Average Speed: 7.84
Max Speed: 25.80
Total Miles: 2,051
Left Carson City early and rode to Gardnerville where Patrick secured some last minute gear and where we had an enormous second breakfast. Started climbing about 11 AM and it was pretty tough, at least on me; had to walk a couple of stretches. Stopped in Woodfords for lunch where the proprietor had the biggest & loudest mouth in this sector of the universe - sandwich was good. Back on the road we made Hope Valley by 3 PM for rest & refreshment. Finally made the summit around 5:30 PM. Had to walk the last mile - probably walked 2-3 miles all together - Patrick could have ridden the whole way but he walked with the old man. Down from the summit to the west we were both pretty well shot so we pulled into the first place we passed - Caples Resort - little room right on the lake, snowy peaks all around and very inexpensive. Cooked camp food out on the rocks near the water and had some beer for dessert - nice end to a memorable day.
Getting still closer
Fabulous
One more state to cross, but then there's the state of mind
Patrick, holding up both ends
Alpine vistas
Tough looking peak
Road up to Carson Pass
West Fork of Carson River
Patrick did a fair amount of waiting - & in good humor
Falling Rock
Up & up
We hope not today
The grass is in focus anyway
The sentinel
Alpine lakes
Nearing the snow line
The road climbing the last stretch to the pass
We missed all the excitement
Another shot of the final pitch
Looking back toward the east
Patrick the geologist
Carson Summit - the third & last milestone of the trip
Heading west & down
Monumental
Caples Lake
Caples Lake
Crystal clear alpine lake
Tomorrow we head for Jackson and barring mishaps we'll finish the ride Labor Day.
Awesome! What a joy to share the adventure.
ReplyDeleteWhew! You've won the uphill battle. Should be mostly downhill now. Which is not to say you're going downhill, or that you're over the hill. You're over the mountain.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. California is definately the most beautiful plus you have Patrick along for company. I have a twinge of jealously! Enjoy boys!
ReplyDeleteHi Stevie...Hi Patrick
ReplyDeleteI just spent a couple of hours catching up on your journey. Last time I checked your progress I think you were bitching about Wyoming. I just got back from a month in South Africa, so I was way behind on tracking the slowbikeride.
Great pictures and interesting commentaries & observations on your tour of the west. You may have a future in adventure/torture travel and travelogue.
My recommendation on energy chow is sausage biscuits dripping with butter...and vitamins. You were always pretty religous about taking vitamins.
Glad to see Patrick has come to escort you down to the bay. It is an epic trip...good for memories and stories for years to come. TWL
Yea!!!!!! Hello Patrick! So glad you are sharing this ride together. California looks gorgeous and welcome after your journey through nevada. Beer for dessert - why not! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteMarianne