OFF-ROADERS ENJOY THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

Byline: Don Holland Daily News Staff Writer

It was a Memorial Day weekend to remember for Lynnise Guerra.

The 19-year-old Simi Valley woman and some 200 off-roading enthusiasts kicked up the dirt and then kicked back in the cool of Piru Creek Campground at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Area, west of Gorman.

For those seeking peace and quiet of nature, this was definitely not the place to be.

``It's a nonstop party,'' said Guerra, with beer in hand and toes in the creek. ``We come for the sun and the fun and to ride the (motorcycles) and hang out with friends. You meet new people and party.''

Like Guerra, Juanita Garibay of Simi Valley is a brand-new convert to off-road motorcycling.

After a day of riding and a night of partying, Garibay finally headed to bed around 3 a.m. Sunday. Four hours later, she was raring to go again.

``It's like you left civilization, and all that comes with it, behind,'' said Garibay, sunglasses perched on her head and her bare feet cooling in the creek. ``I'm planning on getting a (dirt) bike. It's so much fun. It's relaxing. And the power, big time power. It's just knowing you're in control.''

Freedom and adrenaline are what keep motorcyclist Mike Hahn challenging himself.

``You come so close to getting hurt, but then you don't,'' said Hahn, 17, of Torrance. ``It's an extreme sport. It's not for everybody. It's the risk and the danger that bring you back. And the lack of authority. Here, you can ride all day and kick back with your friends.''

Although the booming hip-hop music and the roar of motorcycle engines creates an anything-goes atmosphere, campground hosts Bob Whitsitt and Stanley Lewicki make sure things don't get out of control.

``Most people come out here to let off steam,'' Lewicki said. ``They yell in the mountains. That's good as long as they don't hurt anyone.''

Serious problems are few and far between, said Whitsitt, a well-tanned and tattooed man with a thick beard and pony tail. Whitsitt, whose duties include advising off-roaders of speed limits, said the trick in getting campers to comply is in how he approaches people.

``If you walk up and confront somebody like a (disciplinarian), it's going to come back right at you. But if you approach them in mellow, they'll be mellow.''

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

PHOTO (1 -- color) On this Memorial Day weekend, Piru Creek Campground at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Area, west of Gorman, is visited by some 200 off-road motorcycling enthusiasts.

(2 -- Conejo edition only) Ed Lopez and Juanita Garibay of Simi Valley cross a creek.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News@