Where to view Vandenberg Rocket Launch?

Brent ST · 02-23-2011, 12:21 PM

I've seen a few of the rockets launched from Vandenberg AFB from my home in the hills east of Modesto. Last night I got up at 2:09 a.m. to watch the scheduled launch of the Taurus XL but it was delayed until tomorrow morning. As I was daydreaming this morning I got the bright idea of riding a little closer for a better view and am wondering if anyone has some suggestions for a good view of the launch. It's a 5 hour ride according to Google maps and I can't leave until about 8:30 this evening so something a little north of Vandenberg would make the night ride a little more bearable.

Thanks
Brent

PongoUSA · 02-23-2011, 12:53 PM

Be careful there. I almost got arrested 2 month back, while taking photos of the entrance gate. MP did not find that very funny - me neither

I pointed out there isn't any sign prohibiting taking pics. They said, it is not prohibited, they just don't like it - and took my adress and DL # . Now, I'm probably in some large terrorist data bank - Great !!

TallRob · 02-23-2011, 02:37 PM

I think The main drag into Lompoc would be good.....Near the Starbucks.

Megan · 02-23-2011, 02:46 PM

According to my hubby, who used to launch those suckers, any point north of the base will be good. Brown road comes off of Hwy 1 and there are several good over looks there. There is also Point Sal State Beach, but that might be a bit chilly/foggy for a early morning launch.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=3...,0.264187&z=13

Bandit12 · 02-23-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PongoUSA

Be careful there. I almost got arrested 2 month back, while taking photos of the entrance gate. MP did not find that very funny - me neither

I pointed out there isn't any sign prohibiting taking pics. They said, it is not prohibited, they just don't like it - and took my adress and DL # . Now, I'm probably in some large terrorist data bank - Great !!

MP's on a AF base can't arrest, only detain. They also have no jurisdiction outside the gate. If they try they are violating the posse commitatus act.

Next time you wanna take some pics near an AF base, take me with you. I carry this neat little blue card in my wallet that says I can go thru the gate anytime my heart desires. Something about spending 20 years in uniform....

BTW, the AF calls them Security Police and most bases now use contracted security for gate guards instead of active duty personnel. I was an AF cop for the first 5 years of my career, but hatred guarding holes in the ground.

Ray

SklyWag · 02-23-2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Megan

According to my hubby, who used to launch those suckers, any point north of the base will be good. Brown road comes off of Hwy 1 and there are several good over looks there. There is also Point Sal State Beach, but that might be a bit chilly/foggy for a early morning launch.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=3...,0.264187&z=13

Oh, maybe I know him. You haven't lived until you watch it at 100'. He will know what I mean.

RF_Rider · 02-23-2011, 07:18 PM

There is a lookout area on Harris Grade, it's a road from Santa Maria to Lompoc. I watched the launch of the delta four rocket from there last month.

Brent ST · 02-23-2011, 07:37 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions, as the day wore on, a night time ride seemed less appealing and I notice there is a launch scheduled for April 12, I think I will make plans and have a more enjoyable ride in a few weeks.

PongoUSA · 02-23-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit12

MP's on a AF base can't arrest, only detain. They also have no jurisdiction outside the gate. If they try they are violating the posse commitatus act.

Ray

Good to know. Thanks !

bmwlloyd · 02-23-2011, 08:34 PM

Hey Brent, where do you get the launch info? That would be a great reason for a ride.

02-23-2011, 12:21 PM	#1
Brent ST Senior Member Name: Brent Location: Roberts Ferry, CA Motorcycle: BMW R1200R, ST1300 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 255	Where to view Vandenberg Rocket Launch? I've seen a few of the rockets launched from Vandenberg AFB from my home in the hills east of Modesto. Last night I got up at 2:09 a.m. to watch the scheduled launch of the Taurus XL but it was delayed until tomorrow morning. As I was daydreaming this morning I got the bright idea of riding a little closer for a better view and am wondering if anyone has some suggestions for a good view of the launch. It's a 5 hour ride according to Google maps and I can't leave until about 8:30 this evening so something a little north of Vandenberg would make the night ride a little more bearable. Thanks Brent

02-23-2011, 12:53 PM	#2
PongoUSA Der Weg ist das Ziel Name: Ralph Location: Belmont, CA Motorcycle: '04 BMW R 1150 RT Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 830	Re: Where to view Vandenberg Rocket Launch? Be careful there. I almost got arrested 2 month back, while taking photos of the entrance gate. MP did not find that very funny - me neither I pointed out there isn't any sign prohibiting taking pics. They said, it is not prohibited, they just don't like it - and took my adress and DL # . Now, I'm probably in some large terrorist data bank - Great !! __________________ RIDE SAFE RIDE FUN I'd rather be riding my motorcycle thinking about God than sitting in church thinking about my motorcycle. IBA# 48396

02-23-2011, 02:37 PM	#3
TallRob Tall Goofy and Gassy Name: Robert Location: Agoura Motorcycle: 2010 Triumph TigerSE Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 828	Re: Where to view Vandenberg Rocket Launch? I think The main drag into Lompoc would be good.....Near the Starbucks.

02-23-2011, 02:46 PM	#4
Megan Down but not out Name: Megan Location: Fresno CA Motorcycle: Thumper RIP F650 GSA Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 741	Re: Where to view Vandenberg Rocket Launch? According to my hubby, who used to launch those suckers, any point north of the base will be good. Brown road comes off of Hwy 1 and there are several good over looks there. There is also Point Sal State Beach, but that might be a bit chilly/foggy for a early morning launch. http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=3...,0.264187&z=13 __________________ Down but not out -Megan

02-23-2011, 07:18 PM	#7
RF_Rider LONG TYME RYDER Name: Ray Location: Santa Maria / Merced Motorcycle: RF 900, Vulcan 900 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 29	Re: Where to view Vandenberg Rocket Launch? There is a lookout area on Harris Grade, it's a road from Santa Maria to Lompoc. I watched the launch of the delta four rocket from there last month.

02-23-2011, 07:37 PM	#8
Brent ST Senior Member Name: Brent Location: Roberts Ferry, CA Motorcycle: BMW R1200R, ST1300 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 255	Re: Where to view Vandenberg Rocket Launch? Thanks for all the suggestions, as the day wore on, a night time ride seemed less appealing and I notice there is a launch scheduled for April 12, I think I will make plans and have a more enjoyable ride in a few weeks.

02-23-2011, 08:34 PM	#10
bmwlloyd Senior Member Name: Lloyd Location: Rancho Cordova, Ca Motorcycle: K1200LT Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 578	Re: Where to view Vandenberg Rocket Launch? Hey Brent, where do you get the launch info? That would be a great reason for a ride. __________________ Two tanks of gas is the best way to clear your head. Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul. Lloyd IBA #39488

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