CA, OR, and WA Ride: June 2008

[motorrad]

This post reflects on a summer vacation ride planned to forget about work for awhile and just relax on the road. I will try to update this chronological day by day report as I have time to edit pictures and reflect back on each ride day.

DAY 1

The ride plan called to depart Merced, CA on June 21st with two good friends (father and son) and head up through the Pacific Northwest for nine days of riding the back roads. The days leading up to departure built the excitement as the route was fine tuned while packing just the essentials. Left Monterey Friday afternoon after work and headed over to Merced for the night, with a huge smile on my face that lite up the well known road in my path.

An early 7am departure on Saturday began with a run on Snelling Rd to Hornitos Rd to Bear Valley Rd for some Little Dragon (Hwy 49) fun. The morning was already warming up and traffic was light allowing for a spirited unimpeded ride. After taming the dragon, it was off to Hwy 120 and Priest Grade Rd, one of the few times ridden where no other vehicles were encountered while motoring up the great twisties to Groveland for a fuel stop. Wards Ferry Rd was next to add some goaty flavor to the day ride, then hooked up with Hwy 108 at Twain Harte heading for Sonora Pass. The cumulus clouds were starting to build indicating interesting things to come. Up and over a favorite Sierra pass to Topaz Lake for fuel, and to meet up with another good friend for the afternoon ride.

Departed Topaz Lake after greetings led to a run up and over Monitor Pass (Hwy 89) with a lunch stop at the Markleeville deli. Great place for a tasty sandwich and relaxing outdoors on the patio. Then off to Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) where the skies darkened and experienced lightning with thundershowers for an hour or so. Found out later this same weather system was responsible for all the lightning that set off several forest fires in the northern Sierra, Trinity Alps, and even the coastal Big Sur area. Hard to believe, as this caused devastating effects to the California area and smoky conditions with unplanned detours for some of the ride days to come.

After riding down (west) on Hwy 4 to Arnold for gas and a rest stop, the crew took Sheep Ranch Rd, Railroad Flats Rd, Jesus Maria Rd, to Hwy 29 into Pioneer, CA. A few more of the most fun goaty backroads to be found in the Gold Country foothills. Then up and over Hwy 88 to Carson Pass stopping at Caples Lake, then down (east) to Fredericksburg picking up Foothill Rd north to Carson City. From there it was east on Hwy 50 for a short stretch to Hwy 341 up and over Geiger Pass, a first time road for me and one of the finest paved, twisty, haul ass roads to be enjoyed through Virginia City into Reno. Pulled into Reno for the night around 9:30pm, to enjoy a great dinner, cold beers, and nice conversations with a super ride couple and hosts. All thoughts of work and the stresses of life had melted away.

Two motards in Merced, ready to ride. Really like Drew's (DR Motard) ammo top cases on the Suzuki DR650SE.


My BMW F650GS dual sport and Phil's (Strega 51) Ducati Hypermotard 1100.


Snelling Rd in dawns light, starting the nine day adventure.


Little Dragon at the southern end, one of many pics of this great road on the forum.


Motards taking in the view at the Fremont Fort overlook.


Priest Grade Rd looking west, with not a sole on it but us.


Drew waiting on Wards Ferry Rd. The DR rides the twisties as if on rails.


Phil crossing a small bridge on Wards Ferry. A favorite narrow, bumpy road and ride.


The writing on the wall rang true to me; always an optimist.


Wards Ferry Rd bridge must be experienced, like a story book in the middle of nowhere.


Leading up to Sonora Pass on Hwy 108.


Nice twisties, upcoming tight hairpin with steep climb just around the corner.


Reaching the summit, time for a stretch and some pics.


Like this one of Phil and Drew, of course marks were left on back of sign (hooligins).


Riding down the east side of Sonora Pass.


Near the Marine (USMC) winter training camp (base) off of 108.


Kicking back on the straights cruising along the river on Hwy 395 heading north to Topaz.


Gary (Motowriter) joins the crew in Topaz with a stop at Monitor Pass (Hwy 89) favorite.


Ebbetts Pass, one of 5 Sierra passes summited during the day.


Bike pic by the scenic lake before Alpine Lake, just before the thunderstorm hit.


Caples Lake from the dam off of Hwy 88 east of Carson pass.


Twilight riding on Geiger pass heading to Virginia City, NV.

[CybrDva]

Ah the Snelling Road shot just made me major homesick... So glad you guys got to do that and so bummed about Drew's bike and your battery! Love the Dragon too!

Aims

[kluts]

[VFR Pilot]

[motorrad]

DAY 2

Awoke in Reno after a good nights sleep with a cup of fresh brewed coffee. The morning was young and the temps were coolish compared to the central CA valley heat. The crew of four riders readied their bikes for a long ride through the Sierras, favorite western Lake Tahoe back roads, north toward Lassen N.P. and then west to Red Bluff, CA for the night. An ambitious ride day, but well within reach given a full day of riding.

First up was the ride on Hwy 341 back over Geiger Pass to Carson City, then following south along the eastern Sierra taking Jacks Rd to Foothill Rd over Hwy 207 Daggett Pass into South Lake Tahoe. A nice ride to warm up with, the usual weekend cages through the Lake Tahoe area keeping our speeds in check. Followed Hwy 50 then Pioneer Trail to skirt the south side of South Lake Tahoe congestion, then back on Hwy 50 over Echo summit to Kyburz for gas, and back to Wrights Lake Rd. Wrights Lake is a great road with a really fun culvert to play on and practice catching some air. Spent about 30 minutes there; like kids jumping their Schwinn Stingrays.

Wrights Lake Rd leads to Ice House Rd and then Wentworth Springs Rd. These two are classic Sierra roadways not to be missed, with perfect asphalt through tree lines, nicely cambered twisties, pure joy on 2-wheels. The adventure began as we ventured north off of Wentworth Springs road on NF2 just past Uncle Tom's Cabin area. The plan called to follow this goat trail north to Hell Hole reservoir to French Meadows and then take Mosquito Ridge Rd west to Foresthill. Unfortunately, there was a forest fire on French Meadows Rd closing the road that forced us to re-group and plan a detour. The GPS were humming and my AAA map was out, looked like a significant back-track was the only way around the fire to continue on. So off we went, scrambling through the tight forest roads to find Hwy 50 further south and cut over up through Auburn to the Nevada City area.

As with most well laid plans, improvising became the name of this day with grand results. After reaching Auburn, Gary found some really nice back roads paralleling Hwy 49 to the west, through scenic golden hill scrub oak ranch country, especially liked Penn Valley Rd by Lake Wildwood and across the Yuba river, leading to North San Juan for a rest stop and a cold soda. Was nice to stop and shoot the breeze for a while, then back on the bikes and off to Bullards Bar reservoir to find Quincy-La Porte Rd heading northeast. What a fun race track this road was, again no other vehicles seemed to be up there on this day so it was just clear fast riding. Nearing Quincy, and rounding a big sweeper, there was this huge mushroom cloud on the horizon. Turned out we were witnessing the beginning of the many forest fires to come that were set off by lightning storms that had swept through the day before. Mind blowing to see the red flames shooting skyward with a huge smoke cloud rising up.

Made it safely into Quincy, gassed, then followed Hwy 89 past Lake Almanor toward Lassen N.P. The sun was setting a blood red sky due to the smoke, so made tracks down into Red Bluff as darkness set in to complete the ride day. Pizza delivery was the only food option available after checking in at the motel around 10pm, enjoyed some cold Pale Ale picked up at the gas station across the street to wash it down. Life was good. A sound sleep came easy.

Bikes ready to roll on June 22nd from Reno. Gary (Motowriter) and Donna (Demensha) were such awesome hosts.


Pic while riding on Geiger Pass. This is a really great road, wish I had snapped one off on a twistier section.


Think this is Jacks Rd or Foothill, heading to Hwy 207 pass up to South Lake Tahoe. Clear cool riding.


Following Gary and Drew, perfect morning for a ride along the eastern Sierra.


Crossing the stateline between Nevada and California in South Lake Tahoe casino area.


Wrights Lake road is tight, curvy, fast, and fun.


This is the culvet we were jumping; my pic does not do justice due to an early shutter click.
(Gary took some great shots here).


The turn off Wentworth Springs to NF2.


One of many crystal clear rivers crossed, wish I had packed the fly rod.


Bike with a view, really peaceful when embedded deep in the forest.


Moving fast along the forest road back tracking to Hwy 50 after finding road closed due to forest fire.


Buck's gas stop and store off of Quincy-La Porte Rd.


Gary and his Yamaha FZ1 nailing a sweeper on Quincy-La Porte Rd.


Rounding this curve presented the following sight.


Amazing to see this up close, devastating for the locals though, was glad the road stayed open.


Ducati on the runway showing off.


Yamaha liked the curves too.


BMW tractor wishing the old bridge was still open.


Crew riding into Quincy area on Hwy 89. Really getting smoky here.


The Suzuki showing her stuff. One thing about Pashnit rides is the variety of bikes.


Running out of day light, seven more days to ride.

[2play]

Keep it coming Tom!!!

[Bandit12]

Originally Posted by CybrDva

so bummed about Drew's bike and your battery!
Aims

Huh?


Tom, great write up so far. Keep telling the tale. We're waiting for more.

Wish I'd known you were gonna be in town, I might have tried to tag along for a bit.


Ray

[bosozoku]

Originally Posted by CybrDva

Ah the Snelling Road shot just made me major homesick... so bummed about Drew's bike and your battery!

Aims

Originally Posted by Bandit12

Huh?


Tom, great write up so far. Keep telling the tale. We're waiting for more.

Wish I'd known you were gonna be in town, I might have tried to tag along for a bit.


Ray

The DR had a top-end lubrication issue, which led to failure of an important component upstairs, and the BMW's battery had all its' juice sucked out during the ferry crossing at Wheatland.



There's a thread showing the DR's post-mortem, and I'll let them fill in the details about the EMF that went walkabout the next afternoon.

At least the battery was nice enough to die where the BMW shop wasn't very far away.

[motorrad]

DAY 3

The morning started out on the warm side with a hazy smoke filled sky and the evening ended in cooler crystal clear air with a major decision point. One of the most fun pure ride days I have ever experienced, as the back roads selected through northwestern CA into southern OR were primo, and small group of riders were totally insynch. The challenge presented itself about 30 miles from the night's destination of Medford, OR on a back mountain road with a bike's mechanical failure. Situations like this are part of the motorcycling adventure on longer rides, and dealing with them kind of builds character, if that makes sense.

An early start from Red Bluff, CA had us right on the famed Hwy 36 western ribbon of unrelenting twisties. Basically had the roadway to ourselves again and smartly made our way through the rather straight 15 miles of country side to the progressively tighter and curvy section of bliss. Was hard to not keep going all the way to Fortuna, but the plan was to head north taking Wildwood Rd to Hwy 3 up to Weaverville for gas. Wildwood is a hoot of a road paralleling east of Hwy 3 proper and Hayfork, well worth the diversion. Connects back to Hwy 3 for another favorite section of road north up to Hwy 299 and Weaverville, CA. This is where Gary had to split off for the day and make tracks back to Reno. Always such a pleasure to catch up on life and ride with Gary, one of those people who make you smile and be happy.

The smoke was still thick in Weaverville, where three amigos gassed up and headed north on Hwy 3. This road presents many sweepers, although a few more vehicles to contend with at the southern portion through the Whiskeytown Shasta Trinity lake area. The lake was super low for this time of year, another sign of the drought conditions in CA. The good news is the section of Hwy 3 south of Callahan is the promised land, a superb section of road with turn after turn climbing uphill going north. A real peg scrapper. Stopped in Callahan, CA for a sandwich and cold soda, nice gal minding the one store in town, think only one or two cars passed by during the entire 30-45 minutes we spent on the front porch enjoying lunch.

Next up was a visit to Forks of Salmon, a place that has been calling me to check out for a few years now. Was not to disappoint either, as Cecilville Rd presents perfect pavement following the river back into the mountains and one of the most unpopulated stretches I can recall. Nature riding at it's best. The road narrowed into a one lane goat trail after 25 miles or so, brought a smile to our faces as this is really more our element. Back out to Hwy 3 on Sawyers Bar Rd where we hit a bit of road work. We laughed our asses off upon learning they were laying fiber cable back into the remote area, go figure.

Back on Hwy 3 to Scotts Bar Rd and Hwy 96 into Happy Camp. The hours seemed to fly by on the bikes without a care in the world. Really like the Trinity Alps area and this portion of northern CA, very remote and scenic. There is only 87 octane gas a Happy Camp, topped off and headed north on Indian Creek Rd to cross the boarder into Oregon. Fun mountain road, but sections of very rough pavement, need to be careful in the corners due to the unexpected bumps and uneven patch job. Dropped in by Obrien, OR and took Hwy 199 toward Cave Junction, OR. The hour was getting late by now, but decided to try Deer Creek Rd due east out of Selma, OR. What a fun back road as it winded through tree lines and became BLM 38-7-33, to BLM 37-6-36, to Cedar Flat Rd. How we found our way to Williams, OR is a testament to Phil's GPS skill and die hard attitude of the ride crew. Was really fun.

This is where disaster struck though. After the steep narrow climb over the mountains, there was a downhill stretch leading to Williams, Water Gap Rd to Hwy 238 into Medford. The DR650SE engine up and died at the intersection of Williams Hwy and Powell Creek Rd about 30 miles west of Medford, OR. Drew coasted over to side of road, Phil was sweeping. I turned around after a few minutes of not seeing headlights to see what was up. No compression in the DR engine, stator made noise indicating power, and weird engine bind so could not be pushed backwards. Looked like a major engine failure after 20 minutes of fiddling, testing, discussing symptoms. It was after 9pm now and we were in the boonies. Cell phone worked, so called tow service to see what this option would cost; too much, too long a wait. So the group decided to park the disabled DR into the bushes, off the road, loaded up the BMW tractor with all the Suzuki luggage and rider to plow on toward Medford in the darkness. Made it of course, the crew stuck together, ideas on what to do next kept cell phones buzzing well into the night.

Hwy 36 heading west out of Red Bluff, CA. A favorite sign predicting things to come.


Smoke and hazy conditions as the crew made their way west in morning light.


A few photo ops were taken along Hwy 36


Wildwood Rd was fun, bit smoky from all the forest fires raging, kind of spooky.


The fires were all around this area, never knew what to expect around the next corner.


Four rides lined up on Hwy 3 at Wildwood Rd junction.


No, we did not transport to the Isle of Man or Oz, just following road construction pace truck on the left side.


Blasting off up Hwy 3 toward Callahan, clear sailing.


The pace quickens, just reflex and free thought setting in, like a dream.


This is warp factor following Phil and Drew through the twisties.


Finally going to ride the Forks of Salmon and Cecilville Rd.
(Eryk, a must return)


What a great road leading into the wilderness on primo pavement and twisties.


Salmon River; very scenic through here. Swimming, kayaking and fishing paradise.


The road narrows following along the river presents some interesting turns.


Like an old foot bridge to explore across the river. Seen better days.


Phil ventures out for a climb across (not).


The bustling post office at Forks of Salmon.


Road construction on Sawyers Bar Rd. They let us sneak by the road work on our bikes, cars would have been delayed for an hour or more.


Scotts Bar Rd was goaty and fun too, making our way to Happy Camp.


Honestly don't remember where this is; somewhere between Scotts Bar, CA and Obrien, OR


Chasing up BLM 37-6-36 in late summer evening glow.


Parting pic of DR650SE leading through mountain terrain before the mechanical...

[motorrad]

DAY 4

This ride day started out differently, as the first priority was to figure out and come up with a plan to deal with the blown engine on the DR. Weighing several options, it was decided by the rider to rent a small U-Haul truck and get the bike back home where there were tools and time to work on it. Tough decision, and we all felt bad about the shortened trip for Drew, just one of those things you have to deal with as best you can. Main thing was we were all safe, and the DR650SE engine had enjoyed a fun filled 80K+ life on the road. I'm pretty sure we'll see it riding again, once the engine can be rebuilt or replaced.

The champion, hall of fame motard, was retrieved, loaded, secured, and on it's way to Merced, CA by noon. Phil and I were back on the bikes and on our way north to Salem, OR for the night, taking the coastal leg as we were closer to Grants Pass, OR than Crater Lake at this point. The fun started just east of Merlin, OR on Galice Rd following the river crescent loop up to Wolf Creek, OR. Very scenic ride along the river, became apparent that Oregon has tons of trees, really big rivers, and very few vehicles on the road. Perfect weather for the ride too.

Stopped for lunch and gas at Wolf Creek, chatted with some locals, then off to Glendale picking up Hwy 27 west, or N. Reuben Rd becoming Cow Creek Rd looping north to Myrtle Creek, OR. Super nice riding through this area, especially liked the sweeping 180-deg turns back and forth for miles winding through the country side on Cow Creek Rd; highly recommend this road. Passing through Roseburg, took Hwy 138 at Sutherlin to Hwy 38 and the Oregon coast appeared at Reedsport. Not much happening in Reedsport, joked it looked like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie as there was absolutely no one on the streets or in stores. Very deserted little coastal town. Headed north up the Oregon coast on Hwy 101 to Waldport, where it was pretty flat and straight until we hit Florence. Very nice twisties and pavement between Florence and Waldport.

Stopped at a scenic overlook north of Florence for some pics and met a very cool rider on a GIXXER if I recall who was on a long ride from Edmonton, Alberta to San Luis Obispo, CA of all places. Talked for a while, trading ride stories and road conditions, always a pleasure to meet fellow bikers on the road. Stopped again at Devil's Churn on Cape Perpetua just south of Yachats, OR for a walk around. Very interesting coastal geologic feature, although relatively calm on this day, surprised to learn it was a volcanic basalt formation. Day light was fading by now, so made tracks to Hwy 34 to head inland (east) at Waldport. What a super fun twisty road, Hwy 34 is not to be missed if traveling through this area on a motorcycle. Darkness set in after 9:30pm and rolled into the motel at Salem, OR for the night after 10 pm. What a day; from morning low to evening high.

Rental truck to take the Suzuki DR650SE back home, she was resting peacefully.


Lot's of good memories and rides with this motard; sure Drew can rebuild her.


Always joking and having fun; best way to enjoy life. Bet this got some looks on I-5.


Pulling out on the bikes from the Williams Hwy, Powell Rd scene and retrieval location.


Back on the open road heading north to Grants Pass, OR.


Following a big river east of Merlin, OR on Galice Rd.


Stopped along the way to take in the sights and fresh air.


Southern Oregon was really green and tranquil, nice weather in late June.


The rafters were out floating along the river, guess they're taking a lunch break on the bank.


Bikes on a bridge, with river running through it.


Galice road nearing Wolf Creek, OR


Road narrows, good pavement, just the way we like it.


Lot's of interesting bridges in Oregon; needed to cross all the rivers up there.


This was taken at Wolf Creek, OR of youngsters trying to find homes for a litter of kittens.


Lumber country in this neck of the woods, huge pile of trees waiting to be processed.


Playing catch the rabbitt on Cow Creek Rd.


Really fun twisty country road; this was the theme of the four day ride so far.


They seemed endless, drawing you along mile after mile.


Came across an interesting railroad crossing, worth a stop to explore.


Always enjoy checking out old bridges and imaging what may come roaring out of the tunnels.


Phil capturing a track level pic, or is he listening to hear if a train is coming?


Further up we came across this dust breathing dragon, think it was cleaning the tracks or inspecting them.


Heading to the Oregon coast and Pacific ocean on Hwy 38.


The overlook north of Florence where we met a nice rider from Alberta, Canada.


Great road along the coast on this stretch between Florence and Waldport, OR.


Entering a tunnel along the Oregon coast on Hwy 101.


The ocean is always so peaceful to me; love the smell, the wind, the endless waves.


Stretches like this reminded me of the central CA coast line.


Stopped at Cape Perpetua south of Yachats, OR to take in an interesting sight.


Walking down to the sea for a closer look; watchful for a rouge wave.


Fairly calm day and low tide. Must be something to watch on a stormy day.


Tried to time the waves coming in, as there were some pretty good spouts.


Bridge leading into Waldport, OR


Leading now and picking up the pace significantly on Hwy 34 toward Salem, OR.


Perfect pavement and camber, zooming through the tree lined tunnel of light.


Entering a hairpin hot; time to let go of the camera, focus, and lean hard...