Bass Lake
July 25th-28th, 2003
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This weekend should be titled "How much riding can I stuff into a four day weekend?" Several of us planned to meet at Bass Lake on Friday and Saturday. I wanted to do a "Sierra Loop" on Saturday. Others wanted to cruise the lake on a boat. I felt that, if I couldn't get some company for a Saturday loop, then I might as well not go until Saturday. Fortunately, Mike and Doug were up to the loop, and Doug was interested in a scenic ride on Friday. So, the plan was set. Doug and I left early and followed the backbone of the Sierras from Kernville through Sequoia National Park. We dropped out on Hwy 180 into Fresno and caught Fresno right at rush hour. It took us over an hour to get through Fresno at nearly 100 degrees. Doug and I both agreed that this leg took whatever remaining energy we had. We arrived at camp a little after 6 pm. After we set up camp, we showered, had dinner and recuperated around the campfire until we ran out of steam. The temps were a little high and it was difficult sleeping. Total miles for the day: 525.
Saturday, we made coffee and had some of Nadine's (Doug's wife) famous banana nut bread for breakfast. We had gathered our Day Ride team of Mike D., Mike T., Steve, Doug and I. We left the camp somewhere around 9 am. At the turnoff to Tioga Pass (Hwy 120), Mike D. got lost in traffic. We backtracked, just in case he had some trouble, but could not find him. We left a couple of voice mail messages, but cell signals were sporadic at best. Since we were convinced Mike was O.K., we continued our ride, stopping for lunch at Lee Vining. I retrieved a voice mail message from Mike who said he was O.K., but just missed the turn. By the time he realized he had gone the wrong way, he determined that it would be difficult if not impossible to catch us, so he headed back to camp for a swim in the lake. After lunch, we took Hwy 395 north for about 36 miles then turned West on Hwy 108, the Sonora Pass. What a wonderful road! Sections were like a Disney adventure. Great pavement. Little traffic. Fabulous!
We stopped for a beverage in Strawberry, just getting ready to head down the "hill" into Sonora. We were advised by a couple on a HD that it was over 100 in Sonora. As we descended, the air temps kept rising. By the time we got to Sonora, we could not dispute the statement made by our Harley friends. It was HOT! It remained hot all the way south on Hwy 49 until we reached camp. Total miles for the day: 375.
Sunday, we broke camp, everyone else going south to their homes. I had business to take care of and was due to be in Sacramento (actually Rancho Cordova) Sunday night. Bass Lake to Rancho Cordova isn't very far, but as we all say, the shortest distance between two points is.....BORING! I take Hwy 49 North to Jackson and then take the Carson Pass (Hwy 88) to South Lake Tahoe. Near the summit (about 9,500 ft.+), I encounter a hail storm. I felt like I was being shot at with a BB gun! It doesn't last for long and I stop in at South Lake Tahoe for gas. My last leg, is Hwy 50 to Rancho Cordova. In front of me are dark ominous clouds with thunder and lightning. Yes, I get drenched. But it feels pretty good until it stops and suddenly gets hot and humid. Fortunately, it's not too far to Rancho Cordova. I check in, take a shower, have a sandwich, watch a little TV and I am "out" before 9 pm. Total miles for the day: 318.
Monday morning I conduct my business and I am on the road by 9 am. I fear the heat in the central valley. After all, it is supposed to be 105 in Sacramento and 102 in Fresno. What's the solution? Head for the coast, of course. I take Hwy 80 East until I reach Vallejo, then Hwy 680 south, until it reaches Hwy 17 to Santa Cruz, then I'm on the coast for the majority of the day. Instead of the heat, it's actually cool. I have the heated grips on most of the day, but I'm still grateful I'm not in the heat. Riding the coast is great during the weekday and the reduced traffic. I pick up the 101 in San Luis Obispo and follow it to Camarillo where I peel off to the coast highway once again through Malibu and Santa Monica. Then it's back on the freeway until I get home right at 9 pm. Total miles for the day: 610.
During these four days, I ride 1,828 miles and get to experience some of the best roads of California including:
Hwy 190 through Sequoia National Forest
