Torrey XV May 14th 2008

In late 2006 I joined the BMWST.com forum I have read many tales of Torrey. I have met several of the riders of this forum and heard Torrey this and Torrey that. This spring I had to see for myself the spiritual nature so many wrote about in their trip reports regarding this wonderland. I have been to Zion, Utah to see the beautiful colors this desert has to offer. So I had some idea of what was instore. Zion became my next favorite National Park to the beauty of Yosemite. Southern Utah truly has wonders to behold so Torrey XV, right smack in the middle of landscape so mysterious, drew me closer. I must see for myself.

The excitement of such an adventure takes hold as one begins packing a week in advance. Planning what clothes to wear with minimum storage afforded by motorcycle travel. As the days approached a high pressure appeared over the western United States. The California and Nevada desert routes we would be traveling would be hot. Utah would be warm and any travel before sun up would be chilly. There’s not enough room for multiple riding suits. A week before the trip we purchased new summer riding pants for Juanita to compliment her versatile Marsee all weather jacket. The pants came with insulated liners so we were sure we had all the bases covered. Packing our needs for a five-day ride didn’t turn out to be a big deal. Having a motel makes a difference because camping gear would have made our shiny BMW R1200RT look like Jed Clampet’s flatbed truck.

Good friends Martha and Leon graciously offered to watch after our three cats early in the planning stages. Then another wonderful friend, Henrietta, who lives in Los Angeles County, asked if we needed her to watch the cats. Henrietta would be more than cat sitting, she would also stay in the house, she loves cats and all animals, and she could also visit Yosemite and enjoy the rural life we live here in our corner of Coarsegold. Martha lives close by and has done this for us in the past. We are fortunate to such wonderful friends help make vacations worry free.

Wednesday May 14^th sidestand up at 5:30am for a two and a half hour ride for breakfast in Bakersfield. Air temp on this morning was a normal 41F. We stopped short of Bakersfield as we were getting hungry. After breakfast we removed a layer of warm clothes in anticipation of continued upward temps. In Krammer Junction located on Hwy 58 east of Tehachapi we stopped so that Juanita could remove her insulated liners. Things were heating up.

After refueling in the small wide spot east of North Edwards called Boron our next stop would be Primm, NV. Speeds across this part of California are adjusted upward for covering vast numbers of miles in short order. Nevada patrols see it the same. At the Micky D’s in Primm we ate a light lunch, removed another top layer and refueled. Next stop would be our last for the day in Cedar City, Utah. The usual slowing through Las Vegas was actually stop and go freeway reminiscent of Los Angeles’ I-405.

Our evening in Cedar City was uneventful, dining at a home-style restaurant just up the street from our Comfort Inn room 11. Later that evening we caught a couple of weather reports on the news and fell asleep knowing tomorrow would be another great day. Up at 8:00am we leisurely repacked and returned to last night’s dinner establishment for breakfast. Sometime after 10am we were again on our way via Scenic Byway 14 east out of Cedar City.

The twisty Byway climbs a mountain road lined with snow and decreasing air temperatures dipping to 34F in the shaded areas. At Long Valley Junction were turned north on Hwy 88 to join another glorious road, Scenic Byway 12. At this point the color Utah is noted for begins to present itself. I’ll return again for sure.

All morning our ride was mostly under gray clouds and an occasional spritz of rain. The thick stands of aspen trees were still leafless as spring had yet to unfold in the higher altitudes of the Dixie National Forest. Low cloud cover prevented us from seeing the vistas we knew were out there. Hwy 12 has great sweeping radius turns. Several tar snakes in the corners to keep riders vigilant especially during the heat of the day. For now it was just a mental note for later. A marmot ran out onto the road only to be scarred back.

We rolled into the parking lot of the Bolder View Inn at 3:00pm and were promptly greeted by Carl Williams. Carl and I met a few times previously on Southern California pick-up rides. He said he has just arrived about an hour before us. His BMW was in for low side repairs so he rode his Honda VFR. Later that evening we ate at an overwhelmed pizza restaurant as the BMW riders crammed into the small indoor space. Killer provided free door-to-door shuttle service. That being the case copious amounts of beer softened the pizza on the way down. What a guy. And to think he has to live in all this landscape.

Day three of our adventure was to begin with a ride lead by veteran Torrey goer “Whip”. Unfortunately my bike suffered cold start fever and I was brain dead about starting it. 10Over showed me the embarrassingly simple procedure but it was too late. We missed the parade. 10Over caught up to them later. Juanita was already eardrum deep in silicone. Arizona Al was making her a set of sound system earplugs. He also remade one for me. Then we were off with a ride plan in hand to see the Burr Trail landscape.

As you can see from the pictures nature out does herself in resplendent beauty. We ate at a small restaurant on the trail outside of Boulder. Then we backtracked our route from the day before on Hwy 12 because today it was clear as glass. Distant colors bathed the eye in every direction. I’ll be back for sure.

Saturday was to be a laid back day for us. We would only take in Capitol Reef National Park. The park has a slow winding self-guided tour. This ribbon of asphalt goes deep into the landscape. One can look in any direction and see several photographs to take. Awesome. Since the pre-noon sun was casting shadows I decided to return later in the day for another view. I stopped off at the Petroglyphs.

Our homeward plans were to leave at 5:00am PST Sunday but our next room over neighbors were being fairly loud and disturbed our sleep so I reset the alarm to give us another hour of rest. The previous night’s dinner doubled for breakfast shortly after the alarm sounded. I heard 10Over idle and slowly pull away. I wanted to make lots of noise but the BMW is quiet. We departed under the cover of darkness with an air temperature of 27F at 5:40pm PST. The roads were deserted for the most part. Occasionally I would pass a fellow BMW rider getting an early start to the day so we waved hello as I made my pass. Today’s morning goal was to get to I-15 as quickly as possible. In fact my goal was to cover as many miles as I could before the desert heat took hold. Before we got to Cedar City we pulled over to remove a layer. It was already in the 90s when we rode through a remarkably free flowing Vegas traffic. 10Over spoke highly of the Mad Greek restaurant in Baker so that would be our lunch stop and of course liquid replenishment. I was soaking my “cool vest” at every opportunity. Baker was 106F degrees.

We stopped again at Krammer Junction where the waitress kept bringing ice and ice tea. Juanita melted the ice in her helmet. I re-soaked the vest. Bakersfield would be our next water and fuel replenishment stop. The waitress there said Bakersfield broke the record high temperature yesterday. No kidding! It was now about 4:00pm and we could taste home some 160 miles up highways 99 and 41. Butt sore, stiff creaky knees and all we arrived home at 6:40 pm PST. Thirteen hours and 754 miles after leaving Torrey we would sleep in the quiet of our home. We’ll do it again, but on a different seat for sure.

SoCal Meets NorCal in the middle BMW ride

Mbelectric represented the NorCal riders. Otherwise we’d have called this a ride in the Sierra foothills with the Coarsegoldkid. Still can I suppose? I know many of you wanted to join in on the fun but duties of several descriptions intervened. That’s life!

As promised the weather was great and the roads traveled were even better. These roads were designed for motorcycles in mind or so it would seem. I think you will agree. Frank(Franksox) and Lauren were putting the finishing touches on a wonderful week of motorcycling in Arizona arrived second to Heck. Minutes later the family of Hakan (hedstrom), Marie and Christian pulled up. Mark(Heck) was already into a cup of coffee and a few adventurers opted for a similar jolt for the road. Only Mark braved the Kid’s uphill gravel driveway aboard his technologically appointed R1200GS. I understand. In a post the previous evening I informed Mark(mbelectric) that we’d be able to meet with him in Coulterville. So our adventure begins at 9:15a.m.

Turning out of my small community nestled in the foothills below Yosemite we ride roughly north on county Road 400. Passing grazing sheep, goats, llamas and a lonely longhorn bovine we come upon Road 415 and turned left. Enclaves of single-family dwellings and cattle ranchs populate this foothill area. The roads are challenging. Up and down hill curves, off-camber, on-camber, neutral-camber, meek water-crossings, road shoulder sand and dirt, and suicidal rodents all make for a challenging ride. I wonder what the beef herds are thinking as we roar by?

In the interest of motorcycling enjoyment I selected a short diversion onto Road 606. It follows a seasonal creek and passes a granite mining operation that has been in working for nearly 150 years. This route connects us with Road 415 just south of Raymond at Knowles Junction. Traveling north at this intersection we head through Raymond. Once a bustling stage stop and commercial center for travelers venturing into Yosemite National Park, today it now hosts a few hardy families, a US Postal Office, a café, granite stone works, a place of religious worship and what I believe to be a bikers saloon. We will take the turn off to Mariposa called collectively Road 613 and the Green Mountain Road until it connects with Ben Hur Road at a sharp dusty 90-degree bend. More cattle ranching for as far the horizon allows and snow peaked Sierras in the distance made for a great view. Along this stretch we stopped for more socializing.

SoCal adventurers stop to chat it up over the landscape, pace of ride and generally getting to know each other.

There should be a clutch lever over on that left bar. Christian checks over the FJR1300 he was testing for Zero to Sixty.

The temperatures were heating up and time was burning. This merry band of two-wheeled hooners headed to our next jog onto Buckeye Road. Buckeye Road takes us to CA 140 where we head east to Hornitos Road turn-off, heading north. In Hornitos we pick up J16. We stop while Heck cruises the town for Masonic brothers but comes up empty. So that he doesn’t get flack from the guys I can say he tried. After the brief sharing of orange slices, thanks to Lauren, we make haste to Merced Falls Road and head north through a corridor of communities surviving on boating and fishing enthusiasts. Shortly we reach CA 132 where we turn right and head to Coulterville. We weren’t there long and up walks mbelectric for introductions. Time 11:47am. I wanted to give the boys some more saddle time and the ladies opted for sightseeing the various antique stores in the 1850 mining town. So they went their way and we took a 35-minute counter-clockwise loop of the hills stopping for fuel in Greeley Hill. Back on the loop via the cedar shaded J132 and onto the normally busy CA 120 east bound through Groveland and Big Oak Flat. For that extra-added bonus I led the bikes down Old Priest Grade. The road is a steep and narrow excursion that was once infested with bandits and highwaymen seeking an easy take of gold and goods from the horse drawn coaches laboring up and sliding down the grade. Early auto drivers braved the tight and twisty dirt road during the wet season and dry hot summers. Today the pavement is smooth and no bandits. At the grade bottom we rejoin CA120 for a short blast to CA49 southbound for the eleven miles back to Coulterville completing the loop.

Since 1851 The Jeffery Hotel has offered rooms by the hour. Attached is the Magnolia Saloon, California’s oldest working saloon. I hear theres a 10% for bikers staying the night. Inside period actors portray shoot outs over ladies at the bar. Great food in the saloon.

After lunch we are back on CA49. This stretch of road is locally known as “The Dragon”. Every good motorcycling area has one. This one has no guardrails and freaks out the tourists onboard their lumbering motor homes. It’s a long way down to the Merced River below. “The Dragon” has many rockslides so be careful. Bush Lupine punctuating the Manzanita covered hillsides provides a purple hue. Unfortunately cages and yes, bikers too, cross the double yellow on “The Dragon.” If you ride this stretch I hope they don’t ruin your day. CA49 will take us through Mariposa and on to Ahwahnee where we turn on to Road 600 toward Raymond. Road 600 snakes it’s way through the foothills several miles until it meets up with this morning’s route at Road 415. Big loop you say. You’d be right. From here we head west for an easy ride back to Coarsegold. Frank, Lauren, Hakan, Marie, and Christian headed back to their hotel. Heck made a beeline home to bring his wife Jessica up to the Coarsegoldkid’s house for BBQ. The days ride officially ended at 4pm with about 200 more miles on the odometer and the sides of the tires showing full usage.

Until next time, see ya.

April 03, 2008

Today I embarked on a short 190 mile ride through the foothills close to home. Roads taken were, 41, 200, 211, Friant, Auberry, Millerton, 168, Tollhouse, Academy, Ashlan, Watts Valley, Burrough Valley, Tollhouse, Auberry, 200, National Scenic Road 81 also known as several other name like Sierra Scenic Byway, Mamouth Pools.




The image you see below has Mamouth Mountain, CA in the background. The day was clear, cool, and gorgeous for sure. Patches of snow along the road above 4000 feet elevation were visible in the north facing corners. My intention was to stop at the Mile High Lookout but just 1/4 mile from reaching it the road was closed. The snow plows do not get up here and so the road beyond this point was covered in snow. I had also planned to connect with the Beashore Road and take it to Bass Lake but that was canceled.








The bike was sparkling as I left home and was bug covered when I returned. This day I lunched at La Cabana in North Fork. It is probably the smallest restaurant in the hills and also the best "home made Mexican" food for miles around.

Coarsegoldkid

Sunday April 6, 2008

Today I planned to ride with a group of BMW riders from BMW of Fresno. They were to start their ride from the new and roomy digs in Fresno, head up into the foothills, then lunch at Dan Rouit's Flat Track museum in Clovis.








With sidestand up at 8:15am and fuel gauge on fumes my first stop was 22 mile house for fuel. Since the group was headed in the direction of Humphery's Station on Tollhouse Road, I decided to have breakfast there and join them as they rode through.


But my breakfast ended and they hadn't showed by in the time frame I think they should, I figured I missed them so I may as well just go for a ride. Not knowing the whereabouts of the museum I was bummed but the shop might do it again next year. So there's always next time.



Anyway, I rode south on Pittman Hill road figuring they would be coming up on that road. But they didn't so I rode on to Sample Road and headed back into Clovis. Eventually I was back on Watts Valley Road. From here the Sierra stands in the distance. See photo above.
Since I had been in the area a few days before I and didn't quite get a handle on which road went where I made a point to take them in the opposite direction for a different perspective. Glad I did. I preceded to cruise around and headed back to 168 for the ride home when 20 BMW riders zoomed by at Tollhouse and 168. Cool. I joined in and behind me were members of a sports car club of some high priced cars I saw earlier in the morning.
On to Rouit's.















This Japanese flat tracker was ridden on pavement tracks. Notice the slick rear and the treaded front. But all is not as it seems. The front is slick on the left side, go left young man, treaded on the right, go figure.

Next is a hell of a ride. Back in the day Kenny Roberts saddled up a missile to gain an upper hand on the dominating Harleys. The missile was a TZ750 road race motor in a flat track frame. He road the beast at the Springfield Mile for the win first time out and declared that, "They don't pay me enough to ride that thing, AMA should out law it". Well he gave it another ride at San Jose and I was there to see it. He and Scott Belsford on a newly minted 750cc Kawasaki triple road racer fashioned flat tracker were taking the long way around the mile clipping the hay bales while the Harleys were in the blue groove. Unbelievable racing I would never seen again. In the end the multi-cylinder two strokes were banned. This particular machine was the concept bike for what turned AMA flat tracking on its ear. Check this out.




Dan Rouit's Flat Track Museum can be viewed at his open house event on Sunday May 18, 2008. Contact him at (559) 291-2242