South Lake Tahoe to Truckee - Day 18

Mileage:  48
Total Ascent:  2105

Today was a great riding day.   I shouldn'nt mention that it was like 30 degrees when we left this morning.  But the sun was out and we were layered up so it wasn't too bad.  I had on my new hat, merino wool base layer, etc.   I simply love the ride around the lake.  Emerald Bay is absolutely beautiful.  I was surprised as we rode around our first picture of the lake had a balloon going up.

Then it was the climb to Emerald Bay and all the spectacular beauty  that goes with it.

After Emerald Bay, Tahoe City and all the other small areas we got on the Truckee River Bike Trail.  It was wonderful with the river running, meadows, saw a couple of fisherman.  It is just a lovely bike trail.  We're stopped in Truckee for coffee and soup before heading on to the motel.   Truckee is a cute little historic town and should be explored.   

Tomorrow another day on the road to  Graegle.  

Day off - Day 17

Its been a lazy day today.  Had breakfast and the only thing on the agenda was to go shopping for fleece.   Gail, Judy and I walked up to Patagonia a little after eight but it didn't open until 10.  The website said 8am.  I went back to the room and Gail and Judy hung out over by the bike shop so that Gail could pick up her bike.

Wendy, Diana, Susan and Linda drove up from Sacramento to visit us.  Brought us homemade cookies, lemon bars and bark (whte chocolate and apricots).  They took us to lunch and then went with Gail and I shopping.  It was so great to see them!  And they had a great fun making a day of it.

So some more pics....

Tulips and snow....

The gondola is getting its first run up the mountain

The gals brought us food when they came up to visit from Roseville

Getting ready to snow again

Susan, Linda, me Wendy, Gail and Diana having lunch at a great pizza place

Markleeville to South Lake Tahoe - Day 16

Mileage:  27
Total Ascent:  2641

So today we started out in the low 40's.  Cold, winds and snow were forecast for Tahoe.  We took off early to beat the storm that was to come in.  It was cold, what can I say.  I had 3 layers on and wished I had more.  We started climbing to begin with so that kept us warm.  We climbed Luther Pass today.  I'm not sure how many passes we've climbed yet but its 5 0r 6.  It was a long hard haul up the pass as we were still tired from fighting yesterdays climb and wind but it was all good!

I took very few pictures today as it was too cold.  Going down Luther Pass was really cold and we didn't want to stop.  Besides how many mountain pictures can you take....

We were so surprised by 2 events today.  First, Amgen had their race on hiway 50 yesterday.  We saw the caravan of cars with bikes leaving the area on their way to Folsom for time trials.  Gail kept waving at them.   Not sure if they saw her though.  

Second, as we rode into Tahoe it started snowing.  Its been a long time since I saw snow fall so I was pretty excited.  Now you know how cold it is.   Sun was out and it was snowing. 

Here's a couple of the pics I took today.  Carson River and a mountain.   Tomorrow we are off and will travel to Truckee on Sunday..

Bridgeport to Markleeville - Day 15

Mileage:  50
Total Ascenf:  5296

This was the most intense day of biking.  Strong headwinds and some tailwinds took over the day.  They said up to 50 mph gusts and I believe.  The winds were so strong I was afraid I was going to get blown either into the oncomng traffic or down a ravine.   Check out the flag in this picture.

We began our climbs 3.8 miles down the road from our motel.  A 7.5 mile climb that was very doable on a normal day but the headwinds made hard work out of it.  

The ride down from Devils Gate was treacherous as the wind gusts coming at us.  I didnt take too many pictures today except on Monitor Pass.  Years ago I did the Death Ride up the front side of Monitor but not the back side as we did today.   I now know why I didn't ride down and cimb back up on that day.  My friend said it was ugly and she didn't want to do it.  I thought at the time she was talking about the scenery.  She was talking about the grade.  It was a tough ride up with the winds but the switchbacks helped buffer the winds at times.   Gail and I fought it to the top and decided we were finished with the winds for the day and took the sag down.  Everyone was relieved that we were smart not to try and ride the steep descend down with the high winds.   Scenery as always was spectacular! Quite a day...  here's some pics of it.

Mammoth Lakes to Bridgeport Day 14

Mileage:  63.3
Total Ascent:  3899

A picturesque day and one I will remember.  It was beautiful.   Pine trees, rushing creek waters, beautiful lakes, majestic mountains.  Words cannot describe the beauty of it.

Leaving Mammoth Lakes we had an uphill at the beginning but we were rewarded with a fantastic fun descent for about 4-5 miles.  Then we had our first climb to Dead Mans Summit (elevation 8,036).  A 4 mile down and then on to June Lake.  We passed the sign to Yosemite by way of Tioga Pass but we had to go around as they could not get a permit to go through it.  Bummer but we went to June Lake area instead which was awesome.

We also passed Mono Lake which is salitier than the ocean.  I'm hoping you can see in the pictures the "turfa Towers" which is calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by interacion of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water.

At mile 50 we had another summit to conquer.  Conway Summit (8,138)  A ten mile climb and then down all the way to our motel.  It was a great day!

Day Off #2 Day 12

This is a good day off.  Slept in a bit, had breakfast and then went t the bike shop and bought a new pair of riding gloves.  Then 4 of us decided to check out the few blocks of Main Street.  Stopped for coffee at the Looney Bin and then walked into all the shops.   Mike is a quilter so not only did we go into the quilt and yarn shop but she bought a small project.  I expect to see it done before our ride is finished
We finished our day with lunch at Schaf's Bakery.  Bishop is famous for this bakery.  Gail, MIke and Fiona all had sandwiches.  I opted for the turkey pot pie which was delicious.   Tonite we are on our own so we're all meeting and having dinner at Schafts  BBQ Roadhouse.  There were also a couple of other Schaft business'' so wonder if they don't own half the town.

A couple of pictures to show a little of the tour.

Emily (our cook) in her trailer cooking our dinner.

Barb our sous chef cleaning stuff up in the other half of the trailer.

We sit around in this circle and eat, laugh and talk over the days events.  Its a lot of fun and you get to know everyone.  Its a good way to do it.

Gail, Fiona and Mike at Schafts having lunch.  

Bishop to Mammoth Lakes - Day 13

Mileage:  48
Total Ascend:5060

So today was a day of blue skies, white clouds, climbs, mountains, meadows, headwinds and the most spectauclar views you can only imagine.  I took lots of pictures but none of them do it justice.  We had one long climb of 6 miles to reach Sherwin Hill Summit (6,377 elevation). It wouldn't have been so hard but we had headwinds which held you back.  Folks were right when they told me I would be cycling into headwinds going from south to east.  But its all good!!

Convict Lake and Resort....what a name.....

Saw a hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail as we were riding into Mammoth Lakes.  You can see his red packback.

Me and my shadow

Another adventurous day tomorrow.  Will wait to see what it brings as we're on our way to Bridgeport.