Stanislaus National Forest, California Tuolumne to Cherry Lake Reservoir

So you just purchased that fresh new 748. And you're looking for a place to put it through some paces.  You've ridden to work a few times- everyone is really impressed.  To the store and around the block, other than that- it sits in the garage chained to the huge I-bolt in the center of the garage floor, covered, battery tender quietly humming.   You stare at it, and it stares back at you.  You can hear it speaking to you.  The feeling of leather against skin is something you secretly crave but aren't willing to admit.  The stiffness of the armor, the heaviness of your riding boots, and the way those Teknic gloves fit so perfect.   You want to leave it all behind.  The grind, the cul-de-sac, the weird neighbor and that freakin' dog that never stops barking.  You need a road.  The road of all roads.  High speeds.  No people.  Good pavement.  No side roads.  No towns.  Endless curves.  Straights. The middle of nowhere.  And with great views to boot.

The entire road looks like this...

Rides like this are what make the hundreds of roads I've ridden in search of this perfection all worth it.   Years ago, when I discovered Mosquito Ridge, I was beside myself and didn't stop grinning for a week.  There were so many non-stop curves on Mosquito Ridge I was begging for a straight section after awhile.  I would go out on a limb and say so far- these two roads are by far the curviest-high speed-out of the way-deserted-middle of nowhere-pure sportbike bliss rides.  Whew.  And maybe Angels Crest.  And I gotta throw Oroville-Quincy Rd in there too.

Tremendous view at Cherry Lake

Keep in mind you will have occasional rocks in the road- some were as big as 8 inches in diameter, but there is plenty of room to adjust your trajectory (depending on your speed).  This is the Sierra Nevada and that kind of stuff is pretty normal.  If it is spring, there will be water on the road from the snow melt- usually in the corners.  In fall, it's dry as a bone.   What surprised me the most is the consistent width, smooth pavement, and even a middle line.  And no people.  Where's all the other cars?  All the campers?  The tour buses?  Even less than what was on Cherry Lake Rd, and that wasn't as good quality road as this.  Anyway, you get the idea.  One other thing you'll notice about this road is like most of the foothills and Sierra- cattle roam free.  You might notice some 10 inch diameter droppings in the middle of the road.  Yeah, no kidding.  Keep your eyes open.  Cows ahead.  And yes, it's rather slippery.  -Cow pics-

Watch out for cow paddies!

Ode to the fire hose

This road is in the middle of nowheresville- as most good roads are.  And what's up with all the rangers in their pickups.  I passed five in this 50 mile ride.  Be nice.  If you blow by the ranger at 75- that might not be the best way to handle that presence.  You must co-exit Daniel-san.  Find this road from (east of) Sonora by headed up Hwy 108 to Tuolumne Road.  If you miss it, a mile or so later at Standard (who names these towns?), take Standard Road back down (south) to Tuolumne Rd.   If you are coming down the hill on Highway 108, at Twain Harte- look for Tuolumne Rd. and head south. Look for the restored little white house storing the fire hose.  Buchanan Rd (see map below) is your magic carpet ride (it will change to Cottonwood Rd a short bit later).  The road is rather poor quality leaving Tuolumne City and you will be wondering- was that pashnit.com guy smokin' somethin' or what?  But hang in there speedracer- the pavement quality miraculously gets better!  Imagine that. Time to test out that Ducati 748.

Once at Cherry Lake, you have the choice of turning around or heading south to Hwy 120 via Cherry Lake Rd.  Another great ride although the pavement won't be as good.  Still a great ride with views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Columbia State Park and Big Hill Rd are also closeto the west end of this road.  Below Sonora, don't miss Railtown 1897 in Jamestown.  Just east on Hwy 108 is Knights Ferry Covered Bridge.

Pashnit Interactive Map Click Map to explore more California Motorcycle Roads! - Full Screen

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