Home Again....

The Eastern Sierra Ride was spectacular! Between the altitude, the hills, and the never ending headwinds, it was 364 of the hardest miles I've ever riden. It was also through some of the most spectacular sceenery on the face of the Earth. We had great weather, great food, great views, and great company.

The first ride was supposed to be 85 miles and somehow turned into 98 miles. We rode from Topaz Lake to Mammoth Lakes and climbed a bit over 3500 feet. I was the last one in but was well received - and - I didn't cry like Jill - though I seriously considered it.

Once at Mammoth Lakes, we explored that area for 3 days. We had wonderful ride to Twin lakes, Mono Lake, and June Lakes. Jill, Paul, Steve, Sylvia, & I rented a rowboat and rowed around for an afternoon. It was lovely. Here's Sylvie the "BeerWench" and the two rowers.



I think the June Lake Photos came out the best, so I'm including the one of Linda and Chris and their new tandem. Linda is my friend from work who graciously let me come along. This is her riding group. They are unbelieveable to be able to pedal that tandem up these hills and in these headwinds. This was the one day we had tailwinds.





From there we rode back to Mono Lake and to Tioga Pass, one of the entraces to Yosemite. That was the biggest climb. I managed this in style, slow & steady, but I wasn't even last. At the top we had lunch, drove into Yosemite, climbed rocks near and swam in Lake Tenaya. Everyone but 3 people opted for the SAG (Suplies And Gear) truck ride down. Those 3 later said the descent was uncalled for and VERY scary! It was much nicer enjoying the view on the way down. The photo is of me and my riding buddy Laura.
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We also visited the ghost town of Bodie. This is very cool gold mining town that was quite the hotbed of sin in it's heyday. Now it is abandonded and looks like everyone left with the clothes they had on and walked way. Clothes still hang on the walls of the homes. Old cars and wagons are parked and left out. Tools and equipment lie around everywhere. The pool table is still in the hotel lobby and the hotel kitchen is full of cookware. It's such a cool place and in CAs infinite wisdom, they didn't turn it into a place with novelty shops etc. It's just a neat-o ghost town and comes complete with Willie Bodie - the town cat to greet the catlovers in the crowd. The photos are of me in the mining elevators & of the beautifully preserved safe from the bank.





We also rode up Monitor Pass which goes from the East to South Lake Tahoe. That was a longer uphill, not as brutal, and was a ROCKING 43 MPH descent. It was a beautiful ride and a lovely ending to a wonderful trip. There were just too many beautiful places to name them all... Try to check them out for yourselves.