Saturday, July 19, 2003 11:54:24 PM

Hi, Very interesting website. I grew up in Kern County. Traveled the 'Ridge Route' many many times in the 50's and after. Good to learn the history and stories of those early years of this famous route. Now, a resident of San Diego(hello Chuck), I visit the 'valley' often via I-5. Hope to travel the first route in the future. John Spurrier .

John Spurrrier - spurrjls@earthlink.net
Monday, July 14, 2003 10:11:47 AM

Boy,That Huel sure is a popular guy.Hehehe We love his show and as always he's provided us with an opportunity to experience a part of California's history that wont cost us a fortune to see.We plan to make the Ridge Route treck this weekend and will write about our experience when we return.This web site is very informative and we look forward to adding our part to it soon. Thank you, Brian and Shelley Baker P.S. Were in our young 30's.You dont have to be "Old" to watch PBS :-)

Brian Baker - sp0iler2u@yahoo.com
Wednesday, July 09, 2003 5:32:05 PM

Just made the Ridge Route trip on 5 July 2003 on my K1200LT BMW. What a trip! And, what a view of the country side - nothing like you would see on I-5! The road does need work in some places, but is passable for most cars. You low riders stay clear of this road - you'll lose your mufflers for sure! I only saw three cars on my trip. There are markers at key points on the road side but nothing on them telling you about where or what you are looking at. I will get the book on the RR and take it with me next time I make the trip. Be sure to take your time while on the route; speed is not possible. Enjoy the view and have a great trip! Cheers, Rick

Rick Remelin - pilotrem@comcast.net
Tuesday, July 08, 2003 6:40:59 PM

I just want to give a BIG THANK YOU to Huell Houser and all the Ridge Route Group that were responsible for doing the May Segment about the Old Ridge Route. We were able to see the tape today as a friend purchased it for my mother who is 99 years young. She drove the Ridge Route numerous times in 1925 and 1926 in her Model T as she went back and forth to UCLA from her hometown of Lindsay , California. The movie brought back so many memories for my mom as she had been to all the places talked about in the movie and she could think about how it was in the "Old Days" When I went to school in the early 50's I drove the 99 or the second RidgeRoute. I was stuck up there many times due to car trouble or road situations, so my memories are of many nice people I met during the years I drove the 99 from Burbank to Fresno. My mother doesn't miss a Huell Houser Program , in fact as I am typing she is watching tonight's program!! I want to thank Huell for the wonderful programs that are very informative and bring much enjoyment to my mother, who at 99 is pretty much confined to home. The programs bring her information and much happiness. I guess when she is 100, we will have to ask Huell to come do an interview!!! Thanks again for the wonderful programs you bring to the homes of California residents. As Ever, Marcia Myers Fox

Marcia Myers Fox - myersfox517@earthlink.net
Sunday, July 06, 2003 7:37:27 PM

Such a great program and so informative! As a native Californian(Orange County) I've traveled North often, never realizing what history there is even on the roads we drive. Thank you so much.

Lupe Bermeo - aurio@msn.com
Thursday, July 03, 2003 2:47:09 PM

I finally went to the old ridge route this Tuesday,Only saw one other vechicle.I was surprised how good the road was. I noticed that somebody is installing stone markers ,along the route that will be nice.It was warm ,not much shade to sit under untill I passed Tumble Inn.

doug goens - gogogoens@aol.com
Tuesday, July 01, 2003 10:16:47 PM

As I was surfting channel to channel I happen to stop at KOCE yesterday on Huell Howser's story of the Ridge Route I find it so intersting that I will go there and visits the Old Ridge Route first hands.....I travel the 5 freeway so much I didn't even know the Old Ridge Route was there. Hopefully that the State will put up some sign pointing to the Old Ridge Route for people to see....

David Nguyen - disney91david@netscape.net
Monday, June 30, 2003 12:16:25 PM

I used to live on Old Ridge Route Road. We had a nice size Ranch up there on top of the mountain. I remember the winter we got snowed in and had to use a snow mobile to get food up to our house as you could not get past a certain point on the road. We had some great times up there and great hikes all over those mountains. It's a great place to take your mind off all your troubles and get away from the big city. Get the family together, pack a nice picnic lunch and head on up to Old Ridge Route Road.

DonnieAnn -
Monday, June 30, 2003 9:37:18 AM

My parents courted and amrried on a 1947 Indian motorcycle. Their desciption of going picnicing on "the OLD" ridge route leads me to believe they were talking about the first ridge route rather than old 99. After seeing Huell Howser"s program I intend to see this route first-hand thank you for keeping this part of old california alive.

Wynn Musser - whd@ridgenet.net
Sunday, June 29, 2003 9:23:38 PM

I was passing through the PBS station and saw Huell Howser. Naturally I stopped to see what his show was about and was hooked for the next hour! Fascinating show on a real part of California that made our state what it is today. My recollections of the "grapevine" is pulling the grades out of Castaic Junction on the old 99. I will never forget the truckers who rode the side steps down the hills with the cab doors open so they could jump if the trucks got to be a runaway. Then there was the fog. One night in our 56 VW bug my dad was driving in the slow lane and from the back seat I asked my dad what those lights were up in the fog. He slammed on the brakes as hard as he could when he realized that it was the back of a semi trailer I was looking at. So much history has been lost by the demolition of the old buildings. If the hippies didn't ruin them, the brush fires would have eventually taken them. It is a fun road, and now I want to take my girl friend for a drive with a picnic lunch and remember the times when my grandparents came over the hill to Bakersfield on the Ridge Route. Great website is an understatement!

Christopher Boles - alfadoctor@yahoo.com
Monday, June 23, 2003 1:25:01 AM

Thanks to "Road Trip" last weekend, we enjoyed our drive on the Old Ridge Route yesterday(along with other curiouse travelers). Being an Indiana transplant and my mother here for a visit, it was a wonderfull California history lesson. Bravo to the prservation efforts. We followed the map and watched for the sites of the gallery pitures of today.Again, BRAVO.

Ida Ann - ida_ann10@yahoo.com
Sunday, June 22, 2003 2:42:20 PM

I was fascinated by Huell Howser's story of the Ridge Route and had always wondered if it had truly existed...now I know! In 1958 when I was 12, my parents and I drove to San Francisco from Los Angeles and got caught in a sandstorm on the "Ridge Route", as they had called it. However, as I perused the comments just now from the Guest Book, there apparently was a two lane "Ridge Route" going each way (which is what I remember)...Thanks again, Huell, for your supurb shows...I enjoy them all...they are "amazing".

Lora - Guinevere235@aol.com
Saturday, June 21, 2003 10:43:43 PM

I discovered this site through Huell Howser's California's Gold. I previously knew about this road, having traveled in on the south side from Lake Castaic in the late 1980's and from the North sometime in the mid 1990's. I was on a street motorcycle both times and never believed that the road still went through, so as the road got rougher and rougher, I chickened out and eventually turned around. However, if I was able to get through those times, I would have never known at that time about the history of the old roadside establishments that used to exist. This is exactly the type of nostaglia that I search for when I travel through California. I'll have to get the book!

David Roberts - robertsdavid@yahoo.com
Saturday, June 21, 2003 9:48:23 PM

In 1988 my wife and I decided to try a trip on the "Old Ridge Route" after having read a story in "Westways Magazine". About halfway along the road we stopped to remove a small rock from the tire, as I was sraighting up from this little chore, I looked up the road to see a "Model T" touring car waiting for me to get out of his way, it wouldn't have been so bad, but they were in costume as well, I swear I heard the theme from "Twilight Zone" playing. We very much enjoyed the trip, and after seeing the show by Huell, we will be making the trip again, not however in the 88 T-Bird.

Ken Davis - Fdavis2564@aol.com
Saturday, June 21, 2003 9:44:06 PM

I drove it for about the fourth time June 20. The plant life up there is gorgeous. I first drove it about 1999, and the road was in bad shape. Now it's easily good enough for a passenger car - if you take the gravel very slow and steer around sharp rocks. Lake Hughes road is a good place to catch it. Pine canyon road east is also a very nice forest drive. From that you can catch Lake Hughes road or San Francisquito road back to I5. San Francisquito road has a lot of color, due to the regrowth after the fire. And of course there is the St. Francis dam.

Tom - 104073.3433@compuserve.com
Saturday, June 21, 2003 9:15:52 PM

Thanks Huell Howser for showing me yet another amazing piece of California history. I love to drive and I cannot wait to take my truck out to the Ridgeroute and take an ultra slow drive in the Tehachapis. I have lived in California most of my life and this is the first time I ever heard of the Ridgeroute! Congratulations to all who are helping preserve this great road! And this website is excellent!! Especially the before and after pictures.

Ambrose Smith - ambrssmth@aol.com
Friday, June 20, 2003 9:15:38 PM

My grandfather made a living trucking groceries on the Ridge Route and actually met an unfortunate death doing so in 1933. Thanks to all for helping me share a fascinating part of his life.

Marrk - marrk@earthlink.net
Wednesday, June 18, 2003 4:13:02 PM

Sounds like most viewers are confussed with the old 2 lane each direction highway 99, which for the most part is west of I-5, which we all drove back in the '60's and before. And the original single lane in each direction ridge route, east of I-5. Just like the old Tehachapi highway 58, single lane back in the '60's. Wow, it's a piece of cake now-a-days. Or highway 178 to Lake Isabella. They all have came a long way this last century.

Lorin Owens - happybla@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2003 8:20:01 PM

I,ve been a truck driver for about 35 years now, when I started out, I "cut my teeth" on the grtapevine hill, in those days a lot of the old drivers where still around and I would hear all their stories of "the good old days!", they said they went so slow up ( and down ) the hill, that they could look down and see coyotes "hiking" their legs on the wheels!!. in the 70,s I hauled bricks from the castic brick plant, and allways wanted to keep driving to see where the road went, I pull the " hill" 5 or 6 times a week now, and after watching pbs the other day, I guess it,s time for me to get up off my " bumper " and go check it out!. have fun.. " slow roll " said it.

bruce gregg - ttdb711@aol.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2003 8:25:59 AM

By chance, I saw the TV show on the road and will be comming up from San Diego in July to drive it and hopefully to camp along side the road along a pull off in the back of my pickup truck. It should be a lot of fun.

Doug - watchit@lawyer.com
Monday, June 16, 2003 8:06:17 PM

Back in the late summer of 2001, I was a contractor working at the National Cement plant on highway 138. I was living up in Frazier Park. Every day I'd pass the sign 'Ridge Route'. After working far to many months of 10 hour days 7 days a week, I drove my 1991 Toyota Tercel down to Templin Highway and found a road and a sign "Not a through road". So I drove it. WOW! It came out on highway 138 right where I passed by every day. I told everyone about the cement road and curbs. Described the view. Found the ruins of Tumble Inn. Then Sunday June 15th, while visiting friend, I saw 'The Ridge Route' and your web site. Thanks. Now people believe my story. You can really see the history, in the road, in the hills, and why it is the 'Ridge' not the 'valley' or 'easy' or 'straight' Route. I rode the ridge.

Lorin Owens - happybla@yahoo.com
Monday, June 16, 2003 7:30:22 PM

I hitched a ride on a log hauling diesel truck in 1949 on highway 99 and while chugging up the grapevine our exhust pipe turned cherry red and started logs to burn but instead of stopping and losing our top speed of 15mph the trucker held me by the seat of my pants while i stood on the running board and using a pump type fire extinguisher put out the fire Leonard Standish, Cabazon,Ca.

leonard standish - cabazon@pe.net
Monday, June 16, 2003 6:42:41 PM

What a great program - loved every minite of it. My wife and I drove the ridge route many years ago in our 1926 Model T Ford Roadster Pickup which we still have today. Thanks for the great Program - Gert

Gert and Joyce Gehlhaar - gehlhaar@sbceo.org
Monday, June 16, 2003 3:56:30 PM

OH BOY!! WOW!! Great program. I think most all of us natives have heard our parents and grandparents talking about the ridgeroute and it is still there for us all to explore and enjoy.

Phillip Sandoz - plms44@msn.com
Monday, June 16, 2003 2:49:52 PM

I have always enjoyed Huell since hearing him originally on the Ken Minyard Saturday Special on KABC. I am going to seek out this fabulous route as soon as I can. I am expecting a traffic jamp from the amount of feedback on this great site. Keep up the good work.

Joan Trossen - joni@askjoni.com
Monday, June 16, 2003 2:36:32 PM

We really enjoyed Huell Howser's TV program last evening.Thanks to all the people who helped preserve this part of CA history. My uncle used to tell me about coming to Ca in the Twenties via the old Ridge Road. He said it took two days from Bakersfield to LA-Now I know why! We sure have it easy nowadays,but on I5 we surely can't collect such beauty or memories! Thanks again

Heinz Barthel - hetobar@earthlink.net
Monday, June 16, 2003 2:12:02 PM

Enjoyed this web site very much! Found it to be very interesting & enlightening.I plan to drive the old ridge route very soon, starting out from La Verne,CA. Sincerely, Keith Irwin

KEITH IRWIN - KIRWIN99@TSTONRAMP.COM
Monday, June 16, 2003 11:06:39 AM

I turned on the TV about 5 minutes before Huell Howser signed off the Ridge Route program. Talk about frustrating! I'm planning on taking this drive when the summer heat cools down. Thanks for your wonderful programs, Huell.

Judy - akwmn89@hotmail.com
Monday, June 16, 2003 10:34:35 AM

Like many others, it seems, I discovered this site (and the Ridge Route) by watching Huell Howser tonight. While all his shows are interesting, I think this is by far the best so far. I only wish I had heard about it while I could still drive! Thanks to those who maintain this site, and those who share their experiences from driving it.

Bob Owen - owen.bob@earthlink.net
Monday, June 16, 2003 2:00:53 AM

Very great show by Huell Howzer on PBS today, esp. note about how state of Cal sent highway engineers to the Alps in 1915 to see how the Europeans built their mountain roads. I'm down in Oxnard but plan to travel the RR soon in my little turbo Merc Capri if she doesn't overheat. About midway through the route 15 miles to the west is Piru condor refuge, take binoculars and maybe you can see a few from the road.

Bill Oswald - Philkfi@worldnet.att.net
Sunday, June 15, 2003 10:47:56 PM

I really enjoyed your PBS show of the Ridge Road! I also see you're a non profit organization who is looking for funds - to maintain and improve the road. Call me and I'll show you how to setup an online golf game that'll provide you the residual money you need. Again, great show - Thank You! David Lundgren www.hbn.com/mvp www.hbn.com/freegolf ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ David Lundgren, CEO, HBN.COM | DIGITALSECRETS.COM Specializing in "Virtual Database Systems" that help YOU digitally organize your business and automate your follow-up so you can expand your business and get more customers! 1. Free - Digital Marketing - Book ===> www.hbn.com 2. Free Test Drive - Online Business ===> www.hbn.com/david/ 3. Free Demo - Automatic Marketing ===> www.digitalsecrets.com USA/Canada 1-800-214-9212 | International (805) 383-0071 david@hbn.com | ICQ: 137713460 | Now in 108 Countries! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

David Lundgren - david@hbn.com
Sunday, June 15, 2003 10:44:53 PM

We just watched the PBS program with Huell Howser. What a great piece of California history! We are going to plan a weekend "retreat" around making this drive.

John & Terry Burkhart - bajapilot@earthlink.net
Sunday, June 15, 2003 10:26:20 PM

If the nation had listened to the hippies, the Ridge Route would have been dismantled and the land returned to the chipmunks.

John McCleary - hippiedictionary@attbi.com
Sunday, June 15, 2003 9:57:59 PM

I just moved to Bakersfield from Green Bay, Wisconsin. I love the PBS show that Huell hosts. The show on the Ridgeroute is his best one yet. I will definitely be traveling this beautiful trip both north and south. Keep up the great work Huell and thank you to the people who have worked so hard to preserve this scenic route.

Patrick Frase - patfrase@neteze.com
Sunday, June 15, 2003 9:25:03 PM

I was Born in 1935 and my grandparents lived in L.A. and many relatives in Bakersfield. I remember traveling this route at least 3 times between 1941 and 1944, in an old 1933 model car. I am a visual learner and even at that young age it was the most beautiful scenery I had seen to that time. I did have the advantage of not driving. By the way we also had numerous breakdowns.

Rawland M. Pannell - rawlandpannellsplace@msn.com
Sunday, June 15, 2003 8:51:55 PM

Finding the beginning of the ridge route is easy if you check the Thomas Bros. Los Angeles County map book. If you exit at Templin Highway and turn left undere I-5 it will take you to the 2d incarnation of the Grapevine and dead ends just before you get to the dam which forms Pyramid Lake. It is interesting and you can hike to the dam.

bruce - bmstark@adelphia.net
Sunday, June 15, 2003 8:45:08 PM

I heve seen parts of this road from I5 and wondered if it was part of the old road over the mountains. I'm going to drive it next fall when it is cooler. Larry

Larry G. Jones - lar2652@pacbell.net
Sunday, June 15, 2003 8:34:21 PM

turn LEFT on Old Ridge Rd

correction on last post -
Sunday, June 15, 2003 11:19:35 AM

here is a map I made that shows how to get in from the south. www.royhooper.com/OldRidgeRouteSouth.jpg Exit at Lake Hughes Rd, go east about 1/4 mile and turn right on Old Ridge Rd. Take this north about 3/4 mile to get out of the town and then it finally turns into the old road. This section as ridable on a motorcycle but later when you cross Templin Highway the road has a lot of loose sand. Smaller motorcycles can make it but still need to be careful. www.royhooper.com/OldRidgeRouteSouth.jpg

Ojai Roy- SOUTH ENTRANCE -
Sunday, June 15, 2003 11:17:46 AM

the before/after photos are great. I love this road.

Ojai Roy -
Sunday, June 15, 2003 11:01:20 AM

What a great site! A co-worker of mine forwarded me the link after watching the special on PBS w/ Huell Howser, after knowing my particular affinity for all things highway. Thanks for having an outpost about the Ridge Route -- what a spectacular part of California history!

Neill Kovrig - glickfix717@yahoo.com
Monday, June 09, 2003 7:33:48 AM

very good site, i need more of this.

mugu oma - mugu@mail.com
Saturday, June 07, 2003 4:59:15 AM

I also saw Heull's show last night .What a cool road to travel but people are right we need better directions to find where to go i would love to travel this road one day this summer on a weekend.

scott cabral - ilovetheraiders@adelphia.net
Thursday, June 05, 2003 8:30:21 PM

I also saw Heull's show last night .What a cool road to travel but people are right we need btter directions to find where to go i would love to tavel this road one day this summer on a weekend.

scott cabral - ilovetheraiders@adelphia.net
Thursday, June 05, 2003 8:29:45 PM

Just saw Huell Howser's PBS show on the ridge route last night. I lived in Canyon Country for 16 years & didn't know about it till last nights show. What a great piece of history. My dad traveled the road three times I just found out. I hope to take a drive on it soon. To bad the old buildings were destroyed.

Pam Faust - prfaust@msn.com
Thursday, June 05, 2003 7:19:45 PM

I'm glad Huell Howser featured the Ridge Route last night on KPBS. I never heard of it and I wonder how many people don't know it exist. What beautiful country. I hope I'll have the opportunity to make the drive. I agree with the senders of an email of 6/4; good directions on how to get to a starting point would help. I'm not familiar with that area. Thanks for this very nice website.

Virg - varriea@yahoo.com
Thursday, June 05, 2003 6:26:11 PM

Great production on California PBS stations. I saw it on KPBS-TV in San Diego. Very nice. A "California Must See". Thank you for the website. Chris Carmichael Oceanside 92056

Chris Carmichael - ChrisCarmichael@Yahoo.com
Thursday, June 05, 2003 5:33:20 PM

The most detailed maps of the route are available in the USGS 1:24,000 topographic series; you would need the Newhall, Warm Springs Mtn., Whitaker Peak, Liebre Mtn., and La Liebre Ranch sheets in this series. A less detailed map in the USGS 1:100,000 topographic series is the Lancaster sheet. It's not exactly clear, but it looks like there's an exit at the south end of "old ridge route" off the I5 that hooks up to the Ridge Route Rd; someone please confirm what exit to look for coming from the south.

paul - pleverenz@ucsd.edu
Thursday, June 05, 2003 11:48:02 AM

I just saw Road Trip with Huell Howser. I have driven part of the ridge route,it is one of the states best views. As a firefighter I would have liked to see more information on the old fire station just below Sandbergs. I was a residental station for LA County Forester & Fire Warden and later LA County Fire Department. I to was a big part of the ridge route. Thanks and keep up the good work on protecting the Road.

Carl K - faeeng37@aol.com
Wednesday, June 04, 2003 10:54:43 PM

As I am an avid two lane Harley Davidson rider, I will soon be traveling this dimond in the rough.

Robert Pejovich - sportyiride@cox.net
Wednesday, June 04, 2003 10:10:30 PM

We enjoyed Huell Howser's Road Trip along the Ridge Route and look forward to exploring this bit of history. This excellent web site should include, however, the directions for accessing the route that were in the TV program. Finding the route would be difficult without the information!

Lonnye & Ralph Pickels - lonnye@eudoramail.com
Wednesday, June 04, 2003 9:28:47 PM

Hi All! Just saw Huell Howser's story on the road today. It was a great glimpse into California's and L.A.'s important past. I hope to be able to ride my bike with some friends over the route before it gets too hot up there, or else in the fall. Thanks for preserving this historic route! Bill Matella

Bill Matella - bmatella@earthlink.net
Wednesday, June 04, 2003 9:19:02 PM

I just drove the Ridge Route today for the first time, at the online siggestion of another geocacher. I could not wait to get home & look up more info. What a fantastic job you have done with your Web site! Thank you so much, also, for working on getting this route listed on the National Register of Historical Places. I hope the route will always be preserved--it is simply amazing.

Gemma DoeWalking - gemmadwNOSPAM@yahoo.com
Thursday, March 20, 2003 9:23:55 PM

My sister and I had a great time, it is to bad some people had to ruin this lovely ride, I would like to see some kind of markers so I know where to look. I was driving in my modle-t down the road. thank for a great time. 3-11-2003

Lynne - raylyn123@aol.com
Tuesday, March 11, 2003 8:23:27 PM

A group of us in one car drove the old Ridge Route in 1966. We liked the ghosted Sandberg, California. I remember the curves along the hstoric highway. This was during the summer, so we cosequently had a lot of water, apple juice, orange juice and food stocked along. I remember my dad driving this route later on a pleasure trip to Gorman, Frazier Park and Bakersfield. We also drove the Golden State Highway (Old U.S. 99) when it was in operation before 1968. U.S. 99 was decommissioned and no longer exist; save California State Highway 99 in the San Joaquin Valley. Excellent site with full history, you have! Sincerly; Dave

David L. Fiorella - Spooky2626@DSLExtreme.Com
Thursday, February 27, 2003 2:12:41 PM

Ridge Route is the best historic thing i have ever saw I think that u should put more historical things about Ridge Route .

Dominique infante - SNaughtygirl13@aol.com
Wednesday, February 26, 2003 8:36:20 PM

We enjoyed your website several times and today took a road trip on part of the Ridge Route and celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. We were able to identify many of the locations described in the Ridge Route Book.We were pleasantly surprised to see how much of the original concrete paving was still usable and the extent of the Macadam paving in the widened areas. We are both civil engineers and historic roads and bridges are always a delight for us to explore, in person or via books.

S & C Walker - sc@slwalker.net
Monday, February 17, 2003 9:18:37 PM

This sight is fantastic. As a child in the 50's, I rode over the then-Ridge Route on many occasions, and it always fascinated me. I will get the book ASAP, and plan to tour the old parts of the road as well. Thank you for helping to preserve this most significant and interesting part of our area history.

Madeleine K. - mjaye@gte.net
Sunday, February 16, 2003 9:45:34 PM

I grew up in Lebec in the 60's and 70's, went to school there. Lived in Berkeley now for several years. Your pictures really are beautiful but it's nothing like seeing the snow stop the traffic and the peace and quiet is incredible. Love your site. Linked to mine at jjdelmos.freeyellow.com/ You should have a link to the Fort Tejon website.

John Jeffrey Delmos - jjdelmos@hotmail.com
Thursday, January 30, 2003 10:41:45 PM

I stumbled on to the Ridge Route while near Castaic and drove it to Gorman. My mother, now 81, would tell me of how she would join her father, Orville Skaggs, who owned a trucking business in Reedley, CA, near Fresno, on L.A. runs. The trucks would climb so slow that the drivers would set their trottles and walk beside their trucks. I wish I had found your site first and THEN drove the route. Now I guess I'll just have to go back and do it again. Jim Voelkl

Jim Voelkl - advn2rs@aol.com
Thursday, January 02, 2003 10:02:57 AM

I received your book for Christmas, and enjoyed it very much. I now understand why my Mom and her sisters hated to travel. They would frequently make trips between Taft and Long Beach to visit relatives and always looked at these trips as painful. As a history teacher, I enjoyed the book as a piece of local history. If I can work more local history into my classes, I will look to this book for references about the "Uniting" of California. Thanks Curtis Houghton

C. Houghton - choughton@bak.rr.com
Wednesday, December 25, 2002 9:09:02 PM

Thanks for the great site. My great-grandparents The Decetas lived on that road. They owned Martins and it's nice to see that they're "part" of history.. Thanks again, Jef

Jeff Selph - jselph1587@attbi.com
Friday, December 20, 2002 6:32:12 PM

As a truck driver from canada and a history freak, I can only say, "What a awsome site".The Flying J truck stop in Frazier Park has quite a few pictures on there walls on the Ridge Route,well worth the stop to see. Thanks again for the site.

george bonneteau - bonn@uniserve.com
Sunday, November 10, 2002 11:03:49 AM

What an awesome part of California history. Thanks for preserving it!

Hilary Cahn -