Lake tahoe Loop May 12th 2007

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I live in Carson City.
I am in.
I am still in.

Michelle has decided she would like to ride along. So, I won't be taking turns as fast as I like. But we will keep up.

Her longest trip on this bike has been about an hour. This will be a good test to see if we need to replace the stock seat.

 
I'm not overly optomistic about getting my bike out of the shop by then :angry2: , and there's no way I'd tackle that one on the 2fiddy. :dribble:

 
Bike is in getting a new fuel pump and fuel gauge unit, but the big service manual says that should take less than an hour, plus the 40K (and it has been a blast getting to 40K!) oil change and TBS. House boss says I can go play, so I'm a comin'.

Question though - I ran into snow last weekend at less than 5K feet elevation (Wentworth Springs at Icehouse Rd). Am I going to get in trouble running up to Carson City over an 8K foot pass at 7:00 A.M.? Ice on road surfaces does not sound like happy times...Have you Reno area guys had any problems in the last week or so? And are you still leaning towards an 8:00 A.M. start time?

Thanks,

RsvlFeej

 
Question though - I ran into snow last weekend at less than 5K feet elevation (Wentworth Springs at Icehouse Rd). Am I going to get in trouble running up to Carson City over an 8K foot pass at 7:00 A.M.? Ice on road surfaces does not sound like happy times...Have you Reno area guys had any problems in the last week or so? And are you still leaning towards an 8:00 A.M. start time?
Wish I could go play on this route, but I'm doing bike maintenance Saturday before heading to SoCal on Sunday down the slab.

You won't go higher than 7,300 or so if you take the best, prettiest and fastest route to Carson City, Patrick. I would expect the Icehouse Road and Wentworth Springs junction to be worse than the route to Carson City. It's not kept open in the winter like the roads you'll be on. So, the water has mostly gotten away from the roadways of the area's all season roads by now.

I assume that you're planning this route, instead of 50 east: 80 east to the 267 exit (South to Kings Beach) just east of Truckee. Take 267 to Lake Tahoe (Brockway Summit is 7,200' feet). The Lake is at 6,225', acts as a heat sink and it's been warm**, so likely no freeze on the roads. Ride east on 28 through Incline Village and south along the east shore to Highway 50. Make a left toward Carson City. When you hit 395 at the bottom, make a left (north) and you're in Carson City.

Having done that route between Auburn and Minden/Gardnerville a number of times in the last 3 years, I would recommend it as the fastest and prettiest route (unless you substitute in the slower but more scenic Hwy 40 for most of the Hwy 80 route over Donner Summit from Auburn). I lived a lot of of years in north Tahoe, a couple years ago in South Lake Tahoe and last year in Gardnerville, and I'm pretty confident that you'll be fine over that route. Just about 11 to 12 months ago, I rode that route two times on the XX with absolutely no hazards . . . and that was coming off a much heavier winter.

** It's been getting down only to 38 or so over the last few nights at Donner Summit and this weekend's predicted lows are only a degree or two colder than that (and that's at 3 or 4 am).

 
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ok guys it is 3.50 here in the am and I am getting ready to head out.

My plan is to leave home LA at 5am and head up to Sonora for a lunch date with Skyway. After that I will be heading over 88 to Carson City.

I will scout out a meeting place tommorrow and let you guys know.

John I will call you when i get to Carson City.

Richard

 
You won't go higher than 7,300 or so if you take the best, prettiest and fastest route to Carson City, Patrick. I would expect the Icehouse Road and Wentworth Springs junction to be worse than the route to Carson City. It's not kept open in the winter like the roads you'll be on. So, the water has mostly gotten away from the roadways of the area's all season roads by now.

I assume that you're planning this route, instead of 50 east: 80 east to the 267 exit (South to Kings Beach) just east of Truckee. Take 267 to Lake Tahoe (Brockway Summit is 7,200' feet). The Lake is at 6,225', acts as a heat sink and it's been warm**, so likely no freeze on the roads. Ride east on 28 through Incline Village and south along the east shore to Highway 50. Make a left toward Carson City. When you hit 395 at the bottom, make a left (north) and you're in Carson City.

Having done that route between Auburn and Minden/Gardnerville a number of times in the last 3 years, I would recommend it as the fastest and prettiest route (unless you substitute in the slower but more scenic Hwy 40 for most of the Hwy 80 route over Donner Summit from Auburn). I lived a lot of of years in north Tahoe, a couple years ago in South Lake Tahoe and last year in Gardnerville, and I'm pretty confident that you'll be fine over that route. Just about 11 to 12 months ago, I rode that route two times on the XX with absolutely no hazards . . . and that was coming off a much heavier winter.

Excellent! And no, I wasn't aware of the best, prettiest, fastest route to Carson City, so Thanks X2, Rich. Sorry you won't be coming this time - maybe catch you on the next ride - have fun in SoCal (Is that even possible?) - Guess it depends on how far south you go and how close you stick to the coast...

 
OK ...after telling Fairlaner I could do this ..I realized I was committed to a dirt ride out in central Nevada. Well, I've cancelled on it and am back in.

So, let's get this party started ....a few comments:

* This route is pretty darn good for this time of year. Nothing too crazy, but a nice mix and they'll be some stunning scenery in spots. For those who want to hit it hard, they'll be some good opportunity to test your skills ...and those who who want a relaxed pace won't be overwhelmed with crazy roads.

* IMO this should be a ride your own ride so that people aren't forced to riding faster or slower than their wants.

-Perhaps it makes sense to set some pre-determined meeting spots?

-perhaps it makes sense to have a single phone number that we all will use to relay messages to each other in case we need to (someones SO, etc)??

-If anyone is not familiar with these roads, and wants maps, I 'll be glad to put some together for you ..highlighting the route and making comments. This route is not long from a mileage standpoint (371 ?) ..but it will take a while.

Weather should be awesome!!! pehaps a bit cool in spots, perhaps a bit warm in spots.

So, headcount:

Fairlaner, RsvlFeej, John T(2-up), renojohn, (and possibly a renojohn buddy) who else??

8:00a kickstands up??

Glad to suggest a meeting spot if that hasn't alread been addressed (haven't seen it)

What else?

Glad to be back in this ....really looking forward to a kick-ass ride good roads and good weather and the rest is up to us!!

..renojohn

 
Oh, ....

Rsvlfeej --- futureskibum is dead-on with his snow ice comments (there will be no problem). should you elect to come up via his route idea, let me know ...perhaps I'll meet up with you in Truckee and we'll make a fun crossover to Carson City.

 
I am still in.

I am already hearing concerns from Michelle about the amount of time on the bike. So, if it does turn out the stock sit simply won't work for her when we cross over 80 by Auburn Michelle and I will follow 80 home. I sure hope her toosh can make the whole trip!!!

I am open to meet whenever, just tell me where.

Installed the new GPS tonight, so need for a map for me.

 
Wish I could go, but think of me with a wrench while you're riding. <_<

One note for those less than thoroughly familiar with the mountain passes RenoJohn is dragging you through:

[SIZE=10pt]Beware what may come up around each corner. [/SIZE]

These roads are beautiful, relatively traffic free, but they can bite. In particular, [SIZE=10pt]watch out for gravel at the apex of corners,[/SIZE] and at lower elevations, for clay soil still adhering to the pavement where a winter slide was cleared. Also note that it snowed only a week ago all the way down to 4500 feet. The summit on I-80 got 6 to 8 inches, Kirkwood on 88 got more, but it didn't last long and is already long gone. So why is THAT snow important?

Well, . . . because for the day or two that it was snowing, there's a good chance that CalTrans was out sanding roads, especially in twisty areas. A week later, [SIZE=10pt]you may still encounter some sand on dry roadway surface,[/SIZE] making the trek a LOT slower if you know what's good for you -- if you encounter it, reduce lean angles and slow down.

Have a safe ride, and remember: [SIZE=10pt]the real object is to get back to the hacienda on the bike -- in however long that takes. [/SIZE] :yahoo:

 
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Great comments by exskibum ..if i was to add one thing: Read it again.

So, it looks like we need a place to meet? Well, we've got RsvlFeej coming from Roseville, myself from reno and two bikes from Carson.

..We'll be heading out US50east ...

John T .....it's your town, want to name the spot? (ideally one with coffee nearby! LOL)

So the route:

Kinda fun to look at what's coming so let's take a vicarious lap via our imaginations

from carson we'll head to Virginia City ....and as many locals know, the truck route is the preferred way to head up (or down) from the south. So when you see the option to take the truck route, that is the better option. Nice sweepers and much more fun and less traffic than the primary route.

From VC we'll come down Geiger grade into South Reno and then head up into the Sierras via Mt. Rose hwy. A nice little run of switchbacks as we gain elevation again. Then around the lake (take it easy, lots of cars etc etc) ..then to 267 where we'll aim toward Truckee.

From Truckee hwy89 toward north Sierraville ....simple forest road ...often with heavy LEO presence no need to get yourself in trouble this early in the day IMO.

At Sierraville we'll turn left aiming for hwy 49 ...and this is when the fun of this section of 49 starts. Between here and Nevada City, there is some wonderful riding well suited to the FJR. Use good common sense with speed and passing as there are dumb drivers and LEO. Be sure to cool it when going through small towns. Good places for spirtited riding but keep your common sense ever-present.

At Nevada City things will get tame and we'll have plenty of time to catch our breath as we patiently work out way down to Auburn. From Auburn we'll take 49 toward Placerville. This is tight stuff in places, very scenic ....but be very careful of other cars. So many folks on this road nowdays that you really need to be alert ..patient and not push the passing etc. Enjoy the scenery.

From Placerville we'll take 49 south ....Fun road, very easy riding and they'll be traffic, cops and plenty to think about so keep that in mind as you get throttle happy. Again, slowing for small town is not ony smart but polite. It'll be nice relaxed riding down this section of 49. We'll take this to Sonora

{I think the plan is to do Sonora Pass (hwy108) now that it's open?} This differs from the map that was posted before it opened

From sonora we'll head up Sonora Pass. Mild riding at first but it'll turn into some great stuff. Again, suggested reading.

Great road, beautiful scenery. Plenty of chances to test your skill and bravery, but be present of all the dangers like other cars and sand ...not to mention the squid factor. did this two weeks ago, and it was in great shape, but things change fast so be ready for anything.

We'll drop down to hwy 395 and generically head north to Carson ...however once we get a bit north we've got some other options should the desire for more twisties be present. IMO most will be pretty tired by now though. Not a lot of excitement up 395 but a good time to relax and think about what you just experienced way up in the Sierras.

----

So a good long day's worth of riding ........at least as how it is now layed out. Certainly all options are open. ..renojohn

 
Don't any of you slackers work?
you coming up for this??....while not a CBA sanctioned event .....you could ride on the back of Fairlaner's FJR as to not violate any of the CBA's mileage rules.
john when i came thru yesterday Sonora pass was closed so i thint that is out.

And Don dont like my bike he says that it is too loud.

R

 
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john when i came thru yesterday Sonora pass was closed so i thint that is out.And Don dont like my bike he says that it is too loud.

R
geeze road construction? ...supposedly open on Saturday ..sounds like maintenance to me

[EASTERN SIERRA NEVADA] IS CLOSED FROM 26.4 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY TO 5.3 MI WEST OF THE

JCT OF US 395 /SONORA PASS/ (TUOLUMNE,MONO CO's) 24 HRS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

THRU 5/11/07 - DUE TO CONSTRUCTION - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE

ROUTE
I'm pretty sure it'll be open if they say open by Saturday ....i guess a back-up plan is a good idea though ...how about 88 as a backup?

loud pipes? hmm, well I guess I can't blame him on that. but I wonder if that is just his polite way of saying "stay away from me"?

 
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How about a StarBucks?
3325 Retail Dr

Carson City, NV

This StarBucks is out by the road in front of a Wal-mart. Only 2-3 minutes from Highway 50 heading out to VC.
hey John ...didn't see that on my (outdated) streets and trips throw me a hint ...is that the new starbucks out off of College Parkway?
what main hwys or landmarks would be a hint? (and sorry for the trouble)

 
How about a StarBucks?
3325 Retail Dr

Carson City, NV

This StarBucks is out by the road in front of a Wal-mart. Only 2-3 minutes from Highway 50 heading out to VC.
hey John ...didn't see that on my (outdated) streets and trips throw me a hint ...is that the new starbucks out off of College Parkway?
what main hwys or landmarks would be a hint? (and sorry for the trouble)
On an old map look for College Parkway and Hot Springs road.

Follow the freeway into Carson and exit on College parkway, turn right, take first left and you are there. When you exit the freeway you will see Wal-Mart Of course, on an old map the freeway in Carson City does not exist.

Pic

 
3325 Retail Dr

Carson City, NV

That works for me as it is just down the street for me.

8am right.

R

 
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