Death Valley Tour, April 14-18, 2012

[The Smokester]

I think it will be sunny all next week, no? If so the pavement on 88, 50 etc will be dry and ice free especially if we hit the passes before mid afternoon.

Yes. Hit the high passes around noon. Caltrans blows the snow off pretty fast and the sun on the black tarmac usually melts the road surface clear in less than a day at this time of year. Water rivulets, from snow melting along the sides, cross the roads in the daytime. Then they freeze at night creating patches of ice which are impossible to dodge or see. So, one rides the highest elevations during the window between late morning and mid afternoon.

 

[rodr]

If you go South on 395 then cut through Kern Canyon you can camp at Miricle Hot Springs then slab from Bakersfield.

I'll look at a map and get you route numbers.

I see it, thanks G. Is Kern Canyon a nicer ride than the corresponding section of 178? We could easily detour onto it on the way to DV.

 

[rodr]

Yes. Hit the high passes around noon. Caltrans blows the snow off pretty fast and the sun on the black tarmac usually melts the road surface clear in less than a day at this time of year. Water rivulets, from snow melting along the sides, cross the roads in the daytime. Then they freeze at night creating patches of ice which are impossible to dodge or see. So, one rides the highest elevations during the window between late morning and mid afternoon.

OK then we are ON!

 

[rodr]

I see it, thanks G. Is Kern Canyon a nicer ride than the corresponding section of 178? We could easily detour onto it on the way to DV.

Oh hell yeah, I think it is.

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[ThumperX]

[youtube]ly0R7cbwlVg[/youtube]

 

[rodr]

Y'all wanna help me with a routing decision? This is about Hollister to Santa Margarita. The two choices are:

(a) http://g.co/maps/36xqz

(b) http://g.co/maps/3gmdv

With (a) we get a gas and lunch stop in San Miguel after 130 miles.

With (b) there's no gas and no restaurants for 156 miles, and it takes 40 minutes longer. We'd probably want to pack a lunch. But more scenic, no slab.

Be aware that a moto loaded down with camping gear and other stuff will not get the mileage that you are used to.

So, dear travelers, what's your vote?

 

[luckett]

With (b) there's no gas and no restaurants for 156 miles, and it takes 40 minutes longer. We'd probably want to pack a lunch. But more scenic, no slab.

There is a good restaurant in Parkfield, V6 ranch grill. They serve grass fed beef raised on the ranch there. Call to be sure they will be open.

The south slope of parkfield grade is dirt and can get slippery with moisture. It's that clay type mud that packs into the tires.

You could also take coalinga/los gatos into coalinga for fuel and food. There are a couple of good local mexican restaurants there.

Skip 101. Going down parkfield/cholame/shell creek should be really pretty at this time of year. You might see some pronghorn antelope herds in cholame valley.

 

[Star Man]

Dear Rod,
I'm abstaining from this vote. If the group does not do B on the way down, I'll be doing it on the way back from Carrizo Plain. I believe everything luckett says about it. Ive been to the restaurant in Parkfield and I've ridden up and down Parkfield grade when it was dry.
signed,
a dear traveler

 

[rodr]

There is a good restaurant in Parkfield, V6 ranch grill. They serve grass fed beef raised on the ranch there. Call to be sure they will be open.

The south slope of parkfield grade is dirt and can get slippery with moisture. It's that clay type mud that packs into the tires.

Now that would have been a surprise! Checking the satellite view it looks like the dirt section is from B to C in this map, about 4 1/2 miles. I have a feeling we'll want to skip that but I'll let the others decide.

You could also take coalinga/los gatos into coalinga for fuel and food. There are a couple of good local mexican restaurants there.

Skip 101. Going down parkfield/cholame/shell creek should be really pretty at this time of year. You might see some pronghorn antelope herds in cholame valley.

Thing is, though, we want to pick up firewood as close as possible to the camp site near Soda Lake. Looks like that will be Santa Margarita, so we need to get there.

 

[The Smokester]

...The south slope of parkfield grade is dirt and can get slippery with moisture. It's that clay type mud that packs into the tires...

My Sprint is probably not set up for this. However, I will meet you wherever you come out.

I'm thinking more and more there's a Tiger in my future.

P.S. Saw Pronghorns in Peach Tree Lane late last month.

 

[rodr]

OK here's what we'll do. We take a short rest stop at the intersection of 25 and 198. Anyone who's low on gas or doesn't want to do the dirt part takes Peach Tree Road and Indian Valley to San Miguel (a). The others take route (b).

We'll all meet up in Santa Margarita, at the gas station and food mart at the intersection of 58 and Encina Avenue (Pintor's Tire and Wheel).

Easy!

 

[luckett]

Now that would have been a surprise! Checking the satellite view it looks like the dirt section is from B to C in this map, about 4 1/2 miles. I have a feeling we'll want to skip that but I'll let the others decide.

That's it. Even if it's wet, it's easy if you just go slow and stay off the front brake.

The views from up there should be great with the flowers blooming on the hillsides. I highly recommend taking it if you can.

Here is a pic of the road.

 

[Titus58]

Hi all: I am very sorry to say I am out for this trip.

I have been dealing with a family medical emergency all week, and while things have improved and stabilized I cannot be MIA for multiple days. Really sucks as I was so looking forward to this

There is a "chance" I can ride out with you guys on saturday and make a long single-day ride...that's what I am now working towards, so hopefully you will see me at the SJ meet point.

Either way, have a fabulous and fun ride, eat and drink well (after riding of course!) and take lots of pics


Tim

 

[rodr]

Aww... so sorry to hear that Tim! Family comes first though; I hope the recovery goes well.

Since we have lost our chef for tomorrow, my plan is to prepare burgers to cook over the camp stove. I'll bring my single burner stove and a skillet, as well as buns, tomato, onions, mustard, etc. That should be pretty simple. If anyone has a better idea, speak up!

If anyone wants to volunteer to bring a side dish (beans, potato salad, whatever) that would be great -- otherwise we'll pick up something in Santa Margarita.

 

[kdipace]

To late for me but just the sort of ride I'm looking for. oking forward for others like this.

 

[rodr]

To late for me but just the sort of ride I'm looking for. oking forward for others like this.

Why don't you do the day ride or camping overnighter?

 

[Star Man]

Having choices is always good. Splitting a group up to go different routes.....not so much. Looks like we're down to 3 riders. Both Rod and John seem concerned over taking the b) route and I don't care. Looks like a) wins by default.

BTW, I'm bringing a single unit Primus burner with me........and beans and SPAM (a camping favorite) !!!!

 

[rodr]

I think we'll have as many as 5 riding down and camping: horsepower, Nufc9, rodr, Star Man, The Smokester. I've just sent Dani a note to see if she's still coming.

But yeah, with a small group like that probably best to stay together.

 

[rodr]

The views from up there should be great with the flowers blooming on the hillsides. I highly recommend taking it if you can.

Here is a pic of the road.

Wow, beautiful!

BTW, I'm bringing a single unit Primus burner with me........and beans and SPAM (a camping favorite) !!!!

OK Greg, you're in charge of beans.

Nice of you to bring some Spam for the birds like you did at Hendy.

 

[rodr]

OK Dani has bailed but Ed is meeting up with us in Pleasant Hill for a day trip to Santa Margarita. So it appears for tomorrow we have 5 riders, and 4 campers If John doesn't mind a bit of easy dirt to the camp site. Tim #1 might still also be a partial day tripper.