Last weekend Mary and I headed over to the west side of the Sierra for a road cycling getaway. This time of year the closest west side locale is the area around Jackson on Highway 88. We camped at Indian Grinding Rock State Park about ten miles above Jackson. The Scamp in action!
BxCx turned me on to a great on-line resource for rides in this area without which we would be lost, both figuratively and literally! Thanks Brian. The first day Mary and I did this 56 mile ride from camp.
Mary leaves the campground all smiles!
The road down Sutter Creek, like most of the roads we traveled, was quiet, well paved, and beautiful.
We wound our way down to the open oak grasslands near Plymouth.
Historic buildings like this one in Fiddletown were one of the many great attractions along the way.
I turned off the road for a snack and a drink and found this signage on a private road.
Mary descends some of the worst road of the weekend on Hale Road.
And climbs the hardest climb of the weekend. This section had several sustained sections of what seemed like 10% to 15% climbing.
Tough!
The next day Mary visited the nearby Black Chasm cave and enjoyed the tour quite a lot.
While I tackled another recommended ride from the website.
The rolling oak grassland was stupendously green, with an occasional splash of wildflowers.
The biggest climb on this route was up Stoney Creek Road. The lower sections held nice views of Pardee Reservoir environs.
Road riding heaven! No traffic, good pavement, perfect weather, challenging climbs, and fun twisty descents.
We wrapped it up with beer, wine, vittles, and live music at the Union Pub in nearby Volcano celebrating life in general and specifically, Mary's Birthday! Happy Birthday BB!!
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