Sonora Pass Part I
Posted Sun Sep 23, 2007 in
Motorcycling
Last Sunday I decided to go for a ride. A friend at work recommended I visit Tioga Pass before winter arrives. I needed to get out and ride — sometimes I have a need to be outside in the solitude of motorcycling. Riding gives me something I have trouble finding anywhere else. It’s difficult to describe (although I’ve tried numerous times), but I suspect it’s the same feeling others find by hiking, hunting, skiing, or any of a number of outdoor activities that involve some degree of solitude.
Perhaps it’s the solitude I crave — that opportunity to be alone to my thoughts and let my thoughts wander. Solitude provides an opportunity to reflect and there is so little time for reflection.
So, I decided to take advantage of the absence of Wife and Young Son (they were in Missouri) and go for a long ride. I rose early, as is my habit, showered, and gathered a few things to take with me. The cool morning air convinced me to slip a turtleneck over my t-shirt before heading out. Windfola loaded, we headed south for Minden and bite to eat.
I stopped at Danny’s Ironwood Grill about 0830 and bought a light breakfast. I decided on the corned beef hash. I never had corned beef hash before. I’ve eaten plenty of corned beef and like it, so I decided to give the hash a try. I decided it’s not my favorite food. I can eat it and it provides energy, but there are other combinations I find more pleasing. So, I learned something.
Body fueled, I reboarded Windfola and we headed south on U.S. 395. We popped out of Carson Valley, crossed the ridge, and dropped into Antelope Valley past Lake Topaz. The road was good and traffic was not heavy. The air was cool, however, and I was happy for the turtleneck.
I decide to buy fuel in Bridgeport, California — a worthy stop in its own right — and use the head; the coffee was working. I also bought a California map, just in case1. As I stood next to Windfola putting away the map, a man in a pickup truck parked next to me spoke. I recognized one of my co-workers.
“I thought I recognized that bike!” he said.
I laughed. “What are you doing out here?”
“We’re headed for Mammoth to check it out. If we’re going to do work there, then we might as well have a look at the place.”
“It’s a good day for a drive, anyway.” I could understand why he decided to drive south. My thoughts were parallel to his. He drove off while I finished messing around with my stuff. I followed a few minutes later.
The ride south from Bridgeport reminded me of our visit to Bodie a few weeks ago. I looked left as I passed the side road to Bodie and wondered how long it would be until the snow fell there. I rode on toward Mono Lake, the east slope of the Sierras on my right, beautiful in the morning light.
I turned west on SH 120 and headed up the valley toward the pass. Before long, the valley opened up and I could see why Yosemite was a national park. The view was stunning. But, I decided to make this a look-see run and not stop for a lot of images. I’ll make those on another trip. My emphasis for the day was on the ride and not the trip.
It was a long climb up to the pass. A line of vehicles waited to enter the park. I scrabbled around thinking I’d need to produce cash to get in, but when I arrived at the window, the ranger waved me through. That saved me ten bucks! I was surprised, but rode on nonetheless.
The park was bone-dry. Most of the grass in the high areas was already dormant from lack of water. It’s been dry here for the last couple of years, plus it is late in the season. I understand the spring melt is the time to see water in the park. Still, the ride was worthy and I could see why Ansel Adams decided to make many images of the park. I saw a lot of hikers and a number of climbers working the rocks and facings. That was pretty cool.
End of Part I — to be continued
1 I still need to buy a motorcycle GPS unit. TomTom makes a waterproof unit suitable for motorcycle use, but I haven’t purchased one — yet.
I rode with hubby yesterday (first time on the GSXR). We figured it would be about the last weekend before the weather turns too nasty. It was already VERY cold, but I had a blast. We did the Chatinika drive. It’s out of town a ways, so you get great scenery and some nice curves. :) It definitely made me think of you! It’s the first time I’ve rode in a couple of years, which is hard to believe. I hope we come visit at the time of year when you can take me out on Windfola. It looks like a nice one and the rides around there look gorgeous. Plus it’s been too long since I rode with you!! Looking forward to part 2!
— Daughter 23 September 2007, 09:50 #I’ve thought so many times about having you ride with me. I can still feel you snuggled up against my back when the wind was a little cool…
I remember the helmet bumps when I downshifted rapidly or there was a bump in the road…
I remember bird feathers poofing by one time a dove zigged when it should have zagged…
I remember pointing at things that went by while we were out in the middle-of-nowhere-Texas…
I remember a lot about our rides. Of all the kids, you were the rider of the bunch…
— ruminator 26 September 2007, 12:15 #