The Boys Camp Out

Mary spent the better part of the week up in Virginia City drawing on her artistic talents at a water color class, so the boy and I went camping up near Mammoth.

I checked out the campgrounds at Big Springs and Glass Creek, but they proved to be a bit busy for my taste so I "boony" camped off the Owens River Road. 

Found a nice spot with some shade. B approved too (in front of door to the Scamp).

The small roads nearby were perfect for frequent strolls with the Beeper.

We took a short trip over to Big Springs to fill our water jugs, cool down, and soak in the lush scene.

When the going gets hot (108F in Bishop) I go for a high elevation mountain bike tour.

Started from camp and headed first to Little Sand Flat. Ritter and Banner in the back.

Mt Dana distant left and Mono Craters distant right.

The next objective was Sagehen Peak (left) via a short spell on Highway 120.

The lupine, like last week, were thriving, their scent positively intoxicating!

I left 120 and headed up to the peak on pleasant roads.

After this section among the Aspens I took a left up to the summit.

What views!

North to Mono Lake and the Sierra.

South to the Sierra above Long Valley.

To the southeast the White Mountains lurked in the slight haze.

More nice flowers. Fragrant too.

Next up was beautiful Crooked Meadow.

Green despite the drought.

One of the sweetest rides of the year.

Got back to Bristle and enjoyed the rest of the day with him.
Cool down walk!

Glad I got of out of heatsville!

Sierra Amble

Mary, Bristle and I picked back up with our Sunday mountain ambling. This time we headed up to Mosquito Flat and trekked over to Eastern Brook Trout Lake.

The B in the lead.

Wandered a little above the lake among nice meadows which were much too dry for this time of year.

Back to the lake.

Love the mountain scenery.

Just what I needed.

Green Church to Lee Vining

Felt a strong desire for a long road ride in the high(er) country. Mary dropped me off at the Green Church (junction of 395 & Benton Crossing Rd) and I rode from there to Lee Vining via Highway 120.

Early in the ride. Long Valley and the Glass Mountains

Looking back to the Sierra

Heading up to Wildrose Summit. Empty roads & fine scenery.

Banner Ridge (foreground) and the White Mountains (background)

After a tough climb into a headwind I crested Sagehen Summit

Most of these small plants are Lupine. Their fragrance was dreamy.

The final climb of the day.

Road Bliss!

L.A.

Mary and I made a quick trip to L.A. Had some recall work done on the Suzuki. Enjoyed some quality time with Mom, and took a couple of drives down to Zuma for some Boogie boarding.

Caught some decent waves and had a complete blast.

Beautiful beach.

One of my better rides.

Got to see my beloved Dodgers too!

That was fun!

Lake Davis, Lost and Found

I headed up to Lake Davis for some bike racing and to enjoy the beautiful scene up there.

The campground is adjacent to the lake, so I spent quite a lot of time gazing over the water, watching the birds, and relaxing.

Blessed to see Osprey diving for fish, Bald Eagles soaring, Pelicans cruising, and lots of Geese.

and Goslings!

Of course the main purpose of the trip was to ride the Lost and Found gravel race. Nearly 100 miles of dirt and gravel roads with a little pavement here and there. Pics from the course courtesy of Cyclocross Magazine.

This time I felt better than I looked at the finish!

This video captures the feel of the race very well click here
I show up at 1:44 and briefly at 2:45 in white/green/orange Eastside Velo jersey.

And another good video here

Got it done in 6:37, ten minutes faster than last year, 44th out of over 180 starters. Yep!

Mary came up Sunday after the race.

Took the paddleboards for a spin.

The weather changed from sublime to spectacular.

Love this place.
Love this race.