Author: Sydney Croasmun

Pothole Project Summer Dates!

It’s that time… we are moving forward on the Pothole Project!

Summertime dates are:

  • June 8th, 8AM, Meeting at Sandbergs
  • July 13th, 8AM, Meeting at Sandbergs
  • July 20th, 8AM, Meeting at Sandbergs
  • August 18th, 8AM, Meeting at Sandbergs
RSVP Here

PROJECT INFORMATION:
We will be filling potholes on the historic Old Ridge Route. Focusing on small to medium sized potholes that affect the original concrete road surface. In many places, the unsupported road surface is crumbing and eroding faster. This project aims to prevent that.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
The Old Ridge Route is in a remote location, there are no restrooms up there. We will be working in a sunny area, finishing the work by 11AM to beat the heat. Please bring water, any snacks you may want, work gloves (cold patch can be quite messy!), work clothes that are ok to get dirty, a hat and close toed shoes. Work boots or hiking boots preferred.

Tools are optional (we bring extra) but if you’d like to bring your own, a shovel, rake, broom, or tamper are helpful! Keep in mind, we are working with cold patch and it does leave residue.

MATERIAL DONATION:
We would so much appreciate any material donated! This is what we are using: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-50-lb-Commercial-Grade-Blacktop-Repair-Patch-170152/100545936#overlay

Depending on the amount of bags brought, we are happy to comp you with a membership. Below are the amount of bags per membership:
Supporting Member – 1 bag
Silver Member – 3 bags
Gold Member – 4 bags

RSVP Here

May 2024 Board Meeting

Board Meeting from 5/27/2024. Topics discussed include:

  • Pothole Project Update
  • Future work dates
  • Castaic Landslide
  • Sinkholes opening up
  • Membership update and changes
  • Scout bike trip recap
  • Bakersfield Model A Club recap
  • Future fundraising events
  • Road signs
  • Informational monuments update

Pothole Project Launch Day!

This weekend, a group of RRPO board members gathered on the Old Ridge Route to jump start restoration efforts of the 1915 roadway. Armed with bags of Quickrete Commercial Grade Blacktop Repair, shovels, brooms, a leaf blower and a tamper, they set out to make history – or repair history!

Photo by Hugh "Jamie" Crawford

Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford

Potholes have plagued the Old Ridge Route, especially on the northern end which is open to travel year round. The over 100 years of rain, snow and vehicular travel, have taken a toll on the crumbling road surface.

The process started in July of 2023 when the Ridge Route Preservation Organization submitted a proposal to the Angeles National Forest for special permission to repair the historic road. Driven by the need for a safe road for emergency vehicles to travel, controlling erosion to the historic concrete and ease of access to historic sites, the Pothole Project quickly gained interest. We received clearance at the end of November 2023 and were set to start work after the spring rains.

Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford

The small group got together, headed up by board member, Sydney Croasmun. Supplies were brought in by Croasmun and board member, Hugh “Jamie” Crawford. Each attendee brought tools, ready to make history. Starting at Sandberg’s, small to midsize potholes that affected the concrete surface were scoped out and patched.

Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford

Potholes were cleared of debris. Volunteer, Nathan Beste, used a rake to spread Blacktop Repair. RRPO President, Michael Ballard, used a tamper, compacting newly laid material to support the crumbling roadway. Volunteer, Ian Pauly, swept the potholes clean and brought out bags.

Photo by Sydney Croasmun

The group filled 7 potholes between the site of Sandberg’s Summit Hotel and Granite Gate. This section has not had much attention since the road was bypassed in 1933. 17 bags of Quickrete Commercial Grade Blacktop Repair were used, totaling $259.59. Each pothole used between 2-3 bags and they were paid for by donations and membership dues.

This was the launch day of the Pothole Project and after this, the dates will be open to the public. If you’d like to volunteer, please fill out this form. If you’re interested on donating, please donate here. Memberships also help out immensely with this work!

March 23rd Work Day – Canceled/Alt Event

We’ll have to to take a rain check on this one! Due to the storm, Saturday’s volunteer day has been canceled.

We will be hosting an alternative event at the Ridge Route Communities Museum & Historical Society in Frazier Park. A presentation and Q&A on the Ridge Route for anyone who would like to learn more about the road!

⏰9:30AM 📍Ridge Route Communities Museum3515 Park DrFrazier Park, CA 93225

Upcoming Work Dates

Exciting things up ahead!

Our regularly scheduled Clean Up The Ridge Route events continue on:

With a twist coming up… the Pothole Project officially starts on May 5th!

In works is a road monument restoration as well… I’ll keep you all updated on where you can donate and how you can help as we get closer.

Please fill out the form below if you plan to attend the CUTRR event on March 23rd