It's time again. For the 4th straight year, I'll attempt to corral many of the usual VFRD suspects for a weekend. Bring your radiator guards and eggs.
Dates were set after asking last year's participants - so if you don't like them you should've gone last year! Work commitments will require this to be 2 1/2 days for me - ride down afternoon of 9/9, then this:
We did Trimmer the first year I think...and maybe last year? It's an awesome road, I just remember the connector from there to Shaver was a bit goaty. I'm always down for that weird shit though.
I'm in as long as I can get it squared away with work; I'll figure that out tomorrow and post up if I'm for sure in. If I do join, then I may try to plug in this route on the front and back-end of this ride. Any other SoCal riders are welcome to join in the extensions!
P.S. Did the forum purge a bunch of old posts? I couldn't find the ride report for one of the older rides and noticed my post count went way down.
I'm in as long as I can get it squared away with work; I'll figure that out tomorrow and post up if I'm for sure in. If I do join, then I may try to plug in this route on the front and back-end of this ride. Any other SoCal riders are welcome to join in the extensions!
P.S. Did the forum purge a bunch of old posts? I couldn't find the ride report for one of the older rides and noticed my post count went way down.
I know there was some report of missing files/pics but don't know if whole post got lost, quite possible. I do recall there being a mention of some post being reset, not sure if it affected everyone or just a certain number of members.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to do the full extensions that I currently have planned. Due to testing at work I might have to blast up from SD late Friday, then back down to SD on Monday. I'm still hoping to join the official 2-day ride, but still need to work through a couple of details with work. Sorry dudes!
Getting to and from the ultimate starting/ending points is whatever route you decide. I will probably cut across the valley on Sunday, since the trek home from Georgetown would be tough after 8 or 10 hours riding......or maybe spend the night in Georgetown....
I will leave early (5am), going down highway 1, and up 46, hit Rossi's driveway (CA229) then 58 to 178 to Kernville. I was going to switch up the route this year, but it was so much fun, and every other route involves slabbing it for too long......Ed, do you want to join me?
I will leave early (5am), going down highway 1, and up 46, hit Rossi's driveway (CA229) then 58 to 178 to Kernville. I was going to switch up the route this year, but it was so much fun, and every other route involves slabbing it for too long......Ed, do you want to join me?
I'm not sure what my Friday is looking like but I might be down to join you.
I will leave early (5am), going down highway 1, and up 46, hit Rossi's driveway (CA229) then 58 to 178 to Kernville. I was going to switch up the route this year, but it was so much fun, and every other route involves slabbing it for too long......Ed, do you want to join me?
That (Fri Sep 09, 5am?) would give us plenty of time to enjoy some scenery.
If you want to switch it up a little around Paso Robles, I recall a Chimney Rock / Peachy Canyon loop.
What is the date and approx. departure time from Kernville?
Slightly confused:
9/10 map link shows your route to Kernville.
9/11 map link starts at Shaver Lake.
Sorry, made that kind of confusing.
9/9: everyone meets in Kernville
9/10: ride Kernville to Shaver Lake
9/11: ride Shaver Lake to Georgetown
In the past, SoCal people have peeled off sometime after Saturday, or ridden through and then made the trek home on Monday. Typically, numbers-wise, NorCal wins out big time so I don't really consider doing a "basecamp" type of ride i.e. T-Mac.
16 hours ago, crazybrother
Who and what are the travel plans for Friday down from Nor-Cal?
I'm going to leave work around noon or so, like last year. Then just grind it out down 99 and take 178 up through Kern Canyon. Unless you want to try to hit CA155 and find some sand!
In the past, SoCal people have peeled off sometime after Saturday, or ridden through and then made the trek home on Monday. Typically, numbers-wise, NorCal wins out big time so I don't really consider doing a "basecamp" type of ride i.e. T-Mac.
I'm going to leave work around noon or so, like last year. Then just grind it out down 99 and take 178 up through Kern Canyon. Unless you want to try to hit CA155 and find some sand!
VFR 1200... No like sand... Duc 1200 Like sand...:)
I see the Magpul poster behind the bike, must be a warning for any wanna-be thieves.......
There's a couple... NRA sticker on the front window and a 2nd Amendment sign in the Garage too... Oh, almost forgot... The Ferocious killer beast AKA Daisy. :goofy:
Well, my plans may have been hindered. The project that was supposed to be done by the end of August got pushed back into September...Hopefully I can still make it but if not, I'll shoot for next year!
I'm booked Kernville Inn Friday Shaver Lake Hotel Saturday, they still have rooms.
I stayed in Kernville in June on my way back from L.A. on the VFR. The sketchy bar is still across the street, and the brewery has expanded to twice the size.
Bummed, the project I have did indeed move to the first two weeks of September! I'll have to live vicariously through any pics and post you guys put up. :mellow: I did tell SFdownhill to join you guys, he'd be coming from Vista, Ca. so even further than me. Maybe Stucky and he can caravan together.
Bummed, the project I have did indeed move to the first two weeks of September! I'll have to live vicariously through any pics and post you guys put up. :mellow: I did tell SFdownhill to join you guys, he'd be coming from Vista, Ca. so even further than me. Maybe Stucky and he can caravan together.
Lame! Too bad, in order to go fast I need a black sixth gen filling my mirrors at all times. I'll PM SFdownhill - thanks.
That (Fri Sep 09, 5am?) would give us plenty of time to enjoy some scenery.
If you want to switch it up a little around Paso Robles, I recall a Chimney Rock / Peachy Canyon loop.
Jumping in here, as I will be starting in Socal Friday Sep 9, and may be able to meet you in Paso Robles area. I'm Lance - Brian and I have exchanged a few messages and I'm looking forward to the ride.
I'm late in starting my shopping expedition for hotels in Kernville and Shaver Lake, but my understanding is that the group is lining up on the Kernville Inn and Shaver Lake Village Hotel. I'll start my search there.
I'm doing Motels both nights... Who wants to share a room? Where are we going to stay in Lake Isabella and How about Shaver Lake?
I'm just starting the room search - if anyone still has a room they'd share, let me know. If I end up booking my own, I'll get two beds in case anyone else needs a bunk.
That (Fri Sep 09, 5am?) would give us plenty of time to enjoy some scenery.
If you want to switch it up a little around Paso Robles, I recall a Chimney Rock / Peachy Canyon loop.
Jumping in here, as I will be starting in Socal Friday Sep 9, and may be able to meet you in Paso Robles area. I'm Lance - Brian and I have exchanged a few messages and I'm looking forward to the ride.
Hi SF, Ed wrote that, and has since (July 3rd) been in a devastating accident, and I believe he may still be in a coma. It will be, and has been, heavy on my mind since we were going to ride down together.
I have not decided whether I will ride down to Atascadero the night before and stay at my Uncle's house, or if I will leave early in the morning on Friday. You're welcome to join me either way, although there is no cell coverage on highway 1 form South of Carmel, to wherever I go inland if I do leave from home........here is the route I plan on taking.
I did and to me it's worth it. Unfortunately I have to miss the ride this year. Anyone hear from Stucky? He did it the year before and really enjoyed it.
Sunday will be a shorter ride for me. Greg, or anyone else, if you want to get home this way as well feel free! I will have to get back to work early Monday, so 500+ miles would be too much after the long riding days on Friday and Saturday...........also since I'm computer illiterate, please let me know how to abbreviate map links.....
It will be, and has been, heavy on my mind since we were going to ride down together.
This, for real.
On a happier note, RC don't peel off on Sunday until CA132 to Modesto. One of the greatest sections of road in the world is between Bear Valley and Coulterville. Just trust me and thank me later.
Haven't heard from Stucky - I'll hit em with a PM. Oh and +1 on Caliente. I rode it once and it's good - though not as good as a cold brew that you'll be craving by that time.
Amended route - thanks Brian! - I could not get rid of that small loop.......also still do not know how to abbreviate the map link so it does't take up 20 lines of code.......
Sorry for being MIA. I'm 50/50 in at this point. My grandma is on her way out, and I'm in a holding pattern to see when she passes. This is a bummer in many ways.
Sfdownhill I'll PM you if I end up being able to go. I would be leaving Friday as well. No hotels booked, but I can always camp.
Also, sorry to hear about Ed. I hope he heals quickly.
Sorry for being MIA. I'm 50/50 in at this point. My grandma is on her way out, and I'm in a holding pattern to see when she passes. This is a bummer in many ways.
Sfdownhill I'll PM you if I end up being able to go. I would be leaving Friday as well. No hotels booked, but I can always camp.
Also, sorry to hear about Ed. I hope he heals quickly.
Damn man, sorry to hear that. Bummers all around these days - just found out yesterday that my aunt has breast cancer. Maybe we can all have a good cry together lol
Just PM'd you my cell number - just shoot me a text next week whenever you know for sure.
11 hours ago, crazybrother
Thanks to Lance, I'm booked with a Motel room for both nights. So Brian/Tristan, what time are you leaving on Friday?
Barring a miracle, I don't think I'll be able to leave before 3pm. Tristan was talking about leaving super early and going down the coast if I couldn't leave early.
Thanks to Lance, I'm booked with a Motel room for both nights. So Brian/Tristan, what time are you leaving on Friday?
Haven't totally decided what time I'm going to leave yet, but most likely going to take the coast down to avoid riding through the valley and dealing with the heat. Care to join?
I'm looking to see if I can manage to meet up for the Sunday loop from Mariposa north, depending on what time ya'll will be flyin' by.
9:00a or later in Mariposa would be grand! Sugar Pine Café?
I think we can make Mariposa by 9:00 or 9:30. Gonna have to be an early start from Shaver no matter what - it's a long ride and days are only getting shorter.
I will be riding down the coast early as well. Tristan, let me know if you want to meet up somewhere. Greg, are you in too?
I'm down to meet up. George and I would be coming from a bit further north. What time are you planning on leaving? I work the evening before so I wasn't planning on leaving super early, but I could
I don't have the VFR anymore. But I have a couple other bikes. And I am probably off. Fri thru Sun. I start a vacation with my wife on the following Monday and thinking I can take this ride and meet up with her in SLO on Monday. I have a hitch carrier for the bike so I can pack that in the SUV before we leave.
It's been a brutal year with so much work and so little time off I have been waiting to take a break. I am taking another ride up in the area the following weekend with friends from BurnTheEdge.com. Then back to a massive work schedule for several weeks. May be the perfect storm for me to ride. Wishing I had the VFR though. My FZ1 gets maybe 140 miles range. The Triumph Street Triple maybe a little better.
How many miles are you planning between fuel stops?
Also interested to know if anyone has a room they want to share cost with. Couch is fine. I can bring a blow up mattress if floor space is all that is available. I have already booked a small fortune of motels and rentals for my vacation. I can rent a room and share it as well if anyone is interested.
I don't have the VFR anymore. But I have a couple other bikes. And I am probably off. Fri thru Sun. I start a vacation with my wife on the following Monday and thinking I can take this ride and meet up with her in SLO on Monday. I have a hitch carrier for the bike so I can pack that in the SUV before we leave.
It's been a brutal year with so much work and so little time off I have been waiting to take a break. I am taking another ride up in the area the following weekend with friends from BurnTheEdge.com. Then back to a massive work schedule for several weeks. May be the perfect storm for me to ride. Wishing I had the VFR though. My FZ1 gets maybe 140 miles range. The Triumph Street Triple maybe a little better.
How many miles are you planning between fuel stops?
Also interested to know if anyone has a room they want to share cost with. Couch is fine. I can bring a blow up mattress if floor space is all that is available. I have already booked a small fortune of motels and rentals for my vacation. I can rent a room and share it as well if anyone is interested.
That's a slick looking FZ. We don't discriminate on bike types, no worries there. I think only about 1/2 this group has VFRs.
Fuel-wise, you'll be fine I think. Gas stops are (based on past experience):
Kernville to Three Rivers - 120 miles
Three Rivers to Clingan's Jct - 100 miles (maybe 40 more if we go into King's Canyon itself)
Clingan's to Shaver Lake - 70 miles
Shaver to Mariposa - 80 miles
Mariposa to Mi-Wuk - 110
Mi-Wuk to Meyers - 155 (though there is fuel in Walker at the 85 mile mark)
Meyers to Auburn - 104
I used to have a 7th gen, so I don't do rides without lots of fuel stations haha.
As for rooms, anyone who wants to share feel free to PM Capt.Bob. I've already roomied up or I'd offer.
I think we can make Mariposa by 9:00 or 9:30. Gonna have to be an early start from Shaver no matter what - it's a long ride and days are only getting shorter.
Just text me.
Brian, it's 2 hours from Shaver Lake to Mariposa... It might be more like 10:00...
Haven't totally decided what time I'm going to leave yet, but most likely going to take the coast down to avoid riding through the valley and dealing with the heat. Care to join?
Tristan, what is your planned route... and timeframe...
It may have been whiskey logic to think my wife would go along with this. I have to back out of this. Too much going on. But will look forward to riding with you guys another time
It may have been whiskey logic to think my wife would go along with this. I have to back out of this. Too much going on. But will look forward to riding with you guys another time
I just realized I didn't even have you on the "IN" list - must've been a premonition. No worries, we'll catch you next time. I keep thinking about organizing a SoCal tour (The Snake, 33, Angeles Crest, Palomar etc) for this same group. One of these days...
Just watching the ride unfold. Looks good. I'll be coming up from San Diego, starting Friday morning and dawdling through Angeles Crest, Tujunga, Lake Hughes, then flat straight highway to 178.
Question - does KSU mean kickstand up, or Kentucky State University?
Just watching the ride unfold. Looks good. I'll be coming up from San Diego, starting Friday morning and dawdling through Angeles Crest, Tujunga, Lake Hughes, then flat straight highway to 178.
Question - does KSU mean kickstand up, or Kentucky State University?
Yeah it's KickStands Up. Also Kansas State University. And probably some others I don't know cuz I'm not that smart. :unsure:
Just watching the ride unfold. Looks good. I'll be coming up from San Diego, starting Friday morning and dawdling through Angeles Crest, Tujunga, Lake Hughes, then flat straight highway to 178.
Question - does KSU mean kickstand up, or Kentucky State University?
If I can recommend going up through Caliente/Bodfish, It's off of the 58. Fun road and you come out above Lake Isabella with an awesome view! I'll see if I can get a google map for you.
Just watching the ride unfold. Looks good. I'll be coming up from San Diego, starting Friday morning and dawdling through Angeles Crest, Tujunga, Lake Hughes, then flat straight highway to 178.
Question - does KSU mean kickstand up, or Kentucky State University?
I used part of your route just so it would build the route through Caliente. See if this works... https://goo.gl/maps/iKBRThspzBu
Well, I am officially out for this year; in KC for a funeral. Have fun and ride safe guys!
-Mike
Life, it's what gets in the way when we plan our rides! Sorry to hear about your Grandmother. This year I got foiled by a large project, although it keeps getting pushed back, I'm still behind schedule. Can't figure that one out. Hopefully next year we can all get back on the bandwagon and maybe add a few more!
The Caliente route came through great - thanks. I've dropped it into my phone. I dropped the Sat and Sun routes into my phone, but hope to get all three routes loaded in my Garmin Nuvi to obtain nav functionality in the rural areas of the ride. The Garmin is updating maps just now.
If we can coordinate the Mrs and I will plan to meet the group at the base of Monitor Pass and hwy 395 near Topaz Sunday. We will do a sighting lap on Monitor and meet you at the wide pull out right after you turn onto 89 at the base of Monitor, bringing my silver 6th gen. If you txt me when you are leaving Sonora that is about 2 hrs away and I can plan accordingly. This spot also looks to be about 5 hr from Shaver Lake so if you leave ~7:30 puts you there about 13:00, depending on how many photo stops. Do you think you will eat lunch in Sonora or later? Some lunch options along your route, Markleville good sandwitch shop or S Tahoe good burger place near the Y. Looking at other options than TAco Bell this year. See you guys Sunday! Safe Travels
If we can coordinate the Mrs and I will plan to meet the group at the base of Monitor Pass and hwy 395 near Topaz Sunday. We will do a sighting lap on Monitor and meet you at the wide pull out right after you turn onto 89 at the base of Monitor, bringing my silver 6th gen. If you txt me when you are leaving Sonora that is about 2 hrs away and I can plan accordingly. This spot also looks to be about 5 hr from Shaver Lake so if you leave ~7:30 puts you there about 13:00, depending on how many photo stops. Do you think you will eat lunch in Sonora or later? Some lunch options along your route, Markleville good sandwitch shop or S Tahoe good burger place near the Y. Looking at other options than TAco Bell this year. See you guys Sunday! Safe Travels
Heal up quick Ed...
This sounds pretty good Rich. Will do regarding the text in Sonora.
Sonora will probably be our lunch stop - or somewhere on the western side of the crest. I, of course, would like to hold out for Mt. View BBQ, but I might be eaten by the starving pack by that point.
Last I recall I have service most of the way on 108 so I'll keep you posted as best I can. We'll aim for 13:00 for now.
Just got home @ 4:30 after 3 days and 968 miles of twisted tarmac. Thanks again Brian for getting everything planned! I had a great time, much better than last year........for me at least.........
Just got home @ 4:30 after 3 days and 968 miles of twisted tarmac. Thanks again Brian for getting everything planned! I had a great time, much better than last year........for me at least.........
Hahaha.........Noel was surprised that I stopped in Three Rivers. That road up Sequoia Park is off the hook, as well as Kings Canyon! I was in the zone on that one!
Enjoyed seeing you guys and tagging along for part of your ride, had to represent the Silver state after all. Still laughing at how we meet up. We literally turned around about 2 min prior on 395 and started or way back to Walker to get back in cell range and low and behold I see headlights closing in behind us. Noting the closing speed I had a pretty good idea it was you guys, definitely not cruiser pace. Discovered a great new lunch place in Walker and enjoyed meeting some new and familiar faces, great group. Always fun doing a run over Monitor with you guys and enjoyed the "sprint" into Tahoe.
It was another great ride... As usual, nice to see some old faces and meet the new ones. Hope everyone gets home safe. Here are a few pic's. None are as good as Brian's but...
Just wanted to clarify, to anyone that's curious about fuel mileage on the Multistrada... Made it all the way to my house on the same tank of gas from Coleville and the fuel light came on just as I took my exit... 190 miles, I usually can get another 50 out of the tank. :cheerleader:
It was 1147 miles door-to-door for me. Not bad for 53 hours total.
Great riding with a great group. Tip of the cap to Rich and Monica for joining us yesterday, as well as Lance for making the trek from SoCal. Really a fun weekend.
No accidents and no tickets, so we'll call it success. I'll post my pics sometime this week.
I have some other good ones on my phone - will try to post those at some point. Sorry Noel I made you look slow on both your ride-bys. :unsure:
Haha, no problem, last ride I was photo'd totally vertical. Progress! What a riding weekend, another Sierras Greatest Hits! Great pics, thanks once again for making it happen. No eggs needed.
Thanks for inviting me along - great people, great routes, great weekend. I even learned a bit about being ready to ride on time - holy smokes you guys get moving quickly and efficiently!
Brian - your photos are as awesome as everyone said they'd be. You must have a special filter on your SLR that makes motorcycles look especially shiny.
Okay. I officially admit I made a big mistake. Should have gone on this ride and planned vacation with the wife on the following week following. Live and learn. Saw some of my favorite places and favorite bikes in those photos. I am in for next one.