Ride Sherman Pass

[David13]

The one to the north east of Kernville.

 

I want to leave Los Angeles on a Saturday morning and ride thru' Caliente Bodfish to arrive at McNallys for the night, along with their steak dinner.

Then Sunday a bit north, then east thru' Sherman Pass and out Nine Mile Canyon to 395 south. From there return to Los Angeles either of two ways.

I would be happy to take this ride solo, or with anyone interested in coming along, all the way or part of the way.

 

Any weekend in August is possible.

 

I'm trying to plan longer rides after that.

 

If I go to Torrey, I'd like to include Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, and the Durango Silverton train.

 

But I'm also trying to plan 3 weeks to ride thru' Baja California and take the boat from La Paz to Mazatlan, then ride south to Zihuatanejo. And back.

 

So I just need something for August.

 

Is anyone else interested in Sherman Pass?

dc

 

[Bullett]

I wish I could. . . Sounds like a fun route and good company.

[SageRider]

Interested, but won't be able..

Sherman pass is a true gem of the Sierras, and very lightly traveled as it is the direct route to nowhere.

 

 

[Bill_Walker]

I've never ridden Sherman Pass. Sounds like fun. When are you thinking of going? 10-12 is out for me, but the other August weekends work.

[David13]

I can go any weekend. How about 18-19?

dc

[Bill_Walker]

Works for me!

[CoarsegoldKid]

I just might join you.

[Bill_Walker]

I just might join you.

 

Cool! It'd be great to see you again!

[CoarsegoldKid]

David is this a one day deal or an overnighter. McNally's?

Yeah Bill, you been away from the rif raf for a long while. Good thing your avatar is a reasonable image of you. I almost forgot what you look like. Will be good see all the boys and girls again.

[Bill_Walker]

David is this a one day deal or an overnighter. McNally's?

Yeah Bill, you been away from the rif raf for a long while. Good thing your avatar is a reasonable image of you. I almost forgot what you look like. Will be good see all the boys and girls again.

 

David's first post says "to arrive at McNallys for the night". That'd be for overnight.

 

I DID make it to Torrey this past May, although I couldn't make the North-South or the UN. But there was a long no-riding spell before that.

[David13]

Joe

Both Bill and I would be happy if you did. If others show up, I'm sure they will be glad to see you over there, as well as Franz, if he can make it.

You could meet us Saturday evening at McNallys. We should be there probably by 5, check in, and eat.

On Sunday I'll follow you east on Sherman Pass and out to 395, where I'll head south. If you want to turn back onto Nine Mile and Sherman Pass, it will bring you closer to a return to your home. Or any other direction you want.

I'm sure that Yokohl and the road thru' Camp Nelson should be open. I don't know if you have been back over there since it was closed in November.

dc

[CoarsegoldKid]

It's on the calendar. I'll mention it to Franz.

[mrduck]

Will you gentlemen be passing thru the Tehachapi area on your way there?

We might be able to join you for the day...

 

 

 

 

 

Don J

 

 

[Bill_Walker]

Will you gentlemen be passing thru the Tehachapi area on your way there?

We might be able to join you for the day...

 

We'll be there just about lunch time, according to David. I assume that means he's not planning to take the most direct route from our meeting point in Gardena.

[CoarsegoldKid]

Yeah! Why take a direct route when curvy roads abound.

[David13]

My plan is to take 405 to 5 to 14, where we could meet you at the Starbucks on I.

And then proceed to Tehachapi for lunch. Up Caliente Bodfish, and coffee at the cafe at Lake Isabella, south of 58, on the road coming into town.

Then on to McNallys.

You could meet us at Starbucks, maybe minutes before 10 and drop out to return home at any time.

dc

[David13]

McNallys has no rooms available August 11, 18, and 25. They recommend Corral Creek, six miles closer to Kernville, but it's $120 per room.

I'm looking at other places in Kernville. And I'll check back to McNallys as to Fridays, the 17th and 24th. I think we need to look at least 3 rooms.

 

However, if we stay in Kernville, it's probably better to eat in town. I think there is another steak house.

Can anyone go on a Friday? Or have ideas about where else to stay and eat?

dc

[SPX]

 

 

If the dates work out for me, I'd really like to join in on this!

[mrduck]

McNallys has no rooms available August 11, 18, and 25. They recommend Corral Creek, six miles closer to Kernville, but it's $120 per room.

I'm looking at other places in Kernville. And I'll check back to McNallys as to Fridays, the 17th and 24th. I think we need to look at least 3 rooms.

 

However, if we stay in Kernville, it's probably better to eat in town. I think there is another steak house.

Can anyone go on a Friday? Or have ideas about where else to stay and eat?

dc

 

DOWNTOWN KERNVILLE

Kernville Inn, next door to Cheryls Diner...a good Foo-Foo Coffee place just across the way... an italian restaurant there also..... the river is across from the parking lot...and a good micro brewery up around the corner a short ways....

 

 

 

Don J

[Bill_Walker]

Kernville Inn, next door to Cheryls Diner...a good Foo-Foo Coffee place just across the way... an italian restaurant there also..... the river is across from the parking lot...and a good micro brewery up around the corner a short ways....

 

The Kernville Inn is also $120 on weekends. I guess maybe that's the going rate in the area. I'm OK with that, but YMMV, of course.

[David13]

It sounds good Don but I just called. Nothing but 4 rooms total available, $119 minimum, and up, and no double queen rooms.

I also called Corral Creek, under new management, with nice looking photos, and now open, and they have at least 3 rooms available, on the first floor, and all are double queen at $120.

It is 8 miles north of Kernville, and 6 miles south of McNallys.

McNallys is wide open for dinner Saturday the 18th with one reservation only. They usually only get reservations for dinner the same day.

I called several other places and checked their websites. It appears there is nothing available in town for Saturday.

dc

[Effjay]

From coastal Ventura County, I've always done Caliente-Bodfish or Sherman Pass as separate 1-day rides (both are great). S-P always before coming up from Hwy 395 near Pearsonville (Nine Mile Cyn through Kennedy Meadows) and down to Kernville from the summit. With a pooch at home, no overnighters for me without her but depending on start time maybe meet you guys for the ride over the Pass on Sunday? I'd be GS mounted for somewhat larger fuel range than my S-bike.

 

BTW, not a picture I took (obviously) while on my former RT but IMO an engaging perspective approaching the Caliente-Bodfish junction southbound. Kudos go to moto photog/rider "George" even if unlikely he views this...

 

[David13]

Josh

We would be glad to see you over there. Let us know when you will meet us.

Effjay.

We should leave Corral Creek about 8 a.m. It is 8 miles north of Kernville.

Unless the others want to go into town at that time for ham and eggs. I always skip the ham and eggs myself.

dc

[Bill_Walker]

So, I guess the deciding factor between the Kernville Inn and Corral Creek is whether folks want to share rooms (no double queen rooms at KI, all double queen at CC), or whether they have to in order to accommodate all of us in the rooms available. How many want to spend the night? I know David and I are planning on it, and I would assume that Joe is as well, and he may have Franz with him. That would take up all available rooms at KI.

 

CC looks like the biggest place in the area, from what I've seen on web sites, and is all by itself between Kernville and McNally's. There are no restaurants, but the rooms have kitchens.

 

I don't necessarily need a big breakfast, but coffee is absolutely required.

[Effjay]

Effjay.

We should leave Corral Creek about 8 a.m. It is 8 miles north of Kernville.

I shoulda done the clock math before posting. I'm an early riser but would need to roll from home well before 4:30 AM to arrive there in time. I like to moto ride but sadly, I'm out for this one...

 

[Bill_Walker]

OK, David has convinced me. Reservation made at Corral Creek Resort (though I think "Resort" is a bit of a stretch).

[Redbrick]

McNallys has no rooms available August 11, 18, and 25. They recommend Corral Creek, six miles closer to Kernville, but it's $120 per room.

I'm looking at other places in Kernville. And I'll check back to McNallys as to Fridays, the 17th and 24th. I think we need to look at least 3 rooms.

 

However, if we stay in Kernville, it's probably better to eat in town. I think there is another steak house.

Can anyone go on a Friday? Or have ideas about where else to stay and eat?

dc

 

DOWNTOWN KERNVILLE

Kernville Inn, next door to Cheryls Diner...a good Foo-Foo Coffee place just across the way... an italian restaurant there also..... the river is across from the parking lot...and a good micro brewery up around the corner a short ways....

 

 

 

Don J

 

Kathy and I have stayed at the Kernville Inn and been to Cheryl's a number of times....Nice, near the river and easy strolling around town....Central ..Recommended....

Is the 18-19th finalized?......

[David13]

Yes.

So is Corral Creek. Everything else is sold out.

dc

[CoarsegoldKid]

Res made at Corral Creek. I'll be out DS riding for a few days back on Tuesday.

[mbelectric]

Rooms anywhere near the Kernville area are few and far between in summer.

 

Get 'em if you can. Do the ride, well worth it.

 

And someone show me what a real steak looks like. I had to settle for a chicken fried one in Lone Pine...

 

MB.

[OlGeezer]

Be careful on Sherman Pass. Of all the passes, I consider this one the most dangerous. There are piles of gravel in the middle of the road at the most inopportune locations. Caltrans has started patching the road, but unfortunately, the patched locations look just like the aforementioned piles of gravel (worse, vice-versa). There is a reward for taking this route however. At the peak, there is a resting spot where, on a clear day, you can see Mt. Whitney and, of course, the big hook (for me) is Nine Mile Canyon leading to a rest break in Pearsonville.

[mbelectric]

The "resting spot" is not marked as such, only sign you'll see is a small 9200 ft marker.

 

The stop has a pit toilet though.

 

Didn't see any major area's of CalTrans patching. But as the Geezer said, rider beware.

 

MB.

[billp]

I hate to jump in at the end of this but did you ever consider staying in Bakersfield? Kernville is up the road about 30 miles.

Plenty of food options. (KC Steakhouse).

Plenty of decent hotels in town also.

[David13]

Well shucks howdy billy bob we shore did. That is why we are staying in Kernville.

Thenk yew very much.

dc

[CoarsegoldKid]

Well shucks howdy billy bob we shore did. That is why we are staying in Kernville.

Thenk yew very much.

dc

Play nice David.

Bakersfield doesn't have the same forested quality as Kernville and the surrounding area. I think that's what David meant to say.

 

Hey Der Kaiser are you :lurk:'ing around this thread.

[Paul Mihalka]

I am very much and got my reservation in for McNally's!

[CoarsegoldKid]

So, I guess the deciding factor between the Kernville Inn and Corral Creek is whether folks want to share rooms (no double queen rooms at KI, all double queen at CC), or whether they have to in order to accommodate all of us in the rooms available. How many want to spend the night? I know David and I are planning on it, and I would assume that Joe is as well, and he may have Franz with him. That would take up all available rooms at KI.

 

CC looks like the biggest place in the area, from what I've seen on web sites, and is all by itself between Kernville and McNally's. There are no restaurants, but the rooms have kitchens.

 

I don't necessarily need a big breakfast, but coffee is absolutely required.

Franz is a no show. I booked CC. But I can call to change that. I also asked Der Kaiser if he wants to room with me. No word yet.

Ready to roll. Too soon aye?

[David13]

I got the impression that Corral Creek has more rooms for anyone that shows up. But with everything else sold out it may be best to call first.

Bill and I will ride up to the Shell on 2 and 210 and meet Larry.

We may then ride Upper Big Tujunga and Angeles Forest and should arrive at 14 at Ave I and Starbucks at maybe 9:45.

Then on to Tehachapi, Caliente Bodfish, Lake Isabella and ultimately Kernville, with lunch in there somewhere.

Maybe Tehachapi. That would make for an early lunch but at the north end of Caliente Creek Road we could take that south and then back north on Caliente Bodfish.

Or some other ride out there.

We will still be there early.

dc

 

[billp]

Ouch. I agree there is more shit in this town you can shake a stick at, but it does have mucho food options, good hotels, strip joints.

 

But I do not take the hillbilly comments personally. Hell I am from Boston.

[David13]

Thank you Bill

My comments were directed at Bakersfield, not you.

Strip joints? Are you aware that last November we visited Beatty, Nevada?

Anyway, our idea is to get out of the city, not into it, or mine is, I cannot speak for the others.

You would not have to start out too early to meet us at Corral Creek about 8 a.m.

dc

[mbelectric]

If you could provide a link to the strip joints that might be handy.

 

MB.

[mrduck]

Well shucks howdy billy bob we shore did. That is why we are staying in Kernville.

Thenk yew very much.

dc

 

 

 

Watch it there, city boy......ya'll know that there uppity talk from some city slicker wuz whut started that whole "Deliverance" scene

 

 

 

 

And hush up 'bout the Beatty thang.....we'll be back there soon 'nuf in November

 

 

And yes,I do speak fluent hick

 

 

 

Don J

[Groanup]

I've tried to work it out so I could join you folks for at least one day, but just can't get away that weekend...

...But you have inspired me.

Google maps says it will take 8 hours just from here over the pass and back down to 395, not even counting the ride back home from there. ROUTE

Seems like it shouldn't take that long

I'd like to try and do it in one day the next weekend! (25th)

Do you think this would be doable from Pasadena back to Pasadena in one day?

[billp]

Most of the time would be on the real slow roads like CB and Sherman Pass. These roads are 30 MPH at most. Kernville north can be quicker if you ignore speed limits. 395 can be real fast if you do not care about cops.

 

I would say yes for a day trip. Do not dawdle for lunch or coffee breaks. Start very early.

[mrduck]

I've tried to work it out so I could join you folks for at least one day, but just can't get away that weekend...

...But you have inspired me.

Google maps says it will take 8 hours just from here over the pass and back down to 395, not even counting the ride back home from there. ROUTE

Seems like it shouldn't take that long

I'd like to try and do it in one day the next weekend! (25th)

Do you think this would be doable from Pasadena back to Pasadena in one day?

 

 

We can do that from here in a day,top off in Tehachapi- that'll get you to 395/Pearsonville. And bring your radar detector, you're gonna need it on 395

 

 

 

 

Don J

[Groanup]

We can do that from here in a day,top off in Tehachapi- that'll get you to 395/Pearsonville. And bring your radar detector, you're gonna need it on 395

 

 

 

 

Don J

 

Radar detector!?

Why do you think I always follow you guys who have 'em?

[Bill_Walker]

There seems to be some difference of opinion as to what sort of weather we can expect on Saturday. The forecast for Kernville, CA, for Saturday:

 

Weather Underground:

Clear with a chance of rain. High of 82F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. [the detailed forecast shows the chance of rain only before noon]

 

National Weather Service:

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

 

Weather Channel:

High of 95, 0% chance of rain.

 

I wonder if they'll converge on a solution as we get closer to Saturday? If I were to pick and choose, I'd go for a high of 82 and 0% chance of rain.

[Bill_Walker]

Is anybody else who's going set up for bike-to-bike comms? I'm wondering weather to bother packing my radio and charger.

[LBump]

Is anybody else who's going set up for bike-to-bike comms? I'm wondering weather to bother packing my radio and charger.

 

Zero on this end.

[mrduck]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There seems to be some difference of opinion as to what sort of weather we can expect on Saturday. The forecast for Kernville, CA, for Saturday:

 

Weather Underground:

Clear with a chance of rain. High of 82F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. [the detailed forecast shows the chance of rain only before noon]

 

National Weather Service:

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

 

Weather Channel:

High of 95, 0% chance of rain.

 

I wonder if they'll converge on a solution as we get closer to Saturday? If I were to pick and choose, I'd go for a high of 82 and 0% chance of rain.

 

 

 

How about obscenely, stupid HOT!!! and yucky gawdawful Humidity......

 

Bring your coolvest, yer gonna need it!

 

Yup, been miserable round these parts lately

 

 

 

Don J