Journey to the center of California, B4TheSnowFliesRide...

[GTS_Rider]

7th Annual, Oct. 21st-23rd, who's in? Book your Friday Oct. 21st off work today!

So, here's the deal. Friday/Saturday nights staying at the Lazy J in Three Rivers:

Fresh pix from a week or so ago...







For SoCal riders joining we ususally meet at Sand Cyn Denny's for breakfast and do Bouquet Cyn on the way on through Tehachapi Cow liente Bodfish and some more fun from there, will post more details if anyones's interested.

My proposed Saturday ride, being a Socal rider, pushes further North...


View Larger Map

Still, I'm thinking any NorCal riders that join may catch much of that stuff on the way in and would really be more interested in pushing South on Saturday to take in maybe a loop including the Mighty 190 and 155 as well. Well youse gots your free tourguide Explorer already signed up if you wanna do that and I'm sure that's the way he already want to go...

It's all good, just an excuse to go ride for three days. What? , you haven't booked your Friday Oct. 21st off work and booked your room at Lazy J yet?  What are you waiting for?

Lazy J Ranch   559-561-4449 , do it old-school and book by phone.  Should be 85 bucks a night, if they try to charge you more, just say hey..my buddies got a cheaper rate...

[Explorer]

In

[owrstrich]

greetings gts_rider...

was there last weekend... roads were clean n smooth n 100% yeeeeeehaaaaaa... wish we could go back butts we gotts to work...



our ride report...

take care...

j o

[GTS_Rider]

greetings gts_rider...

was there last weekend... roads were clean n smooth n 100% yeeeeeehaaaaaa... wish we could go back butts we gotts to work...

take care...

j o

Nice! I was thinking about doing the lunchstop at the Buckhorn Saloon in North Fork, but that La Cabana looks like the better choice, probably quicker service too....

[bubba zanetti]

Such a great area.  It has been many years since I have been there and lately have been thinking an epic Sierra trip needs to be in my future.

Have a great ride Rick ! Look forward to your pics !

[MTC]

In!!

Went last year and had a great time.  Have been waiting for this thread to start again.

Room Booked.  New Battery Charging.

[GTS_Rider]

Jeebus, a good 'old fashioned' ride-call and only a couple responses. I realize everyone here is all grown-up with responsibilities and stuff, but I sorta expected a few more at least interested enough to say they were in, then cancel at the last minute...  sigh    

[M.Brane]

 Yeah brotha lots going on next month so still tentative. If it wasn't for this whole work thing it wouldn't be a problem.

[DogBoy]

Doesn't look like a good DRZ ride. Its more than 200 miles.  

[viffergyrl]

Mebbe. I got this work thang. Thinking I'll make the rezzie though...  

[bluepoof]

I really miss this annual ride.   I was just thinking about it on my drive into work today, actually.  

[nevinfs327]

I would love to do this ride...trying how to explain to my wife that our anniversary is best spent apart  

[GTS_Rider]

I really miss this annual ride.   I was just thinking about it on my drive into work today, actually.  

I feel for you bp, how's the light looking at the end of the tunnel for longer rides? Is it getting any closer, or still hard to discern?    /    ?

[GTS_Rider]

Doesn't look like a good DRZ ride. Its more than 200 miles.  

Wtf you talking about DogBro? Jeebus! almost every road I mapped on for Saturday's ride is prime>ultraprime drz territory. For sure a little bit longer straight bits to get down there, but check with Heinee, he lead me on a super twisty key-hole route South a few years back. Oh wait, that didn't sound right...   . Any-case I have an air-hawk seat cushion I can ship up your way, to deal with the longer miles otherwise sitting on that plank-seat...  

 

[heinee]

Doesn't look like a good DRZ ride. Its more than 200 miles.  

Just throw it in the back of the truck for the trip down and back  

My excuse is the same since the divorce:  no $$ for the trip.    

I'm now trying to recover from the Weaverville trip...

[bluepoof]

I feel for you bp, how's the light looking at the end of the tunnel for longer rides? Is it getting any closer, or still hard to discern?    /    ?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for being back to all-day rides next summer.  

[DogBoy]

Wtf you talking about DogBro? Jeebus! almost every road I mapped on for Saturday's ride is prime>ultraprime drz territory. For sure a little bit longer straight bits to get down there, but check with Heinee, he lead me on a super twisty key-hole route South a few years back. Oh wait, that didn't sound right...   . Any-case I have an air-hawk seat cushion I can ship up your way, to deal with the longer miles otherwise sitting on that plank-seat...  

 

I figured I'd catch hell from bluepoof since Peter rode his DRZ all the way across the country.

[bluepoof]

I figured I'd catch hell from bluepoof since Peter rode his DRZ all the way across the country.

I was going to make a snarky comment but decided it would just come across as assy.  Besides, I think Peter would agree with you!

[DogBoy]

I've done a bunch of 300+ mile days on the DRZ with the stock seat. Probably ten or twelve. The last fifty or sixty miles are killer. I need to get an aftermarket seat but I keep forgetting since I do so little street riding.

That weekend looks bad for me, now. I'm either a) working, or b) helping my parents move (when they decide on the date) or c) I was offered a bike to ride in a dirt track TT race for that Sunday.

[GTS_Rider]

...The last fifty or sixty miles are killer. I need to get an aftermarket seat but I keep forgetting since I do so little street riding.

That weekend looks bad for me, now. I'm either a) working, or b) helping my parents move (when they decide on the date) or c) I was offered a bike to ride in a dirt track TT race for that Sunday.

Wow! I'm impressed! Four excuses in a row! , do you have a note from your Doctor too?  

Eh, at least the last one was moto-related  

[DogBoy]

I'm just getting started!

[Nodaclu]

I'll add to the excuses list...

#5 - I'd love to come along, but I'm starting to realize that I just ride too damn slowly to be able to participate in group rides.  

[M.Brane]

I'll add to the excuses list...

#5 - I'd love to come along, but I'm starting to realize that I just ride too damn slowly to be able to participate in group rides.  

 Ah, but slower riders on the tail end of the slinky just means longer breaks for those of us near the front.

 As long as you don't get lost, and/or locked behind a gate after wrong turn it's all good.

[Nodaclu]

 Ah, but slower riders on the tail end of the slinky just means longer breaks for those of us near the front.

 As long as you don't get lost, and/or locked behind a gate after wrong turn it's all good.

I'm so slow, they don't use timers or stopwatches for me at the track. They use a sundial.  

If I can get this damn tendinitis in my clutch hand to clear up before then, I'll definitely consider it.  

[M.Brane]

I'm so slow, they don't use timers or stopwatches for me at the track. They use a sundial.  

If I can get this damn tendinitis in my clutch hand to clear up before then, I'll definitely consider it.  

 

 You know you only need that clutch thingy when you come to a complete stop.....

[bluepoof]

Don't worry about being slow.  When we did the Northern CA adventure with the same general group of peeps back in October 2003 ( ), Bill and Steph and I were about 2 hours behind the front runners, no exaggeration.   The great thing about destination rides is that people stop when they want and go fast when they want and everyone winds up at the hotel at the end of the day.  

[GTS_Rider]

 Ah, but slower riders on the tail end of the slinky just means longer breaks for those of us near the front.

 As long as you don't get lost, and/or locked behind a gate after wrong turn it's all good.

Yeah, that's pretty much the story. The only drawback for being a slower rider is your breaks are shorter. Nobody's in a hurry, we wait at the turns with no complaint, you can still ride your own ride and not feel guilty like your holding anyone up, nobody cares! Also, we're not heartless, we'll wait longer so you can get some break-time too, though of course yours would be generally shorter than the fast group.

Besides my friend Brad will be joining and maybe my friend Curt (the slowest RC51 you've ever seen), so there's a good possibility you won't be the slowest guy there....     Hehe, I'm sure they'll be loving 'that' remark...  

Also, there's the option to do you're own thing and ride solo or with a smaller group like the poof described, stop for pictures whenever, ride by the lunch stop and cross paths later....  It's no problem...   . Eh, I think I passed out paper route maps back in '03 with turn by turn mileage and directions. Not doing that in '11, but If youse gots a gps, or can read your own maps, you should be able to find your way back to the motel by beer o' clock  

[Curt2]

Hey now!

Also the only 51 with un-typical way of carrying luggage.

[GTS_Rider]

Hey now!

Also the only 51 with un-typical way of carrying luggage.

Yeah, for sure you're well-known round these part as probably the only one that's ever mounted a milk-crate on the back of an RC51. Still, you bailed in the face of the major storm. If only you held on for salvation just over the next ridge.....  

[viffergyrl]

M.Brane and I have a reservation at the Lazy J and the time off reserved.  

[Explorer]

I can't get Friday off, so I will meet you all for lunch in North Fork. Around Noon, and ride back with the group. res made at the Comfort Inn. (reword points)  . Is it time to leave. Ohhh I may have a few more coming with me, they are trying to get a pass for the weekend. Soronoes for dinner on Saturday night.

[GTS_Rider]

M.Brane and I have a reservation at the Lazy J and the time off reserved.  

[GTS_Rider]

I can't get Friday off, so I will meet you all for lunch in North Fork. Around Noon, and ride back with the group. res made at the Comfort Inn. (reword points)  . Is it time to leave. Ohhh I may have a few more coming with me, they are trying to get a pass for the weekend. Soronoes for dinner on Saturday night.

Sweet! , glad you can still make it...

If you didn't get the memo, aiming for here for Saturday Lunch break on owrstrich post: http://lacabanamexicanrestaurant.com/

If I get my shit together in time, will likely post some website where you can view spot-tracker pings to have an idea of when we arrive, if you have a web-capable phone and you're not outta range...

Serrano's is history, recently replaced by another owner, still basically Mexican fare. Slightly pricier, menu choices reduced, but way better service makes up for that. We'll probably hit that place up Friday night, so it could end up being pizza-night on Saturday kicking it at the lazy J. Don't really know though, I'll just go with the flow...

[viffergyrl]

What makes pizza night at the Lazy J is if it is delivered by Steve and Brad.... Jes sayin'....  

(Pillion sitting backwards on the bike holding the pizza boxes...) And no... I'm not volunteering!

[bluepoof]

Serrano's is history

   They had such yummy chips and salsa.

[DogBoy]

I have fond memories of my one Serrano's dinner at Before (but really after) The Snow Flies in 2008(?).

[jpred]

 Reservations are made for Saturday. My gf and I will be there. Any plans for dinner Sat. night?

[GTS_Rider]

 Reservations are made for Saturday. My gf and I will be there. Any plans for dinner Sat. night?

For sure Saturday night dinner is too far out, we don't even know the weather yet for the ride.  Still, thinking you're right in the region to meet for Saturday Lunch, and go with the flow from there?

Maybe you don't like Minerets/Mammoth Pool so much, since it's right in you back-yard?  Imaging it's roughly strewn back-road, but still on the bucket-list for me, since it's one of the few California moto-worthy roads I have still not seen...

Eh, seems like a much smaller group this year, vs. years past. We'll probably kick the route's ass in short order (weather permitting), but still no telling what time we return, or what happens for dinner...

 

[jpred]

Sounds good. We'll try to meet up for lunch and just go with the flow from there. Got to take the girl through Kings Canyon and Sequia. She's never been there.

[stew71]

Looks like fun, but the Mrs and I will be spending the week in Lake Tahoe starting that weekend.

[MTC]

What makes pizza night at the Lazy J is if it is delivered by Steve and Brad.... Jes sayin'....  

(Pillion sitting backwards on the bike holding the pizza boxes...) And no... I'm not volunteering!

We offer the fastest service in Three Rivers.  

I have a picture but I can't figure out how to upload it

We'll see if this works.

[M.Brane]

We offer the fastest service in Three Rivers.  

I have a picture but I can't figure out how to upload it

We'll see if this works.

 Next time we'll have to stick the GoPro on you for that trip.  

[goldylocks303]

I'm in.  Jim, can I roll with you for the Sat/Sun slightly abbreviated ride?  I can't get Friday off work either.  

Made my hotel reservation.  They were all out of king's so I got a double for $70/night.  Guess since it's just me I can sleep diagonal and pretend it's a king.  

If it rains, I'm out.  My gear is not even a little waterproof anymore.  So until new gear is purchased I'm avoiding wet weather.  

eD

[GTS_Rider]

...If it rains, I'm out.  My gear is not even a little waterproof anymore.  So until new gear is purchased I'm avoiding wet weather.  

eD

The weather is looking good, really good, pretty much optimum perfect good, at this point. Might end up being the 2nd year in a row for a rain-free ride  


http://www.accuweather.com/us/ca/three-rivers/93271/forecast-weekends.asp

http://www.accuweather.com/us/ca/north-fork/93643/forecast-weekends.asp

[goldylocks303]

The weather is looking good, really good, pretty much optimum perfect good, at this point. Might end up being the 2nd year in a row for a rain-free ride  


http://www.accuweather.com/us/ca/three-rivers/93271/forecast-weekends.asp

http://www.accuweather.com/us/ca/north-fork/93643/forecast-weekends.asp

Why do you think I waited this long to respond.  

eD

[Explorer]

I'm in.  Jim, can I roll with you for the Sat/Sun slightly abbreviated ride?  I can't get Friday off work either.  

Made my hotel reservation.  They were all out of king's so I got a double for $70/night.  Guess since it's just me I can sleep diagonal and pretend it's a king.  

If it rains, I'm out.  My gear is not even a little waterproof anymore.  So until new gear is purchased I'm avoiding wet weather.  

eD

Sounds good to me I will give you a call later this week, to set up a time, and location.

[DogBoy]

That weekend looks bad for me, now. I'm either a) working, or b) helping my parents move (when they decide on the date) or c) I was offered a bike to ride in a dirt track TT race for that Sunday.

Just wanted to let Rick know which excuse I chose. My parents are 79 and 80 years old. They can handle the appliances and china cabinet. They need me to carry the beer.

[foobert]

OK, +1 more on this trip.  

Thank you Jim & Ed for twisting my arm tonight -- I thought my arm was going to fall off before you'd give up  

[Explorer]

OK, +1 more on this trip.  

Thank you Jim & Ed for twisting my arm tonight -- I thought my arm was going to fall off before you'd give up  

Your so welcome, I think we may have just dislocated it a little.

[viffergyrl]

So for the SoCal contingent: Friday morning, Denny's at Sand Canyon, Time?  

I am so geeked.  

[GTS_Rider]

So for the SoCal contingent: Friday morning, Denny's at Sand Canyon, Time?  

I am so geeked.  

SoCal contingent is just Leah and I , plus you two. How about 9:30 at Denny's...

[viffergyrl]

  No Jeffers? Steve? Brad? Gayle? Pam? Awk!

Well gosh darn! The weather looks really nice - that is, no rain - will be cool in some places. We'll see you at 9:30 at the Denny's. After that we'll need a Telstar...  

[GTS_Rider]

  No Jeffers? Steve? Brad? Gayle? Pam? Awk!

Well gosh darn! The weather looks really nice - that is, no rain - will be cool in some places. We'll see you at 9:30 at the Denny's. After that we'll need a Telstar...  

Yeah, I'm sure is this the best date-pick evah! Lucky #7, as far as weather goes. Shame only a handful can make it.  I think they prefer to make the really wet one's so they can bitch me out for calling it on a shitty weekend  

One of these spot tracker links should work starting later this morning if I set it up right, the spotwalla links are prefered

http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=3bb94ea12046c6bf8

http://spotwalla.com/embed.php?id=3bb94ea12046c6bf8&width=600&height=600&scale=on&zoom=default&refresh=no

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=030uh7flnWhy5Rv7Nhfg4vEIyc9UugNjW

[ScottysB12]

 dang...havent beenon in ages..hop on to see when the B4TSNF ride will be..and i missed it..GREAT weather to ride...i had to coach my sons soccer game on sat and wife had her baby shower today..so i was SOL...hope yall had a great ride.... damn..hate missing good rides in my own backyard

[goldylocks303]

Couple quick shots.  Thats Jim hidden in the shadows of the rock face.  John blurring by me.  And a sunset for good measure.  Good God I'm tired.  

eD

[Explorer]

Dang that was a FUN weekend Thank you Rick for calling the ride, with some awesome weather to boot. It was great to see everyone again and rip up the roads as well. Nice photos Edd it was good to have you and John ride up and back with me.
Next ride will be a stake ride to Jock's soon, Keep an eye open for it

[M.Brane]

 Yup another great road-burner despite the nail. Didn't take many pictures too busy chasing Rick. I'll upload a few tomorrow.

[GTS_Rider]

Oh, hell yeah! This was the greatest B4 Snow ride evah! Lucky number 7!

Awesome weather is key, but also the spur of the moment route to make a loop.

Still looking to map the route out that we actually took. Anycase, the key to the route that lead us up on single-track paved road up to 7k feet was from some local that suggested it,  as we were preparing to leave from the lunch break...

So, here's pretty much the only pictures I took for the whole ride. Mammoth Pool overlook, plus zoom it to the visuals beyond the first pic, sorta like what you'd see had you been there, but not really..

[nevinfs327]

Looks like it was a great ride with great weather.  I'd love to see a route map for when I'm able to ride again as that area is definitely on my list.  

[M.Brane]

[viffergyrl]

A few more...

Lunch at La Cabana in North Fork (recommended - the burritos are ginormous!)


The cast of characters riders:

M.Brane


foobert, Explorer, and goldylocks303


GTS-Rider and Super Pillion (e.g. what does your pillion say when you scrap HER pegs?)

[DogBoy]

Must have been a great ride. Sorry to have missed it.

[foobert]

'twas a great ride!  Couldn't have asked for better weather, roads, scenery, or folks to enjoy it all with.

Here's the route the Nor-Cal'rs took:

Click the map to to go interactive and zoom to your heart's content.




The astute observer will notice there are a couple of gaps. Notably in how we made the loop out of Mammoth Pools, and then how we ended up on Sand Creek Rd.  Otherwise, it's all there.

My piccies will come later.

Look'n forward to doing it again next year!

[nevinfs327]

'twas a great ride!  Couldn't have asked for better weather, roads, scenery, or folks to enjoy it all with.

Here's the route the Nor-Cal'rs took:

Click the map to to go interactive and zoom to your heart's content.


The astute observer will notice there are a couple of gaps. Notably in how we made the loop out of Mammoth Pools, and then how we ended up on Sand Creek Rd.  Otherwise, it's all there.

My piccies will come later.

Look'n forward to doing it again next year!

 

[bluepoof]

I refuse to believe that it didn't rain on the ride this year.  The pictures must all be Photoshopped.  

[GTS_Rider]

Looks like it was a great ride with great weather.  I'd love to see a route map for when I'm able to ride again as that area is definitely on my list.  

Ok, here's the first map attempt. I actually reversed the loop up top compared to how we ran it, this is the way I'd run it with hind-sght info..


View Larger Map

[nevinfs327]

Ok, here's the first map attempt. I actually reversed the loop up top compared to how we ran it, this is the way I'd run it with hind-sght info..


View Larger Map

Thanks!  Looks like a great route.  Hoping to be riding again by Thanksgiving, but by then the weather probably won't be cooperating...

[foobert]

Nah!  There's plenty-o-decent riding destinations year round if you can tolerate chilly mornings and the possibility for rain.

I'm look'n forward to a coastal ride for steaks!

[heinee]

 

Happy everyone had a good time .... sad I couldn't go again this year  

i miss those days..

[owrstrich]

q... what does your pillion say when you scrap her peg...

a... yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...

j o

[Nodaclu]

Decided to rent a nicer house down the street last week, which tied up all available funds until mid-November. So bummed that I missed this. But I'll be on the lookout for some winter rides!

Looks like a tan-fastic time was had by all.  

[foobert]

Finally got around to sorting through my pictures...




After a short stop at a Starbucks that no one actually patronized, the Nor Cal contingent hit the road.

Tesla Road -- Buh bye Bay Area.

Nikon D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000sec, 18mm focal L. @49 MPH, map

Brief run down I5

Nikon D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000sec, 18mm focal L. @67 MPH, ~13mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/1600sec, 27mm focal L., ~67mi from prev photo, map

Sadly, I had never actually been up this stretch of CA-49 before.

The little dragon

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/1250sec, 46mm focal L., ~7.5mi from prev photo, map

Fresh pavement and no traffic, with the random gravelly corner -- well, there was no shortage of excitement.

Up we go

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/1600sec, 25mm focal L., map

Let's turn around and go back down!

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/1000sec, 38mm focal L., map

We happened across the rest of the group not long after they had arrived.  Lunch at La Cabana was delicious.  After lunch, Rick and Jim got the hot tip from the guy on the right about a pave road out of Mammoth Pools without making a U-turn.

Lunch stop at La Cabana

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/40sec, 35mm focal L., ~55mi from prev photo, map

Photo break at Mammoth Pool Reservoir

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/250sec, 18mm focal L., ~11mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/800sec, 18mm focal L., map

love the spillway. -- Just run it over the granite.

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/1600sec, 62mm focal L., map

Avoiding the U-turn back

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/125sec, 18mm focal L., map

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250sec, 44mm focal L., map

Part of this road was quite bizarre -- they literally just paved over the mounds across the old dirt road that divert the runoff water to the side of the road.

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/250sec, 25mm focal L., ~10mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/250sec, 18mm focal L., ~15mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. @42 MPH, ~5.3mi from prev photo, map

Power House Road

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. @41 MPH, ~1.5mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/500sec, 27mm focal L. @53 MPH, ~13mi from prev photo, map

Rick led us down a slew of back roads.  If I'd have tried to connect all the random roads together, I'd have ended up on gravel a dozen different times.  Thanks for the great route Rick!

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. @62 MPH, ~11mi from prev photo, map

Uhhh, woops.

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/800sec, 48mm focal L. @72 MPH, ~2.7mi from prev photo, map

Crankshaft Art -- literally crankshafts welded together and stuck in the ground.

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. @72 MPH, ~8.4mi from prev photo, map

Just a random large rock

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. @67 MPH, ~0.9mi from prev photo, map

Sand Creek Road

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.6, 1/320sec, 46mm focal L., ~11mi from prev photo, map

Around the corner to head down the valley

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/800sec, 18mm focal L. @25 MPH, ~3.5mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 200, ƒ/4.0, 1/640sec, 25mm focal L., ~8.3mi from prev photo, map

Another stop for air -- that patched up nail was still leaking.

Nikon D70, ISO 200, ƒ/4.0, 0.6sec, 18mm focal L., ~16mi from prev photo, map

It ended up being a 12+ hour day for the 3 of us by the time we got into Three Rivers.  The town was all but shut down, save a couple of restaurants.

W T F?

Nikon D70, ISO 200, ƒ/4.0, 1/125sec, 18mm focal L., ~5.9mi from prev photo, map

Into Sequoia

Nikon D70, ISO 200, ƒ/4.0, 1/800sec, 27mm focal L., ~6.4mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 200, ƒ/5.6, 1/320sec, 24mm focal L., ~5.0mi from prev photo, map

Them's some big trees

Nikon D70, ISO 200, ƒ/6.3, 1/60sec, 18mm focal L. @26 MPH, ~2.1mi from prev photo, map

Down into King's Canyon

Nikon D70, ISO 250, ƒ/6.3, 1/250sec, 34mm focal L. @41 MPH, ~19mi from prev photo, map

Fun times

Nikon D70, ISO 250, ƒ/6.3, 1/800sec, 34mm focal L. @41 MPH, map

Nikon D70, ISO 250, ƒ/6.3, 1/1000sec, 18mm focal L. @27 MPH, ~4.1mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 250, ƒ/6.3, 1/200sec, 24mm focal L., ~8.4mi from prev photo, map

Nikon D70, ISO 250, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 18mm focal L., ~5.7mi from prev photo, map

We stopped for lunch at the top of 180 and then it was time to high tail it home. Just a long drone on the slab.

Many thanks to all that planned it and appeased the weather gods.  Sign me up for next year!

[M.Brane]

 Good pics! I really need a camera with better glass....

[DogBoy]

Great pics foobert.  

[nevinfs327]

 

Can't wait to get out that way myself.

[bluepoof]

I still claim photoshop.  I refuse to believe it didn't rain.  

[GTS_Rider]

Yeah, great pics. I'm glad somebody got some shots of some of the goat trails we took . The map link to photo location is pretty cool.

[bubba zanetti]

   I just love that country.  Thanks very much for the pics.

[Meemuh]

What a riot....way better roads than anything we've got around here.

[viffergyrl]

Come on out.  

Great pictures John - I'm glad you got a few of the goat trail down to Bass Lake. I....um.....borrowed a few.     I believe that goat trail was called Beasore Road? Quite the maze of Forest Roads as I look at the map.

Nevertheless.... it was just 100% yeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa....

[GTS_Rider]

We happened across the rest of the group not long after they had arrived.  Lunch at La Cabana was delicious.  After lunch, Rick and Jim got the hot tip from the guy on the right about a pave road out of Mammoth Pools without making a U-turn.

Lunch stop at La Cabana

Nikon D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/40sec, 35mm focal L., ~55mi from prev photo, map

I gotta say, that photo right there is the deciding point that made an ordinary route, in to an extraordinary route. I don't know, Jim was sorta kinda saying he knew about this route, maybe back when it was dirt or something, but he wasn't offering it up before we talked with this local.

Very cool this local was, telling us of how he wastes the local oldsters in the twisties on his BMW GS, and has a Ducati Monster when he really wants to play on the the good paved roads. With his thick German accent, he made me think he knew what he was talking about... you can see my attention in the pic. And indeed, he did...

Anyway's , local knowledge Rules!  And whoever reads the map posted earlier, can take advantage of the local knowledge gained....  

[foobert]

Thanks for all the pic comments!
 

I'm glad you got a few of the goat trail down to Bass Lake. I....um.....borrowed a few.     I believe that goat trail was called Beasore Road? Quite the maze of Forest Roads as I look at the map.

No problem on borrowing pics. I have many more, and full resolution if you want them...

Yes on Beasore Rd coming down.  According to Rick's map, it was forest road 6S01 that connected Beasore to Mammoth Pools Rd.

[Explorer]

I gotta say, that photo right there is the deciding point that made an ordinary route, in to an extraordinary route. I don't know, Jim was sorta kinda saying he knew about this route, maybe back when it was dirt or something, but he wasn't offering it up before we talked with this local.

Very cool this local was, telling us of how he wastes the local oldsters in the twisties on his BMW GS, and has a Ducati Monster when he really wants to play on the the good paved roads. With his thick German accent, he made me think he knew what he was talking about... you can see my attention in the pic. And indeed, he did...

Anyway's , local knowledge Rules!  And whoever reads the map posted earlier, can take advantage of the local knowledge gained....  

Rick forest road 6S71 road was dirt the last time I was on it, around ten or so years ago. that's why I didn't offer it up as an alternate route back. I was just as surprised to hear it was now paved. I'm gonna have to ride all the small fun hidden roads in that area, again to see what has changed over the years. I may even find some new roads, (dirt roads that are now paved.   care to go for a ride Rick

[GTS_Rider]

Rick forest road 6S71 road was dirt the last time I was on it, around ten or so years ago. that's why I didn't offer it up as an alternate route back. I was just as surprised to hear it was now paved. I'm gonna have to ride all the small fun hidden roads in that area, again to see what has changed over the years. I may even find some new roads, (dirt roads that are now paved.   care to go for a ride Rick

Yeah, I know why you didn't offer it up, just teasing you to go find more good stuff. Probably won't make my way up to those parts till the next B4thesnowride. Meantime, you're way more local and should see what else you can find. Any-case, so far, I'm just planning to ride the same route in reverse next year...