Ok, I know what you're thinking. Well, maybe I don't. But I can guess that a random picture of a map raises some questions.The above map represents my next adventure. At least, that's the hope. In my life, plans never seem to come to fruition. Other, weaker-willed individuals might give up even trying to plan under such circumstances. Not me. I'm too stubborn for that. Every time an idea or a plan gets shot down or 'indefinitely postponed' due to life, I just come up with something new.
This is my newest plan. It has me covering roughly 1000 miles in three days. I'd be visiting Yosemite National Park, seeing Mt Whitney, riding through portions of Death Valley, visiting Red Rocks State Park, crossing two mountain ranges - two times, traveling through a myriad of climate zones, and running the most scenic portion of the road most have deemed the most scenic in the country - Highway 1. It will be me, my bike, and the road.
A motorcyclist could not dream of a more ideal excursion. Well, perhaps that might be overstating things a bit. After all, there's still Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America to consider. Those dreams will have to wait until I retire or hit the lottery. For now, this will be my dream ride.
There may be others that join me for parts or all of the journey. Then again, I might be alone on these roads. Expect a full ride report, with a plethora of pictures. This ride is still four weeks off and a lot can change in that time, but I have faith this ride, this dream, will become a reality.
Some of the roads I'll be covering are written about on the famous Pashnit.com website. If you get the chance, surf by there and do some reading. It really is a great site. I've yet to become a paying member, but will eventually. Here's some links to writeups about the roads I'll be on.
Highway 120 through Yosemite National Park. Thank goodness there's a gas station halfway through the park. If not I don't think my bike would make it the 150miles from one side to the other.
http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Highway120.htm
Here's a writeup on hwy 395
http://www.viamagazine.com/top_stories/articles/eastside_story05.asp
Of course hwy 1 don't need no introduction. And the ride up to Coulterville is mostly mundane till you hit hwy 49:
http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Hwy49Dragon.htm
And lets not forget California State Route 58 (has an entire book written about it apparently)
Link.
here's a link to the Google route. Pay no attention to the start, stop, and pause locations.
Map.
Heck, I could even throw in links for all the tourist traps I'll be sure to stop at, but I've got to save something for the ride report don't I? If anyone reading this has suggestions for good food stops along the way, feel free to let me know. The only thing I love more than my family, motorcycle, and dog, is food.
Till then.
Oh yeah... I call it the "Heart of California Ride" because if you squint at the map, it sorta looks like a heart. That and it covers the entire midsection of California.
