Sierra Tour 3-Pass Ride (Motorcycle)

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	The change of seasons is here, so I put in a 308 mile loop ride today. Here is a Google Map of the route. Signs of winter are everywhere, and Kirkwood is showing quite a bit of white.  Waiting for ski season is not a time to sit around...There is still biking to be done.  So I went looking for some fall color in the high country today. The only problem with looking for Fall color in the Sierra Nevada is, you only find it where there are Aspens, Oaks or Cottonwoods.  Between the Fir, Cedar, and pine the pickings can be slim as we head up Hwy 88. But as I approach Silver Lake, there is some promise of Fall color. And on towards Kirkwood Mountain Resort along 88 A short photo-op at Kirkwood Meadows, and the ski season can't be far away. Caples Lake with the Mokolumne Wilderness peaks of Round Top, Sisters and Thunder Pass in the background looking whiter. As we climb to 8000 feet the color is pretty well blown out from freezing nights and snow, but still showing signs of summer's last hurrah. On top of the Pass was a large group of Harley riders using the outhouse facilities.  I thought that was a great idea, but didn't take pictures.   Continuing over Carson Pass, the Aspens at Red Lake were looking golden, but a bit past their prime. And down into Hope Valley where some of the best color occurs.  Looks like I should have been here last week. To be continued

Coming out of Markleeville I was behind this guy on a Gold Wing, and he could flat out kill-it in the twisties.



I followed him up and over Monitor Pass, and the pace was so fast, no chance for pictures.  The view from the top of Monitor Pass as you start to descend into the Coleville Valley is just breathtaking in person.  The drop is over 4000 vertical feet off the mountain into the valley.



Finally pulling into Walker, there is are two places to eat, but no contest for which is best!  Mountainview Barbecue has the best smoked BBQ in California, and nothing beats a hot smoked brisket sandwich with fries and a beer.



Time to head up Sonora Pass on California 108.  Did I mention its steep and twisty?



Color is back along the Carson River



And a change of seasons as we approach the summit at 9340 feet.



Another photo-op.  Man I'm going to miss these pipes.  They sound awesome, but after 8-hours, my head is ringing.



Down out of Sonora Pass through the Gate.



And into the foothills heading for home.



Ride went from about 9:15 to 5:00 PM and all of it was in the saddle except for a welcomed lunch hour.  I used 5.088 gallons of fuel from Pollock Pines to Jackson over 248 miles, so got close to 50 MPG.   It won't be long before the seasonal passes like Sonora and Ebbetts are closed, so today was a good day, and the snow whets the appetite for ski season.

 i like your moto trs

makes me want a bike...

but then the dogs remind me i can't haul their asses around if i rode one

thanks for sharin'

Hmmmm,  a fellow biker Leigh in Phoenix has a setup for "spike" that looks pretty good.  OTOH, that is a small dog and only one of them.

X2

Cirque my dog would never fit in that contraption.

 Beautiful.  I love California this time of year.  Thanks for sharing.

Great photos....I might go this weekend.