It's Rodney's (eyesurgeon's) Fault

[Twisties]

So, we've got two days to ride the Sierras, August 18 and 19, following the SF Bay Area TechDaze. Been wanting to do this ever since Rodney posted Sonora Pass shots last year. Also recall someone posted a three pass ride at one point. Might have been Rodney again, or maybe someone else.

 

Only problems, have no idea where these places are, what services are to be found, etc.

 

Can ya'll help us out with route number or town designations, hotel or camping recommendations, dining suggestions, must see attractions, etc.? We'll be starting from Benecia.

 

Thanks,

 

Jan

[CoarsegoldKid]

Hwy 49 runs north and south along the Sierra known as Gold Country, Hwy 108 runs east and west through the Sierra and is the Sonora Pass, Hwy 4 runs east and west through the Sierra and is the next pass north of the Sonora, Hwy 41 runs north through Yosemite and meets Hwy 120 in Yosemite and Hwy 49 in Oakhurst at its southern end, Hwy 120 runs east and west through the Sierra and is the Tioga Pass which runs through Yosemite.

 

BMW dealer in Fresno.

Many hotels. The Magnolia in Coulterville gives discounts to motorcyclists. Good food too.

Whoa Nelli deli in Lee Vining, CA hwy 120 for a meal is a good place.

[Marty Hill]

Just rode 49, don't miss it. Most of that area is worth riding.

[keithb]

Jan

I would plan on doing at least 4 passes in this order: Tioga Pass/Rt. 120 (Yosemite), Sonora Pass/Rt. 108, Ebbett's Pass/Rt. 4, Monitor Pass/Rt. 89, and maybe double back to Carson Pass/Rt. 88.

 

I would recommend going by AAA and pickup a Ca. map just to have one handy. Since you have two days I figured 2 passes per day which is 180-200 miles per day. Get on Rt. 4 from Benicia and take that east to Copperopolis, Ca. Turn right on E-15 (O'Byrnes Ferry Rd.) to Chinese Camp. At Chinese Camp take Rt. 49 South 12 miles to Rt. 120 East thru Yosemite National Park and Tioga Pass to Rt. 395. Take Rt. 395 north to Rt. 108/Sonora Pass. Head west on Rt. 108 over Sonora Pass. There are campgrounds all along the way and since it is a Mon/Tues nights you will have your pick of them or you can stay in Sonora, Columbia, or Angels Camp at a hotel. I would probably stay in Angels Camp at Rt. 4. Then take Rt. 4 East towards Ebbett's Pass which is beautiful by the way. Tnen get on Rt. 89 South and that will take you over Monitor Pass. Go north on Rt. 395 for 6 miles and turn right onto Rt. 208 east. Take that to A95 north to Rt. 50 east. Each route/pass over the Sierra's is about 80-90 miles across so you can do 2 passes per day. You will finish the passes and be on the east side of the Sierra's so you can easily get to Route 50 east or I-80 east to get you back to Salt Lake. I have ridden the Sierra's passes ride at least twice and it is a phenominal ride and the scenery is just spectacular.

[mbelectric]

From Richards I'd do the following:

 

Benicia slab it on 4 to river road 160 thru the delta to 12.

12 to Lodi for a wine purchase and a snack.

12 Lodi to 49 San Andreas.

49 to 4 Murphys, buy more wine, have lunch.

From Murphys, 4 Ebbetts Pass to 89 Monitor Pass.( stop in Markleeville if you wish).

89 to 395 to Bridgeport. Dinner at the Inn.

 

Day 2

 

Bridgeport 395 to 108 Sonora Pass

108 to Sonora. Lunch at the Back Street Cafe.

Sonora to 120 Groveland.

Groveland to Yosemite park entrance.

Tioga Pass 120 east to 395.

395 south to 120 east.

120 east to Benton.

6 to Tonapah. ( Do not stay at the Clown Motel. Cheap , but strange.)

 

Day 3

 

6 all the way across the high desert.

 

You'll never have the sun in your eyes.

 

IMHO>

 

MB>

 

 

 

[BruceWA]

You could easily spend a week riding what the others have described. I prefer the Tioga Pass of 30 years ago, now that was a road!

[Twisties]

Thanks everyone!

 

That was what I needed.

 

Jan