34 Days Through the Western United States and Canada

Day 9 – Sunday August 7th
Yosemite National Park to Bass Lake, California
Yosemite, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Little Dragon


I reserved a cabin months in advance in one of Yosemite’s campgrounds. Although the accommodations are less than expected, we all sleep fairly well. We rise early to make Glacier Point by sunrise.

Phil and Drew lead the way to Glacier Point as they live nearby and are very familiar with Yosemite. Our ride to Glacier Point left me with a very strong impression of Phil’s bike. I have referred more than once to Phil’s RC51 as a hot bike. Not only is Phil’s bike fast, but the custom exhaust system emits a low-toned throaty rumble which is sheer music to the ears of any sport bike fan. I ride a cruiser, and I must admit that I too was drooling over Phil’s awesome machine. I will never forget riding behind Phil’s bike as we passed though a tunnel in the park. The sound waves reverberating off the walls of the tunnel literally felt like someone was beating on my chest, a memory I will never forget. Whether a fuel stop or a scenic vista, if there were people there, Phil’s bike was turning heads.

Our timing is perfect. We arrive at Glacier Point as the sun is rising, embracing Half Dome in sun beams like a mother holding a baby in her arms.

Sunrise behind Half Dome, from Glacier Point



Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point



Phil discussing the finer points of the sport with a hang-glider preparing to launch from Glacier Point


Hang-gliders at Glacier Point











As we walk about Glacier Point enjoying the view and watching the hang-gliders, our group is joined by another rider. Mike (Thisisme) and I made plans to meet today in Yosemite. We originally planned to meet at the campground in Yosemite Village, but had no idea how impossible it was going to be to find each other there. Luckily, Mike and I discussed the ride ahead of time, so Mike’s had no problem finding us at Glacier Point. After all, there aren’t that many folks walking around the park in motorcycle gear!

At Glacier Point, I bid farewell to Phil, Drew, and Matt. As we head back into Yosemite Valley on Glacier Point Road, my three riding companions quickly disappear through the many twists and turns ahead. It’s been great fun guys!

Mike and I continue our ride into Yosemite Valley where we take a few shots of some of the main attractions.

View of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point Road



El Capitan



Yosemite Falls



Merced River



Tunnel on Big Oak Flat Road



On our way out of Yosemite Valley, we stop for fuel at the Crane Flat store. It’s only about 10:00am, but its already sweltering hot with temps well on the way to triple digits. Hot weather preparations include filling the Camelbak with ice and water and soaking my mesh riding jacket with a water hose. All fueled and ready to ride, Mike and I say goodbye to Yosemite.

View from Highway 120 near Hodgdon Meadow



Route through Yosemite



After exiting the Big Oak Flat entrance station, we stop for one last look into Yosemite National Park.

Half Dome view from Evergreen Road, outside the Big Oak Flat Entrance



Continuing on Evergreen Road to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir



Mike and me



Middle Fork Tuolumne River



Bikes on the bridge



Spillway at Hetch Hetchy



O’Shaughnessy Dam at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir



Hetch Hetchy Reservoir



View of the Tuolumne River from O’Shaughnessy Dam



O’Shaughnessy Dam



From Hetch Hetchy we backtrack to the little town of Mather, where we ride Mather and Cherry Lake Roads to Highway 120 west, near the town of Colfax Spring.


View from Rim of the World Vista Point near Colfax Spring



Continuing on 120 west through the towns of Colfax Spring, Groveland, and Big Oak Flat, we got stuck behind several slow cars. Detouring on Old Priest Grade Road, which could just as easily be called “Very Steep Grade Road,” we pick up Highway 49 south at Moccasin.

Ever since my first glimpse of the Little Dragon on Pashnit.com, I’ve planned on riding it myself. Today is the day. Mike and I are both feeling the effects of the intense afternoon heat. Triple-digits or not, I can’t pass through without getting some good shots of the Little Dragon, trying out both lenses in the process. Mike, just like everyone else who has met me along the way, was very patient while I took a ton of pictures, despite the high temperatures.


Little Dragon, Big Fun



Approaching the Merced River, a pulse-quickening glimpse at what lies ahead



The first series of turns opens up to this view back toward the river



A second overlook after an exciting series of ascending turns



Varying the lens angle



The Little Dragon and Merced River



California gem



Three tiers of the Little Dragon



Having completed the Little Dragon, Mike heads home when we get into the town of Bear Valley. I stop to refresh my Camelbak with ice and water and head for Bass Lake, about 47 miles up the road.

About 15 miles south of Mariposa, the William Sell Bridge is part of a wide sweeping turn on Highway 49 crossing the East Fork of the Chowchilla River. I pull off on the south side of the bridge for this view, looking behind me. Locals warn that the north side of this bridge is a favorite spot for LEOs, noting that they frequently stop here to take pictures of a slightly different variety.

William Sell Bridge along Highway 49



End of Day 9
Location: Bass Lake, California
GPS Mileage = 3976 miles
Today’s Mileage = 239 miles

Route: Day 9