Sonora Pass Part II

Posted Sat Sep 29, 2007 in Motorcycling

The road through Yosemite is a busy one — not necessarily because of the traffic, but because it’s slow and twisty. It would be easy to miss a turn if one rode too fast, or if one did too much rubber-necking. But, the drive is definitely worth the effort.

I stayed on SH 120 through the valley toward Sonora. At the exit from Yosemite, I stopped at the gate.

“Pass please,” the ranger stated.

“I didn’t get one at the entrance — the ranger just waved me through.”

She looked at me a moment, “Well…” she said, and waved me on. I had the feeling I got away with something. Nonetheless, I rode on, smiling.

I stopped at an overlook for a break, a drink of water, and to make a few images of the vista. A lot of others shared the stop, chatting amongst themselves. A couple of other riders were there as well, but we stayed to ourselves and let each other enjoy the spot.

A little further on is Old Patriot Grade. Just before I reached the grade, I noticed a group of sportbikes at a fuel stop. I waved as I passed, then entered the grade. The slopes were quite steep and the corners tight. I wasn’t pushing it because I prefer to work a little less and enjoy the ride a little more.

The first of the sportbikes passed me. I grinned, realizing that the grade was the reason they were there.

So, I passed the van in front of me and played along a little. The big BMW isn’t quite as nimble as the lighter sportbikes, but it does handle well. I leaned way over in the corners, looking through, and working the throttle to manage my line. I had fun, but I’m not really into riding quite that hard and let them pull ahead. It was fun watching them work the corners, all squidly and all, and I smiled to myself in my helmet.

I noticed them ride off at the bottom of the grade and I continued north toward Sonora and the next part of my ride. I turned right (north) at the intersection with SH 49 and continued toward Sonora. Traffic was a lot heavier on this highway and I had the option of continuing north to U.S. 50, or turning east and riding SH 108 over Sonora Pass. The temperature was a lot warmer in the valley. I had plenty of time, so I decided to take the pass.

I missed my turn in Jacksville, then managed to get turned around. The time was about 1400, so the sun was not much use for navigation. I missed my TomTom! So, I pulled off the road at a convenience store, lost the turtleneck, and got a drink of water. I retrieved my California map and determined my location.

I still missed the turn and found myself back at SH 120, so I reversed once again and headed back toward the northeast. This time I found the turnoff for SH 108 and relaxed.

The roads not not well-marked in California, especially on the state highways.

Windfola and I immediately began climbing up the valley toward the mountains. The Stanislaus River parallels SH 108. I stopped at a small convenience store, once the traffic thinned, refueled, bought a drink and a snack, and took the opportunity to use the head. This one was Porta-Potty parked outside the facility. Odd…

Refreshed and refueled, we headed east again, climbing into the pine trees and cooler air. The road is good and twisty enough to be fun without being a lot of work. Traffic was very light. I saw a few squirrels and chipmunks, but nothing larger.

The sun angled down into the valley and warmed with the growing afternoon. The light was pretty and I made a few images to carry home with me as we climbed up toward the pass. The last few miles to the pass were marked with patches of gravel kicked up by heavier vehicles in the tight corners when they drifted off the pavement. Signs were posted recommending that trailers not be brought up the way, but I saw several larger campers anyway. That explained the gravel patches. They were easy to avoid.

I stopped at the pass for a few minutes to take it in. The air was quite cool but very pleasant. As I crossed the highway to make a couple of images, an old van wheezed up the other side of the pass and pulled off. A noisy group of Spanish-speaking folks bumped out in a wad, ruining the respite (for me). I made my last image, remounted Windfola, and we were off down the other side.

I believe I was now in the West Walker River basin. Again there were a few patches of gravel on the highway, kicked off the shoulder in the corners. But, they were easily avoided and I was never nervous. The tight switchbacks are typical of mountain roads, but would probably make rider unfamiliar with them skittish. You just have to be careful.

I met a few vehicles, but not many. The Marine training area was deserted; appropriate for a Sunday afternoon. I passed the base on the way back toward U.S. 395. Signs were posted “No Stopping.” I guess they are worried about terrorists. Sheesh.

I knew I was nearing U.S. 395 and after a few more minutes, there it was. I turned back north, now on familiar rode, and blasted off for home. The sun dipped behind the mountains and the air cooled a little more. I thought about stopping and digging the turtleneck from the topcase, but decided it wasn’t that cold.

I stopped in Walker for a break and nearly decided to eat at the little barbecue place there again, where Wife and I stopped on our way back from Bodie. But, I was ready to be home, so I continued on.

I got a few spits of rain as I approached Lake Topaz and the state line. I smiled to myself, glad for the jacket liner, because the rain was cool.

I guess I smile to myself a lot when I’m riding. I guess it’s OK so long as I don’t find myself in the situation where “...when I look up I smile, when I look down I drool…”

It was not long before I passed through Gardnerville and Minden, blasting for home. Well, not blasting really, but riding briskly. NHP patrols the segment of U.S. 395 between Minden and Carson City heavily and I don’t want another ticket.

I arrived home about 1900 after riding about 400 miles. It was a good day. I saw lots of pretty places, spent the day outside, and got to ride. That’s always a good day.