Buddy,
Gorman is a well used up place that is located on I-5 between Bakersfield and L.A. I've been there a few times, and can get pretty crowded. I'm sure a few local So.Cal DRN folks can fill you in.
I have rode Octillio Well (sp) many times. From here in Nor.Cal your looking at least an 8 hour drive or longer, depending on how you go. The Reno area offers some really great desert riding too. Strick (DRN member) can fill you in on all the desert riding areas in and around the the Reno / Sparks, Nv area, which is much closer than making the trip to So.Cal.
Check out the Valentines Day weekend ride thread for more info on this years ride.
Rick