Embarking on an adventure ride is always a gamble with the elements, but a recent trip through Southern California faced more than the usual sunshine tax. According to a report on Motorcycle.com, a rider and his girlfriend set out between Christmas and New Year's to explore the region on a 2025 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally and a 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700. The plan, crafted by his girlfriend, involved a mix of paved roads, dirt trails, gravel paths, and sandy stretches, with carefully selected campsites along the way. However, the weather had other plans.
Weeks before their departure, intense atmospheric rivers began to batter the West Coast, causing widespread flooding. Despite the ominous forecasts, they boarded their flight to Long Beach, determined to make the most of their adventure, armed with a flexible itinerary and a spirit of resilience, according to the report.
Day One: Adapting to the Unexpected
After spending their first night aboard the Queen Mary, the riders faced their first challenge: packing their gear onto the bikes. With no support crew, they had to carry all their essentials. The rider noted the challenge of fitting clothing, camping equipment, tools, and electronics into the provided Kriega and Mosko Moto luggage, leading to some necessary sacrifices.
Their initial route took them along the 405 freeway towards a campground near Casitas Lake, northwest of Los Angeles. The rider, familiar with his own 2024 Ténéré 700, used this opportunity to compare it to the newer model. He observed that the 2025 Ténéré 700's ride-by-wire throttle had a noticeably different response and experienced some surging just off idle. He also struggled with the new turn signal switch, occasionally honking the horn by accident. However, once on the open road, the familiar hum of the CP2 parallel-twin engine and the wind protection of the windscreen brought a sense of comfort.
As they transitioned onto the Pacific Coast Highway, the anticipated “light rain” intensified into a downpour. The landscape, scarred by the Palisades fire, with burned-out homes and denuded hillsides, was further ravaged by flood damage. Debris, mudslides, and large puddles made it difficult to appreciate the coastal scenery. Realizing their campsite was likely flooded, they opted for a hotel room to dry out and reassess their plans.
Day Two: A Glimmer of Hope
The next morning brought clear skies and a taste of Southern California sunshine. North of Ventura, the rider experienced California lane splitting for the first time, navigating through miles of standstill traffic on the 101 freeway. He expressed amazement that lane splitting isn't legal everywhere, given the respect shown by most drivers.
As traffic eased, the rider was able to take in the coastal views, reminiscing about childhood vacations on the Oregon coast. Just north of Santa Barbara, they encountered a winding mountain road that led to a ridge with panoramic views. Rocks and boulders, remnants of the heavy rains, slowed their progress, but also allowed them to fully appreciate the scenery. From the ridgetop, they could see the ocean and Channel Islands on one side, and a vast valley and green mountains on the other.