California Roundabout

NevadaWolf · January 20th, 2014, 10:07 PM

Well, this is sort of a ride report to Yosemite, but since I got there so late I got no still pictures and the video is meh (again because it was so late).

I left Carson later than intended but figured since I had Monday off could risk it. Traveled north to Reno to catch I-80 and headed west. Mid January and Donner Pass was completely free of snow. Unless winter suddenly remembers there is a whole western half of the country, summer is going to seriously suck for those of us out here.

When I asked Google for directions, it sent me down some really funky backroads. So I opted instead to head south on Hwy 49. This is a nice narrow two lane road that has some pretty decent twists in areas and in others crosses through some very scenic old towns. Great road and very fun to ride along in the summer. Unfortunately, being Sunday, every one else in CA wanted to drive 49 as well! Slow and go the whole way and I was half tempted to listen to Google and take the backroad.

However, once I left Sonora, the traffic vanished and it was nothing but clear asphalt and bright sunny day for me and the bike. The temps were in the mid-60's and I was glad I had worn layers to adjust for the differences between mountain and valley weather. As I made the turn onto 120, I noticed a black car behind me. That got me looking for a speed limit sign.

I have made the discovery that speed limit signs are an endangered species on California road ways. The few remaining wild ones are rather secretive. Example, leaving a town, one will see "End 35 Speed Zone". Beyond that..... Nothing....

So, with CHP on my tail, I was left wondering just what to do. I took a guess it was 55 being out in the middle of nowhere but being on a highway I thought it might be 65. So, going 60, I guessed I was close enough to whatever I was supposed to be. The cop got right up on me close enough my finger was hovering over the turn signal waiting for the pull over lights. But then another sport bike came up the road and turned off onto a side road and the cop sped after them. Sorry dude, whomever you were, didn't mean to be hiding a cop.

The signs for Yosemite helped me get onto New Priest Grade Road. Within moments, I found my new favorite section of Hwy 120. WHEEEEEEEEE squiggly!! And across the way was the original Priest Grade Road and my eyes popped at the steepness the vehicles were going up. Wow!

To sum up a rather disappointing visit to Yosemite (running late, slow traffic, poor signage, asthma attack, cold), I did get my stamp. Yay. Moving on....

On the way back, I decided to let Google have its way and launched the Navigator app to guide me back to Sacramento. Rather fun listening to the directions (so used to reading the map and knowing what I need to do vs trusting the demon box) and driving through central California at night. The map shows where I was, all I saw at the time was dar around me, lights in the distance.

Got to Sacramento and headed up I-80 again. Chose to go that way as I knew the road was clear and was only vaguely confident that 50 would be safe. When in the dark (literally and figuratively) go with the known vs the unknown. Quick bite to eat in Loomis and then eastward. Strangely the coldest part wasn't the summit (7,227') but instead at Truckee. Cold enough I blew past the town in a quest to get to the Truckee Meadows in the hope of warmer air. Oops, forgot I bas supposed to fill up back there.

Amazing how warm you can be when focused on how much further you have to go to the next gas station.

All was well and made it safely back to Carson. Left around 10am, returned around 1am, and covered just over 600 miles in those 15 hours.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Embedding failed because inline frames are not supported by your browser or the web server.

Motofool · January 21st, 2014, 05:07 AM

JohnnyBravo · January 21st, 2014, 08:59 AM

Sweet report!

rasta · January 21st, 2014, 09:51 AM

NevadaWolf · January 21st, 2014, 09:58 AM

Yep, I agree. But the only decent video is along Hwy 49. Once I got to Groveland, the dark trees and bright mountain tops were washing out the camera.

I'll see about getting videos up from the last two weekends. Been freaking lazy lately, sorry.

JohnnyBravo · January 21st, 2014, 11:25 AM

Talk about lazy... I been in the house most of the day, and I am about to go stir crazy, or eat some potato chips. Sigh

algs26 · January 21st, 2014, 08:21 PM

So 49 Auburn to Coloma was completely dry and clear? Going north on 49 you get to see the Foresthill bridge way up in the sky.

I think a month ago 49 near Lotus Rd was icy/wet/sandy. Last Sunday was finally what I would call clear. Not much traffic during the 9ers game too.

NevadaWolf · January 21st, 2014, 09:41 PM

Well, clear as can be with the construction. But the pavement was fine both on the upper and lower bridges. Never saw any spots that made me worry along 49.

And I think some folks missed the memo on the game, coming up out of that canyon was some really slow drivers. So i just swerved back and forth in my own lane to have some fun while they plodded along.

I love looking up at the Foresthill Bridge. Ages ago a friend and I were doing a pseudo-geocaching murder mystery and one clue was on the lower bridge smack in the middle and the second clue was smack in the middle of the upper bridge. My friend refused to walk out there. But I did, wow what a view!

NevadaWolf · January 21st, 2014, 11:56 PM

Ok, got a video up and posted in the OP. Best I could do with the time of day.

YouTube crafting its music magic so be warned. LOL

misfitsailor · February 20th, 2014, 06:53 PM

Nice ride report! In CA, the default speed limit out in the sticks is 55 unless otherwise posted.

Klondike1020 · February 21st, 2014, 09:10 AM

nice ride! I cannot wait to enjoy the nicer climate

what gauge cluster is that?

csmith12 · February 21st, 2014, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klondike1020

what gauge cluster is that?

Koso

You always have the coolest rides.

NevadaWolf · February 21st, 2014, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misfitsailor

Nice ride report! In CA, the default speed limit out in the sticks is 55 unless otherwise posted.

Yeah, i know but kinda forgot what roads it applied to. I knew it was 55 on rural roads but since i was still on a highway i wasn't sure. Backcountry California and Oregon need to get with the program.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klondike1020

nice ride! I cannot wait to enjoy the nicer climate

what gauge cluster is that?

Chris answered right, its a Koso RX-2 I got from RaceTech Electric. Love my Koso! (Though still trying to guess what the display labeled Fuel is trying to tell me...)

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Koso

You always have the coolest rides.

Thanks. Hopefully this year I can share one majory epic ride with you all. Otherwse, you'll get to hear more about the west coast. Either way its all good!

csmith12 · February 21st, 2014, 10:01 AM

I am planning on making it out that way sometime, travel plans are crazy busy but I got a few tracks out that way on my list, the GMR and a few cruises just to explore.

OCMagnum · February 21st, 2014, 11:03 AM

Very nice ride

Seeing Lodi and Stockton on that map, I have to say it: Hope you did not have a run in with those Sons of Anarchy guys in that area. I hear they can be pretty brutal

NevadaWolf · February 21st, 2014, 11:26 AM

mid January, 8 oclock at night, nope no trouble. Just me and Capitol Public Radio toodling on down the road.

misfitsailor · February 21st, 2014, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Hope you did not have a run in with those Sons of Anarchy guys in that area.

The bikers I know here in Stockton are more like "Sons of Arthritis".

(Myself included..

)

OCMagnum · February 21st, 2014, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misfitsailor

The bikers I know here in Stockton are more like "Sons of Arthritis".

(Myself included..

)

That is too funny!! Had to drive to Corona the other day and on the 91 I was passed by a group of guys with SoA patches. Had to chuckle a bit and then prayed for their safety if they met a "real" club

Sorry for the thread jack NevadaWolf

NevadaWolf · February 21st, 2014, 02:29 PM

Eh no worries, i don't expect forum threads to stay on topic for long anyway,

Klondike1020 · February 21st, 2014, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCMagnum

That is too funny!! Had to drive to Corona the other day and on the 91 I was passed by a group of guys with SoA patches. Had to chuckle a bit and then prayed for their safety if they met a "real" club

Sorry for the thread jack NevadaWolf

Maybe they are a real club ridding SoA patches as a form of stealth haha

people see them and think WDF?

January 20th, 2014, 10:07 PM	#1
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	California Roundabout Well, this is sort of a ride report to Yosemite, but since I got there so late I got no still pictures and the video is meh (again because it was so late). I left Carson later than intended but figured since I had Monday off could risk it. Traveled north to Reno to catch I-80 and headed west. Mid January and Donner Pass was completely free of snow. Unless winter suddenly remembers there is a whole western half of the country, summer is going to seriously suck for those of us out here. When I asked Google for directions, it sent me down some really funky backroads. So I opted instead to head south on Hwy 49. This is a nice narrow two lane road that has some pretty decent twists in areas and in others crosses through some very scenic old towns. Great road and very fun to ride along in the summer. Unfortunately, being Sunday, every one else in CA wanted to drive 49 as well! Slow and go the whole way and I was half tempted to listen to Google and take the backroad. However, once I left Sonora, the traffic vanished and it was nothing but clear asphalt and bright sunny day for me and the bike. The temps were in the mid-60's and I was glad I had worn layers to adjust for the differences between mountain and valley weather. As I made the turn onto 120, I noticed a black car behind me. That got me looking for a speed limit sign. I have made the discovery that speed limit signs are an endangered species on California road ways. The few remaining wild ones are rather secretive. Example, leaving a town, one will see "End 35 Speed Zone". Beyond that..... Nothing.... So, with CHP on my tail, I was left wondering just what to do. I took a guess it was 55 being out in the middle of nowhere but being on a highway I thought it might be 65. So, going 60, I guessed I was close enough to whatever I was supposed to be. The cop got right up on me close enough my finger was hovering over the turn signal waiting for the pull over lights. But then another sport bike came up the road and turned off onto a side road and the cop sped after them. Sorry dude, whomever you were, didn't mean to be hiding a cop. The signs for Yosemite helped me get onto New Priest Grade Road. Within moments, I found my new favorite section of Hwy 120. WHEEEEEEEEE squiggly!! And across the way was the original Priest Grade Road and my eyes popped at the steepness the vehicles were going up. Wow! To sum up a rather disappointing visit to Yosemite (running late, slow traffic, poor signage, asthma attack, cold), I did get my stamp. Yay. Moving on.... On the way back, I decided to let Google have its way and launched the Navigator app to guide me back to Sacramento. Rather fun listening to the directions (so used to reading the map and knowing what I need to do vs trusting the demon box) and driving through central California at night. The map shows where I was, all I saw at the time was dar around me, lights in the distance. Got to Sacramento and headed up I-80 again. Chose to go that way as I knew the road was clear and was only vaguely confident that 50 would be safe. When in the dark (literally and figuratively) go with the known vs the unknown. Quick bite to eat in Loomis and then eastward. Strangely the coldest part wasn't the summit (7,227') but instead at Truckee. Cold enough I blew past the town in a quest to get to the Truckee Meadows in the hope of warmer air. Oops, forgot I bas supposed to fill up back there. Amazing how warm you can be when focused on how much further you have to go to the next gas station. All was well and made it safely back to Carson. Left around 10am, returned around 1am, and covered just over 600 miles in those 15 hours. Link to original page on YouTube. Embedding failed because inline frames are not supported by your browser or the web server. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. Last futzed with by NevadaWolf; January 21st, 2014 at 11:55 PM.
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

January 21st, 2014, 05:07 AM	#2
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	__________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

January 21st, 2014, 08:59 AM	#3
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Sweet report! __________________________________________________

January 21st, 2014, 09:51 AM	#4
rasta Your face Name: Wes Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.	__________________________________________________ "even a proper fitting helmet can 'get loose'" -csmith

January 21st, 2014, 09:58 AM	#5
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Yep, I agree. But the only decent video is along Hwy 49. Once I got to Groveland, the dark trees and bright mountain tops were washing out the camera. I'll see about getting videos up from the last two weekends. Been freaking lazy lately, sorry. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

January 21st, 2014, 11:25 AM	#6
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Talk about lazy... I been in the house most of the day, and I am about to go stir crazy, or eat some potato chips. Sigh __________________________________________________

January 21st, 2014, 08:21 PM	#7
algs26 ninjette.org guru Name: al Location: NorCal Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): ex300, gave up looking for a 250 Posts: 435	So 49 Auburn to Coloma was completely dry and clear? Going north on 49 you get to see the Foresthill bridge way up in the sky. I think a month ago 49 near Lotus Rd was icy/wet/sandy. Last Sunday was finally what I would call clear. Not much traffic during the 9ers game too.

January 21st, 2014, 09:41 PM	#8
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Well, clear as can be with the construction. But the pavement was fine both on the upper and lower bridges. Never saw any spots that made me worry along 49. And I think some folks missed the memo on the game, coming up out of that canyon was some really slow drivers. So i just swerved back and forth in my own lane to have some fun while they plodded along. I love looking up at the Foresthill Bridge. Ages ago a friend and I were doing a pseudo-geocaching murder mystery and one clue was on the lower bridge smack in the middle and the second clue was smack in the middle of the upper bridge. My friend refused to walk out there. But I did, wow what a view! __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

January 21st, 2014, 11:56 PM	#9
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Ok, got a video up and posted in the OP. Best I could do with the time of day. YouTube crafting its music magic so be warned. LOL __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

February 20th, 2014, 06:53 PM	#10
misfitsailor Ninjette Jockey Name: Tim Location: Stockton, Ca Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R, Harley Davidson Heritage Softail, 2 Honda Monkeys, Polini & GRC mini GP Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	Nice ride report! In CA, the default speed limit out in the sticks is 55 unless otherwise posted. __________________________________________________ For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?.

February 21st, 2014, 09:10 AM	#11
Klondike1020 Intrepid Adventurer Name: Josh Location: Rochester/Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2004 GSXR 750 , 71 cb350streettracker, 07 Polaris Predator 500 Posts: A lot.	nice ride! I cannot wait to enjoy the nicer climate what gauge cluster is that? __________________________________________________ LIFE IS NOT FOR REGRETS OR EXCUSES. Breath deep, seek peace. Embrace the Madness. Life is good, let it be

February 21st, 2014, 10:01 AM	#14
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	I am planning on making it out that way sometime, travel plans are crazy busy but I got a few tracks out that way on my list, the GMR and a few cruises just to explore. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

February 21st, 2014, 11:03 AM	#15
OCMagnum ninjette.org member Name: OC Location: SoCal Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Aprilia Dorsoduro 750, 2012 Ducati Monster 696 (sold), 2012 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 168	Very nice ride Seeing Lodi and Stockton on that map, I have to say it: Hope you did not have a run in with those Sons of Anarchy guys in that area. I hear they can be pretty brutal

February 21st, 2014, 11:26 AM	#16
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	mid January, 8 oclock at night, nope no trouble. Just me and Capitol Public Radio toodling on down the road. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

February 21st, 2014, 02:29 PM	#19
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Eh no worries, i don't expect forum threads to stay on topic for long anyway, __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

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