In search of Fall in Nevada and the Sierras

[demenshea]

In the Nevada desert autumn quietly tiptoes across the wind-swept sage and you wake up one morning to the sure sign of colder weather to come, when the desert sage blooms for miles in every direction. The sullen summer green is replaced by vibrant yellow to ochre hues filling the air with a dusky aroma as the branches celebrate, dancing in the breeze. With the inevitable change in the air, I took a couple of days to get out on the bike in search of fall.

Nothing quite compares to this sudden transformation, although I am certain the glorious seasonal change in New England must be magnificent. (I have never experienced a fall in the Midwest or New England and suppose that is yet another adventure I must undertake -- yet another addition to my list of "musts" that's got to cover at least a decade of constant motorcycle riding!) Fall brings introspection for me, a time when I think about life’s experiences and challenges and the goals I have yet to achieve. As each year rolls by I perceive myself further seasoned as more and more white waltzes into my darkened locks. Considering a future in a world that sends away their old to be ignored and forgotten, I ponder and ride my motorbike.

And then another fall season arrives, nature howling to be noticed with a constant colorful screech of “here look at me, no me, no me and me and me”. I yielded to the beckoning and submitted in search of fall and answers to life’s deepest questions on the back of a motorbike.

Riding my usual escape route from Reno, I bounded through Carson City (if one can honestly call the slog through downtown Carson City "bounding"). My first photo opportunity was a few miles south in Jack’s Valley where the golden glow of the valley flows along Foothill Rd., a quiet little alternate path that rejoins Hwy 88 near Woodfords.

















New life pine cone style and looking a bit like the Cheshire Cat

[demenshea]

Quiet and pristine, I find a great spot for staring at the vast hillside in contemplation, sensing the sagebrush quivering as the breeze has her way with the flora.




From the quiet of Foothill Rd. I ride to Hope Valley where Hwy 88 meets Hwy 89 and the elevation rises to 6000 ft. I discover that I am about 2 weeks early to find fall in the Sierras. The leaves tease me with moderate color but not the full-blown palette of yellows and oranges that are yet to come on stage. Regardless, Hope Valley is ever a dazzling sight to behold.











West Fork of the Carson River





Returning east, I retraced my imaginary tire tracks then motored south a bit to Markleeville.





Riders heading out of Markleeville

In Markleeville I had another of those moments of Internet epiphany as a gentleman on a beautiful Ducati called out my name, then proceeded to inform me that he knows me from the Pashnit forum. I am always amazed when this happens. His name was Gale and he is a lurker. (You hear that Gale? The time has come for you to officially grant yourself immunity to waste your time with us on the web forums!)


Gale and his new-to-him Ducati Multistrada


Gale asked me if I had ever ridden on Diamond Valley Rd., a side road near Woodfords and a bit of a shortcut for the ride north back to Hwy88. It was lovely! Nice terrain, pavement, a few twists and turns. Only a few miles long, you find yourself reconnecting to Hwy 88 before you’re ready to end the enjoyable diversion.


Gale on Diamond Valley Rd.



Patiently awaiting the motographer


Gale and I rode together back up Carson Valley then at the intersection of Kingsbury Grade we parted company. I rode solo up the grade and along Lake Tahoe and over to Mt. Rose before descending back into Reno with a setting sun behind me and a stunning full moon rising in the east.




In all, 182 miles in blissful search for Fall…

[demenshea]

Day Two

Since I was apparently a couple of weeks early for fall in the Sierras I decided to see if I could find fall in the high desert of Nevada. I waited for the day to warm up before departing and packed along the heated gear, another sure sign that summer was a receding memory in my mirrors. Riding and cold don’t mix well for me.

I decided to add some fun right into the beginning of my ride with the smooth pavement and many curves of Geiger Grade to Virginia City, then down the other side of the mountain via the quiet and scenic Six-Mile Canyon. Ahhhhhhhh, perfect pavement, lots of twists and no other riders, a winning combination.





Six-Mile Canyon





I headed east on Hwy 50 in the direction of Hwy 95, yet another lonely Nevada highway, then rode south to Yerington. I decided to stop in for a visit with my father and step-mother whose home is one of the cutest in town with a lovely garden. They are both armed with vibrant personalities, so there is never a dull moment visiting my father's home. Alas, they weren’t home. So I snapped a couple of shots of the lovely flowers and was getting ready to leave a note when they drove up.










The visit took them by surprise and we enjoyed lunch together before I set off again into the Nevada desert. Rather than return north back up Hwy 95 I rode south and jogged west through Wilson Canyon then over Sweetwater Pass to Bridgeport, California.








Bridgeport Reervoir






When are gas prices too much? Possibly now…






Shadowdance

Another 244 miles in search of Fall...

Soon enough the winter rain and snow will begin, but until then I’ll continue in my annual autumn meditations by motorbike, hopefully heading back to the Sierras soon to catch the alpines changing in Hope Valley, grateful that our human changes in season take place at a more relaxed pace.

[DavidO]

Fantastic riding along Donna. Thanks!

[Sbyllek]

Donna you're killin' me!! Get a job!!! I'm soooooo jealous!

No wait, on second thought...I'd rather see your pics

Keep 'em coming!!!

[taosports]

Wow! Very nice Donna. Beautiful words and images. Thank you!

[Tyler]

D, your metamorphosis over the past year has been amazing to watch and experience, even if it means crossing over to the hooligan side ... you go, girl!!

[motorrad]

Great post Donna, I really enjoyed your write up and pics. Nevada and the eastern Sierras are looking choice right now, probably will peak during the next 2 or 3 weeks. Thanks for motivating me to get out and ride.

[Ally House]

Very nice, Donna. I'm waiting for the chance for the Oregon post on Autumn...it's been raining for three days, however.

[kluts]

DAng. Good riding. Good pictures. Reasonably great life experiences. When is this foolishness going to stop?

Never if the cards play out right.