California Tree Tour

RESCHEDULED: Date to be Announced

So, where are we going?

Jim Thurber, longtime friend of the shop, esteemed local school teacher, intrepid part time moto journalist and noted gentleman scholar came up with this great idea for a ride! After a few enthusiastic discussions this ride has taken on a life of its own, and once my wife found out about it, has turned into a bonafide event!

Here is the plan: Jim has come up with a very interesting ride loop though Northern California. Jim, Anya and I are going to lead this multi-day tour, as well as host a couples seminar before the trip on how to graciously ride with your partner. If you have ever wanted to take a trip with your significant other, but can't convince them to get on the back of the bike, this seminar is for you!

Because of the logistics of this trip (hotels, food, keeping a group together) we are going to limit the size of this tour to 20 bikes, so the first 20 riders to RSVP to me at mike@calmoto.com are in. You don't have to be a "couple" to join us. I will keep a standby list in case of some late drops and you will be responsible for your own lodging reservations. Jim has already booked all of the accommodations and I will pass that information along as we get you signed up.

I believe this shows off some of the best California has to offer - the best roads - the best views and, of course, the best trees. So where are we going!?!

DAY ONE:
Depart San Francisco (Northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge is the rendezvous point) up via Stinson Beach and Highway 1 to Fortuna – overnight at a modest hotel – plenty of time to relax and socialize. Brewery restaurant within walking distance and a pretty decent free breakfast in the am.

DAY TWO:
Explore California's tallest tree along The Ave of the Giants before heading up to Highway 36 and heading east - looping up on Highway 3 thru Peanut and Hayfork, Weaverville and down to Redding for lunch. That afternoon we take Highway 44 east to Highway 89, up and thru Lassen National Park - reaching Chester, California, in time for supper and an evening's relaxation.

DAY THREE:
We'll head south on 89 and past Lake Tahoe to hook up with Highway 395. Then we head south on 395 for a later supper at the Whoa Nellie Deli in Lee Vining before an overnight at Mammoth Lakes. There will be tons of gorgeous scenery with side treks to Downieville, Sonora Pass and perhaps even a brief jump up Tioga Pass. This is a good long day with scenery to rival the best Alpine vistas in the world.

DAY FOUR:
South to Lone Pine (395 is spectacular) and up Highway 168 to the Bristlecone Pine Forest - the parking lot is at 10,100 feet MSL. A 45 minute hike takes you past 3,500 year old trees. A longer hike takes you past Methuselah - which is the world's Oldest Tree at over 4,500 years old (and alas, is not marked). Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back down to Lone Pine and south to pick up Nine Mile Canyon Road which takes you over Sherman Pass - in the Southern Sierra Nevada, topping at 9,200 feet MSL. It's pretty lonely but spectacular. Continue to overnight stop in Springville at a charming Inn with some great California history behind it.

DAY FIVE:
Our last day, will loop you up thru Sequoia National Park to see The General Sherman, the world's largest living thing, which just happens to be... a tree. At this point you can take the option of spending the day exploring King's Canyon, overnighting there, or continue back to The Bay Area via small roads that cross the Central Valley.

SAG WAGON
We plan to have a sag wagon along with us for any incidentals or to "lighten your load" although I doubt we'll need much support. You know how nice it is to tour without having to carry a lot of luggage but that said, I encourage you to pack light, after all we aren't camping.

HEAT
The Eastern Side of the Sierra, particularly south of Bishop, can be intensely hot in July but fortunately it's a short lived portion of the trek. Theoretically we would only be "in the heat" for about 2 or perhaps 3 hours before heading up to 9,200 feet atop Sherman Pass. The Central Valley can also be miserable but, again, it's all transitory.

I hope we can inspire you to join us (or at least plan to make the trip at another time) Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Mike Meissner
mike@calmoto.com