Super Bloom!

On the way to Carpinteria we detoured a bit to check out the "Super Bloom" underway in Southern California.

First we stopped at the California Poppy Reserve just west of Lancaster.

Then we headed over to the Carrizo Plain National Monument. On the way we caught this wonderful view. Purples, yellows and a splash or two of orange.

Once in the Monument we escaped the crowds by hitting a dirt road that brought us to a splendid valley we had all to ourselves.

We were likely a little a late and probably not in the most prime locations, but we were simply stunned. We were more than glad we made the extra drive to see this!

Romero Canyon Fire Road

Mary and I did a quick trip down to Carpinteria to enjoy the ocean air and do a little riding.

The beach early morning.

I did a little research and elected to ride up Romero Canyon Fire Road to Camino Cielo then descend Gibraltar Road.

The first short section of fire road was ill suited for the gravel bike, but quickly improved here.

After some good steep climbing the views opened up. Looking southeast towards Carpinteria.

The fire road doesn't stay a road long however as it doesn't appear to be maintained. Instead the road has evolved into a single track on an old road bed.

There are rocky sections which were pretty demanding on the gravel bike but then there are also plenty of smooth sections which are positively blissful.

After a couple of hours I arrived at Camino Cielo Road at Romero Saddle. To the east it turns to dirt and to the west it's pavement and climbs along the very crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

To the northeast there's a lot of wild remote terrain.

I headed west on the pavement.

I enjoyed terrific views, very light traffic, and good pavement all the way over to Gibraltar Road.

I also enjoyed a wonderful flower display along the way!

The descent of Gibraltar was good fun. With dozens of cyclists climbing the road I had to be a little cautious though. Then I took Mountain Road east which is also a real hoot to ride.

A wonderful adventure! 

44 miles, four hours, 5,000' of climbing.

Gravel!

Took a week or so off from skiing and got some riding in. We held our Owens Valley Gravel Grinder #3 last Sunday and I went on a few rides beforehand to scope out the route.

DWP has been upgrading the McNally canals northeast of Bishop and the roads alongside are in terrific shape for riding.

I revisited some old favorites on a day with amazing skies.

The Grinder was awesome. We had ten or so riders who enjoyed excellent conditions - including a little mud and a lot of perfect dirt.

It was the last ride for my Giant in this incarnation.

My new Rock Lobster!

Yep. That's metallic flake purple!

Took it out for a proper maiden voyage today.

 Cruised down the east side of the valley south of Big Pine.

The road got a tad sketchy south of the Tinemaha dam.

The wildflowers are just starting to pop.

The Owens River at Aberdeen Station Road. Cranking!

Rode back up through the Poverty Hills under the big peaks.

Battled a 10-15 mph headwind going down, but reaped a 20-25 mph tailwind on the way back as the winds steadily increased throughout the day. Nice.

Almost five hours in the saddle. The Lobster rode great. Fit like a glove!

Pinyon Creek

My buddy Dave K lives down in Independence and looks up at this run nearly everyday. It's a line I've coveted for quite a while too, so when Dave proposed skiing it, I was in.

Pinyon Creek. We skied down the right hand couloir.

The day began with a gorgeous sunrise and a most unusual phenomena. This is not the actual sun but a reflection of the sun before it rose.

We started on the Onion Valley Road, which is cleared to about the 8,000' level, then headed up the Robinson Creek drainage. Dave with Kearsarge Peak behind him.

Up canyon toward University Pass.

Dave comes up with Independence Peak behind.

We took a left turn here and climbed to the notch left of center.

Skis packed and ready to climb.

The snow was perfect for booting.

Then a couple of hundred feet of talus.

Dave approaches the notch with University Peak behind.

 Me at the notch.

We strapped on the skis in a steep snow tongue above this constriction.

The massive couloir.

The striking jagged ridge above.

 Dave enjoys great skiing.

 Splendid corn skiing.

Granite sculptures.

 Near the bottom of the couloir.

We traversed over to the south fork and enjoyed more fun skiing.

 Near the confluence of the north and south forks we came to this enormous avalanche debris field.

Just below this waterfall stopped the traffic. Off with the skis and time to hike.

The exit involves about two hours of moderately difficult hiking on a faint use trail in a beautiful, rugged canyon.

It's a good long way from snow to the trailhead. Keeps the riff raff out!

This is a spectacular tour with a great rugged and remote feel. Thanks for the impetus Dave!