Category Archives: California

California, DMV, Motorcycle, Ninja 500R

Mileage Based Road Taxes

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California is implementing a pilot program for mileage based taxes, in lieu of the gas tax, to provide monies for roadway maintenance and improvements. I have volunteered for this program. It doesn’t cost anything, which is good. I certainly don’t wish to pay twice for taxes. SB 1077, the bill which implements the study for the “California Road Charge Program“, is simply an experiment. Will this help us in the long run? I guess we shall see. I am apprehensive about it and am not necessarily in favor of it. However, as it is free and a perfect way to gain insight as to its viability, I’m in.

I will report, on occasion, about this program and how it works. It starts July 1. As I only have a motorcycle as motorized transport, it will indeed be an interesting test. I will test different methods of reporting to see how it works. Who knows what the future holds for the gas tax at this point?

California, District 11, Highways, Motorcycle, Ninja 500R, Oceanside, Old Alignment, Roads, San Diego County, Southern California, SR-78

Old Highway 78 near Oceanside, CA

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State Route 78, one of the original State Highways in the region, has has undergone many changes since it was originally built. Most of the original routing west of Vista, CA, known as Vista Way, has been eliminated by the current alignment of the highway. By the 1960’s, State 78 was an expressway west of Vista, CA. It was gradually upgraded further to a full freeway, bypassing or replacing yet more of the original alignment. Today, there are some original sections still around, albeit very short. The two main sections of old paving, mostly dating to the late 1920’s to early 1930’s, exists near El Camino Real and College Ave in the Oceanside area.

The first section, near El Camino Real, is located on Haymar Dr / S Vista Way and is only partly exposed. Here, the concrete has been repaved but is showing through some of the potholes.

S Vista Way just west of El Camino Real in Oceanside. Note the concrete peeking out from under the asphalt.
S Vista Way just west of El Camino Real in Oceanside. Note the concrete peeking out from under the asphalt.
Closer view of the concrete paving beneath.
Closer view of the concrete paving beneath.

To the east of this section, there is another and more exposed bit of old paving. Adjacent to the Marron Adobe on Haymar Dr (old Vista Way), this paving still retains the feel of the old roadway. No date stamps could be found, but the style of the concrete seems to date it from 1926 to 1935.

Intact section of concrete adjacent to the Marron Adobe.
Intact section of concrete adjacent to the Marron Adobe.
Marker for the Marron Adobe, as in Marron Road "fame".
Marker for the Marron Adobe, as in Marron Road “fame”.

Other sections of older alignments do still exist, but they are all completely reconstructed and no longer retain the old paving.

Motorcycle, Southern California, Website News

Motorcycling Pages?

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I enjoy riding my motorcycle throughout Southern California. In my exploration of the region by motorcycle, I’ve found many roads that are a lot of fun to ride. As such, I have been thinking about adding some pages about motorcycling in the region. What the focus of the pages may be and what sort of extent they may cover is still undecided. Topics such as riding tips specific to Southern California, recommended roads, and other items of interest may be included. I am looking to see if there is indeed interest in adding these pages. If you are interested, please send me feedback and / or vote in the poll, which is on the left sidebar.

California, District 7, Highways, Image, KLR 650, Los Angeles County, Motorcycle, Old Alignment, Ridge Route, Roads, US 99

Image of the Week – 5/2/2016

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Tumble Inn arch on the Ridge Route
Tumble Inn arch on the Ridge Route
BNSF, California, Del Mar, Railroads, San Diego, San Diego County

Original railroad bed near Del Mar, CA

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The railroad line that runs from San Diego to Los Angeles has seen many changes since it was originally constructed the early 1880’s. One of those changes was at the Los Penasquitos Marsh, otherwise known as Soledad Marsh. Originally, the railroad went around the marsh, passing along the hills to the north instead of going directly through as it does today. This realignment took place in 1925. The portion of the alignment crossing the marsh is still used as a utility right-of-way. The majority of the line outside the marsh has long since been redeveloped into housing.

Other than the short section of original right-of-way remaining, the only other trace of the route is through property lines. This lasting section of right-of-way represents one of the last section of intact original grade within the City of San Diego.

Slightly rehabilitated section of the roadbed.
Slightly rehabilitated section of the roadbed.

Remnants of the railroad include a short section of cut, some grading, and a culvert. These remnants are mostly in the area along Caminito Mar Villa, a private roadway. Use caution if you choose to explore this area.

Roadbed of the California Southern Railroad, bypassed in the 1930's.
Roadbed of the California Southern Railroad, bypassed in the 1930’s.
Original railroad culvert used by the current roadway.
Original railroad culvert used by the current roadway.