Wonder Valley-Trimmer Springs-Maxon-Tollhouse Putt

[Jester]

Hi All! As I noticed the wear bars getting closer to the surface of my rear tire I decided to get the last few smiles out of it. A road which always brings a few smiles is Wonder Valley Road (AKA Elwood Road). This road connects the 180 east of Squaw Valley with Piedra Road right before it intersects Trimmer Springs Road. Now is a wonderful time to ride in the Sierra's lower elevations. Pollen is low and the flowers are waining, but the hills are still green! The rains have left the ground spongy and full of moisture. This section of the Sierra foothills should stay greener this year. Lots of tight curves in this little stretch of road which rises to look over the Kings River trickling out of Pine Flat dam.

Continuing on, Trimmer Springs Road is a nice fast curvey piece of asphalt running along the North side of Pine Flat Lake. The lake is full this year and today, bluer than I've ever seen it. Watch out in the "civilized" areas, there were one or two turns with lots of sand right at the apex.

Maxon road leaves Pine Flat Lake, humps the ridge, and meanders North toward Tollhouse following a feeder creek. As soon as I crested the ridge, I could see a nice straight(ish) stretch of road and a ways down right in the middle of it big red pickup....comming my way......into my lane .....drifting ....Drifting ......DRIFTING!!!!!! Suffice it say, we didn't meet; just barely. As I passed the Idiot, guess what he was fumbling with? You guessed it sports fans, a cell phone! I can accept that in the flatlands but in the twisties???? That's just WRONG!!!! Back to the beauty. After seeing this road draped in brown for most of the year, green really intensifies the experience of riding through it.

Maxon Road turns into Watts Valley Road, then Burrough Valley Road then a left turn at Tollhouse brings us to Humphrey's Station. LUNCHTIME! Richard and Laura, hash and plate slingers par excellan'ce help make this a Motorcycle Friendly establishment. That's Richard's 81 GL1100 parked on the side of the resturant. Great place to stop if you are riding in that area. and with the great roads thrown in, does it get much better than this?? Why yes it does.

Did I mention Tires? With the excellent roads and lunch, I almost forgot why I set out on this ride.....oh yea, Tires. Down the hill, No BS, A to B. straight to my perferred dealership to see how much off retail I can whittle for this rear tire. I am waiting to speak to the manager (cause flunkie sales guys do NOT give discounts but they will get you your tire for ya......which was the wrong one anyway) cause he is the only one who can. He sees the tire is the wrong one and heads off with said flunkey to get one from the loft. Meanwhile I follow them past the sign which says "EMPLOYEES ONLY" (it helps being crazy) and stop to chat with the lovely young lady at the inner parts desk and notice at my feet a pair of Dunlop 208GP's which had been ridden during a dealer only demo Track Day. Nice and toasty on the sides and almost no wear in the middle.

He comes back empty handed and I kick the track tires. $150 he says (I had to fight my natural instinct to counter with $125). DEAL! I screamed nonchelantly. What a bargain! Why can't all days be like this???

Oh did I mention passing the CHP going the other way doing a bit over the limit? He waved back.

Ride Safe!

Being careful today 'cause I used up all my luck yeserday, Larry

P.S. This is my first post with pictures. After leaving photography for a # of years, I'm getting back into it digitally. These were shot with a Cannon A85 Digital camera with no special lenses. I am open to critique and suggestions. Thanks!

[Mac]

Originally Posted by lwp1200

P.S. This is my first post with pictures. After leaving photography for a # of years, I'm getting back into it digitally. These were shot with a Cannon A85 Digital camera with no special lenses. I am open to critique and suggestions. Thanks!

Next time you might consider adding some pretty scenery! Just kidding! Outsanding pictures!

[that_guy_you_know]

What? There's scenery? All I could see was the bike of my dreams!
great pics.

[Jester]

Originally Posted by Mac

Next time you might consider adding some pretty scenery! Just kidding! Outsanding pictures!

I tried! I really tried, but all that green stuff kept getting in the way.

[Toyuzu]

Rule #1: Don't let anything get in the way of that RSV in the photos.

all other rules are inconsequential.