Day 4, ~260 miles. Since I was in California, thought I might as well ride on some of the best motorcycle roads in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains on my way back to Boise; Ebbetts Pass, Carson Pass, and Monitor Pass.
Ebbetts Pass, CA. Hwy 4 was a grrreat road from roughly halfway btw Stockton and Angels Camp to the 89 junction. We took Murphys Grade Road from Angels Camp to Murphys which, while quaint and all, is one gigantic tourist trap. Too many cagers were driving on middle of the narrower sections on Hwy 4 which kept us on the edge. =8^O
Markleeville, CA. Grabbed a hearty lunch here at the
Wolf Creek Restaurant which is still a popular biker hang despite the remodeling job that was intended to attract the more, uh, upscale diners and drinkers.
Markleeville, CA. Hwy 89 runs south through town to Monitor Pass and Ebbetts Pass. That's a black '03 Indian Chief parked outside in the foreground.
Woodfords, CA. Office of the Woodsford Inn where we grabbed a room. There were several other bikers staying here as well a couple of fishermen. No A/C, just fans. Checked in at 3pm then split for Kirkwood.
Kirkwood, CA. View of Trimble Peak (9727') looking south from Hwy 88.
Kirkwood, CA. Several motorcyclists heading west on Hwy 88 towards Jackson.
Caples Lake, CA. A very scenic lake at an elevation of 7798' located btw Kirkwood and Carson Pass.
Carson Pass, CA. It wasn't easy parking our rides in front of this sign facing east, and Jack's rear wheel got buried up to the rim in sand trying to get back onto Hwy 88.
Carson Pass, CA. Here's the flip side. Definately is a great ride despite all the Sunday afternoon traffic.
Carson Pass, CA. The Vistor Center also has restrooms with pit toilets (I blew into the one on right, which was unlocked, only to see a young lady using it which I greeted with "Oh, shyt!"). We rode down to a store near Woodfords, and got beer and snacks before returning to watch the Colts/Seahawks preseason game at the motel.