Getting only two days to recuperate from the Roadrunner Rally (one of which was used to do a Level 1 service on the RT), I was not looking forward to our original six day trip including two days in Yosemite, two days in Auburn for the 49'er Rally and two days in Big Sur. After the Fiesta Rally in April and the Roadrunner Rally the previous weekend, the 49'er did not seem that important to me (and never did to Nancy). I cancelled the reservation in Auburn, rescheduled Big Sur for August and added a day in Yosemite.

As it turns out, this was the perfect time of the year to visit Yosemite. The falls were full and the temps (both high and low) were bearable. Upon arrival, we parked the bike for two days and would not ride again until our departure, spending two full days exploring.

The ride there on Wednesday was hot (~95^oF) and extremely boring, taking the most direct route (405 out of L.A., to I-5 to Hwy 99 to Hwy 41 out of Fresno). What a waste of good motorcycle tires.

Thursday, we walked to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls and then to the bridge for a view of Vernal Falls, catching a peek of Nevada Falls on the way. Upon our return, we rested our legs by taking a tram tour of the valley floor.

Friday, we walked to Mirror Lake, toured the lobby at the Awahnee Hotel and paid a visit to the La Conte Memorial. We spent Friday afternoon sitting around the food court at Curry Village people watching. All types of folks can be found at Curry Village. During this time, I was thinking about our route back home, dreading a repeat of Wednesday's experience. I recalled that the road out of Yosemite, Hwy 41, goes all the way to Atascadero, sections of which are very nice. Sensitive to Nancy's 8 hour rule (not on the bike longer than 8 hours in one day), I spent some time calculating time and distance. Since our original, direct route took 8 hours (an hour longer than originally planned due to the heat), I was certain the alternative was a violation of the 8 hour rule. Faced with a choice of another boring ride or facing the wrath of an angry passenger, I suggested the alternative to Nancy. She asked one question: "How long will it take?" I said: "9-1/2 hours." When she didn't respond with a "No way!", my interest in the return home increased. We went to bed early after some pre-packing and were ready to roll a little after 7 am (a personal best for Nancy).

Saturday, the ride to Atascadero was very nice, except for some heavy traffic between Lemoore and Kettleman City, especially between Cholame and Atascadero. The section of 41 between Shandon and Atascadero is one of my favorite sections of road in California.

We achieved one of our objectives in beating the heat. It really never did get hot. As a matter of fact, by the time we got to the coast, the marine layer kept the temperature low enough to justify a sweatshirt. We reached the drive way in just under 10 hours.

The Route

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