Day 9
After doing the previous blog update while sitting on my balcony overlooking Lake Tahoe I headed downstairs into the casino. I won a quick $15 on a slot machine and called it good. Thank you so much for the awesome suite Horizon!!! The bellman was very kind and after getting my bike for me he took my photo in front of the hotel/casino. Shortly into the ride a large coyote crossed my path, awesome way to start off the day. I made my first stop at the Getaway Cafe and it was an excellent choice. The food was so delicious! I even got desert which was an incredible peanut butter brownie sundae, yum! After lunch I began a 1,500 foot climb through a construction zone. It was actually really nice because the cars were spaced out thanks to the flaggers. One of the flaggers even gave me an ice cold water. Once I finally reached the top of the hill I was greeted with an amazing view and a super fun downhill for miles! The road flattened out into a beautiful valley with fast moving Carson River passing through. I took a nice break here and then went down the 2nd very long downhill with more amazing views. Some of the prettiest country I have seen so far! After the road flattened out my rear tire wore thin and I popped a tube. Put on my new tire and headed down the scenic road to the quaint little town of Markleeville. Just a couple miles past town I came to Carson River Resort where I was donated a cabin. Thanks Carson River Resort! The cabin was excellent and on a beautiful piece of property along the river. I lounged for a little bit and got to bed early to prepare for tomorrows climb up 8,314 Monitor Pass.
View from the balcony at Horizon
Thanks for the awesome suite Horizon!
Heading back into California from Nevada
( Agricultural Inspection Station )
Awesome buffalo chicken sandwich at the Getaway Cafe
Yum!!!
Looks just like me!
Starting the climb
Carson River
Markleeville
The Cabin
Thanks Carson River Resort!!
Day 10
After a walk down to the river I started the days ride. It was a beautiful but very challenging ride up Monitor Pass. There was a nice lake about halfway up the climb where I took a lunch break. I met several bikers who were taking day trip to climb and descent the pass. I was jealous of the bikes with no trailers full of gear. The ride down was through an incredible rock canyon and extremely steep. Kind of scary to be honest. When I exited the canyon I started my ride down Highway 395. I will be riding this highway almost all the way into Death Valley National Park. My original plan was to head into Yosemite and leave 395 but the pass is closed due to snow so I have planned a new route on the east side of Yosemite. I arrived in Walker late afternoon and got a very tasty cheeseburger and a beer from Mountain View Barbeque. The owner Jeff Hinds was super nice and bought my dinner for me, thanks Jeff!!! I chckd into a motel, had a couple of delicious Mammoth Brewing Company beers, planned my new route, and got some sleep. Today was very hot and sunny and I got my first sunburn pretty bad. Probably better now since I will be in the desert soon!
Office/Store at Carson River Resort
Make-A-Wish!!!
Made it!
Heading downhill
New friend of mine
Thanks for dinner Jeff!
View of the Sierras from airplane as I am biking through them
( photo by Stephanie Shaver )
Day 11
Stopped across the street from the motel and got some breakfast at the High Country Cafe. It was hot at 9a.m. and I was not feeling the best from the severe sunburn. I rode along the Walker River and climbed 20 miles uphill and then 11 miles down. By the time I reached Bridgeport I was feeling pretty fatigued and exhausted so I decided to cut my day short and find an air conditioned room. Had some dinner and relaxed and called it a day. Needed to re-charge for tomorrow.
Beautiful view in Bridgeport
The Redwood Motel
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