BILL'S BIRTHDAY RIDE. Sept 20, 2020

[Heywood]

Originally Posted by thepretender

The pass is more like a reservation. You need a reservation in order to use or buy a pass at the gate. They limit the number of people per day they release a month at a time then the a limited number for the next 2 days at 7am each day first serve basis.

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300015

I'm pretty sure that is for entrance into the Nat Park, down in the valley, but if you stay on Tioga rd / CA-120 there's no pass required to drive / ride on the State hwy over the pass to 395. Is there? Maybe I misconstrued the original route of "over the pass" to mean to 395 and not 120 to 140 which would require a rezzie. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't in for a surprise when I headed to Mammoth.

[The Smokester]

Hi. Looking forward to joining you, if possible. What is the pace?

[thepretender]

120 over the pass to 395 goes though the park and a res is needed even if you just drive through and don't stop.

The pace is however you ride. Bill is sane on the highway and good for most every rider. In the twisties Bill can get spirited but will wait for anybody if you stop for pics or just take your time to enjoy your ride the pack will great you with a wave and a smile. On a group ride never feel like you need to go faster than what is comfortable. On my last ride with Bill I was trailing the pack even though most times I'm near the front and nobody mentioned a thing, I just wasn't feeling it that day.

[Tom G]

Originally Posted by Heywood

I'm pretty sure that is for entrance into the Nat Park, down in the valley, but if you stay on Tioga rd / CA-120 there's no pass required to drive / ride on the State hwy over the pass to 395. Is there? Maybe I misconstrued the original route of "over the pass" to mean to 395 and not 120 to 140 which would require a rezzie. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't in for a surprise when I headed to Mammoth.

Not 100% sure, but I would expect a reservation be required to pass through the park, since the gate is the only control point in operation. Looks like plenty of reservation available with all the fires going on. I arrived in the winter time before 8:00 AM, gate not manned, did not have to pay. Although they asked me for my receipt on the way out if I left before gate closing (usually 5:00 PM).

[bikeama]

Reservation is required to travel through the park on Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120)
Traveling through the park on Tioga Road or any other road requires a reservation. Highway 108 (Sonora Pass) is the closest alternate route over the Sierra Nevada in most cases.


As was said already the pace is your pace. We will wait at all major turns. I will update with maps on Sunday. I am doing a pre ride tomorrow. You need to be able to go 120 miles on a tank. Will get gas after lunch. Chevron .3 mile from lunch, quick stop .1 mile. Two places for lunch across the street from each other. Happy Burger $ 1850 House $$. Total ride under 250 miles from Starbucks in Stockton and back.

[thepretender]

When I rode through this morning I noticed Castillo's for mexican and Miner's Roadhouse 140 were also available. Road house had a sign saying open for indoor dining.

[bikeama]

Originally Posted by thepretender

When I rode through this morning I noticed Castillo's for mexican and Miner's Roadhouse 140 were also available. Road house had a sign saying open for indoor dining.

Had a great lunch at the 1850 House today. Good spot and if someone needs a happy burger they are just across the street.


Bill

[bikewanker]

I would consider finally joining Bill on his birthday ride an Achievement.

[bikeama]

ONE WEEK UNTIL BILL's BIRTHDAY RIDE.


I did the test ride. After more than 20 years of going over Tioga Pass, Covid has made my normal birthday ride all but impossible. The old ride was a 360-mile round trip. This year we will only ride 220 miles from Starbucks in Stockton and back. But we are riding Maps links are below. There are a few spots with lose asphalt and one spot with light sand from an aggregate plant. Both are on smaller roads and we will not be going that fast there. Just want everyone to be aware. Hwy's 132, 49, and 140 are in good shape and fun. There will be two spots for lunch in Mariposa next to each other. Happy Burger and The 1850 Restaurant. 1850 a little more upscale both good and both have outdoor dining.


Google Map link Stockton to Mariposa.


Google Map link Mariposa to Stockton.



Going to call this one the Smoke and Ash Ride.

[thepretender]

I'll meet you at the corner of 49 and Greeley Hill Rd. 100 yard to the left of where you turn onto 49 in Coulterville.

I usually take a break and Miners Mart in Big Oak Flat then turn around but I'll just turn around and head back and break in Coulterville that way I can't miss you.

[bikeama]

Originally Posted by thepretender

I'll meet you at the corner of 49 and Greeley Hill Rd. 100 yard to the left of where you turn onto 49 in Coulterville.

I usually take a break and Miners Mart in Big Oak Flat then turn around but I'll just turn around and head back and break in Coulterville that way I can't miss you.

Sounds good. We will pull off and take a break there, let the newer riders catch up get a rest before going down 49. Looks like a lot of room by the Hotel Jeffery to pull off.

Bill

[thepretender]

Yeah I don't think the hotel is open any longer so room for 20-30 bikes at least. Enough for the whole group

[CannonFodder]

Sounds like fun - I'm in!

[wheel_muse]

Happy Birthday, Bill! I'm gonna watch the skies and hope for cleaner air. , I'll join the ride!

[thepretender]

I'm halfway between Mariposa and Oakhurst and the air was a whole lot better today in the afternoon after the clouds cleared up we actually saw blue skies. If this holds thru Sunday Bill should have a great b-day ride.