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Lourd Baltimore
Posts: 148
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:55 pm

nklr - working and living around edwards afb

Post by Lourd Baltimore » Thu Feb 17, 2011 4:34 am

Howdy KLRistas! I'm soliciting opinions from folks about the area around Edwards AFB. There's an opportunity for me and my family to move back from Merry Ol' England to US where I'll be working (as a civilian) at Edwards AFB. Has anyone lived out there or worked at the base? How are the cities/towns within commuting distance of the base? How is it for families? We have a boy who is almost two and we're expecting another child shortly so they'll be young. Google maps say it's a 30 minute one-way commute to any decently sized town. But the roads are so flat and level, I have a hard time believing that! Any info would be appreciated! Josh . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

mark ward
Posts: 1027
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:18 am

nklr - working and living around edwards afb

Post by mark ward » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:01 am

I would still be around Sandiego if I hadn't met My EX wife on a visit back to mich.. Before the YES MAM, I WILL! (I do's) she said she wanted to move back with me. HA! Anyways I loved being around sandiego, I lived there about 4 yr's (80-83,) I could ride almost every day, and while some say they would miss "the seasons" I could RIDE, about 50 miles out of town into the mountains lots of TREES, in the Cleavland Nat. forrest, Or I could RIDE, anouther 10 and go play in the SNOW, then RIDE, back into town and play on the beach all in the same day. anouther 40+- miles, and I was in the desert. Your wife wants a wintery Christmas time? Book a room in the mountains for a few days, then come home to a nice clean driveway. A good snowblower would cost you more then the room. LOL Mark (W.Mi.)
--- On Thu, 2/17/11, Lourd Baltimore wrote: From: Lourd Baltimore Subject: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR - Working and Living Around Edwards AFB To: dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 10:26 AM Howdy KLRistas! I'm soliciting opinions from folks about the area around Edwards AFB. There's an opportunity for me and my family to move back from Merry Ol' England to US where I'll be working (as a civilian) at Edwards AFB. Has anyone lived out there or worked at the base? How are the cities/towns within commuting distance of the base? How is it for families? We have a boy who is almost two and we're expecting another child shortly so they'll be young. Google maps say it's a 30 minute one-way commute to any decently sized town. But the roads are so flat and level, I have a hard time believing that! Any info would be appreciated! Josh . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jeff Khoury
Posts: 684
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2009 11:08 am

klr 650 hp

Post by Jeff Khoury » Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:15 pm

IMHO, With dual-sports, it's all about the torque. Like others have said, I can load me (180lbs) plus 100lbs of panniers, camping gear and misc crap and cruise 70+ on the freeway with no problems at all. It will top out about 100MPH with me on it (no luggage) - you really don't want to go much faster on a 400lb bike with knobbies than that. You can pull second-gear clutch wheelies no matter how it's loaded . I drag raced my brother's 2-stroke, 200lb YZ250 and beat him (on the street). When he broke down (overheated and siezed the engine) 15 miles into the Angeles National Forest fire trails, I towed him all the way back to the loading area with nary a complaint. With good tires you can surprise the hell out of the sport bikers on the canyon roads when they find they really can't lose you on your "dirt bike". On a straight stretch, they'll eat your lunch but when the road is twisty and bumpy the KLR is right at home. I'd say to give one a spin and see how you like it. -Jeff Khoury

The Reverend
Posts: 101
Joined: Sat Jun 12, 2004 9:14 pm

nklr - working and living around edwards afb

Post by The Reverend » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:18 pm

Last I remember, it took 30 minutes (reality: probably closed to 5 or so) to get into the base from when you first stop at guard shack. Rosamond is the closet town, with nothing in it. Most people tend to congregate in Lancaster, or even Palmdale, which both used to have (not sure they do anymore) a gang problem. LA moved a lot of half-way homes out there to be away from LA and the halfers started branches of their own gangs out there. There are nice places so don't worry too much, you'll find'em. Figure about an hour each way for the commute if you live there, but you'll be in a CITY. You're not THAT far from LA for diversions, and if you keep a bike, you'll be quite happy in that part of the world. -----Original Message----- From: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Lourd Baltimore I'm soliciting opinions from folks about the area around Edwards AFB. There's an opportunity for me and my family to move back from Merry Ol' England to US where I'll be working (as a civilian) at Edwards AFB. Has anyone lived out there or worked at the base? How are the cities/towns within commuting distance of the base? How is it for families? We have a boy who is almost two and we're expecting another child shortly so they'll be young. Google maps say it's a 30 minute one-way commute to any decently sized town. But the roads are so flat and level, I have a hard time believing that! Any info would be appreciated! Josh . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ List Sponsors - Dual Sport News: http://www.dualsportnews.com Arrowhead Motorsports: http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok: http://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Member Map: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/app/peoplemap/view/map Group Apps: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/grouplets/subscriptionsYahoo! Groups Links

mark ward
Posts: 1027
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:18 am

nklr - working and living around edwards afb

Post by mark ward » Fri Feb 18, 2011 7:15 am

I have found over the years, and living in ten states by 24, (now 52) and visiting many more since, that asking at a local fire dept. about any area, they are easy going middle class guys (&gals) that KNOW an area and where the best local food or unique sights are. It's never failed they know!!!!!! they area, and of my experiance of all "groups" the most willing to go out of the way to assist, will go in and ask others if needed too. ALWAYS friendly and ready to help.
--- On Fri, 2/18/11, The Reverend wrote: From: The Reverend Subject: RE: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR - Working and Living Around Edwards AFB To: dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, February 18, 2011, 4:18 AM Last I remember, it took 30 minutes (reality: probably closed to 5 or so) to get into the base from when you first stop at guard shack. Rosamond is the closet town, with nothing in it. Most people tend to congregate in Lancaster, or even Palmdale, which both used to have (not sure they do anymore) a gang problem. LA moved a lot of half-way homes out there to be away from LA and the halfers started branches of their own gangs out there. There are nice places so don't worry too much, you'll find'em. Figure about an hour each way for the commute if you live there, but you'll be in a CITY. You're not THAT far from LA for diversions, and if you keep a bike, you'll be quite happy in that part of the world. -----Original Message----- From: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Lourd Baltimore I'm soliciting opinions from folks about the area around Edwards AFB. There's an opportunity for me and my family to move back from Merry Ol' England to US where I'll be working (as a civilian) at Edwards AFB. Has anyone lived out there or worked at the base? How are the cities/towns within commuting distance of the base? How is it for families? We have a boy who is almost two and we're expecting another child shortly so they'll be young. Google maps say it's a 30 minute one-way commute to any decently sized town. But the roads are so flat and level, I have a hard time believing that! Any info would be appreciated! Josh . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ List Sponsors - Dual Sport News: http://www.dualsportnews.com Arrowhead Motorsports: http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok: http://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Member Map: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/app/peoplemap/view/map Group Apps: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/grouplets/subscriptionsYahoo! Groups Links [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

cycletip
Posts: 86
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:58 pm

nklr - working and living around edwards afb

Post by cycletip » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:08 am

Josh, That part of the world is a high desert. Related to motorcycling it's a great place to live. As for your family that might be a more difficult question. Very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. As for towns, Ridgecrest, Tehachipi, Palmdale and Lancaster. Oh, and the small dot called Mojave. Palmdale & Lancaster were fast becoming a dump (not that they were ever anything special) about 20 years ago. Lots of inner city problems with section 8 housing, gangs and flight from LA for cheap housing. I wouldn't bring my family there if given a choice. On the other hand I grew up riding dirt bikes in the Mojave. There's a ton of great riding all along I-14 & 395. That's my 2 cents. Monty
--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Lourd Baltimore wrote: > > Howdy KLRistas! > > I'm soliciting opinions from folks about the area around Edwards AFB. > > There's an opportunity for me and my family to move back from Merry Ol' England > to US where I'll be working (as a civilian) at Edwards AFB. > > Has anyone lived out there or worked at the base? > > How are the cities/towns within commuting distance of the base? > How is it for families? We have a boy who is almost two and we're expecting > another child shortly so they'll be young. > Google maps say it's a 30 minute one-way commute to any decently sized town. > But the roads are so flat and level, I have a hard time believing that! > > Any info would be appreciated! > > Josh > . > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >

Jim Douglas
Posts: 326
Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2000 5:01 pm

nklr - working and living around edwards afb

Post by Jim Douglas » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:43 am

I can remember when Palmdale was somewhat nicer than you describe now. My sister-in-law purchased a 5000SQFT home there for practically nothing back in the day. I always enjoyed going out there as it got the family out of LA for a day and all the crap that LA is behind us. It's sad to hear this area is bad now. Actually glad I got out of there after the Northridge earthquake as I can't image the crime, traffic and stuff there now as it was pretty bad 16 years go! Ridgecrest used to be nice but am assuming it's grown and with the growth all the crap that goes along with it. The only thing I miss about California is the friggin weather! When I lived there everyone was always outside and here in Texas in the summer most folks don't do alot outside.
On 2/18/2011 8:08 AM, cycletip wrote: > > Josh, That part of the world is a high desert. Related to motorcycling > it's a great place to live. As for your family that might be a more > difficult question. Very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. As > for towns, Ridgecrest, Tehachipi, Palmdale and Lancaster. Oh, and the > small dot called Mojave. Palmdale & Lancaster were fast becoming a > dump (not that they were ever anything special) about 20 years ago. > Lots of inner city problems with section 8 housing, gangs and flight > from LA for cheap housing. I wouldn't bring my family there if given a > choice. On the other hand I grew up riding dirt bikes in the Mojave. > There's a ton of great riding all along I-14 & 395. That's my 2 cents. > Monty > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > , Lourd Baltimore > wrote: > > > > Howdy KLRistas! > > > > I'm soliciting opinions from folks about the area around Edwards AFB. > > > > There's an opportunity for me and my family to move back from Merry > Ol' England > > to US where I'll be working (as a civilian) at Edwards AFB. > > > > Has anyone lived out there or worked at the base? > > > > How are the cities/towns within commuting distance of the base? > > How is it for families? We have a boy who is almost two and we're > expecting > > another child shortly so they'll be young. > > Google maps say it's a 30 minute one-way commute to any decently > sized town. > > But the roads are so flat and level, I have a hard time believing that! > > > > Any info would be appreciated! > > > > Josh > > . > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mike Frey
Posts: 833
Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:53 am

nklr - working and living around edwards afb

Post by Mike Frey » Fri Feb 18, 2011 10:20 am

My wife grew up in Ridgecrest. It's OK (Navy town), but if I had my choices of the surrounding areas, Tehachapi is probably the nicest, although it's a long commute. Mojave is closer, I've spent some time there and it's OK. I'd almost certainly choose a place to live that is north of Edwards - because from there, it's a clean shot on the KLR to some great riding areas, both paved and unpaved. With a young family, however, you may find Lancaster more to your liking. There are some troubled areas there, but some nice ones, too. I'm not a city person. I live in a small town 10 miles north of Lancaster, PA, 60 miles west of Philadelphia and spend as little time as possible in both cities. Yes, it's blazing hot in the summer. Over 100 is common. "Cold in winter" is relative. It ain't that cold! 90% of the USA gets colder in the winter. In any case, good luck with your decision making! Mike Jim Douglas wrote:
> > I can remember when Palmdale was somewhat nicer than you describe now. > My sister-in-law purchased a 5000SQFT home there for practically > nothing back in the day. I always enjoyed going out there as it got the > family out of LA for a day and all the crap that LA is behind us. It's sad > to hear this area is bad now. Actually glad I got out of there after > the Northridge earthquake as I can't image the crime, traffic and stuff > there now > as it was pretty bad 16 years go! > > Ridgecrest used to be nice but am assuming it's grown and with the > growth all the crap that goes along with it. The only thing I miss about > California is the friggin weather! When I lived there everyone was > always outside and here in Texas in the summer most folks don't do alot > outside. > > On 2/18/2011 8:08 AM, cycletip wrote: > > > > Josh, That part of the world is a high desert. Related to motorcycling > > it's a great place to live. As for your family that might be a more > > difficult question. Very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. As > > for towns, Ridgecrest, Tehachipi, Palmdale and Lancaster. Oh, and the > > small dot called Mojave. Palmdale & Lancaster were fast becoming a > > dump (not that they were ever anything special) about 20 years ago. > > Lots of inner city problems with section 8 housing, gangs and flight > > from LA for cheap housing. I wouldn't bring my family there if given a > > choice. On the other hand I grew up riding dirt bikes in the Mojave. > > There's a ton of great riding all along I-14 & 395. That's my 2 cents. > > Monty > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > > , Lourd Baltimore > > wrote: > > > > > > Howdy KLRistas! > > > > > > I'm soliciting opinions from folks about the area around Edwards AFB. > > > > > > There's an opportunity for me and my family to move back from Merry > > Ol' England > > > to US where I'll be working (as a civilian) at Edwards AFB. > > > > > > Has anyone lived out there or worked at the base? > > > > > > How are the cities/towns within commuting distance of the base? > > > How is it for families? We have a boy who is almost two and we're > > expecting > > > another child shortly so they'll be young. > > > Google maps say it's a 30 minute one-way commute to any decently > > sized town. > > > But the roads are so flat and level, I have a hard time believing > that! > > > > > > Any info would be appreciated! > > > > > > Josh > > > . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >

Lourd Baltimore
Posts: 148
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:55 pm

nklr - working and living around edwards afb

Post by Lourd Baltimore » Fri Feb 18, 2011 10:32 am

Thanks, all for your frank responses on living in the area. As we're somewhat keen to move back we're aware that we mostly look at the good points of a possible new location. Good to get some "on the ground" perspective. Josh . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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