A SoCal Sojourn and Silver Linings
- Thread starter Tyler
- Start date
Help Support Yamaha FJR Motorcycle Forum:
Tyler, once again an excellent ride report.
Your eloquent use of words and photography skills are unsurpassed.
I enjoyed your company immensely and meeting Sally was great,just sorry about your tire situation.
Glad I was able to help out and be the envy of many on the forum in the process.
I am looking to seeing you in the up coming forum rides in 2014, and no you do not owe me a dinner.
For those who have not had the pleasure of meeting Tyler,you do not know what you are missing, hopefully your luck will change.
Tyler, you are one awesome lady.
Your eloquent use of words and photography skills are unsurpassed.
I enjoyed your company immensely and meeting Sally was great,just sorry about your tire situation.
Glad I was able to help out and be the envy of many on the forum in the process.
I am looking to seeing you in the up coming forum rides in 2014, and no you do not owe me a dinner.
For those who have not had the pleasure of meeting Tyler,you do not know what you are missing, hopefully your luck will change.
Tyler, you are one awesome lady.
This was our overall favorite day as well... everything just was... perfect... your imagination is spot on... like I said, every time we stopped and looked at each other, we both just had huge grins on our faces... B)
Thanks, GR... it was breathtaking and I understood how that particular road got its name!DAAAAAAAAAAYUM!
...me likey.
That would be awesome to share a few (s)miles with both of us on bikes!
You are one awesome dude, sir. I couldn't have done it without you. B)
DAY SEVEN: Kernville to Benton Hot Springs - https://tinyurl.com/lrglkvs
Another early departure ... it was a crisp, beautiful morning and the world was ours to do with as we pleased...
Sierra Way...
178 toward Walker Pass...
Clouds looked ominous for a bit but nothing ever materialized from it...
Top of the pass...
Again, the clouds took on a life of their own as headed toward 395...
While 395 is pretty much straight, the views of the mountains, desert, and skies kept our minds and spirits occupied being witness to its majesty...
Another early departure ... it was a crisp, beautiful morning and the world was ours to do with as we pleased...
Sierra Way...
178 toward Walker Pass...
Clouds looked ominous for a bit but nothing ever materialized from it...
Top of the pass...
Again, the clouds took on a life of their own as headed toward 395...
While 395 is pretty much straight, the views of the mountains, desert, and skies kept our minds and spirits occupied being witness to its majesty...
We stopped in Lone Pine for breakfast and then continued on to 168 which is one of my favorites... can't really see it in this photo but there are some really twisty, off-camber, roller coaster turns...
A big stretch of straight in the middle...
And then took the windy road up to visit this place...
Where you can see a whole line of mountain ranges known as...
White Mountain Road that leads to the visitors center is quite twisty with steep drops to one side... Sally overcame her discomfort of heights to tackle it and make it to the visitors center at the top...
The trees are graceful and wise... unfortunately, we didn't have our hiking shoes with us so just went to the visitors center and the trees within wandering distance...
Blue blue skies...
But quite cool with snow sprinkled around...
We wound our way down and continued on to 266/264, crossing into Nevada for a bit, and a gas stop in the small town of Dyer (a good fact to know if you're ever out this way as there isn't much in the way of gas and it would suck to get stuck out there!)... view from the store/gas station...
And the fall colors on display as we headed for Hwy 6...
A big stretch of straight in the middle...
And then took the windy road up to visit this place...
Where you can see a whole line of mountain ranges known as...
White Mountain Road that leads to the visitors center is quite twisty with steep drops to one side... Sally overcame her discomfort of heights to tackle it and make it to the visitors center at the top...
The trees are graceful and wise... unfortunately, we didn't have our hiking shoes with us so just went to the visitors center and the trees within wandering distance...
Blue blue skies...
But quite cool with snow sprinkled around...
We wound our way down and continued on to 266/264, crossing into Nevada for a bit, and a gas stop in the small town of Dyer (a good fact to know if you're ever out this way as there isn't much in the way of gas and it would suck to get stuck out there!)... view from the store/gas station...
And the fall colors on display as we headed for Hwy 6...
We arrived at Benton Hot Springs to find our friend, Sue, who had ridden over to meet us and share the evening with us... originally we were supposed to stay here for two nights but with the flat tire, our schedule got pushed out and we only had one night so we made the very best of it!
We were treated to more fall foliage as the sun started to set and lit the leaves on fire with color...
Sunset...
If you are every looking for a serene place far away from the hustle and bustle of humanity, this would be the place... do note there is nothing in the way of restaurants, etc. for miles so you do need to plan your meals accordingly (Sue graciously toted over a fantastic dinner for us)... there are bbq's on site and they do include a fresh, home made breakfast with your room reservation...
We spent hours catching up on our adventures with Sue, drinking wine, sharing a fantastic meal (thanks, Sue!!), soaking in the hot springs, and unwinding a bit after 7 days on the road before drifting off into a wonderful sleep...
Next... reluctantly... the journey home...
We were treated to more fall foliage as the sun started to set and lit the leaves on fire with color...
Sunset...
If you are every looking for a serene place far away from the hustle and bustle of humanity, this would be the place... do note there is nothing in the way of restaurants, etc. for miles so you do need to plan your meals accordingly (Sue graciously toted over a fantastic dinner for us)... there are bbq's on site and they do include a fresh, home made breakfast with your room reservation...
We spent hours catching up on our adventures with Sue, drinking wine, sharing a fantastic meal (thanks, Sue!!), soaking in the hot springs, and unwinding a bit after 7 days on the road before drifting off into a wonderful sleep...
Next... reluctantly... the journey home...
Okay... let's get this sucker finished...
DAY EIGHT: Benton Hot Springs to home via Yosemite - https://tinyurl.com/oceomkg
It was quite cold the next morning so we decided to delay our 8am departure a bit so the roads could warm up... we had a delicious home-cooked breakfast of quiche, fresh fruit, and potatoes so our tummies were happy... off we went along Hwy 120...
It looks sunny and warm but it was sunny and cold... we stopped at Mono Lake so Sally could gear up a bit more and I ventured out on the dirt/gravel road to take a few photos...
Tufa towers...
I guess these could technically be considered weeds... but I liked the texture and color in the morning sun...
There is the well-known whoops section of 120 which I have no photos of because I was just having too much fun getting my butt airborne... headed toward 395...
And then we headed into Yosemite via Tioga Pass which had been closed for many weeks due to the Rim fire... the east side remained untouched and on a Thursday after tourist season, we had very little traffic to deal with and the place was pretty much ours for the taking... a few of the views we drank in...
DAY EIGHT: Benton Hot Springs to home via Yosemite - https://tinyurl.com/oceomkg
It was quite cold the next morning so we decided to delay our 8am departure a bit so the roads could warm up... we had a delicious home-cooked breakfast of quiche, fresh fruit, and potatoes so our tummies were happy... off we went along Hwy 120...
It looks sunny and warm but it was sunny and cold... we stopped at Mono Lake so Sally could gear up a bit more and I ventured out on the dirt/gravel road to take a few photos...
Tufa towers...
I guess these could technically be considered weeds... but I liked the texture and color in the morning sun...
There is the well-known whoops section of 120 which I have no photos of because I was just having too much fun getting my butt airborne... headed toward 395...
And then we headed into Yosemite via Tioga Pass which had been closed for many weeks due to the Rim fire... the east side remained untouched and on a Thursday after tourist season, we had very little traffic to deal with and the place was pretty much ours for the taking... a few of the views we drank in...
Sally contemplating...
Towering mountains of granite...
Winding roads through majestic scenery... I never tire of it...
Half Dome in the distance...
As we wound our way down toward civilization, we started to see the damage that had been done to this pristine land... it was quite sobering to see the ground covered in flame retardant and charred trees still standing alongside those that had survived...
And then a full view of the carnage... it made my heart sad to see such devastation but I know that Mother Nature will overcome and this will once again be a place of glorious beauty...
A spirited romp down New Priest Grade Rd... in the summer time this is tedious venture with motorhomes and nervous-Nelly drivers but not today!
And into the not-so-bustling town of Copperopolis for lunch... this place is kind of bizarre in that it seems no one is ever there... when I've been there, it's like a ghost town but with piped in music echoing through the empty streets... very Stepford-like... but our waitress at Griff's BBQ assured us that the place fills up for holiday events and summer concerts for the nearby residents... I'll take her word for it... and I highly recommend this restaurant... no wait and good food...
They definitely did seem to be in the Halloween spirit with ghosts, goblins, and witches galore adorning the center square for the local trick-or-treaters...
And then it was time to bite the bullet and head for home... luckily we were going against the rush hour traffic as we rolled back into civilization...
We parted company in Livermore as the girls headed for Sue's house and I headed for my home...
Another successful episode of the Sally Tyler Risk show in the bag... where will the next one be?? And who will be our special guest stars next time... maybe even YOU! The possibilities are endless!
FIN
Towering mountains of granite...
Winding roads through majestic scenery... I never tire of it...
Half Dome in the distance...
As we wound our way down toward civilization, we started to see the damage that had been done to this pristine land... it was quite sobering to see the ground covered in flame retardant and charred trees still standing alongside those that had survived...
And then a full view of the carnage... it made my heart sad to see such devastation but I know that Mother Nature will overcome and this will once again be a place of glorious beauty...
A spirited romp down New Priest Grade Rd... in the summer time this is tedious venture with motorhomes and nervous-Nelly drivers but not today!
And into the not-so-bustling town of Copperopolis for lunch... this place is kind of bizarre in that it seems no one is ever there... when I've been there, it's like a ghost town but with piped in music echoing through the empty streets... very Stepford-like... but our waitress at Griff's BBQ assured us that the place fills up for holiday events and summer concerts for the nearby residents... I'll take her word for it... and I highly recommend this restaurant... no wait and good food...
They definitely did seem to be in the Halloween spirit with ghosts, goblins, and witches galore adorning the center square for the local trick-or-treaters...
And then it was time to bite the bullet and head for home... luckily we were going against the rush hour traffic as we rolled back into civilization...
We parted company in Livermore as the girls headed for Sue's house and I headed for my home...
Another successful episode of the Sally Tyler Risk show in the bag... where will the next one be?? And who will be our special guest stars next time... maybe even YOU! The possibilities are endless!
FIN
Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
Wow! Beautiful, just outstandingly beautiful. Tyler... Thanks for sharing these pictures.
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Wonderful finish Tyler, thanks for sharing the trip with us!
--G
--G
Bugnatr
Well-known member
Thank You T, a great read as always.
hppants
Well-known member
This is a bucket list ride for me. One day I will ride to California. Until then, thanks for the dream material, Tyler.
GeorgiaRoller
Exit Stage Left
Thanks for coming along even if vicariously. B)
G, I hope we get to share some more (s)miles in the coming year... really enjoyed the trip to WA and time with the PNW crew... y'all are the bestest!
Same goes for you, Bugger... really enjoyed our adventures this year and look forward to more! :wub:
When the dream ends and you find yourself in CA, you best touch base with me so I can show you some of our glorious roads out here!! B)
Same goes for you, Nathan... I'm hoping to get out your way next year as well!
dcarver
Well-known member
T, as I read, look, absorb the words, pictures, and knowing your life challenges -
....sooo wonderful!
The essence of your soul, your being, like Ara's, Andrew's, Tim's, shines through, brilliant, with humility , awe, and honesty, courage.
I love it.
You Rawk Gurl!
....sooo wonderful!
The essence of your soul, your being, like Ara's, Andrew's, Tim's, shines through, brilliant, with humility , awe, and honesty, courage.
I love it.
You Rawk Gurl!
Last edited by a moderator:
colorocket
Active member
what a great trip; you guys did it up right. great photos capturing the coastal beauty and fun!
weekend rider
Well-known member
California has it all, and Tyler to tell it like it needs to be told very eloquently
