| High Sierra Fall Colors Ride -
October 14, 2007 |
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The group as we were ready to
head off on the ride. The weather for mid-October was phenomenal...
slight breeze, but sunny and warm. |
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Starting off on the ride... I
think this was within the first mile of riding. As you can see, the
fall colors were absolutely spectacular! |
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Climbing up towards Blue Lake...
there's a series of climbs with a few breaks in-between. While the
climbs weren't too bad, the high altitude (7,000 - 8,000 ft) made it
slightly harder than it normally would have been. |
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Some of the scenery along the
way. As you can see there's some early snow on the mountain(s).
We've had a cooler than usual Fall Season this year. Along the climb
we passed several patches of snow (mostly in shaded areas). |
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Blue Lake... our destination for
the day. It's actually a reservoir - and the water levels were down
slightly. Still a beautiful lake. |
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Some scenery on the way back
after the ride. The Aspens in this area can be absolutely
spectacular. |
| Cronan Ranch - April 25, 2007 |
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Most of the Wednesday Evening
Bike Rides are road rides... but every once in a while the group does a
Mountain Bike ride. This one at Cronan Ranch was something new for
the group. We started the ride on single track and climbed very
quickly out of the valley. |
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At the top of the climb.
The evening's cool weather made it a perfect time to ride. |
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My favorite photo from the
ride... this is on the start of the descent to the South Fork of the
American River. That one lone tree at the top of the hill in the
distance is known as the "Lollipop Tree" for obvious
reasons. It's a major landmark for river rafters. |
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The park used to belong to the
Cronan family from the late 1800's to the early 1900's. The land has
since passed through several hands before being sold to the American River
Conservancy in 2004. The old ranch remains are shown in this
photo... times gone by. |
American River Trail - November
18, 2006 |
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Probably one of the most unusual
events from the many times we've bicycled the American River Trail (which
runs from Folsom Lake down to Sacramento). This little fawn came
walking down the bike path and was unafraid of people. Actually very
inquisitive... |
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The fawn took a special liking
to Geoff and his bike. I can't remember a time when a deer could be
so people friendly! |
Boger Bike Ride - September 25, 2004 |
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Our bike group doing what it
likes (second?) best. Taking in a local winery after the
ride. |
Big Sur Bike Trip - September 20-21, 2004 |
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At the start of the ride in
Monterey. Left to right: Terri, RC, Gene, Nancy, Bob and
Charles. |
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The famous Lone Cyprus Tree on
the Monterey Peninsula. Probably the most photographed tree in the
world. |
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Carmel Beach (at Carmel of
course!). This beach has very beautiful white sand. |
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Taking a small break before the
big hill start on the Big Sur Coast. The first 20 miles or so is
relatively easy... then it gets very hilly! |
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Bixby Creek Bridge... absolutely
spectacular! |
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View from the coast just south
of Bixby Creek Bridge (looking back north). |
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A small creek just before
reaching Point Sur. I would love to explore this area sometime. |
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The view looking south between
Big Sur and Lucia. Very rugged coastline - and so many wonderful
views along the way. |
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Starting out the next
morning. We stayed overnight at Lucia - which has small cabins
right on the edge of a huge cliff. The views are spectacular. |
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Near San Martin Cape.
Weather as you can see is wonderful... very little wind, no fog... sunny
and warm (not hot) with incredible scenery every mile... what more could
you ask for? |
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Bob and Gene at Ragged
Point. This is pretty much where the hills end on the trip.
Looking back behind them you can see the area we just bicycled through. |
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Elephant Seals near San Simeon. |
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The end of the ride at
Cambria. This ride (in my humble opinion) is one of the best in
North America... and it's right on our doorstep! |
Shingle Springs / French Creek - May 26, 2004 |
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On Brandon Rd just before the big descent to
French Creek. Bicycling at it's best... |
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At the intersection between Brandon Rd and
French Creek. This is just after the wild descent down Brandon. |
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Riding on French Creek Rd. The area
here is wonderfully picturesque and makes for incredible rides.
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Thompson Hill Rd - May 12, 2004 |
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Riding on Thompson Hill Rd. Traffic is
very light... with some pretty terrific views of Lotus (and the
surrounding area) along the way. |
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Part of the Wednesday Evening Bike Ride
Group re-grouping in Coloma. |
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The American River near Coloma. The
low light was particularly impressive, and made for good photography. |
