By Tom Culbertson

I frequently hear: “That is a great classic BMW sidecar restoration!”

Thanks, but actually it’s a 2013 Russian Ural, an updated copy of the 1940 BMW R71 with many improvements.

When I first brought my Ural home, it was a scary ride. The rig was twitching all over my lane. After adjusting tire air pressures and tightening the loose sidecar wheel bearing, the Ural transformed into an enjoyable cruising machine.

This cruise takes me around many overlooked but inviting roads in the mountains, through foothills and across rich agricultural alluvial plains of Ventura County to some interesting and historic sites. My sidecar rig makes this tour a real pleasure. The ride is on two-lane asphalt, requiring a day to ride the route or a few days for the route and enjoy the sights.

Cruising straight roads past fields of strawberries and artichokes, I reach Potrero Road and wind through a narrow canyon of dried chaparral and scrubby shrubs. Suddenly, everything changes into multiple steep, 15 mph blind corners.

Here the sidecar’s unique handling characteristics are apparent. There is no easy leaning into curves. I have to physically steer the Ural around each turn.

Exiting between a residential community and the Santa Monica National Recreation Area’s vast chaparral, I follow Potrero Road over hills and through mild curves into Hidden Valley.

Surrounded by beautiful, expansive ranches, this is relaxed cruising to Lake Sherwood. The oldest manmade lake in California, Sherwood was created by a dam in 1904. Now it is a community for the rich and famous. Scooting onward, I reach state highway 23 and head east for a delicious brunch of cinnamon raisin French toast at Brent’s Deli in Westlake.

Next, I head up Westlake Boulevard, then take Avenida De Los Arboles to the 23 freeway. At Madera/Olsen Road, I follow the signs to the Reagan Presidential Library to see any new displays and walk around old Air Force One.

Leaving the library, it’s back to the 23 where I watch for road signs to Grimes Canyon. I’m stuck with moderate traffic through Moorpark and eventually it turns into an asphalt sidewinder flopping back and forth down a steep, arid canyon.

Emerging from Grimes, I take Guiberson Road for gentle curvy fun, while following the Santa Clara River and passing fruit and vegetable crops.

At Guiberson’s end, I head into Piru (est. 1887) and take a look at the old Piru Hotel—now the Round Rock Hotel. This beautiful 1887 Colonial Revival structure is a grand sight.

Enjoying these uncrowded back roads, I return the same route to 23 and Bardsdale Road. After a few miles, I reach Bardsdale United Methodist Church. This building is an excellent example of 1898 rural church and gothic revival architecture.

A few miles farther is South Mountain Road. From there to Santa Paula, I’m swaying back and forth surrounded by orchards and vegetable crops paralleling the Santa Clara River.

Passing through Santa Paula (est. 1872), I stop at the 1889 Union Oil Building and Museum to learn Ventura oil history. On display is a working historic oil derrick. And, sometimes, they have classic motorcycles.

Two blocks away is the sculpture, “THE WARNING,” memorializing two motorcycle police officers’ ride through the area, warning about the coming flood from the 1928 St. Francis Dam failure.

Heading to Ojai, I catch windy state Highway 150, following Santa Paula and Sisar Creeks past semi-arid terrain with occasional oaks.

Farther up, I smell oily odors and see some natural seeps—oil country!

I continue through enjoyable curves and enter Upper Ojai Valley, where I’m surrounded by pastures with grazing horses and cattle.

Leaving Upper Ojai, I’m challenged by steep serpentine Dennison Grade.

Riding past Ojai, I look for state highway 150, with more mountain curves all the way to the 101 and the Pacific Ocean.

Since speed isn’t a Ural attribute, I eventually head south on the old Highway 101 along the surf.

Arriving at Ventura, I slog through downtown traffic, past Mission San Buenaventura (est. 1782). This is one of the few remaining California missions showcasing an original interior.

A short detour to Grant Park provides me with a clear view of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands, as well as a cross that memorializes Padre Junipero Sierra, the founder of most California missions.

Finally, riding to Missile Park on the edge of Point Mugu Naval Air Base, I examine an arsenal of missiles. Seeing them up close is quite impressive.

Riding the classic retro sidecar rig is always enjoyable and a frequent conversation opener. My wife tells me that riding in the sidecar is like being in a parade: People are always waving or giving a thumbs up.

Tom Culbertson is an AMA Life Member from Port Hueneme, Calif.