Decided to hit the Ortega Hwy this fine monday morning. From Lake Elsinore side, went 8 miles up and headed back down (from Hell's Kitchen). I did this 6 times. Finally de-virginized my demon tires after ~2k freeway miles, my chicken strips (the area left untouched from the edge of tire) are 1/2 inch. Took it real slow at first, then gained confidence after each round trip.

The 7th (and last) time, got way over confident, took the first turns too fast. <These turns> were rated at 30ish (could probably push 50-60 on 4 wheels) I accelarated too much at the previous turns, it became difficult to push the bike to the opposite direction, and it all fell from there. I got a bit of target fixation at what I was going to crash into (if i had), which wouldnt have been too bad, right side of the road, not the oncoming traffic. Even better news.. all I hit was the overgrown grass that had crept over the curb. Cleared the curb by about .0001 inch while I was screaming "Oh Sh--, oh sh--!". Had I gone with wider tires, I'm sure I would have gone down. bleh~ o well..

Overall, I think I did pretty good for 99.7% freeway rider.
I learned that 1:1 ratio (4th) was the best for me when going uphill, and 1 gear lower (3rd) going downhill.

here's a pic of ortega, stolen off the web.
I hate this turn by the way.. I get dizzy afterwards.. "The Circle Jerk" turn as i call it

 

Sweet bro but ortega is way to crowded. Go down south to Palomar Mountain. it is about 15 miles past Pala casino off the 76 death hwy. Someof the best riding here in so-cal, all mostheaven

 

imma try that next monday, need to use the sides of my tires.. i hate seeing only the mid being used

 

+1
Palomar is to Ortega what Ninja 500R is to GS500.

You'll still have chicken strips, but you'll get comfortable leaning on your peg feelers at Palomar.