Bittersweet Bridgeport

[Tyler]

The time had come for the annual Bridgeport trip. I was really looking forward to this one as I missed last year due to lounging in the hospital eating bonbons and watching Oprah (or hallucinating that I WAS Oprah). But I also knew it would be last trip for quite some time that would be led by my friend and mentor, Patrick. I’ve known the man for around 10 years now I think… he has helped guide me with organizing group rides, riding skills, and stood by me last year after my accident. While I will miss him greatly as he makes his move to Austin, TX, I also wish him well in his new home… and now I have a free place to crash when I visit!!!

So anyway, on to our story… I had been viewing the weather reports for the weekend and was waffling about whether to ride the Spyder or not. Given the temps were looking to be pretty high, I decided to cage it as I don’t do so hot (pun intended) in extreme heat. Sunday morning I was regretting it but that afternoon I was really happy I did! And it seems like I wasn’t the only one who came in 4-wheels… I think we had about 5-6 cars this year due to various injury/health related issues (including dog bites and I have to say, Hycle looked great considering the pic he posted a few weeks ago!)… a new record!

Anyway, Saturday morning dawned bright and early and I hit the road to meet up with the group for lunch in Cold Springs. Passing through Oakdale, this establishment caught my eye and made laugh…

I arrived at the restaurant, La Morenita, about an hour early so chatted with the owner (really nice guy) and looked around a bit. Shortly thereafter, the heathens arrived, their trusty steeds rumbling and purring into the parking lot.

Ta da!!

Everyone got situated, made introductions to soon to be new friends, greeted already known accomplices, and sat down for a delicious meal!

Hi Al!

Even Bounce got a little lovin’ (and some steak from what I heard)…

 

[Tyler]

And then it was time to venture forth along 108/Sonora Pass. The cars waited a bit for the 2-wheelers to get in front of us so as not to impede their progress. 108 is a wonderful road with lots of fabulous views, valleys, and vistas and fall is just beginning its prolog to the big fall production!

Definitely not a place where you want to lose focus on the road!

I reached the top of the pass and realized I had never stopped to take a picture and the elevation sign. So I pulled off and found Harold and Jean chatting with a couple of hikers who just happened to be good friends of theirs and just happened to be at the pass at the exact time as they were… small world!

An ode to my friend and mentor, Patrick… hope it’s not too long before we get to share some memories again, my friend! 

Ahhh, Bridgeport… always something interesting to see there!

The Virginia Creek Settlement is about 6 miles out of town. About one mile before the settlement, there was a road sign for Green Creek Rd. It looked interesting so I turned onto it. It turns to hard packed dirt/gravel almost right away but I’m guessing if someone were on a dual sport, it would be a really fun road so look it up the next time you’re in the area! A few views…

 

[Tyler]

I think I was the last to arrive at the Settlement and it looked like the party was already in full swing. Val brought a pitcher of pre-made LLL’s (Lisa’s Lethal Lemondrops) and it was making many very giddy… especially Val!

Bounce got some lovin’…

And got to practice his scary mad attack dog skillz… terrifying!

I whipped out my Knob and the strangest things started to happen…

Trailer Trash Holly

Columbo Holly

A view of the housekeeping cabin…

Someone called out dinner and the herd stampeded toward the dining area…

As usual, a delectable spread was set forth for our dining pleasure…

Patrick was presented with a little memento to take with him to Austin so he’d always have something to remember the trip with…

Did someone say DESSERT?!?

A friend made a surprise guest appearance…

Gimme some sugah… baby…

 

[Tyler]

And then it was time for the honorary sing around the campfire… okay, maybe nobody sang (probably a good thing) but we did swap stories, tell tall tales, and impart witty witticisms…

Al got a hold of my Knob too…

We had rented the whole place so we didn’t get kicked out from the campfire at 10 p.m. so we utilized that privilege to the fullest and stayed out until… 11 p.m.! No ifs, ands, or butts about it!

Everyone headed back to their wagon or tent or cabin or hanging from the rafters for the evening… Erin, Val, and I tried valiantly to keep Jack awake (he was in the wagon next to our cabin) and played bunk bed games until we finally fell asleep…

The next morning, we all gathered for breakfast and Jack was either 1) still hungry, or 2) getting his revenge for trying to keep him awake!

Then it was time to herd the cats for the group photo. Our host, Jimmy, graciously agreed to snap the shots so everyone could be in them…

There was great activity as everyone packed up and got ready for the day’s journey back home… maps were perused, gear was stored, and riders were given a once over to make sure they were physically ready for the ride…

And then our merry little band was off, headed for the June Lake loop and then over Tioga. It was a stunningly beautiful morning as we passed Mono Lake… temps were cool but not terribly so.

 

[Tyler]

Headed toward the mountains…

Grant Lake

Silver Lake… not too shabby a spot to spend a little time fishin’…

Big Rock Resort - I was prayin’ that a Big Wind didn’t come along right about now…

June Lake

Scott flagged me down with his bellybutton…

Our merry little band…

And what trip isn’t complete with Dona’s show-stopping, trou-dropping antics…

Stopped here to pick up sammiches…

Had to endure hideous views such as this…

A bit of a backup getting into the park…

Well worth the wait to have our picnic here…

Kinda hazy out there…

Guess that’s why… 

And with that, we scattered to the winds in our own directions for home… yet another wonderful weekend full of friends, merriment, laughter, and tall tales to be told next year… and proof that it really doesn’t matter how you get there… just get there!

FIN

 

[beemerdons]

Great Ride Report and Photographs, Miss Tyler; Thanks for Sharing! Bravo!!!

 

[wheatonFJR]

Loved looking at your gathering...

 

[Tyler]

Loved looking at your gathering...

When you gonna get your sorry butt out here so I can post some pics with YOU in 'em??

 

[FJRBluesman]

Great pix, food, and scenery Tyler! Looked like a fun time. That area is so beautiful and the colors are changing, rare here in SoCal for any colors to be seen.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Willie]

The time had come for the annual Bridgeport trip.

Very much enjoyed the ride report. The pictures were stunning

Willie

 

[LagerHead]

I spent about 6 weeks in the Bridgeport area at the USMC Mountain Warfare Training Center right there on 108. Beautiful scenery! Great pics. Thanks.

 

[Tyler]

I spent about 6 weeks in the Bridgeport area at the USMC Mountain Warfare Training Center right there on 108. Beautiful scenery! Great pics. Thanks.

That must have been a great place to train! We saw a few military vehicles out and about for training exercises and such... gave them all a thumbs up as we went by!

Great pix, food, and scenery Tyler! Looked like a fun time. That area is so beautiful and the colors are changing, rare here in SoCal for any colors to be seen.

Thanks for sharing.

NorCal isn't that far away, Simon... c'mon up and play!! B)

 

[eeksnake]

Awesome report! Looks like a good time had by all.

 

[Old Michael]

Beautiful images, Tyler.

I'm sure Patrick will miss the hell out of you guys.

 

[madmike2]

:clapping: It looks like a great time was had by all! :clapping:

And I see you suffered through all of that poor scenery. :huh:

er...no BLUE bikes?????

 

[Tyler]

er...no BLUE bikes?????

Hycle was there so we did have a Michael from Sacramento who owns a blue bike in attendance...