I can hardly believe, as we start on this journey, that it has been
3 years since we last went to Yosemite. It feels like it was
just last year that we went on that 4 day trip. Sure enough,
the SuperChunks archive shows August of 2009 was the previous
Yosemite occurrence. We missed a lot of stuff last time so
perhaps this time we can make up for what we skipped.
Pine Canyon Road
On our way to Cerro Noroeste, we were passed by a chain of Ferrari,
and Lamborghini. I was wondering if they were headed to Cerro
Noroeste also. When I saw that they didn't take the Mil
Potrero/Cerro Noroeste fork, "I guess they're headed somewhere
else." I later found out I was wrong. We're doing a good
clip and enjoyed every turn. That is until we notice several
Lamborghini sniffing our tailpipes. Poor Eugene was in the
back and was getting pressured. He eventually let them
through. I saw this and attempted to put some distance between
us and them. I succeeded to a level but I couldn't keep up the
pace and concentration. Not to mention it's a bad idea to race
with full luggage and a strapped on ice cooler. In the end I
backed off and waved them pass. The Captain sped up after
them. I stayed behind and enjoyed what little is left of
Cerro. At the end I approached one of the drivers and spoke
with him. I said, "It was hard to keep up with you." To
this he responded, "That's all wheel drive for you." My reply,
"Yeah, and I only have one wheel drive." I gave him a
high-five and we bid each other a safe ride and a fond
farewell. Now it's off to the Central Valley and Fresno.
I was looking forward to some Greek food that the Golden Bull just
west of Bakersfield. Unfortunately, they close the place down
for the entire month of July. Bummer, I wanted to try their
Gyro this time. I guess we'll just have to put this off until
some time in the future. The Subway Sandwich as a replacement
falls way short of the Golden Bull.
One thing is for sure, Hwy 43 is a massive speed trap between
Shafter and Corcoran. At one point we passed up a mini van the
road only to be confronted by a CHP sitting on the side of the road
in the opposite direction. I look down at my speedometer and
ugh... we're a bit fast. I let off the throttle and we ease
into a reasonable speed. Not too far up the road, another CHP
has pulled over some unlucky driver in the opposite direction.
OK, this road is a speed trap in the making. Fortunately for
us, we managed pass Corcoran and Hanford with out issues. Once
we touch the 99 Fwy, it's just 20 minutes to the parent's
place. We made good time and ended the day's ride around
4:30PM.
[
Day 2: Monday - July 2, 2012 ]
Total: 236 miles
Time: ~6:30 hours
Yosemite on a Monday. Oh how beautiful it is. That is
after we passed the 18 wheeler climbing the mountain roads.
It's like this is our own personal road. There's nobody to be
seen in our direction. The only real traffic was the opposite
side heading south. It must be people heading towards Fresno
to go to work.
There is still occasional traffic here and there but it's nowhere
near what we have experienced on pass Yosemite rides.
The Little Dragon was a bit disappointing because when we finally
left he vista point, we ended being behind a moving truck and a
truck that refuses to take any of the turn outs. Eventually
they finally took one of the turnouts. We're off. This
time around, I decided to plot a different route instead of taking
the new Priest Grade. We hang a quick right at Coulterville
taking the J132 Hwy. It climbs and climbs. Again we only
see traffic on the opposite side heading towards Mariposa.
Even then, you can tell they're locals taking the side roads to
avoid the tourists. This road is awesome!
Yosemite was crowded but not insane. The park is full up in
capacity and there are no more campsites. My buddy the Sgt is
in the armed forces and manages to get us into the park for no
fees. That really nice of them. I wouldn't have mind
paying the fee as they need fund to keep the place open. I
thanked the park range as I entered without paying. She said,
"You're welcome." Awesome!
Finally, we're able to stop near the very beginning of the Big Oak
Flat road. Now this is a sight to be seen.
Even the 41 on the way to the south gate is a pleasurable
ride. There were at most 2 cars in front of us and they both
know how to drive the road (no excessive braking at every
corner). Once we reach Wawona, it was a mad house. We
fill up our bikes at $4.90 per gallon. Thank god we only need
a couple of gallons (3.2). I feel sorry for all these cars
waiting to put in 13 gallons. Ouch!
Right before we reach the left turn to take Bass Lake, I pull over
to the side of the Hwy and ask the guys, "So do you want to go to
Bass Lake or do you want to head back?" The Major/Captain
responded, "I'm pretty tired." When I poll the Sgt he said,
"From a scale of 1 to 10, I'm 6 or 7." OK, that's a sign
they're both tired so it's time we head back to the parent's
place. The Sgt was also banking on Pho being available for
diner. That's as good a reason as any to head back home.
Below is what we're treated to when we're at the parent's
place. Yum......
Nothing beats Mom's Pho!
A closer look at the masterpiece that's going into my stomach.
[
Day 3: Tuesday - July 3, 2012 ]
All good things have to come to an end. Some sooner than
others. Freeway riding all the way and we're home in 3-4
hours.
Written on: July 3, 2012
Last modified: August 11, 2014