A ride to Yosemite National Park

[ian408]

I was to meet some friends in Yosemite this past Sunday.

Needing three hours to get there, I took off around nine for the park. I had
to make sure the truck was running before I left hence the late start
(short version, battery post was corroded through--new battery and a bit
of a charge).

Fast forward to Yosemite. I arrived at the entrance station just about noon
and stopped on the way for a couple of photos...in the distance, you can just
make out Bridalveil Falls.



Some of the road construction isn't complete making valley traffic worse than
Valley Traffic



Worried I'd miss the boys, it took nearly a half hour to go less than five
miles to the Ahwahnee.



I was late and no one was around. So, walked the grounds and tried to imagine
what this was like back when Gilbert Stanely Underwood designed this 150,000sf
lodge. In case you were wondering, Ahwahnee means "deep, grassy meadow" which
the hotel is situated in.

It was getting towards two pm and I needed to start making tracks. I wanted
to visit Glacier Point before I left. Back the traffic jam and out 41 to
Glacier Point.

Here, the last remnants of winter still hold on. Including the slight chill
as I pass larger accumulations of snow.



This is my feeble attempt at the "on-bike" shot. Headed down the road to
Glacier Point.



Glacier Point was the site of one of the National Park's nicest hotels.
It burned to the ground and wasn't rebuilt. Instead, a gift shop and recently,
a newer version of the shop with a couple of restrooms (and a dozen
porta-pottys) and a nicer parking lot grace the site.

Here's what you would have had to look at in the morning.



Glacier Point offers one of the nicest views of the water falls. To the right,
Nevada Falls and to the center, Vernal Falls.



The view of the Ahwahnee from Glacier puts the size of the park in perspective.




The mighty GS was my ride of choice today and I should give it props for the
fine ride!



I exited the park and headed over to Hwy 49 for some fun in the twisties.
Should have paid more attention to the clock for the ride WEST was into the
setting sun. You can see the twists and even where the road goes high above
the lake. 49 is a fun road but avoid riding into the sun



Aside from almost running out of gas shy of Sonora, a nice trip.

That's about it. No shots on the way home as I was making time and didn't arrive
home until nearly ten pm. What a day!

Oh, and Jerry? I think I might have seen you guys towards Glacier Point. Sorry
I didn't turn around. Maybe next time?


Ian

[aPm]

Thanks for sharing your ride. I rode to Yosemite last week for the first time on my bike. Had a blast! That section of 49 north of Mariposa was intense. Here's a pic I took in the same spot.

[ian408]

Much better picture

What a great ride.

[Jester]

Originally Posted by ian408

Much better picture

What a great ride.

Question, What times were those pictures taken please? Ian's looks around 1800ish and Aaron's looks noon to 1400ish.

Nice Shots both. Thank's for sharing your ride Ian!

Larry

[aPm]

Originally Posted by lwp1200

Question, What times were those pictures taken please? Ian's looks around 1800ish and Aaron's looks noon to 1400ish.

Nice Shots both. Thank's for sharing your ride Ian!

Larry

You are correct. It was just about noon when I took that shot.

[Warrior]

I can't wait to hit 49 on the way to the Pashnit Gathering. Thanks for the great pics guys.

[motowriter]

First... enjoyed your write-up and fun pix, Ian. Thanks! Good note about Hwy 49... last couple times I rode it north it was overcast once, and morning the other time. Will need to remember the setting sun when I ride it again this weekend or plan an alternate.

So as not to interrupt the dueling Hwy 49 pic threadjack, here's my own rendition of the same stretch, but from further back, before the switchbacks:

[chief]

Absolutely stunning pictures Ian.

I've been in Cali all my life and have yet to visit Yosemite. Those pix are pulling me to go there soon.

[G8ESCAP]

You guys are really making me suffer with those pictures! Please continue! I can't wait to get up there and tag along on some of the great rides I see posted here.

[motorrad]

Wow, nice pics from Glacier Point and looking down on Hwy 49 north of Bear Valley. Very clear conditions and sharp images. Ian and Aaron, what type of camera did you use to take these? Very nice. I need to make my Sierra Spring pilgrimage soon now that I know the roads are clear. Hopefully I can swing a weekday off to avoid the Yosemite valley zoo. Any word on Tioga Pass?