SierraSToc

[beatlejuice]

September 28,29. offical hotel is topaz lodge located at 1979 hwy 395 gardnerville nv.
phone number is 775-266-3338. the rates are $79.00 per night.
anyone who would like to ride up with me just let me know. i will be leaving from acton ca. thats just so. of palmdale early friday a.m. i do beleive that donstoc would be happy to lead some victums er, ah, riders saturday. ebbitts pass is a destination for sure. come one come all.

[GONE14S]

I'll say maybe for now.
I would go up threw 108 above Sonara to get to NV.

Don wants to leave the road..........I'll take the DL1000.....:eek:

Kurt

[Mellow]

I'm gonna drag a friend with me. He'll probably be on his BMW X or he'll bring the GS.

[beatlejuice]

I'm gonna drag a friend with me. He'll probably be on his BMW X or he'll bring the GS.

joe camping is available near the lodge. if you need any help with locating the campground or rates let me know. glad to have you and your friend along.:04biker:

[Mellow]

OOps.. my bad... I got SierraSTOC mixed up with SeaSTOC... doh!

[beatlejuice]

OOps.. my bad... I got SierraSTOC mixed up with SeaSTOC... doh!

thats kinda like what its like to be me.

[mshihrer]

well, just looked at this, I don't think I can do it in one day, so, if I can camp, I'll ask for Friday off as well. Color me 80 % committed, if I can camp.

[beatlejuice]

mike good to hear from you. camping is available.ill get some numbers and post em in a bit.

[beatlejuice]

try this site for camping. http://www.topazlake.com/topazlakepark.htm the campground is within walking distance to the lodge if i remember correctly. :04biker:

[Don-STOC237]

The campground is adjacent to the gas station/store, which is adjacent to the lodge, which is adjacent to the casino. :D

[mshihrer]

ah, nuts. I asked for the days off, and got a big fat NO. Normally, it shouldn't have been a problem, but that Saturday is my bosses birthday, and he already made plans. When the boss isn't at work, I HAVE to be at work. So, sorry, I have to miss out.

[beatlejuice]

just let me know mike and ill send quedo and the boys over to straighten the boss out. sorry ya cant make it we'll send pix of people riding:rolleyes:

[Don-STOC237]

I'm going to start posting a few possible routes here, just in case some of you want to load them into your gps beforehand. Please bear in mind that these are just routes I've ridden and enjoy, and I'm not suggesting that they are any kind of official rides for this gathering.

OK, here's a gps route between Hwy 120 (Yosemite) and Hwy 108 (Sonora). It's one of my favorite little rides to connect Tioga Pass with Sonora Pass. Be aware that it's very challenging and dangerous to ride in spots. If you don't want to ride on tiny rough roads with blind corners every few hundred feet, thousand foot dropoffs with no guardrails, and 20%+ grades, don't go here. This route is discussed in this thread: http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showpost.php?p=248591&postcount=1

Here's the connector route, I figure you can find your own way across Tioga pass (120) and back on Sonora pass (108)

[Byron]

Well I just got off the phone and I have reservations for Fri. & Sat. night. I already contacted Bill and looks like we'll ride up together. If anyone is looking at saving some money and wants to split a room my reservations are for 2 queen size beds and I don't snoore. :) All that is left is to fill out my time off slip at work for Friday.

I need the peace and tranquility of riding throught the hills. I just hope I can hold out till then. :D

[Don-STOC237]

OK, here's another of my favorite linking routes. This one runs between Hwy 4 and Hwy 108.

[Don-STOC237]

OK, another fun route, this time between Hwy 4 and Hwy 88 (Carson Pass).

The garmin file only has the linking route, the MS S&T file has Hwy 4 and 88 included, but you can't load that into your gps anyway so I didn't redo it to match the gps route.

A good variation on this route is to have lunch at Murpheys, then take Sheep Ranch Road north from Murpheys and link up with the rest of the route via Jesus Maria Road back to Sheep Ranch road.

Obviously, when you get to Woodfords, the most fun way to get back to Topaz is to take 89 through Markleeville and then take 89 over Monitor Pass to US395 back to Topaz.

[mshihrer]

AAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!
I want to go so bad!!!!!
I'm going to try to use the "guilt" thing on the boss. I'm not giving up yet.

[beatlejuice]

think ill pass on wards ferry road. looking deeeeeeeep into canyons is not my thing. meowwww.

[Mark]

think ill pass on wards ferry road. looking deeeeeeeep into canyons is not my thing. meowwww.

heh, heh, heh... this is the route I warned about!!!

Hey Don!
Have you ridden this route since you moved to the new bike?

Mark

[Don-STOC237]

^^^

No, I'm looking forward to taking the 650 down there. Should be an entirely new experience.

BTW, I don't recommend this route on a weekend for the simple reason that going through Yosemite is a PITA on weekends. :eek:

[shezonit]

Hi I am from Montana and I will be riding in your area(s) from Sept 14-until heading to HU Copper Canyon. So- I might be already in Tahoe area before, but if not, I'd like to ride from SoCal north with anyone, IF you are taking scenics. I only stop for fuel and dinner and camping is great. I don't mind riding alone- I am looking for "local" knowledge of fun back roads to get there. I don't have a GPS. All advice welcome. I just went to BEARSTOC . Advice welcome.

[Don-STOC237]

Hi I am from Montana and I will be riding in your area(s) from Sept 14-until heading to HU Copper Canyon. So- I might be already in Tahoe area before, but if not, I'd like to ride from SoCal north with anyone, IF you are taking scenics. I only stop for fuel and dinner and camping is great. I don't mind riding alone- I am looking for "local" knowledge of fun back roads to get there. I don't have a GPS. All advice welcome. I just went to BEARSTOC . Advice welcome.

Maren, see your PM's...

Don...

[beatlejuice]

16 days left to make your reservations. the riding opportunities in the sierras are second to none. and dont forget you can have breakfast for only 99 cents at the casino:)

[Lou65]

That squirrel and that Beatle look like twins to me.

[Klackey]

Stupid question but Is this get togather have a planned ride or just meet and greet? If going on a ride any info on the location, route and time leaving? I am just trying to find out what is going on at these gatherings... thanks..

[nm6r]

I am just trying to find out what is going on at these gatherings... thanks..

Hot dogs, beer and 99 cent breakfast. ;)

j/k

Ray

[Don-STOC237]

Stupid question but Is this get togather have a planned ride or just meet and greet? If going on a ride any info on the location, route and time leaving? I am just trying to find out what is going on at these gatherings... thanks..


See my posts on page 2 of this thread for suggested routes. I may ride one of them, probably one of the last two and anyone wanting to go with is welcome as long as the group doesn't get too big. Time? Whenever we get going. Outside of that, everything in this event is unscheduled. :D

[beatlejuice]

a bit more then a meet and greet. as it can turn into two or three nights depending on weather, and who wants to stay and ride. byron and i wil arrive friday late afternoon if anyone is around we can do a short ride or just hang around the casino or in the parking lot of the hotel. saturday im hoping that don the tourmaster and knower of all roads in the area will treat us to a few pass roads and maybe a great lunch spot. sunday is open for more riding and or heading home. depending on the turn out and if people really enjoy themselves this could turn into a yearly event. some events get off the ground this way some dont. it looks like a light turnout right now but that can change real fast. if you can join in i dont think you will be disapointed as its such a great area to ride. oh and did i mention the 99 cent breakfast. :grin:
if anyone wants to join in with us we will be riding the 14 fwy to 395 to nevada just pm me and we will meet up with anyone who would like to ride along.
bill

[CABOY]

Well I just got off the phone and I have reservations for Fri. & Sat. night. I already contacted Bill and looks like we'll ride up together. If anyone is looking at saving some money and wants to split a room my reservations are for 2 queen size beds and I don't snoore. :) All that is left is to fill out my time off slip at work for Friday.

I need the peace and tranquility of riding throught the hills. I just hope I can hold out till then. :D

DO YOU STILL HAVE THE EXTRA BED, I WOULD LIKE TO COME OVER FRI. AFTERNOON AND LEAVE SUN AFTERNOON FROM REDDING ,CA.?

[Byron]

Stan,

You're the first asking about it so if you want it, it's yours.

[shezonit]

Hi it's Maren from Montana, now in LA. There is a big motorcyle swap meet in Long Beach next Sunday-- anyone know if it is worth going? I need touring boots and a better windshield. If I go to swap meet, I will be riding up from LA area about the 24th, making a camping trip out of it at a National Park or 2.. If I don't hang out for the swap meet, I will be making a longer camping trip. Is any one else going to camp at SierraSTOC or is it too cold? (altitude?) Anybody near Yosemite and want to ride up on 26th/27th? I've been coached on the Lee Ving/ Bridgeport route-supposed to be good. Any advice welcome.

[beatlejuice]

shezonit. the low temps at topaz are in the high 30;s
it will be about the same anywhere in the sierras this time of year. highs are in the high 70's. hope this helps. i cant really tell from your post but are you going to topaz for sierraSToc?

[GONE14S]

Ok, I'm in.
Be leaving Friday morning. Think I'll wonder up threw the foothills over to HWY 88 to 89 on over towards the lake.

See ya there..........

Kurt

[beatlejuice]

Ok, I'm in.
Be leaving Friday morning. Think I'll wonder up threw the foothills over to HWY 88 to 89 on over towards the lake.

See ya there..........

Kurt

ok kurt see ya there. if you need anything or have questions just post or pm
bill

[shezonit]

shezonit. the low temps at topaz are in the high 30;s
it will be about the same anywhere in the sierras this time of year. highs are in the high 70's. hope this helps. i cant really tell from your post but are you going to topaz for sierraSToc?
Yes beatlejuice, I was thinking of camping on the way up from OC where i am visiting, and , see if anyone else is camping at Topaz. Or split a room with a friend who is coming down from montana to visit his dad in Reno and will check in at SierraSTOC. He has a low miles ST1100P that is very amusing. Also DONSTOC has offered me indoor accomodation for SierraSTOC . So I have some options if it is too cold to camp. I camped at BearSTOC but that was a month warmer!
Do you have an idea how many riders are coming? Sort of looks like less than 20? Have you done this one before, at the same place?

[Don-STOC237]

I don't know if it'll open before SierraSTOC, but Sonora Pass (CA 108) is closed due to snow right now from the storm we have been having in the mountains here.

All the other passes are still open, so it must have been localized. Sonora pass may open again before the rally or it may not.

Make sure you check the California DOT website before heading out toward any pass rides this time of year.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/ and you'll see the check current conditions box on the main page.

Maren, you're still welcome to stay here if your partner doesn't show up.

Also, re camping, there is another campground, Lake Topaz Park, at the east end of the lake if the lodge campground doesn't take tents. Just drive along the north shore of the lake a couple miles (its paved) and there it'll be.

[beatlejuice]

shezonit. glad you and your friend are going to join up. at this time i believe we have about 6 ST's one hardley abelson and a v strom.
we have never done this ride before as a group and ya never know, if everyone likes it it could turn into sierraSToc 08. all we need is to post the great pictures we are going to take of the sierras and ST's and baddabing baddaboom everyone will want to do it again next year! call me an optimist

[shezonit]

Thanks for update. Now are these 6 bikes going to show up if it is snowing???!!!!
-- I have never seen the "hardley abelson" label-- I just call them " hardlys" as in " hardly worth the money". But what SHOULD I say to the guys who see me on my shiny red ST at the gas station and say " uh, nice scooter-- but you're saving up for a Harley, right?" I've heard that more than once in Montana!
I like the T-shirts that have the HD logo style wings and they say" If they made an airplane, would you fly in it?"
Hi DonSTOC, I will send you a PM. Maren

[GONE14S]

For those of you that are coming from the Redding area I can meet you folks in Sac. Ca and show you a ride up threw the foot hills if you want. It wont be lacking for twisties as I don't like to ride in a straight line.
I'll be leaving Sac. about 10:00 am (Friday) give or take...........like Don I know the hill pretty well.


Kurt

[Mark]

But what SHOULD I say to the guys who see me on my shiny red ST at the gas station and say " uh, nice scooter-- but you're saving up for a Harley, right?" I've heard that more than once in Montana!
Maren

Depends on how nasty the commenter is being... I read that a lady rider was be ing asked about the same by a really obnoxious HD rider and answered: "Why should I pay 28k for a v......r " :rolleyes:

The answer to the ones who are asking seriously would be "No, I like this one just fine. Wanna ride to xyz (someplace over 250 miles away) without a gas stop?"... :cool:

Mark

[CABOY]

HOPE THE PASSES ARE OPEN, HAD SNOW ON MT ROSA OUT OF RENO THIS WEEKEND WHEN I WAS OVER THERE.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET UP WITH YOU IN SACRAMENTO, KURT AND RIDE OVER TO THE LAKE.

[Don-STOC237]

All the passes are open and the weather forecast is for mid-70's and sunny all weekend, a little windy on Friday.

[GONE14S]

Yup, supposed to be a little windy, but when you get into the tree line it dose not matter any more. The rest of the weekend is going to be nice.

See ya in Sac. Friday morning Ray..........

Kurt

[Byron]

Only one more day to work before leaving early Friday. :D

[beatlejuice]

by this time tomorrow byron and i will be finished with breakfast and riding in PERFECT weather to the sierras :04biker:

[Byron]

I'm getting off work in a few minutes, don't let my boss know I'm typing this. :)

Going to head home, pack my bag and load it on the bike for my early morning departure.

Bill, see you in the AM and everyone else later in the day or over the weekend.

Whoopee! :hotpepper

[Mellow]

Everyone have a great time and a safe weekend.

[CABOY]

ALSO GETTING OFF WORK AND GOING HOME TO PACK MY BAG FOR THE WEEKEND.

SHOULD BE A GREAT WEEKEND IN THE SIERRAS

STAN

[ST_Jim]

At the last minute I managed to wangle tomorrow off. So I've got a reservation made, and will head up tomorrow AM!

See you all there if I don't run into you on the way...


- Jim :04biker:

[beatlejuice]

thanks joe. jim i sent ya a pm with phone. try and meet us for the ride up.
see everyone else in topaz.:04biker:

[Coyote]

Sure wish I could join you all. I'm military, and spent the week in Fallon NV then on to Ridgecrest, CA this morning for a meeting. Rode back home to Fresno this evening. I went thru Reno this AM at 0600, and down 395. Passed Topaz Lodge at about 07-0730ish. 28 degrees.:eek: If your camping, be prepared. Plenty of camping in the area close to Topaz Lodge and Lake. AWESOME RIDE all the way down to Lone Pine, then kinda drab, but still fun! All passes open, light dusting of snow on the peaks, STUNNING. Have the cameras ready, and dont run off the road.:rolleyes: Watch for the 2 herds of elk just south of Big Pine, west side of the road in large field with irragators. They will probably hang there.

Who was at the gas station (chevron?) in Lone Pine this AM around 1000? :confused: Red ST11, riding alone. Aerostich jacket? Just curious.

Have fun and be safe.

:04biker:

[Byron]

It was a couple of great days of riding. I just wanted to let everyone know that I made it home safe and sound. I'll post more later as I'm having a cold one right now.

[beatlejuice]

just wanted to post some pics of sierraSToc ill fill in the details later

[Don-STOC237]

Had a good time riding with the gang. No accidents, no tickets, great weather, great riding group, what more could you ask for?

Even paid for my dinner at the poker table with a few bucks left over!

George and I spent Sunday taking the rear tire off his bike and putting a couple internal patches on it (plugs wouldn't stop the leaking) and then enjoying some fine beer and a bit of bbq.

George will have to publish the pictures of my Russian bead breaker... :D

Here's a few pictures from the Saturday ride...

www.stocrallies.com/SierraSTOC

[805gregg]

Boy I'm sorry I missed this ride, I'll be there next time. Bill whats with the pictures? Did you break down and buy a camera?

[George]

Ongoing saga: The Flat Tire Diaries!

Byron recognized my low tire on Saturday afternoon (18 lbs.) This was on the way back to Nevada after some spirited riding to Murphy, CA chasing the group toward the lunch stop. Don led us over a couple ruff roads (Sheep Ranch Rd. to Sheep Ranch, CA has to be experienced.)

Anyhoo, we aired up the errant tire and continued toward Topaz, NV. Parked the bike at Don's garage and let'er sit til Sunday morning.

_7_ gummy worms later (2 holes, no waiting!) we took a run up to Carson City to get some _big_ patches. We'd already removed the tire from the rim and only needed the necessaries to complete the repair. Here's a pic of Don's Russian beadbreaker:23558

Turns out there were _2_ holes, one new one looks like a slash where a tread block meets the carcass:
23559
Only took 2 gummy worms to close that one. Problem was that I could still hear a "hiss"!

Remember last summer when I installed a new tire in Texas and then picked up a nail about 100 miles later? Well that plug went 8 or 9 thousand miles before it failed. :eek:
23560

4 plugs later (I punched one all the way thru!) it was still leaking, hence the trip to Carson City.

Failed to get a pick of the patches on the inside, just recall yur childhood days of patching yur bicycle tubes. Same technique, just on the inside. Gotta say that working in Don's garage was much better than sitting out in the desert:
23561

The return trip home was uneventful. Can't complain about the scenery, either. Here's a pic of Don's back yard:
23562

This was actually taken from NV 388, a few miles south of Smith, NV. Nothing like a little Eastern Sierras in October to make ya appreciate good scenery.

Made it home fine on the damgaed tire. It'll be replaced by a new Michelin before the next ride. No more Dunlops for me!

[GONE14S]

Had A good time.
Don led us on a route at a nice pace.
Lost a bolt for my front ABS sencor. Just tied it out of the way and got home with know problems.
I'll do this again.............
Nice meeting everyone........

Kurt

[beatlejuice]

Boy I'm sorry I missed this ride, I'll be there next time. Bill whats with the pictures? Did you break down and buy a camera?

yea i sure did, and look i got em on the board. will wonders never cease!!
the pictures in the rocks are of the alabama hills outside of lonepine. many a western picture was filmed in those hills. check out the face someone painted on the rock.
ill tell you i want to thank don again for leading us thru the sierras. you talk about a great bunch of people, well they were on this ride. we had fun. and i did find a 99cent breakfast on the menu!!!!!!
as for tickets i think there was some devine intervention just before we got to murphy's:eek:

[CABOY]

HAD A GREAT WEEKEND RIDING WITH A GROUP OF REALLY GREAT PEOPLE. LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR.

SAW ROCKY AND MARLEN COMING OUT OF LASSEN PARK ON MY WAY HOME SUNDAY.

THE SIERRAS OFFER SOME OF THE BEST RIDING IN THE COUNTRY.

[Byron]

It really was a good weekend to ride. Mine started off my meeting up with Bill (beatlejuice) in Acton a little after 6 AM Friday morning. We rode up 14 for an hour or so before stopping for breakfast. We detoured to the Alabama Hills and stretched our legs. Upon arriving at Topaz Lodge we were greated by Kurk and Stan. Bill decided it was best if he located a new rear tire so we rode into Reno to Big Valley Honda. If you ever are in the area stop by it is a really neat dealship and were very friendly and helpful. After getting back to the lodge it was nice to sit, listen to some music from their live 2 man band and chit-chat. Walking back to the room that night it was snowing.

Saturday morning was clear and Cool! After breakfast Don led the group (Don, Jim, Bill, Kurk, Maren, [I must appologize for forgetting the name of our White ST1100 rider from Montana], Stan, George and myself) on a nice loop across Monitor Pass, to Murphys Cafe for lunch, across some back roads to 88 and back to the lodge. Up the pass we shared the roads with a few older vehicles. After a great day of riding, which included passing a few Harley's along the way :), it was buffet dinner at the lodge.

Sunday everyone broke out and started heading home after breakfast. Yes, there was a 99 cent item on the menu. :) Jim decided to take his time heading back to Semi and Bill and I expedited our ride back to Acton and Azusa. On our way we did happen to see a few of the local residents and managed a stop at the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery.

It was a GREAT! weekend for me. :D Bob, one of Bill's friends, met us at the lodge but couldn't ride because of other commitments but it was nice to meet him. Stan, it was nice sharing a room with you. Kurk, you've cleaned up Don's old bike right nice and Don has already started his modifications on your old bike. Maren, hope our journey back home is safe and you stay well. Jim and George nice to ride with you again. Bill, as always a fun ride and Don, a Big THANKS! for the tour.

I posted a few more pictures in my gallery (http://www.st-owners.com/pp_gallery/showgallery.php?cat=581).

[ST_Jim]

Golly, I needed that trip! And the 6 glasses of Sam Adams on Friday night weren't too bad either! But what's with the bar band that opens both Friday and Saturday night with "Tequila Sunrise"?

- Jim :04biker:

[Mark]

Pretty shots Jim.

Mark

[Don-STOC237]

I don't know, I think his pictures make me look fat.

Oh, wait .... :D

(Nice pics, Jim!)

[ST_Jim]

I don't know, I think his pictures make me look fat.

Oh, wait .... :D

(Nice pics, Jim!)Hey, I didn't complain about those pictures of ME, did I? ;-)

- Jim

[azlife4me]

Are there dates for a SierraSTOC '08 ?

[dmulk]

Are there dates for a SierraSTOC '08 ?


+1. I'd like to do this!

<D>

[ST_Jim]

Pick a weekend guys!

You can get some practice runs in over Sonora Pass before going to WeSTOC next year. That reminds me - I need to research some ways to extend WeSTOC so I can try roads up by Mt. Lassen. Maybe I'll even have to pay up over at Pashnit.com :D

Say Dan, didn't you get a copy of the NorCal Destination Highways book?

- Jim :04biker:

[Finewest]

Are there dates for a SierraSTOC '08 ?

Plus 2. Love the Sierras! Been all over them with a backpack, but never ridden them yet. Any dates yet?

[dmulk]

Say Dan, didn't you get a copy of the NorCal Destination Highways book?

- Jim :04biker:


Sure did....but I have to say that a much better research tool and using the big Rand and McNally Road Atlas....you can get one at Walmart for about 5.00.

"Follow the green dots"....

<D>