(September 6 – Written by guest blogger Pete) On a day when you climb a 9,945 foot pass and enter the iconic Yosemite National Park, it is hard to start at the beginning and not jump into the majestic scenery of towering granite monoliths, clear and cold running streams, vast green meadows, white snow cirques … Continue reading Channelling John Muir on the Tioga Pass to Yosemite – Lee Vining to Tuolumne Meadows (34K/5269k)
Americas trip
Mono Lake – Willow Springs to Lee Vining (37k/5235k)
(September 5 - Written by Dave) With a short day planned, we had a leisurely morning. I finally got Nancy to put down her book around 7AM. Couple this with free coffee at the Willows campground it felt downright civilized. My thoughts of calling it an unofficial rest day were dashed by the 7 mile … Continue reading Mono Lake – Willow Springs to Lee Vining (37k/5235k)
Bridgeport ramble –Smith Valley to Willow Springs (90k/5198k)
(September 4 - Written by Dave) We had a great sleep in the old ranch house last night. We didn’t hear any ghosts but Pete said that he thought he heard Gramps – who knows, many generations of Costas, Annettes and Days have roamed the valley and probably the ranch house. We met Paul and … Continue reading Bridgeport ramble –Smith Valley to Willow Springs (90k/5198k)
Back in time with Pete and Paul –Minden to Smith Valley (61k/5108k)
(September 3 - Written by Dave) Today was all about going back in time with Pete (and his brother Paul). Last night we started where we left off the other day at Pete and Inge’s house –having wonderful dinner and drinks at their place (nice work Inge). Today we dawdled a bit getting started - … Continue reading Back in time with Pete and Paul –Minden to Smith Valley (61k/5108k)
Back to school and the road –Carson City to Minden (48k/5047k)
(August 31 - Written by Dave) After a nice break at my Mum’s house in Carson City, today we were back on the road. Thanks for everything Mum! Our bikes are all tuned up. Our routes through the rest of California and much of Mexico are all mapped. Our food supplies are all re-stocked. Our … Continue reading Back to school and the road –Carson City to Minden (48k/5047k)
Home to Carson City – Kings Beach to Carson City (63k/4998k)
(August 22 - Written by Dave) I was up early this morning and took a stroll to the end of our hotel 2nd floor balcony to have a look at the lake. Down on the first floor where folks were having a picnic last night, it was right old mess. As I was forming random … Continue reading Home to Carson City – Kings Beach to Carson City (63k/4998k)
Riding through the eclipse – Truckee to Kings Beach (44k/4935k)
(21 August – written by Nancy) Another quiet, bear-free night in the campground last night, notwithstanding the warnings from the campground staff when we checked in. We were supposed to have a sleep-in, as we had a short day planned, but Pete was up with the sun so we got up to join him for … Continue reading Riding through the eclipse – Truckee to Kings Beach (44k/4935k)
A Champion’s Day – Graeagle to Truckee (81k/4892k)
(Written by guest writer Pete) I am happy to be the new intern for Leave Without Pay. It is a temporary assignment. Which is probably a good thing. The application process was rigorous. I have heard that the senior editor is very picky (advice from Dave), and that the junior editor can be a bit … Continue reading A Champion’s Day – Graeagle to Truckee (81k/4892k)
Fast “downhill” day –Lake Almanor Graeagle (98k/4811k)
(July 19 - Written by Dave) Today was completely different than yesterday. We ended up climbing nearly as much (~3000 ft), but it was a lot faster because the ultimate Sherpa (Inge) carried our bags from Lake Almanor to Graeagle. It was our first, and last, day of this pleasure as Inge had to get back … Continue reading Fast “downhill” day –Lake Almanor Graeagle (98k/4811k)
Mt Lassen visuals –Lassen National Park to Lake Almanor (103k/4713k)
(Written by Dave) I’ll keep today’s post brief. We had a stunning morning riding up to the 8,500 foot Lassen Pass, in the middle of Lassen National Park. We had close to 3,500 feet of climbing by 11AM. The morning was cool and the scenery was amazing. I stopped too many times for photos but … Continue reading Mt Lassen visuals –Lassen National Park to Lake Almanor (103k/4713k)
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