Southern California is often referred to as the Motocross mecca of the world, where many of the top starts of the sport are based and where a hist of the coolest tracks are situated. Following MotoOnline.com.au’s U.S. Tour 2011, we decided to recap the Top 10 Moto things to do in California during the months of January and February.

Visit an AMA Supercross
There’s no doubt that the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, is the greatest dirt bike series on the planet. Running from January through May, the Californian rounds to open the season are some of the biggest of the year.

AMA Supercross. Image: Hoppenworld.com.

Check out the factory test tracks
If you can find them, go to them! Watching the top factory teams work through the motions is a sight to see, and they’re all based in Corona, California off the 15 Freeway. Plenty of visitors dropped by while we were out there filming…

KTM Supercross Test Track. Image: Hoppenworld.com.

Do motos!
With tracks such as Glen Helen, Pala, Peris, Milestone and many more all located within an hour or two, you’d be mad not to go and check them out. Even better, get your hands on a bike and go ride!

So. Cal Motocross Tracks.

Tour Troy Lee Designs
Troy Lee Designs pains helmets for many of the top racers from around the world and has a cool museum to boot. Located just off the 91 Freeway in Corona, You’ll gaze around this sweet building for hours on end looking at many historic helmets and rides from years gone by.

Troy Lee Designs.

Drop by Pro Circuit
If you are a fan of the Pro Circuit Kawasaki team (formerly Honda many, many moons ago) then you’ll love this place. Every PC championship winning bike from over the last 20 years is showcased in an unbelievable display of moto history. It’s located off the 91 right near TLD.

Pro Circuit.

Shop at Chaparral Motorsports
If you’re looking to do a bit of shopping for moto goods, be sure to stop by Chaparral Motorsports in San Bernadino off the 215 Freeway. There’s literally hundreds of bikes on the floor plus almost every piece of gear that you can imagine in a huge range of sizes. You have to see it to believe it!

Chaparral Motorsports.

Race at Pole Position
Pole Position Raceway is a karting franchise founded by moto-journalist Ken Faught, partnered by the liked of Jeremy McGrath and Australia’s very own Chad Reed just to name a few. As far as Cali goes, you’ll find a Pole Position at Corona and also Murrieta. It’s the most fun you’ll have on four wheels, as Brett Metcalfe proves in the image below!

Pole Position Raceway.

Do an MX vacation
Southern California has a variety of motocross holidays to choose from, and we went out riding for a day with Race SoCal. Not only will you get to ride some of the coolest tracks in the world, but you’ll also get tours of many locations we’ve noted above! They’re affordable too…

Race SoCal motocross vacation.

Go to Murrieta/Temecula
The Inland Empire is the heart of motocross in California, and you’ll find many of your favourite riders based in the Murrieta and Temecula areas. It’s kind of like Hollywood and movie stars, instead this area is overflowing with motocross talent.

Murrieta.

Spy on race team work shops
For this option you’ll very much have to know somebody who can show you around, but if you do get the oppurtunity to check out a race shop you’ll be in awe. They’re the ultimate moto garage, filled with trick bikes, endless amounts of spare parts, a heap of tools and feature floors so clean you could eat off them. The JDR/J-Star/KTM shop is where Australia’s new team prepares its fleet of SX-Fs.

JDR/J-Star/KTM Race Team Work Shop