Devil's Postpile and Lake Mary

Wednesday, September 14th

We're in Mammoth Lakes now, about to climb to Minaret Summit (9,265 elevation) and onward to Devil's Postpile. We're all feeling a bit fatigued, not because of the altitude or climbing but most likely due to Happy Hour!

The climb and descent into Devil's Postpile was trying but I revved up when the construction workers whistled at me. Warm climbing, cold descending....



Next up, some more climbing to reach Lake Mary.



A bike trail allowed us to bike around Lake Mary plus a few other lakes. It is so pretty here and bike friendly, too; I almost don't want to leave. Once again, the storm clouds gathered and this time, we were hit with spitting cold rain but luckily only for about 15 minutes and at the end of the day's ride.

Tioga Pass

Tuesday, September 13th

Today, the gang, a wonderful mix of ACTC and Western Wheelers cyclists, climbed Tioga Pass into Yosemite National Park. Again, we started at 8:30am, this year though to finish before the afternoon thunderstorms, whereas last year, the early start was to beat the heat.

Sign says 9,000 feet. Final elevation was 9,943 with 4500 feet of climbing.

In Yosemite, and feeling the temperature drop. Brrr. Soon after, Ed caught up to me:

Ed: What's a pretty girl like you doing in a park like this?
Me: When's Happy Hour, Mister!


Time to descend.

The clouds moved in. More descending. A bit tricky with no guard rail. The rain came just as I came off the mountain. It was refreshing. The Boyfriend, however, got the brunt of it. Sometimes it pays to be a slow rider. :)

Land of Lakes

Monday, September 12th

A day of cycling around lakes. Only 2100 feet of climbing but with breathtaking views.

June Lake above.


Gull Lake above.


The famous Mono Lake.

Here in the Eastern Sierras

Sunday, September 11th

I chose to remember the anniversary of a horrible day in a meaningful way that made sense to me -- appreciating the beauty of the terrain I found myself in and in the company of new cycling friends plus the man I love (no puking allowed with this mushy bit).

So where am I? In the Eastern Sierras, at June Lake. Thank you Dick and Donna, fabulous hosts, for putting this trip together. Getting ahead of myself, thank you Dick and Donna again for the daily afternoon cocktail hour....

Today's ride with an elevation of 8,000 feet and 4,000 feet of climbing included Lundy Lake (above) and Virginia Lake. 6-8% grade. Altitude? What altitude? Too clueless to feel the effects.

Okay, people, guess who got a rear tire flat half way through the ride! And guess who fixed it with the help of Carl, a fellow cyclist! Moi, moi, moi! Okay, I'm done with the exclamation point.




I wasn't about to do Virginia Lake with a less than optimal tire pressure. So I took this photo as I contemplated what to do next, seeing the rain clouds coming in, as is the pattern for this part of the world.

Guess who showed up to rescue me, once again. You guessed it, the man, otherwise known as The Boyfriend. He had just finished Virginia Lake (telling me it was cold, steep and verging on rainy conditions). He flew down the highway to get the car and take me back to our lovely lodgings in June Lake.

Meanwhile, there were passerbys who also wanted to save me. What can I say? Back at the hotel, while pumping up the tire, I broke the stem, and so, The BF and I had to replace the tube all over again. Sigh. The BF gave me a lesson in how to use the CO2 cartridge for future flats. Later that same evening, he gave me some other lessons which I can not share....