33rd Annual VJLA Death Valley Ride!
Saturday through Monday, March 28-30, 2026
Vintage Japanese Los Angeles motorcycle presents the 33rd annual Death Valley Rally! If you’ve never been on this ride, it is a must attend event for anyone interested in riding across vast desert landscapes and visiting near-ghost towns.
We will ride from Lancaster, California to Death Valley by scenic and sometimes unimproved back roads. Stovepipe Wells will be our base both Saturday and Sunday nights (https://www.stovepipedeathvalley.com/). All the fun of Furnace Creek but at half the cost. They have a bar, restaurant, general store, pool, and gas. Book your room now! Camping is also available on site. Riders are responsible for making their own motel or camping reservations.
This trip will be open to all bikes and scooters. This year’s route is a bit shorter than usual, so break out your tiddlers!, If you’ve got an old Honda Four or other bike that needs exercise here is your opportunity. Also, if you can please bring a vintage bike.
We depart from Crazy Otto’s Diner in Lancaster 9:00 AM on Saturday March 28, 2026. Crazy Otto’s is located at 1228 W. Ave. I in Lancaster, east of the 14 freeway. There is safe parking for your truck in the dirt parking lot across from Antelope Valley Harley Davidson, 1759 W. Ave. J-12. After riding about 550 miles in total we will return to Crazy Otto’s Monday in time for dinner.
Route maps will be provided at Crazy Otto’s on Saturday. From there we will ride north through Mojave and California City to Randsburg. After a snack break at The Vault (ice cream or beer, your choice!) we ride on to Trona, across Panamint Valley, up Wildrose Canyon (if it’s open) and over Towne Pass. From there we descend into Death Valley to Stovepipe Wells (about 200 miles).
On Sunday I’ll lead a scenic ride to attractions in Death Valley. Our itinerary might include Artist’s Drive, Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road, Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, and Old Stovepipe Wells (about 150 miles).
Monday morning we ride back to Lancaster the way we came, but making sure to stop for lunch at Esparza Family Restaurant, 82420 Trona Road, Searles Valley, CA 93562 (https://www.facebook.com/EsparzaRestaurant/) (about 200 miles).
There will be a bit of riding on graded, gravel roads on the way from Mojave to Randsburg, to Old Stovepipe Wells, and on Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road in Death Valley.
The modest $50 entry fee will include route maps, our chase truck, and a souvenir t-shirt. This is a smokin’ deal for three days of fun and camaraderie!
Cheers,
Brendan
This is the ride that Pat Teter, Matt Jenkins, Kermit Johnsson, Rahul Vinchhi, Jim Williams and Larry Coolidge have been on and the route and destination hotel has changed every year. Note: This is Not a Coast-Riders sponsored AMA sanctioned ride.
Click here for registration form.
