Sightings on Saturday Summits

We were a fine group today, all 4 of us for Miss P's club ride doing Old Santa Cruz Highway, Highland to Eureka Canyon and Loma Prieta/Mt Bache, a total of 37 miles and approximately 3500 feet of climbing. 

Except for the not so great road surface here and there, it's a great ride that challenges you while providing exceptional scenery, including of course, firemen. 

We had it all -- woods, shade, sun, Monarch butterflies, deer, and quail.  Oh, did I mention, firemen?  Running joke if you're late to the party -- wherever I go, even in the Eastern Sierras, firemen seem to follow.

The guys were faster than us but they were gentlemen, waiting patiently at regroups.  I was incredibly sluggish today but I kept on.  Probably on account of the, yep, you guessed it, the firemen.

Towards the end, we stopped at the Summit Store and came upon this.  A bit early perhaps but I guess it's because Fall is just around the corner.  Of course, there was a red firetruck, and yes, you guessed it, firemen sitting nearby.  What can I say?  I love cycling and the sightings I see....

Last Day of Vacation - Sonora

Friday, September 7th

Today, we left the Eastern Sierras to venture to a new place we've never explored -  Sonora.  We had hoped to go over the Sonora Pass but it was closed due to a fire.  So, we drove over Tioga Pass, and into Yosemite once again. 

Traffic was heavy at times leaving us little time to explore Sonora and surrounding environs.  Plus, it was very hot (95 degrees).  I had hoped to visit historic Columbia State Park (where Back to the Future was filmed), Jamestown, the Railroad Park, Twain Harte and so on.  Well, we've already decided to return in the Spring!

Thanks to Donny's suggestion, we did have time to visit Natural Bridges and New Melones Lake.  Wow, this 2 mile trek proved difficult at times, especially navigating a rocky path.

It leads to Natural Bridges, home to limestone caverns that have been carved out by Coyote Creek which feeds into New Melones Lake. ... The trailhead is off Parrotts Ferry Road.

Wowee, it was super fun.  Initially, it's shallow but quickly becomes deeper.  We weren't ready to take the full plunge.

The water felt refreshing especially with the soaring temperature.

Loved every minute of it.

We also stopped at New Melones Lake.  Can't wait to bike it next year.

The lake seemed endless.  In the evening, we had a great meal at a local restaurant.  I also had a super Barbara from a local winery - Hatcher.  That was a pleasant surprise. A nice way to end our trip.  We visited the farmers market before leaving Saturday morning.  Wow, they had eggplant the size of my fingers.  Returning to traffic infested or is it congested Bay Area was a let down.  Oh well.  Til the next getaway!

Rockin' on Rock Creek Road to Mosquito Flat

Thursday, September 6th

Today, we climb lower and upper Rock Creek Road, the highest paved road in California, to Mosquito Flat (elevation 10,220 ft).  We started at 4,674 feet.  By mile 10, we were at 7,000 feet.

The Boyfriend decided to follow me the entire way, mostly to make sure I did not meet any firemen or other fellas ....  Back in 2014, Miss P and I did this route along with Crowley Lake, and what would become known as The Real Ride, since we were the only ones who completed it.  At the time, there was construction going on so many of the cyclists turned back but by the time, she and I got there, the road was open.  It was legendary, we were heroines....

The weather was vastly different than previous attempts; not nearly as chilly and that was a good thing.  On and on we went with most of the gang passing us since I'm slow.  But, I am the little engine that could....

The BF tried to be sweet and encouraging, but, I was like, "Shut the f--- up."  Oh, I was simply dreadful. He's special to put up with me.  Then again, I'm angel and he should.  Ha ha.

Almost at the top.  I'm sorry I didn't take more photos to show how the scenery changes.  As we neared the summit, the rest of the gang came down.  We waved and they shouted, "You're almost there."  Yes, I know.  They went to eat at the Pie in the Sky place.

We made it!  Alas, disappointment because there was no sign that said, "Hey Christine, you climbed to 10,220 feet."  Seriously, no sign, no indication about this being the highest paved road in California.  It took forever to climb upper Rock Creek Road (10 miles) and 16 minutes to come down!  42 miles with an avg of 7.8 mph. and 6,098 feet of climbing.  Not bad for the weenie. We met up later with the gang at a different location for Happy Hour. For our last evening here in Bishop, we ate at an Italian restaurant with Thomas. 

Pining, Whining on Pine Creek Road - Eastern Sierras

Wednesday, September 5

I love glamorous shots of myself ... okay, here's how it went down.  I took charge at the start of the ride, getting everyone to follow me as we began our Pine Creek Road ride starting from the Creekside Inn in Bishop.  Before long, most of our gang left me in the dust.  But for one brief, shining moment, I was the leader....

We started at an elevation of 4148 feet.  Along the way, I had the opportunity to chat with a few of the gang and that was swell.  Towards the last few miles, the elevation cranks up a bit and suddenly, it's like you're cycling in slow motion, wondering why it's taking forever to do the last few miles to the summit. It's because suddenly you find yourself at 7425 feet elevation.

I made it, I made it.  Woo hoo.  I love this gang.  They're patient and cheer you on.  The BF is not in the picture.  He was pleased with how he did as well.

The last leg of the trip involves going past a lovely body of water.  So, I did 49 miles in approximately 4 hrs and 15 min (had a bit of a problem with my odometer, so I think that's the time elapsed) with a descent hitting 36 miles, which is big for me.  Afterwards, we all met at the Schaats Bakery for great sandwiches and of course, we met again for Happy Hour and dinner at the Upper Crust, serving up super pizzas. 

Storm over Sabrina

Tuesday, September 4

Today is a transition day as we bid farewell to beloved Mammoth Lakes and moved on to Bishop.  Others in our group chose to hike.  We decided to visit Lake Sabrina and South Lake before checking into our hotel.  As you can see, a storm loomed on the horizon.

When we last visited Lake Sabrina several years ago, we were shocked to come across an empty lake.  Here I am standing in what should have been the lake.  It was eerie.

And here we are today!  We had a most delicious berry pie with vanilla ice cream and we met some interesting travelers -- a couple from Texas intrigued by The Boyfriend's English accent.  Turns out the woman's mother was an English war bride. 

Funny how the mind plays tricks.  I was convinced we had biked this very long road in the past but alas we only did bits of it.  Previous blog entries set me straight. We are such unreliable witnesses.  Still, the scenery remained the same, a mix of Aspens, mountains and lakes.

Posing at South Lake.  The temperature continued to drop as the rain came through, albeit briefly.

Whether you bike it, hike it, or simply drive to visit it, both Lake Sabrina and South Lake are worth the visit.  Later in the day, we were able to check into the Creekside Inn; however, this place is no longer bike friendly and so, in the future, should we return, we will find other accommodations.  You are not permitted to keep your bike in the room and will be charged a $1,000 fine should you do so.  Meanwhile, thanks to cell phones, email, text messaging and such, our gang of cyclists, growing by the hour, met for Happy Hour and dinner at the fabulous Alley (a restaurant within a bowling alley).  I was delighted that an old friend had joined our merry group.  Hello Thomas.  And delighted to meet new folk, including, yes, you guessed it, former firefighters....  and four of our new friends had ebikes.  Neato. 

The devil is in the detail - Devil's Post Pile

Monday, September 3

We arrived in Mammoth Lakes yesterday after our lovely June Lakes ride.  Slowly, our gang of cyclists grows. We met up for a great happy hour at Slocums, serving the best appetizers at incredible prices, and for which we would return again.  After a night of merry, we embarked on today's ride doing Devil's Postpile.

It was much warmer than when we did this back in 2011 much to our joy!  Believe me it makes all the difference.

We set off from the hotel at an elevation of 8808 feet.  Our new companions professed they were slow, ha ha, not so, they soon shot off ahead of us, but, we did eventually overtake them.  Though I will confess, I ended up being the slowest rider on this trip, as is always the case....

And now, we're at 9265 feet before descending into Devil's Postpile.

I love lakes.  I certainly felt the altitude again but continued on because I'm the little engine that could.

The Boyfriend charging ahead, all manly.  We noticed the clouds coming in.  At first, white and fluffy.

Ah, Devil's Postpile, a spectacular site to behold.  As we descended, the pretty puffy clouds turned ugly.  Having been caught last time back in 2011 in a rainstorm, we opted to skip Lake Mary, the second half of the ride. So our ride shortened to 27 miles and for me, done in 3 hrs and 15 min.  You might think 27 miles is nothing but believe me, at altitude, it's a big deal.  We were pleased with what we accomplished and ready to meet the others for Happy Hour.

The Landscape of June Lake

Sunday, September 2nd

And we're off again for another ride, this time the landscape of June Lake  from an elevation of 6846 feet to 7701 feet.  I'm fresh and ready since I didn't do the entire route from yesterday's Tioga Pass.  In other words, I left The Boyfriend in the dust, but, only for awhile....

We started around 10am hoping to meet our cycling buddies coming from Mammoth Lakes.  Omg, they biked from there after having done Tioga Pass yesterday.  Incredible!  Even at 10am, I still needed my woolies but I'm a wuss.

This is a beautiful ride of about 23 miles in which to see the diversity of the June Lake area with its lakes and mountains.

Probably a good time to mention that wherever I go, firemen and their firetrucks seem to follow. It became a recurring theme on this trip....  The BF believes there is an app for me.  :)

A fun descent and off he goes.  In some ways, it reminded us of our Tour of Southern Utah.

It was a good recovery ride affording us stunning views of the area.  We never did meet up with our group but we would later in Mammoth Lakes.

Returning to our lodge and time to pack up and depart for the next leg of our Eastern Sierras trip - Mammoth Lakes.

Taking on Tioga Pass

Saturday, September 1

Our Eastern Sierras adventure begins, starting at Whoa Nellie Deli, at the corner of Hwy 395 and 120 in Lee Vining. 

The climb up Tioga Pass (in the Sierra Nevada Mountains) starts at 6,843 feet and reaches 9,943 feet upon the entrance into Yosemite National Park in approximately 12 miles.  The temperature can vary from the 40F to 70s this time of year.  I needed to wear my woolies for some of the ride.

By the time I reached the entrance into the park, I was feeling the effects of altitude.  I didn't have the energy to continue the 8 miles to Tuolumne Meadows.  The Boyfriend, Guy, David and Steve did; though Guy apparently struggled.  I know I certainly felt dizzy and off balance.  By the way, there's a $20 entrance fee into the park for cyclists. 

Why do it?  Because it's stunning and worth the challenge.  Later, I met some fellas on motorcycles who were impressed. 

The descent can be tricky as some parts are exposed without railing.  I freaked a few times, and had to go very slowly.  Cars by the way, are patient.

The last time we did this, The BF got caught in a sudden downpour while descending.  This time, we had perfect weather with only a bit of wind at the top.

It was tough but I loved every minute.  We got to enjoy Tioga Pass again (in a car) when we left a week later.  We were going to return home via Sonora Pass but it was closed due to a fire.