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Sturgis Bound Again….
August 2nd, 2017 | 
Author: Or maybe not…
This year I’m riding with Ricky racer, I know him from Big Steve’s shop from seeing him work on his bike modifying it, but have not ridden with him yet, so we will both get to know each other better over the course of this trip.
We do have reservations but can cancel or alter the stay up to 24 hrs of our planned arrival. Unusual for me and this event.
As usual, monsoonal weather time out here and it is hot and humid with good chance of rain today. Plan is to leave early and get to Las Vegas by 1pm before the afternoon storms. Fingers crossed as you never know this time of year.
Rick sounds easy going so who knows where we might end up as we will wing it till our return home.
Posted in 
But One More Pass……
In Mammoth with the gang, and one more opportunity to do a pass with a mountain bike. But, this was done the easy way with a ski lift…
the gondola ride to the top of Mammoth Mountain
Over 11,000 feet at the top, the views are spectacular.
views from the top of Mammoth Mt.
the dropoff point from the the gondola ride
the start of the trail Off The Top
a pano virw at the start
a series of switchbacks to come off the top of the mountain
its hard to keep your eyes on the trail with these views
plenty of opportunity to stop and enjoy
as you get lower in elevation, you come accross some crazy trails for advance riders, this trail took me under one of them
as you can see, the ramp drops off to a ramped jump-for younger riders…
a full view of the ramp
Saved the best for last- Sonora and Tioga
After a great dinner and drinks at Larry’s, Thursday morning started off crystal clear and cool – beautiful!
Let Larry’s just before 8 a.m. and headed south on US 395 to 108…. but first a cup of coffee in Walker.
(note – click on the pictures if you want to see full size – some are panos)
Always fun to stop for coffee
After a cup of Joe, 15 minutes I was at the start of 108 and the start of the Sonora pass from the eastern side of the Sierras.
Very remote out here
After about 45 minutes of riding, and some 26% grades, I was at the top of the pass. I forgot how pretty this pass is.
Top of the Pass
View along the Sonora Pass
These photos can not do any of the views and justice. I wish there was a way to get the feeling across on screen. Feeling the crisp morning air and grand vistas around the next corner is just something you need to experience.
The road gradually gets lower in elevation as we proceed west and after 60 miles, it was time to stop and take the jacket off. Short while later I wass heading south again on 49 to head to 120, the northwest entrance to Yosemite and the Tioga pass. After a quick twisty climb from 49 I was in the town of Groveland – had to stop and check out the bar and grill.
Groveland CA
Iron Door
Inside the Iron Door Saloon
I wonder what the stories the walls would tell
After lunch, back heading east on 120 to Yosemite N.P. and Tioga Pass.
The road going to Tioga has plenty of outstanding vista to stop at – there is a reason so many visitors come to this park as it is truly beautiful.
Finally got to the pass. The highest one on this trip.
Tioga Pass
Tioga Pass
The Tioga pass is the only Eastern entrance to the park, and it is closed during the winter
A meadow up at the pass
The ride east down this pass is one of the best I have ever been one – just love it. The pure scope of the mountains come to life as you descend downward – it is so vast.
A lake up near the top of the pass
note where the road goes
Use your mouse to spin these photos-trying something new
Then I was back on 395, heading south towards Mammoth – but first a loop through June Lake.
The mountains along June Lake
June Lake
Finally in Mammoth at the Village area at 5:30 p.m. – time to hook up with my friends who arrived about and hour and a half ago. More tomorrow – I’m tired…
2 of 4 Passes, Part Two
My friends say I eat too fast, what do you think…..
The day started out clear, and stayed that way. Perfect!
Game plan was to do Carson Pass(88) west to highway 49 south, then east onto Ebbett’s Pass (4). Twenty four years ago I did Ebbett’s, but never Carson Pass, so was interested in seeing something new and if Ebbett’s changed much.
Carson Pass
Headed out US 395 south to State Route 88 west for Caron Pass, named after Kit Carson. It was an easy climb and I was at the summit in no time. Stopped at few lakes, and a place for a quick cup of coffee and a sandwich for breakfast.
A lake near the summit and where I had breakfast
Place for coffee and breakfast near the summit
The road was smooth and fast as they are just putting on the finishing touches of a resurfacing. Sweet easy sweepers all the way down towards highway 49. Once on the eastern slope of the Sierras, the temps rose to about high 80’s to low 90’s. I was going to go to highway 49, but changed my course for a road less traveled and cut across on Highway 26 to Railroad Road to Avery Sheep Ranch Road – which eventually got me to Highway 4. This less traveled road before highway 4 turned into small streets that changed down to single lane – just what I liked as I hardly saw any cars.
Once on 4 we started climbing again with all the other cars on the road.. as we climbed and passed each small town and resort, the traffic thinned till we neared the start of the long grade to the top, then I felt I was the only one on the road.
The start of the summit climb to Ebbetts Pass
A break along highway 4
Summit #2 – Ebbettt’s
Not a cloud in the sky. Since I was arriving earlier than I planned, I wanted to do another pass by Larry’s house, called Mt. Rose – that has a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. So now to tag three for the day.
The sign says it all…
Pictures can never do justice of how this really looks. Click on images for full size