nurseBob
08-04-2005, 02:35 PM
I got up at 4:15 yesterday grab a quick bite and then be on my way to a Rancho Cordova Starbucks to meet STPilot (Tim) at 6:30. Tim and I had been trying to get together for a few weeks but schedules had interfered, when suddenly on Tuesday we both found we had Wednesday FREE!
Tim wanted to know where I'd like to go. I commented that I'd done a 500 mile "ride to nowhere" on Monday (I'd wanted to retrace part of his and Dorian's SS1K tune up, and also finally get a feel for the bike on something other than the super slab). I told him to pick a place - he suggested a ride to the Sonora Pass (CA 108) and I seconded his suggestion.
I was on the bike at 4:45, and after a quick top-off, left Napa at 4:51. The trip to Sacramento and then to Rancho Cordova was uneventful, but it was great to watch the sun come up as I pulled into Starbucks a little after 6. Tim showed-up at 6:30 on the dot, parking his blue next to my red. Nice color combo... After grabbing his cup of coffee we began chatting about the route, and just getting to know one another. Tim's a very personable guy and easy to get along with!
A passer-by on his way into Starbucks noticed us taking photos and offered to get one of the two of us together. Nice guy! Tim had planned for us to head east on 16 until we got to Hwy 49 in the old Gold Rush part of California. So, with Tim in the lead we left STarbucks behind. Traffic wasn't too bad, and aside from a small construction delay, nothing was in our way. We'd picked-up a third rider when a guy on a HD with ape-hangers decided to keep us company.
After intersecting with Hwy 49 we headed south through Jackson, Angels Camp (home of the frog jumping contest) and on towards Sonora. As soon as we hit the twisties on 49 the HD disappeared from my mirrors (he did catch up briefly after one extended straightaway). We pulled over at New Melones resevoir to get photos of the bikes and sun playing on the water. Great place for photos. (Tim will likely be posting some images before I will; he's digital, but I'm still in the dark ages using film...)
From the resevoir we flew on into Sonora. We stopped in town to gas up and freshen up. And then I took the lead since I've been in Sonora a number of times and had some familiarity with the area. In Sonora we said good-by to 49 and turned onto 108, eastward bound and with the pass (9645?) only 55 miles away. There was moderate traffic on 108, but as you get close to Twain-Harte it becomes 4 lanes for a few miles. This allowed us to comfortably pass what traffic there was, as well as another cruising HD. Hwy 108 varies between posted 65 zones and 35 mph sections as you pass through the small towns in the foothills and begin climbing into the apline region.
Just outside of Strawberry (about 35 mile from the pass) we pulled off at a rest stop to get some photos of Hetch Hetchy reservoir. The lookout point is easily 500 feet above the lake with a sheer drop to the valley below. While we were playing photographer we both had hair standing up on the back of our necks as a 20-something tourist crawled out on a rock crag to look over the edge. Some people have no sense...
Anyway, back to the bikes and the beckoning pass. Just prior to our stop we'd been follow a group of 6 HDs who dropped 10 - 15 mph every time the curves would appear (and as we wanted to lean into the curves and twist the throttle a bit). Our stop was long enough to clear out all the traffic. We flew up the road, passing elevation signs every few miles. Just 10 miles from the pass, and at about 8,000 ft, we pulled over one last time. We were both getting a bit hungry, so I introduced Tim to the Kennedy Meadows Cafe. Kennedy Meadows is a private campground with a wonderful trout-laden river flowing through. While the food at the cafe is nothing exceptional, the place is interesting. In 1943 "For Whom the Bell Tolls" was filmed in the area, so they've got photos from the movie shoot, and the various stars in the film. Interesting place, and also a great jumping-off point for wilderness camping trips.
After having refueled ourselves, we discussed what we should do after reaching the summit. I suggested that we could head over to 395 and either head north to Ebbet's or Monitor pass, or south to Tioga and then Yosemite. Tim, having not been to Yosemite suggested the southerly route. So, at just before noon we were on the bikes again and now we got to have some, somewhat cautious, fun on the twisties and switchbacks of Sonora pass. The reason for caution? More than a few places where off the road means you're going to need wings or pray for a parachute...
We pulled over at one point for a few more photos and learned a little lesson in the process. When parking on the shoulder, avoid the center stand on soft shoulders on a 15 - 20% grade. To get started took two people - one to push, one to drive... Finaly we hit the summit (BTW, did I mention the warning sign at the start of our climb regarding the 26% grades?), parked the bikes at the summit sign and took more photos.
From the summit it was another 8 - 10 miles of hairpins, off camber, decreasing radius turn with no barriers between the shoulder and sheer drops. But, the view is just too cool. Just before we got to 395 we pulled over at the Marine Winter Warfare Mountain Traning Center (or, MWWMTC as it's identified on the road sign (try saying that 3 times fast)). Tim wanted to get photos of the heli's that were there. Having pulled over in a "No STopping Any Time) zone, and taking photos of military craft, I was wondering if anyone was going to come out ask just what the heck we were doing. Apparently no one cared...
On the road again on 395 heading south to Bridgeport and then on to Lee Vining for our appt. with the Tioga pass. We used this section of road to try taking photos of each other. Time will tell whether we had any success. If you want to ride on a road with grand vistas, mountains towering on both sides, and that is generally very easy on the eye, 395 is one to consider. It's one of the favorites for cyclists in California. Anyway, after passing through the potential speed trap in Lee Vining, we turned on to 120 west, drove about 200 yards and then pulled into the Whoa Nellie Deli (Tim has photographic proof). He re-iced his camelback, and we both topped the tanks (we seemed to do that every 160 or so). Then it was back on the road. The temperature had been pretty good through out the trip, starting in the upper 50's when I left Napa, the 70's to low 80's in the foothills and then middle 80's on 395. Over the Tioga, like the Sonora, it was barely 70.
It's twelve miles from the deli to the east gate of Yosemite. We had luck in that there were only a couple of cars on the road heading west. We quickly passed them and then swept up the wonderful sweepers of the Tioga pass with unobstructed views and road. Pulling up to the gate Tim had to figure out where to park so he could get both the bike and the elevation sign. The challenge here is that the signs are on the ranger's fee station, dead center in the road. Luckily, there was enough room to park one bike behind the gate station and get a picture from that angle.
Since Tim had never been to Yosemite before, he had me take the lead. Not that it made much difference, since there's only one road for 45 miles... As the scenery got more and more stunning, and we kept stopping for photos, I finally convinced Tim that he should lead so he could pull over when he needed without worrying about whether I was watching in my mirrors (Ok, it's time to get a CB, maybe Santa will be nice???).
We had a leisurely cruise through Tuolumne Meadows, overrun with high-season campers and tourists (and probably a bazillion mesquitos too). There wasnt't to detour down into the valley, that side trip will have to wait for our September ride. After paying our regards at the north gate, and proving the entry fee had been paid, we started to cruise down 120 back to 49 and Sonora. AS we dropped elevation it started to warm up. Not too bad, but at this point we were following cars, campers, busses and trucks, so it was difficult to keep the ventilation going. Within 20 minutes it had gone from the 70's to the 90's. After cruising through the scenic town of Groveland (BTW PJs restaurant's a good place for a bite, if you're so inclined) we lucked out when I took us down the "Old Priestly Grade." Another very steep, very twisty, no guardrails, ride at about 30. But, that short cut dropped about 5 miles and 20 or 30 vehicles from our trip. We hit the road and cruised passed Lake Don Pedro at 75 or so. With the temp sitting at a steady 100 it was nice to keep the air flowing.
At China Camp 49 intersects with 120, so we were back on 49 and cruised on into Sonora, and then began back tracking on 49 'til we reached Angels Camp. This was our last stop and last chance to talk before beginning the final leg. We drank our fill, cooled-off, topped-up and then back on the bikes to Hwy 4, where we hung a left and headed west into the setting sun. The first few miles of 4 is very nicely twisted, but after about 8 - 10? it becomes a straigt-arrow. So it goes.
At 99 we both turned north until reaching Lodi. There we waved goodbye as Tim continued north and I turned west on 12. That's a decision that I'll have to rethink. 12 cuts off several miles, but adds in lots of stop lights in Lodi, semi's, gusty headwinds, and impatient drivers wanting to pass all those semi's. Not to mention that I'd forgotten 12 heads DUE WEST. It's now 7 PM and all I can see is sun and glare, can't read road signs, you get the picture.
I had an absolutely fantastic day. Tim's the best!!! A great rider, great buddy; I'd share the road with him any day of the week. When I finally pulled in to the driveway I'd done 557.3 miles in about 14 hours (at least 12 in the saddle).
:biker::04biker:
Bob
Tim wanted to know where I'd like to go. I commented that I'd done a 500 mile "ride to nowhere" on Monday (I'd wanted to retrace part of his and Dorian's SS1K tune up, and also finally get a feel for the bike on something other than the super slab). I told him to pick a place - he suggested a ride to the Sonora Pass (CA 108) and I seconded his suggestion.
I was on the bike at 4:45, and after a quick top-off, left Napa at 4:51. The trip to Sacramento and then to Rancho Cordova was uneventful, but it was great to watch the sun come up as I pulled into Starbucks a little after 6. Tim showed-up at 6:30 on the dot, parking his blue next to my red. Nice color combo... After grabbing his cup of coffee we began chatting about the route, and just getting to know one another. Tim's a very personable guy and easy to get along with!
A passer-by on his way into Starbucks noticed us taking photos and offered to get one of the two of us together. Nice guy! Tim had planned for us to head east on 16 until we got to Hwy 49 in the old Gold Rush part of California. So, with Tim in the lead we left STarbucks behind. Traffic wasn't too bad, and aside from a small construction delay, nothing was in our way. We'd picked-up a third rider when a guy on a HD with ape-hangers decided to keep us company.
After intersecting with Hwy 49 we headed south through Jackson, Angels Camp (home of the frog jumping contest) and on towards Sonora. As soon as we hit the twisties on 49 the HD disappeared from my mirrors (he did catch up briefly after one extended straightaway). We pulled over at New Melones resevoir to get photos of the bikes and sun playing on the water. Great place for photos. (Tim will likely be posting some images before I will; he's digital, but I'm still in the dark ages using film...)
From the resevoir we flew on into Sonora. We stopped in town to gas up and freshen up. And then I took the lead since I've been in Sonora a number of times and had some familiarity with the area. In Sonora we said good-by to 49 and turned onto 108, eastward bound and with the pass (9645?) only 55 miles away. There was moderate traffic on 108, but as you get close to Twain-Harte it becomes 4 lanes for a few miles. This allowed us to comfortably pass what traffic there was, as well as another cruising HD. Hwy 108 varies between posted 65 zones and 35 mph sections as you pass through the small towns in the foothills and begin climbing into the apline region.
Just outside of Strawberry (about 35 mile from the pass) we pulled off at a rest stop to get some photos of Hetch Hetchy reservoir. The lookout point is easily 500 feet above the lake with a sheer drop to the valley below. While we were playing photographer we both had hair standing up on the back of our necks as a 20-something tourist crawled out on a rock crag to look over the edge. Some people have no sense...
Anyway, back to the bikes and the beckoning pass. Just prior to our stop we'd been follow a group of 6 HDs who dropped 10 - 15 mph every time the curves would appear (and as we wanted to lean into the curves and twist the throttle a bit). Our stop was long enough to clear out all the traffic. We flew up the road, passing elevation signs every few miles. Just 10 miles from the pass, and at about 8,000 ft, we pulled over one last time. We were both getting a bit hungry, so I introduced Tim to the Kennedy Meadows Cafe. Kennedy Meadows is a private campground with a wonderful trout-laden river flowing through. While the food at the cafe is nothing exceptional, the place is interesting. In 1943 "For Whom the Bell Tolls" was filmed in the area, so they've got photos from the movie shoot, and the various stars in the film. Interesting place, and also a great jumping-off point for wilderness camping trips.
After having refueled ourselves, we discussed what we should do after reaching the summit. I suggested that we could head over to 395 and either head north to Ebbet's or Monitor pass, or south to Tioga and then Yosemite. Tim, having not been to Yosemite suggested the southerly route. So, at just before noon we were on the bikes again and now we got to have some, somewhat cautious, fun on the twisties and switchbacks of Sonora pass. The reason for caution? More than a few places where off the road means you're going to need wings or pray for a parachute...
We pulled over at one point for a few more photos and learned a little lesson in the process. When parking on the shoulder, avoid the center stand on soft shoulders on a 15 - 20% grade. To get started took two people - one to push, one to drive... Finaly we hit the summit (BTW, did I mention the warning sign at the start of our climb regarding the 26% grades?), parked the bikes at the summit sign and took more photos.
From the summit it was another 8 - 10 miles of hairpins, off camber, decreasing radius turn with no barriers between the shoulder and sheer drops. But, the view is just too cool. Just before we got to 395 we pulled over at the Marine Winter Warfare Mountain Traning Center (or, MWWMTC as it's identified on the road sign (try saying that 3 times fast)). Tim wanted to get photos of the heli's that were there. Having pulled over in a "No STopping Any Time) zone, and taking photos of military craft, I was wondering if anyone was going to come out ask just what the heck we were doing. Apparently no one cared...
On the road again on 395 heading south to Bridgeport and then on to Lee Vining for our appt. with the Tioga pass. We used this section of road to try taking photos of each other. Time will tell whether we had any success. If you want to ride on a road with grand vistas, mountains towering on both sides, and that is generally very easy on the eye, 395 is one to consider. It's one of the favorites for cyclists in California. Anyway, after passing through the potential speed trap in Lee Vining, we turned on to 120 west, drove about 200 yards and then pulled into the Whoa Nellie Deli (Tim has photographic proof). He re-iced his camelback, and we both topped the tanks (we seemed to do that every 160 or so). Then it was back on the road. The temperature had been pretty good through out the trip, starting in the upper 50's when I left Napa, the 70's to low 80's in the foothills and then middle 80's on 395. Over the Tioga, like the Sonora, it was barely 70.
It's twelve miles from the deli to the east gate of Yosemite. We had luck in that there were only a couple of cars on the road heading west. We quickly passed them and then swept up the wonderful sweepers of the Tioga pass with unobstructed views and road. Pulling up to the gate Tim had to figure out where to park so he could get both the bike and the elevation sign. The challenge here is that the signs are on the ranger's fee station, dead center in the road. Luckily, there was enough room to park one bike behind the gate station and get a picture from that angle.
Since Tim had never been to Yosemite before, he had me take the lead. Not that it made much difference, since there's only one road for 45 miles... As the scenery got more and more stunning, and we kept stopping for photos, I finally convinced Tim that he should lead so he could pull over when he needed without worrying about whether I was watching in my mirrors (Ok, it's time to get a CB, maybe Santa will be nice???).
We had a leisurely cruise through Tuolumne Meadows, overrun with high-season campers and tourists (and probably a bazillion mesquitos too). There wasnt't to detour down into the valley, that side trip will have to wait for our September ride. After paying our regards at the north gate, and proving the entry fee had been paid, we started to cruise down 120 back to 49 and Sonora. AS we dropped elevation it started to warm up. Not too bad, but at this point we were following cars, campers, busses and trucks, so it was difficult to keep the ventilation going. Within 20 minutes it had gone from the 70's to the 90's. After cruising through the scenic town of Groveland (BTW PJs restaurant's a good place for a bite, if you're so inclined) we lucked out when I took us down the "Old Priestly Grade." Another very steep, very twisty, no guardrails, ride at about 30. But, that short cut dropped about 5 miles and 20 or 30 vehicles from our trip. We hit the road and cruised passed Lake Don Pedro at 75 or so. With the temp sitting at a steady 100 it was nice to keep the air flowing.
At China Camp 49 intersects with 120, so we were back on 49 and cruised on into Sonora, and then began back tracking on 49 'til we reached Angels Camp. This was our last stop and last chance to talk before beginning the final leg. We drank our fill, cooled-off, topped-up and then back on the bikes to Hwy 4, where we hung a left and headed west into the setting sun. The first few miles of 4 is very nicely twisted, but after about 8 - 10? it becomes a straigt-arrow. So it goes.
At 99 we both turned north until reaching Lodi. There we waved goodbye as Tim continued north and I turned west on 12. That's a decision that I'll have to rethink. 12 cuts off several miles, but adds in lots of stop lights in Lodi, semi's, gusty headwinds, and impatient drivers wanting to pass all those semi's. Not to mention that I'd forgotten 12 heads DUE WEST. It's now 7 PM and all I can see is sun and glare, can't read road signs, you get the picture.
I had an absolutely fantastic day. Tim's the best!!! A great rider, great buddy; I'd share the road with him any day of the week. When I finally pulled in to the driveway I'd done 557.3 miles in about 14 hours (at least 12 in the saddle).
:biker::04biker:
Bob