Provincial_sweater09
Active member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2026
- Moto(s)
- SV650
Well, some - the watch reports have hints of fall starting already. I didn’t want to miss out on colors at the highest elevations. Then there is also the impending “once-in-century” El Niño. So both these reasons were a perfect excuse to plan a ride this very weekend. I Did not have luxury of staying the night which meant a day ride.
A 6:30 AM start from the Livermore - bright and early!
After highway slab through Central Valley (and sun in the eyes all the way through) it was a quick stop to top off our bellies and the bikes in Angles Camp.
After mid week highs, it was pleasant weekend to be outside - so not surprisingly saw tons of riders and relatively light but steady car traffic that thinned out after Arnold and Lake Alpine
The single lane Ebbetts pass with its broken pavement (hidden well under dappled morning sunlight) was interesting- with tons of blind corners, occasional giant pickup floating across the imaginary center line and frequent hairpin bends, I could never get into a rhythm of any sorts. Although the fresh alpine air and beautiful views made up for it
Next up was the Monitor Pass - second time in as many months - feels like it is maintained solely for the pleasure of motorcyclists - no real car traffic to speak of, a butter smooth pavement, nicely engineered curves and awe inspiring vistas. Here is where we did see leaves turning! Took an obligatory photo break while patting ourselves on the back for riding out today!
16 miles of fun (like last time,) was over far too soon and we were in Walker.
Debating between the burger and barbecue, took a gamble with Mountain View BBQ since the smoker outside hinted at good stuff inside. Instead though, the fatty brisket and okay-ish ribs and meh sides were underwhelming. That the meat was smothered with BBQ sauce didn’t help either. Only the corn bread got honorable mention but I strongly suspect was store bought and not made in house.
Anyway we washed it down with some cold beer and were off to Sonora!
And boy oh boy, it did not disappoint! Those imposing granite walls quickly closed in and gave way to pristine pavement bound by the alpine forest. With a perfect mix of technical and sweeping turns it is pure motorcycling heaven. Few RVs that we encountered were kind enough to move over which i liked.
I was in love with Monitor pass before but now, Sonora is right next to it (or an inch above)
After coming down from the mountains, an obligatory slog (with the sun again in my eyes all the way) through the Central Valley in the weekend traffic and was back home at 6:30 pm.
All in all the ride was little over 12 hours and 430 miles - a long day for sure but the pure bliss in the Sierras made it worth it.
Speaking of which, I am thinking either 2-day trip as a loop in Quincy-La Porte-Oroville-49 (stay the night in Quincy), or for a 2.5 day trip stringing together Redbluff->CA-36-> Avenue of Giants (CA-258) -> 101 -> Bay Area.
Do veterans here have any suggestions?
A 6:30 AM start from the Livermore - bright and early!
After highway slab through Central Valley (and sun in the eyes all the way through) it was a quick stop to top off our bellies and the bikes in Angles Camp.
After mid week highs, it was pleasant weekend to be outside - so not surprisingly saw tons of riders and relatively light but steady car traffic that thinned out after Arnold and Lake Alpine
The single lane Ebbetts pass with its broken pavement (hidden well under dappled morning sunlight) was interesting- with tons of blind corners, occasional giant pickup floating across the imaginary center line and frequent hairpin bends, I could never get into a rhythm of any sorts. Although the fresh alpine air and beautiful views made up for it
Next up was the Monitor Pass - second time in as many months - feels like it is maintained solely for the pleasure of motorcyclists - no real car traffic to speak of, a butter smooth pavement, nicely engineered curves and awe inspiring vistas. Here is where we did see leaves turning! Took an obligatory photo break while patting ourselves on the back for riding out today!
16 miles of fun (like last time,) was over far too soon and we were in Walker.
Debating between the burger and barbecue, took a gamble with Mountain View BBQ since the smoker outside hinted at good stuff inside. Instead though, the fatty brisket and okay-ish ribs and meh sides were underwhelming. That the meat was smothered with BBQ sauce didn’t help either. Only the corn bread got honorable mention but I strongly suspect was store bought and not made in house.
Anyway we washed it down with some cold beer and were off to Sonora!
And boy oh boy, it did not disappoint! Those imposing granite walls quickly closed in and gave way to pristine pavement bound by the alpine forest. With a perfect mix of technical and sweeping turns it is pure motorcycling heaven. Few RVs that we encountered were kind enough to move over which i liked.
I was in love with Monitor pass before but now, Sonora is right next to it (or an inch above)
After coming down from the mountains, an obligatory slog (with the sun again in my eyes all the way) through the Central Valley in the weekend traffic and was back home at 6:30 pm.
All in all the ride was little over 12 hours and 430 miles - a long day for sure but the pure bliss in the Sierras made it worth it.
Speaking of which, I am thinking either 2-day trip as a loop in Quincy-La Porte-Oroville-49 (stay the night in Quincy), or for a 2.5 day trip stringing together Redbluff->CA-36-> Avenue of Giants (CA-258) -> 101 -> Bay Area.
Do veterans here have any suggestions?
