So, here I'm contemplating a long holiday weekend ride, next weekend and, I realize I never made a post from my last "Excursion."
Here it is....
A little bit of a "wild hair" trip but well worth it.
The plan was to leave in morning of July 4, head across Sonora Pass and decide where to go from there.
Got a late start, do to work requirements. Didn't leave out until the evening of the 5th.
But, I did decide I was on my way to the White Mountains, here in California (Bristlecone Pine Trees,) to see the oldest known living trees in the world. These trees are pushing 5000 years old.
Fortunately I was able to add an extra day to my long weekend.
... Intent on "getting outta town" and frustrated with recent personal events, I'm on the road finally.
My first time over Sonora pass on a motorcycle and its at 12 am, by the time I'm actually up on top. Noticing an idle problem with the bike. I decide it's because of the altitude. ... Coming from the San Francisco Bay area at relatively sea level to 9,000 feet, the bike definitely is noticing the difference.
Not ready to quit yet, I continue down the backside and out to Hwy 395.
Now, normally I would have found a place to sleep in Bridgeport or, at least a place to camp...
But, I was on a mission.
So, I filled up in Bridgeport... spoke to the local law enforcement and continued on my way south (around 2 or 3 am.)
The ride from between Mono lake and beyond Mammoth was extremely windy and quite cold.
High desert... very hot in daytime quite cool at night.
Anyway, I made my way down to Bishop and filled up with fuel in Big Pine then, turned east on Hwy 168. What a cool road!
Even at night (early morning,) this was fun riding and, I was looking forward to doing this road during the day.
Passed the road to Death Valley and, at about 5am I'm turning onto White Mountains Road.
Into the park and climbing uphill rapidly. Up on top, awesome views of the Eastern Sierra...
Once again, experiencing the lack of air in the fuel mixture.. the bike wont idle. I make my way to the first grove of ancient trees and take a hike for some photos of these grand daddy's.
End up taking a nap while waiting for direct sunlight... and then I woke up! Haha... much later.
Continuing across the White Mountains Road was interesting. Just after that first grove of ancient trees, the road turns to gravel. … More awesome views of the eastern Sierra and, I finally decide to adjust the carbs. The average elevation across this road is about 10,000 feet above sea level and, I'm still adjusted for sea level. Wow! What a difference.
Well, the drive back was more fun... during the daylight hours and rested. Did some more sight seeing.
Hit some swimming holes and hot springs along the way. Did the Bodie loop. The part coming from Mono Lake to Bodie is gravel and rough but, the road from Bodie to 395 is nice... and very nice riding.
More hot Springs... More relaxing...
I was able to hit Sonora Pass during the daylight hours this time, on the way back... didn't take any photos though as, I was pressed for time to get back home. It sure is beautiful up there..
I did adjust my carbs again for the lower elevations. Can't say I did it on purpose but, I was getting around 48 MPG on the way back after filling up in the town of Sonora. I've never gotten more than about 43, at most.
So, I'm really looking forward to the next trip...
More photo's here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67369011@N02/sets/72157635216590469/
