Tinnemaha Reservoir

I planned on doing back to back long rides this weekend. Why not head south again? This time down to Tinnemaha Reservoir and back up the remote east side of the Owens Valley.

South of Big Pine there's this nice stretch through a Locust grove.

There is no boating allowed and there are no resorts at Tinnemaha Reservoir so it's always a peaceful scene.

Took a nice break on the beach near the dam.

Heading north

 The mudflats in this area make for nice riding and a stark landscape.

 Just north of Highway 168 I rode in this trench for a spell.

On up to Warm Spring. Last stop before home.

Perfect day for a ride.
One of those days when it felt like I had a tailwind all the way.

Circum Crater

After a week of taking it pretty easy I was pining for a longer adventure, so I elected to ride down to Big Pine and circumnavigate Crater Mountain.

Had a snack at beautiful - and closed - Baker Creek Campground

Up on the west shoulder of Crater Mountain looking across the valley to Black Mountain

 Time to descend!

Came across a small petroglyph  panel

More descending

The "virus bike" was an overbike for most of the ride but not all.

Mine time

The Big Pine volcanic field

Looking down to the Fish Springs hatchery and across to the northern Inyo Range.

Fantastic Ride!

Easy Riding on Sandy Roads

After three weeks of riding pretty hard the body is telling me it's time for a break!

I dusted the fat bike off. Lubed the chain. Pumped up the tires and headed for the lonely sandy roads out in the middle of the valley for some short, easy spinning.

Stopped by one of the only rapids on the Lower Owens.

Big Pine canal

Quiet two track.

I got as far south as the Owens Valley Radio Observatory

The sandy two track was actually quite pleasant on the fat bike.

Enjoyed a swell elk sighting.

It felt great to go slow, soak in the scenery, and explore some back roads I had never traveled before.

Virus Riding

What is virus riding? For me it's riding by myself, from my home, out in the wild where a human encounter is unlikely.

Damp grey weather earlier this week.

The lichen and the buckwheat seem to shine in this weather.

Lifting clouds

Took another glance at the river.

Back to the obelisk. Took a closer look. The rungs on this side of the tower lead to a hatch on the roof. The upper section is sealed from the lower section.

Two pipes lead from the upper section through the lower section and into the floor. There are several sharp hooks in the ceiling of the lower section too. 

After pondering the purpose of the obelisk I continued south to Warm Springs.

Desert riding after a good rain. Satisfying 

Coronavirus closure. I suppose DWP is trying to keep folks from congregating at the hot ditches. It's still easy to drive in via another road though.

Rode up the Waucoba Road a good ways yesterday.

Then back across the valley and up the McMurray Meadows Road. The Sierra were glowing.

Early days for flowers, but the rain and the sun are beginning to work their magic.

It's been exceptionally beautiful out lately.
Grateful.

3 Days, 3 Rides

I'm riding from the house.
Revisiting spots I haven't been to in a while.
Since they are close I tend to overlook them.
Not now.
A pleasure to make your reaquaintance!

One of several roads south of Keough's that head up the alluvial.

An onlooker.  

Looking up into Freeman Canyon

Flowers are blooming. More to come I hope!

I've ridden by this spot dozens of times but never noticed this memorial.

"In Memory of Bill "W.T." 1941 - 2006. This Valley was his Heaven On Earth"
Mine too.

Huffed it up to Warren Bench

Klondike Lake and Black Mountain

The storm pushing in over Kid Peak

Willow alley framing Black Mountain

Wild peach.

This morning dawned damp, grey, and magnificent.

Rain rounding the corner.

Soothing.