Day 1 (Sunday, Oct 26 )
Destination : Rocky Mountain National Trip
Total Round Trip : 260 miles
Hike done : Yes
So, my trip was planned this way. Reach Denver on Sat afternoon, chill-out on Sat taking pictures of sunset at Denver city (ended up taking next to my hotel off Tower Road), visit RMNP on Sunday (all-day), work next week at the DR site, and then off to Utah and Wyoming for the roadtrip.
Recently ordered the 2009 Randy McNally map and 120 best drives in America. Cant say how pleased I am with both these books. Makes your trip so easy. So, took the Peak by Peak scenic highway to RMNP. (I-70W - CO-58W - US-6 - CO-119 - CO-72 - CO-7). Really, a wonderful 2 lane highway covering the peaks of Colorado. specially the stretch of CO-119 and CO-72 was awesome and beautiful. Ups and downs, changes through various elevations, and as usual driving fast (lol). would surely remember this drive. I did not stop anywhere in between as i really wanted to spend time at RMNP.
You know, RMNP really did not appeal m much. First, am going on a trip late fall. Ideally i should have done this fall trip beginning of October. Most of the leaves have withered away. Idea was to do a hike and cover the park inside/out driving. Comparable to Tioga Pass (Yosemite) is a road called Trail Ridge Road which covers the park. Unfortunately the road was closed on the west side (Seasonal closure) and so not much of driving inside the park/mountains
But, but, best thing i did here was a 9 mile hike to Flattop Mountain at Bear Lake. My longest hike ever. I took it pretty light and as expected it was snow all on top of the mountain. I hike from 9000+ feet to 12000+ feet ... Due to cold, my nose started bleeding. I was just in a t-shirt with no gloves or jacket !!! (Heroism paid itself). But i will remember this hike for ever. It was great fun.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
DR Work + Roadtrip 2 (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming)
Schedule :
25 Sat - Denver City and sunset photography
26 Sun - Rocky Mountains NP
27 Mon - 31 Fri - Work at DR site
1 Sat - Start of Roadtrip (I-70W - Cisco - UT-128-Arches National Park-Halt at Moab)
2 Sun - ..... Not Planned yet
Post will be updated as and when roadtrip is being planned
25 Sat - Denver City and sunset photography
26 Sun - Rocky Mountains NP
27 Mon - 31 Fri - Work at DR site
1 Sat - Start of Roadtrip (I-70W - Cisco - UT-128-Arches National Park-Halt at Moab)
2 Sun - ..... Not Planned yet
Post will be updated as and when roadtrip is being planned
Oct 13 + 14 --> Infineon Trackday with CLASS
Amazing, superb, scintillating .... what can i say.
My first trackschool / trakcday with CLASS (Reg Pidmore). 2 days at Infineon. Got the bike prepped by Chris with the Hotbodies bodywork on. So excited i was. At the last moment, Neil bailed out and called me to inform he could not give his truck ... Bummer !!! where do i search for a truck now ? Called my friend, Umesh at Budget and he manged me a F150 for 55$ / day ... Its pricy but I had no other option .... Lesson learnt again --> Do not rely on people too often !!
Well, another issue which happened was, we could not haul 2 bikes together (ie mine and Prabhat's) . If he would have allowed me to open the front fender i would have managed, but dunno why he was so skeptical about opening the fender. Well, he rode to the track.
We checked into Econo Lodges and Suites on Sunday night and had a good meal at Burger King. All excited for the next day.
Well, i cant really explain how much it was to me to ride on a track. Learnt a lot .... Learnt that 15 year of my motorcycle riding was wrong. Learnt about body positioning, cornering, relaxing and what not. It was so so fun ... was hauling ass 3 digit on the speedometer without worrying about any cars or cops. By mid-day i was passing B-group (C-group in a actual trakcday) guys left and right .. For the first time scraped my knee guard ... Yeaaaaaaaaaaah !!! I mean i cant really explain how happy i was.
So, ya let me end here now. its too difficult to explain. I am going to run Laguna Seca in Decemer. Me and Chris together. Am gonna buy another bike and convert this one to a full race/track bike with all the goodies. I need to be more fast, more comfortable, more relaxed, and improve and improve on body positioning. The other bike will be only for tour purposes.
My first trackschool / trakcday with CLASS (Reg Pidmore). 2 days at Infineon. Got the bike prepped by Chris with the Hotbodies bodywork on. So excited i was. At the last moment, Neil bailed out and called me to inform he could not give his truck ... Bummer !!! where do i search for a truck now ? Called my friend, Umesh at Budget and he manged me a F150 for 55$ / day ... Its pricy but I had no other option .... Lesson learnt again --> Do not rely on people too often !!
Well, another issue which happened was, we could not haul 2 bikes together (ie mine and Prabhat's) . If he would have allowed me to open the front fender i would have managed, but dunno why he was so skeptical about opening the fender. Well, he rode to the track.
We checked into Econo Lodges and Suites on Sunday night and had a good meal at Burger King. All excited for the next day.
Well, i cant really explain how much it was to me to ride on a track. Learnt a lot .... Learnt that 15 year of my motorcycle riding was wrong. Learnt about body positioning, cornering, relaxing and what not. It was so so fun ... was hauling ass 3 digit on the speedometer without worrying about any cars or cops. By mid-day i was passing B-group (C-group in a actual trakcday) guys left and right .. For the first time scraped my knee guard ... Yeaaaaaaaaaaah !!! I mean i cant really explain how happy i was.
So, ya let me end here now. its too difficult to explain. I am going to run Laguna Seca in Decemer. Me and Chris together. Am gonna buy another bike and convert this one to a full race/track bike with all the goodies. I need to be more fast, more comfortable, more relaxed, and improve and improve on body positioning. The other bike will be only for tour purposes.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Hey Raju
Today was something different for me. Everything felt good really after a long time. I dunno why. I started late for work, as usual i was working until 4 AM yesterday, went to datacenter couldnt complete the connectivity because of carrier issues, closed my day at 6 PM as i had to go to Santa Clara Cycles to pick up the Dragon Racer handlebar strap and oil filter. Had a good chat with Greg and his son and he told me how an American lady wanted to immigrate to India because she liked India very much than America. Amazing story it was. As usual i got lots of questions on caste system and marriage, and i tried my best to explain. Greg is a great guy !! Always helpful. I am ever to see a shop owner like him who so much cares for his customers.
I came home had to send some official emails so cooking started late. so all this post is about cooking. I made a great dish with potao and beet (thats it, nothing else). and it turned out to be real great. You know, how i am so paranoid about cuisine taste and criticize every dish even if it is made my me or my Dad (though my Dad is a 1000 times better cook than me). i used "paanch phoron" , garlic, onion, tomato and ginger/garlic powder thats it... seasoned the potato and beet with lemon and salt and cooked it in mellow temperature for 10 minutes. i pressured the beet and potato for 10 mins before.
Trackday is nearing and i am so excited about it. Cant wait to post how my trackday goes.
Well, thats it for today, i need to finish some work urgently, am at the patio smoking a Gold Flake, (after a long time, feels good !!!) Hell, i dunno if every i can quit smoking.
I came home had to send some official emails so cooking started late. so all this post is about cooking. I made a great dish with potao and beet (thats it, nothing else). and it turned out to be real great. You know, how i am so paranoid about cuisine taste and criticize every dish even if it is made my me or my Dad (though my Dad is a 1000 times better cook than me). i used "paanch phoron" , garlic, onion, tomato and ginger/garlic powder thats it... seasoned the potato and beet with lemon and salt and cooked it in mellow temperature for 10 minutes. i pressured the beet and potato for 10 mins before.
Trackday is nearing and i am so excited about it. Cant wait to post how my trackday goes.
Well, thats it for today, i need to finish some work urgently, am at the patio smoking a Gold Flake, (after a long time, feels good !!!) Hell, i dunno if every i can quit smoking.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
New Suit
So, i went out on a 80 mile road up 35/9 today with the new suit on. I had tough time putting the suit on at the first place, Ya, Daniel did tell me that the suit will be super tight and i will be slipping. So i did slip. And, anyways it was raining today so i wanted to be more cautious. My average speed was 50-55 mph. Well, on 35 after Alice's not a human being, car or bike on road. Probably everyone is in home due to the rains. For me, ride anytime rain or shine !!!!
Am going for a 25/198 Coalinga ride tomorrow with Prabhat. Good to meet an Indian rider on Barf. The roundtrip ride will be close to 400 miles. I dont like small rides anyways. I believe my new suit will break-in more and all set for my trackday on Oct 13/14
Well, on the professional front, very busy with PCI Audit, have been reviewing all Network ACLs and doing a call with the India team everyday from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Very tiring -- office, gym and then call. I wish this ends soon.
So whats upcoming ?
I have the Corp DMZ move from SC4 datacenter to SC9 datacenter scheduled Oct 10. After that, i have to visit Denver, CO to finish up some DR work. My fall roadtrip is also planned during the same timeframe. So my target is Utah, Oregon and DR work. Hopefully i should cover it within 15 days. My DR work is actually 3 days, but i told the company it will take 7 days, damn angrez dont understand a shit !! and anyways they bloat stuff, so why not me. At least i buy 4 days time here.
Am no taking any off for December, will be mostly at CA (and of course riding and trackdays, eagerly waiting for the Laguna trackday on November). I might also finish my AFF class as well. I am die'ing to go back to free fall/ski diving. I initially had plans to go to NZ / Cooks Island but no money as of now. Tickets are too costly for December :-(
I may go to India on Feb, provided my trip to Fairbanks/Alaska to watch Northern Lights syncs up. My first preference is to view Northern Lights though. I just put in a request to my manager for 1.5 months vacation time and i know he will not disagree. Feb i will be at India, with 1 week at Bangalore, checking out the flat status and meeting my India team members and March; first two weeks at Fairbanks/Alaska. Hopefully everything turns out good.
What else ...... N95 V3 is woring great. Installed lots of appls .. still need to make the VPN working through. but overall very satisified with the purchase, even though its a second hand.
Me and Prasanna had Tequilla today. Loooooooooooong time no drinks !!!! felt real good. I took 3 shots, thats enuf for me for today. I have a 400 mile ride tomorrow.
Its Durga Puja festival at Calcutta, and i miss it so much. Its been 7 years now that i didnt see Durga Puja there. My mom is Secretary this year and she is working very hard, as usual.
I dont have anything to add to my gadget inventory yet, but i am die'ing to get the Canon EOS 1D camera, maybe if i get a bonus start of next year, i will buy it.
"Alls well that ends well" as Captain Haddock said, everything is going good for me until now. I try to forget the past, but several things just come in everyday to my thought. But, yeah !!!! live with it. Thats what life is all about.
Marriage front -- well, my mom is pestering me a lot, but i need to find someone who will gell with me. I think i found someone, have been talking to her last couple of days, but i still need to be cautious, after my last great f***ing incident at London. My blog is public, and she reads it, hopefully, she does not become bad after listening to my statements :-) but honestly, i need a friend not a wife !!!!!
Am going for a 25/198 Coalinga ride tomorrow with Prabhat. Good to meet an Indian rider on Barf. The roundtrip ride will be close to 400 miles. I dont like small rides anyways. I believe my new suit will break-in more and all set for my trackday on Oct 13/14
Well, on the professional front, very busy with PCI Audit, have been reviewing all Network ACLs and doing a call with the India team everyday from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Very tiring -- office, gym and then call. I wish this ends soon.
So whats upcoming ?
I have the Corp DMZ move from SC4 datacenter to SC9 datacenter scheduled Oct 10. After that, i have to visit Denver, CO to finish up some DR work. My fall roadtrip is also planned during the same timeframe. So my target is Utah, Oregon and DR work. Hopefully i should cover it within 15 days. My DR work is actually 3 days, but i told the company it will take 7 days, damn angrez dont understand a shit !! and anyways they bloat stuff, so why not me. At least i buy 4 days time here.
Am no taking any off for December, will be mostly at CA (and of course riding and trackdays, eagerly waiting for the Laguna trackday on November). I might also finish my AFF class as well. I am die'ing to go back to free fall/ski diving. I initially had plans to go to NZ / Cooks Island but no money as of now. Tickets are too costly for December :-(
I may go to India on Feb, provided my trip to Fairbanks/Alaska to watch Northern Lights syncs up. My first preference is to view Northern Lights though. I just put in a request to my manager for 1.5 months vacation time and i know he will not disagree. Feb i will be at India, with 1 week at Bangalore, checking out the flat status and meeting my India team members and March; first two weeks at Fairbanks/Alaska. Hopefully everything turns out good.
What else ...... N95 V3 is woring great. Installed lots of appls .. still need to make the VPN working through. but overall very satisified with the purchase, even though its a second hand.
Me and Prasanna had Tequilla today. Loooooooooooong time no drinks !!!! felt real good. I took 3 shots, thats enuf for me for today. I have a 400 mile ride tomorrow.
Its Durga Puja festival at Calcutta, and i miss it so much. Its been 7 years now that i didnt see Durga Puja there. My mom is Secretary this year and she is working very hard, as usual.
I dont have anything to add to my gadget inventory yet, but i am die'ing to get the Canon EOS 1D camera, maybe if i get a bonus start of next year, i will buy it.
"Alls well that ends well" as Captain Haddock said, everything is going good for me until now. I try to forget the past, but several things just come in everyday to my thought. But, yeah !!!! live with it. Thats what life is all about.
Marriage front -- well, my mom is pestering me a lot, but i need to find someone who will gell with me. I think i found someone, have been talking to her last couple of days, but i still need to be cautious, after my last great f***ing incident at London. My blog is public, and she reads it, hopefully, she does not become bad after listening to my statements :-) but honestly, i need a friend not a wife !!!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Long time
Yes, Its been a long time since i updated the blog. So many things happened ever since. I will summarize in points first then describe each point in details.
1. London Trip. When, Why and How did it go. In a nutshell, trip went great, liked London very much, food and stay is super costly, city is dirty, took great photos. But, the actual purpose was defeated. This incident was uncalled for. I was humiliated and decieved. Another learning for me the hard way !!! Ok ADas, move on, shit happens all the time
2. Move to new home - Went pretty good, the garage is what i was looking for, though not a modern garage but keeps my bike safe. Garage and Kitchen is arranged my stuff needs to be arranged. Desktop is set. Wii and Wii Fit are working awesome !! keeps me healthy when i dont go to the gym :-) Remember, target = 160 lb
3. 05 Yamaha R6 build update - The R6 is restored and ready. Power Commander is in. Shopping for damper and Ohlins rear shock. Damn, i should have bought that Penske rear shock for 400$ ... Bike feels great at high rpms. At lower rpms feel the hiccup, its Ok as Chris let me know. I will be attending either STAR or CLASS trackschool next month. Then will do Laguna on Novemeber. Cant wait for getting onto the track. My dream come true !!! ... I want to concentrate more on the roadtrips using my bike, i am thinking of buying another bike, On my shoppin list - Honda ST1100 or ST1300, BMW GS 1200, Suzuki SV1000 ...
4. Technology update - Added Wii Fit, Bose QC3 Headphone, Nokia N95 version 3 to my stable of gadgets. Wii Fit is awesome, QC3 is little depressing for the price i paid (Eshure is much better), N95 yet to fiddle around.
5. Consitency - I am gaining on this and making significant improvements. Trying to bring some discipline to life. Doing regular exercises and yoga. I have to come down to 160lb at least from my current 175lb. Improved eating habits, sleeping habits.
6. Roadtrips - Fall Season is starting and i need to concentrate on this. I cant miss the fall this year, no way. I so love reading joydutta's blog, the guy did a 5K mile roadtrip just this month, can you think of it ?
7. Matrimonial Relationship - I dont know, I am confused. Well, I am talking to a girl now, I believe she matches my wavelength, not sure yet. Just need to chat and talk more to better understand. Well, i spent some significant amount of time thinking about marriage and relationships. Hard a real hard time going through profiles and choosing. My likes and dislikes are wierd, so maybe thats why people are rejecting :-) I think this is my last attempt, if this does not work out, i will not think about marriage for the next 2 years. Hell, i will be only 34 then, does it really matter ? Lets, see .....
8. Photography - Pretty impressed with photos from London. I will see how my fall season roadtrip photos come by. I need the telephoto lens too (shit its 1500$). why the hell dont i make more money ? hee hee .... I am getting used to CS3 but need to learn more. Next year, i will make the 20D as the backup camera with the 1D as the primary. I am still debating between the Nikon D3 and EOS 1D .... lets see. I want to move to character photography with an emphasis on wedding. My 2 wedding shoots at India last year was decent. I will be shooting Francis's wedding next year May, but am looking for a mid-west style 100% American getaway wedding.
9. What else to my stable of achievements - Went shooting with Chris Chan with his 40mm caliber H&K semi-automatic. Awesome it was, Loud and no wonder how much concetration you need to focus on the target. Going next week Tuesday again, bought the bullets from Walmart for 28$ ... Yeeee !!! .... So i want so badly to go for the AFF class (Accelerated Free Fall Program). Since the last year's 15,000 feet tandem jump i was so wanting to go to this class. My earlier roommate wanted to go for this class too, we never could make time. I think i just have to do this alone. Another thing i wanted to do was learn flying aeroplanes. Well, AFF class is my priority now, once that is done will start hunting for the flying classes, I heard it doesnt come cheap though. I must be a unique character in this world, who wants to do so many things. My definition of "enjoy life to its fullest" is taken as madness by everyone else :-) .... Well, Well did i mention about the NASA zero gravity programme, man its 5.5K per person .... Only if i had the money !!
10. Work related update - PIX to ASA consolidation done yesterday, will move the border router on 27th September and DS3 lines on 11th October. Virtualization project is getting delayed, need to move it to production by next month. will be travelling to Denver 2 weeks later to work at the DR site. I wanted to work and understand/learn on the Netapp project, but i wasnt involved. Neither was i called during any implementation phase. Well, due to my past bitter encounters with Karthik i just kept low. Oppurtunities will come again !! (and it looks awful if the only 2 Indians fight in front of an American manager, what the heck will he think). Still dark clouds on my L1A conversion, i dont know what the heck is going on there. I am too busy now to think about that and am also waiting for my review to get over, so lets see what happens
1. London Trip. When, Why and How did it go. In a nutshell, trip went great, liked London very much, food and stay is super costly, city is dirty, took great photos. But, the actual purpose was defeated. This incident was uncalled for. I was humiliated and decieved. Another learning for me the hard way !!! Ok ADas, move on, shit happens all the time
2. Move to new home - Went pretty good, the garage is what i was looking for, though not a modern garage but keeps my bike safe. Garage and Kitchen is arranged my stuff needs to be arranged. Desktop is set. Wii and Wii Fit are working awesome !! keeps me healthy when i dont go to the gym :-) Remember, target = 160 lb
3. 05 Yamaha R6 build update - The R6 is restored and ready. Power Commander is in. Shopping for damper and Ohlins rear shock. Damn, i should have bought that Penske rear shock for 400$ ... Bike feels great at high rpms. At lower rpms feel the hiccup, its Ok as Chris let me know. I will be attending either STAR or CLASS trackschool next month. Then will do Laguna on Novemeber. Cant wait for getting onto the track. My dream come true !!! ... I want to concentrate more on the roadtrips using my bike, i am thinking of buying another bike, On my shoppin list - Honda ST1100 or ST1300, BMW GS 1200, Suzuki SV1000 ...
4. Technology update - Added Wii Fit, Bose QC3 Headphone, Nokia N95 version 3 to my stable of gadgets. Wii Fit is awesome, QC3 is little depressing for the price i paid (Eshure is much better), N95 yet to fiddle around.
5. Consitency - I am gaining on this and making significant improvements. Trying to bring some discipline to life. Doing regular exercises and yoga. I have to come down to 160lb at least from my current 175lb. Improved eating habits, sleeping habits.
6. Roadtrips - Fall Season is starting and i need to concentrate on this. I cant miss the fall this year, no way. I so love reading joydutta's blog, the guy did a 5K mile roadtrip just this month, can you think of it ?
7. Matrimonial Relationship - I dont know, I am confused. Well, I am talking to a girl now, I believe she matches my wavelength, not sure yet. Just need to chat and talk more to better understand. Well, i spent some significant amount of time thinking about marriage and relationships. Hard a real hard time going through profiles and choosing. My likes and dislikes are wierd, so maybe thats why people are rejecting :-) I think this is my last attempt, if this does not work out, i will not think about marriage for the next 2 years. Hell, i will be only 34 then, does it really matter ? Lets, see .....
8. Photography - Pretty impressed with photos from London. I will see how my fall season roadtrip photos come by. I need the telephoto lens too (shit its 1500$). why the hell dont i make more money ? hee hee .... I am getting used to CS3 but need to learn more. Next year, i will make the 20D as the backup camera with the 1D as the primary. I am still debating between the Nikon D3 and EOS 1D .... lets see. I want to move to character photography with an emphasis on wedding. My 2 wedding shoots at India last year was decent. I will be shooting Francis's wedding next year May, but am looking for a mid-west style 100% American getaway wedding.
9. What else to my stable of achievements - Went shooting with Chris Chan with his 40mm caliber H&K semi-automatic. Awesome it was, Loud and no wonder how much concetration you need to focus on the target. Going next week Tuesday again, bought the bullets from Walmart for 28$ ... Yeeee !!! .... So i want so badly to go for the AFF class (Accelerated Free Fall Program). Since the last year's 15,000 feet tandem jump i was so wanting to go to this class. My earlier roommate wanted to go for this class too, we never could make time. I think i just have to do this alone. Another thing i wanted to do was learn flying aeroplanes. Well, AFF class is my priority now, once that is done will start hunting for the flying classes, I heard it doesnt come cheap though. I must be a unique character in this world, who wants to do so many things. My definition of "enjoy life to its fullest" is taken as madness by everyone else :-) .... Well, Well did i mention about the NASA zero gravity programme, man its 5.5K per person .... Only if i had the money !!
10. Work related update - PIX to ASA consolidation done yesterday, will move the border router on 27th September and DS3 lines on 11th October. Virtualization project is getting delayed, need to move it to production by next month. will be travelling to Denver 2 weeks later to work at the DR site. I wanted to work and understand/learn on the Netapp project, but i wasnt involved. Neither was i called during any implementation phase. Well, due to my past bitter encounters with Karthik i just kept low. Oppurtunities will come again !! (and it looks awful if the only 2 Indians fight in front of an American manager, what the heck will he think). Still dark clouds on my L1A conversion, i dont know what the heck is going on there. I am too busy now to think about that and am also waiting for my review to get over, so lets see what happens
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Consistency !!
Consistency is 1 thing which i lack ... I am not focussed on what am doing be it on job or personal life. I never had this issue before. for e.g., for the last 1 year i have been trying to put up my photography site but i havent done it !! I am lacking discipline in my life .... Maybe, once i move to the new apartment i have to think seriously about this and have to change my preferences.
Lots of things happened in the month of July which kind of prevented me from spending too much time online. T*** disagreed my L1B to L1A conversion. Long story, short, we had a good fight, and i just left the meeting room. So, i can stay only 2 more years in US and my dreams of a cross-country trip on a cruiser is shattered. I mean, i have so many other things to do in 2 years.
Chris is helping me recover the crashed R6 i got. Not a great deal, like the one i missed (05 Honda CBR600rr) but atleast i have something now for the trackdays. This baby cant fill my earlier loss, but i have to move on. The bike is in rideable condition with no windscreen, duct tapes everywhere on the fairings, and a 06 clip-on barely fitting the suspension head. But anyways, its rideable. I did couple of great rides over the last weekend, North and South.
So am going to London next week to meet Subhasree. We kind of didnt speak over telephone or email in the last 1 month, and as usual, my thought dimensions formed a new egoistic dimenstion and i wrote a nasty email. I felt really bad after sending that email. I dunno if am ready for any relationship yet. I am afraid that i may not be upto any. My actions and behaviour looks to be hurting everyone, though i dont mean to. I just want to stay with my motorcycles, hiking and roadtrips. I think, my lifestyle is not suitable for anyone. Well, i did tell her everything clearly and honestly, and she said she is upto it. Thats what i wanted if ever i had to get onto a relationship, but i just dont want to affect anyone's life because of my deeds.
Blah blah blah ... enough of my saddistic views. Now the fun part. I got the Big Six Pass for Six Flags, which means you can enter the park 6 times until Jan 9 , 2009 for 40$ ... amazing deal isnt it ? I was so excited, that am back to roller coasters after a long time... Me and Phil had a blast. specially on the "vertical velocity" ride .... We sat at the last seat, which gives the most G sensation, while it drops from a height of 200ft ... blazes to 70 mph in 4secs. We took the ride 5 times .... absolute awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , am bidding on couple of great america tickets, as i heard that there is a new ride which is crazy .... though, Top Gun and Delirium are real cool rides.
Ok so whats up for August
1. next week i will be busy with the DS3 link migration and testing.
2.19-26 i will be at London, have not planned anything yet. hotel is booked. need to get pounds. though its not bothering my pics, i need to do a blow on the pentamirror as there is small dust speck.
3. house shifting last week of august, once i come back ...
September :-
1. search for trackday schools and attend one
2. if i get available trackdays, want to attend one ....
3. plan for a 3/4 roadtrip to crater lake/lava beds
4. plan for a 1/2 roatrip to yosemite/moon lake on motorcycle.
Lots of things happened in the month of July which kind of prevented me from spending too much time online. T*** disagreed my L1B to L1A conversion. Long story, short, we had a good fight, and i just left the meeting room. So, i can stay only 2 more years in US and my dreams of a cross-country trip on a cruiser is shattered. I mean, i have so many other things to do in 2 years.
Chris is helping me recover the crashed R6 i got. Not a great deal, like the one i missed (05 Honda CBR600rr) but atleast i have something now for the trackdays. This baby cant fill my earlier loss, but i have to move on. The bike is in rideable condition with no windscreen, duct tapes everywhere on the fairings, and a 06 clip-on barely fitting the suspension head. But anyways, its rideable. I did couple of great rides over the last weekend, North and South.
So am going to London next week to meet Subhasree. We kind of didnt speak over telephone or email in the last 1 month, and as usual, my thought dimensions formed a new egoistic dimenstion and i wrote a nasty email. I felt really bad after sending that email. I dunno if am ready for any relationship yet. I am afraid that i may not be upto any. My actions and behaviour looks to be hurting everyone, though i dont mean to. I just want to stay with my motorcycles, hiking and roadtrips. I think, my lifestyle is not suitable for anyone. Well, i did tell her everything clearly and honestly, and she said she is upto it. Thats what i wanted if ever i had to get onto a relationship, but i just dont want to affect anyone's life because of my deeds.
Blah blah blah ... enough of my saddistic views. Now the fun part. I got the Big Six Pass for Six Flags, which means you can enter the park 6 times until Jan 9 , 2009 for 40$ ... amazing deal isnt it ? I was so excited, that am back to roller coasters after a long time... Me and Phil had a blast. specially on the "vertical velocity" ride .... We sat at the last seat, which gives the most G sensation, while it drops from a height of 200ft ... blazes to 70 mph in 4secs. We took the ride 5 times .... absolute awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , am bidding on couple of great america tickets, as i heard that there is a new ride which is crazy .... though, Top Gun and Delirium are real cool rides.
Ok so whats up for August
1. next week i will be busy with the DS3 link migration and testing.
2.19-26 i will be at London, have not planned anything yet. hotel is booked. need to get pounds. though its not bothering my pics, i need to do a blow on the pentamirror as there is small dust speck.
3. house shifting last week of august, once i come back ...
September :-
1. search for trackday schools and attend one
2. if i get available trackdays, want to attend one ....
3. plan for a 3/4 roadtrip to crater lake/lava beds
4. plan for a 1/2 roatrip to yosemite/moon lake on motorcycle.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Mountain Roads Ride 6/8/2008 (Sunday)
egrep (BARF) posted this wonderful ride, via Stage / Tunitas Creek / King's Mountain ... so, today i went on a 90 mile ride (another 30 miles to the restaurant and back to home)
Home - 280N - Moody - PageMill - Alpine - Pescadero - Stage - Tunitas Creek - King's Mountin [Downhill] - King's Mountain [Uphill] - Skyline - 92 - 280S - Sandhill - Palo Alto Downtown - Lunch/Dinner at Mango Caribbean Restaurant off Hamilton Ave - 101S - Home
Ride was awesome. I had my new jacket on today with the A* gloves. felt good :-) For some reason, it took me a while to adjust on Page Mill and Alpine. not sure what was happening. I was not able to concentrate through the turns. I took a quick stop and while at Pescadero i was good. Stage Road was awesome with great views of the lush mountains and ranches. As i entered Tunitas Creek it reminded me of Jamison and Mines combined. Man, it was dreadful. Potholes, loose gravel, what not !!!! But the turns were sharp and steep. I really loved it.
As i crossed Skyline and went down King's Mountains i loved it, because of the steep / winding U-turns. The roads were good too, so i could concentrate more on the turns. I went down to Woodside and decided again to come up. While coming up all the way to Skyline I had no cars in front of me, so i really gassed up (doing 45 in a 25mph zone ... shhh !!!)
egrep is doing the same ride on Jun 29th. I will love to go on this ride again and keen to learn how the pros handle these roads.
I miss my Gixxer a lot. I think i have never missed anything or anyone so much in my life before. For some reasons, i am very depressed and sad today.
No news yet. No email yet. But, i see communique happening. Well, i am still not sure what i am trying to venture into is correct or not. (I am writing this all in riddles, because the blog is public). I am not sure if I am being a guinea pig for test OR being a dumb ass OR being made a joke. Deep down, i feel a little hindrance and denial in the process. Maybe i am wrong and time will only tell.
About the restaurant
Well, i think i should stop looking at the restaurant reviews online. Satisfying my taste, is a million dollar question :-) First of all, i did not get the Red Stripe + Cola Champagne (non-alcoholic) mix as suggested. The waitress said they never heard about it ... duh !! So, just settled for the Red Stripe. (Nothing significant though). Ordered jerk chicken drumsticks and spicy goat curry. the drumsticks were good. Chicken was tender. cooked in olive oil, there was a diff spice aroma. Goat curry was amaaaaaazingly hotttttt ... wow !!!! [remember in US they refer hot as spicy. When we say spicy, it should be rich and aromatic]. I really liked it though (as i eat super blazing hot foods). The goat was tender and came with potato and couple of bones. I dont know why people in reviews wanted boneless goat, but there is no point in eating goat meat without bones or even savouring the bone marrow (I loveeeeeeee bone marrow).
I would say the restaurant is good, not super great. I would definitely come back again. Its bit pricy though (at least for me 27$ including Tips is a bit pricy).
And, i messed up one thing, i started off the bike from the restaurant with the disc lock ON. f*************** this is the 2nd time i did this. The start was pretty hard and i kind of fell but manged to put my right foot down, thereby preventing the bike to fall on the ground. And i see the right front brake caliper is wobbling a lot. Damn !!!! Curses on me. I was li'll bit afraid even to use the front brakes on my way back home as i might lock up the wheel. I came back, opened the caliper, did not notice any bends or breaks. refitted the caliper and went on a ride. The wobbling decreased significantly, but its still happening. Not sure if the rotor is bent ? or the caliper pad is misformed ? .. Well, at this point of time its rideable. I have sent a pm to shawn for the valve job .. will have him check this one too !!!!!
So, here is a map of the ride today.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=15128949504375284111,37.332680,-121.961960%3B15317325192936839817,37.360647,-122.169719%3B4702269413709901366,37.314502,-122.189274%3B18111703323678835242,37.299452,-122.264459%3B4428142025907981617,37.262868,-122.313411%3B16406819925694659556,37.251622,-122.382811%3B2561640404582675443,37.292269,-122.381329%3B18290059972503065978,37.326798,-122.386472%3B7256605287110515135,37.331123,-122.389513%3B13540429375818149712,37.364650,-122.389380%3B18224544305066105117,37.359062,-122.395813%3B4768543400460647931,37.432604,-122.245829&saddr=Saratoga+Ave+%4037.332680,+-121.961960&daddr=Moody+Rd+%4037.360647,+-122.169719+to:Alpine+Rd+%4037.314502,+-122.189274+to:Alpine+Rd+%4037.299452,+-122.264459+to:Pescadero+Creek+Rd+%4037.262868,+-122.313411+to:Pescadero+Creek+Rd+%4037.251622,+-122.382811+to:Stage+Rd+%4037.292269,+-122.381329+to:Stage+Rd+%4037.326798,+-122.386472+to:Stage+Rd+%4037.331123,+-122.389513+to:Tunitas+Creek+Rd+%4037.364650,+-122.389380+to:Tunitas+Creek+Rd+%4037.359062,+-122.395813+to:Woodside+Rd+%4037.432604,+-122.245829+to:444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&mra=pi&mrcr=7&via=4,6,8,9&sll=37.422799,-122.234917&sspn=0.057122,0.105743&ie=UTF8&z=10
Home - 280N - Moody - PageMill - Alpine - Pescadero - Stage - Tunitas Creek - King's Mountin [Downhill] - King's Mountain [Uphill] - Skyline - 92 - 280S - Sandhill - Palo Alto Downtown - Lunch/Dinner at Mango Caribbean Restaurant off Hamilton Ave - 101S - Home
Ride was awesome. I had my new jacket on today with the A* gloves. felt good :-) For some reason, it took me a while to adjust on Page Mill and Alpine. not sure what was happening. I was not able to concentrate through the turns. I took a quick stop and while at Pescadero i was good. Stage Road was awesome with great views of the lush mountains and ranches. As i entered Tunitas Creek it reminded me of Jamison and Mines combined. Man, it was dreadful. Potholes, loose gravel, what not !!!! But the turns were sharp and steep. I really loved it.
As i crossed Skyline and went down King's Mountains i loved it, because of the steep / winding U-turns. The roads were good too, so i could concentrate more on the turns. I went down to Woodside and decided again to come up. While coming up all the way to Skyline I had no cars in front of me, so i really gassed up (doing 45 in a 25mph zone ... shhh !!!)
egrep is doing the same ride on Jun 29th. I will love to go on this ride again and keen to learn how the pros handle these roads.
I miss my Gixxer a lot. I think i have never missed anything or anyone so much in my life before. For some reasons, i am very depressed and sad today.
No news yet. No email yet. But, i see communique happening. Well, i am still not sure what i am trying to venture into is correct or not. (I am writing this all in riddles, because the blog is public). I am not sure if I am being a guinea pig for test OR being a dumb ass OR being made a joke. Deep down, i feel a little hindrance and denial in the process. Maybe i am wrong and time will only tell.
About the restaurant
Well, i think i should stop looking at the restaurant reviews online. Satisfying my taste, is a million dollar question :-) First of all, i did not get the Red Stripe + Cola Champagne (non-alcoholic) mix as suggested. The waitress said they never heard about it ... duh !! So, just settled for the Red Stripe. (Nothing significant though). Ordered jerk chicken drumsticks and spicy goat curry. the drumsticks were good. Chicken was tender. cooked in olive oil, there was a diff spice aroma. Goat curry was amaaaaaazingly hotttttt ... wow !!!! [remember in US they refer hot as spicy. When we say spicy, it should be rich and aromatic]. I really liked it though (as i eat super blazing hot foods). The goat was tender and came with potato and couple of bones. I dont know why people in reviews wanted boneless goat, but there is no point in eating goat meat without bones or even savouring the bone marrow (I loveeeeeeee bone marrow).
I would say the restaurant is good, not super great. I would definitely come back again. Its bit pricy though (at least for me 27$ including Tips is a bit pricy).
And, i messed up one thing, i started off the bike from the restaurant with the disc lock ON. f*************** this is the 2nd time i did this. The start was pretty hard and i kind of fell but manged to put my right foot down, thereby preventing the bike to fall on the ground. And i see the right front brake caliper is wobbling a lot. Damn !!!! Curses on me. I was li'll bit afraid even to use the front brakes on my way back home as i might lock up the wheel. I came back, opened the caliper, did not notice any bends or breaks. refitted the caliper and went on a ride. The wobbling decreased significantly, but its still happening. Not sure if the rotor is bent ? or the caliper pad is misformed ? .. Well, at this point of time its rideable. I have sent a pm to shawn for the valve job .. will have him check this one too !!!!!
So, here is a map of the ride today.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f
Saturday, June 07, 2008
What is happening else ?
Rajesh came over yesterday night. We had couple of beers and a good takeaway dinner from Kabab N Curry. We also watched Die Hard - With a Vengenance online. I got a call from Erode (Karthik's place) and some little girl spoke in Bengali .. wierd !! Called Karthik back and he said no one called me before. Some ghost or ET trying to reach me maybe ??
Well, as it looks, my name did not get selected in the lottery process conducted for the H1B visa this year. Its kinda frustrating and depressing, as i wanted to leave Yodlee this year if my H1 went through. It has been a long time and i need a change for good. Well, i spoke to T** about my other options and stressed on converting my current L1B to L1A and then applying for my Green Card.
I wish, within a blog URL i can make some posts private and some posts public. Couple of things i wanted to write about my recent actions/feelings/emotions/happenings/etc/etc which i did not want to express in this public blog :-) Maybe, i will just create off one new.
Princess went on a Thames River cruise and to couple of other places with a friend of hers, so she has a packed up touring schedule for the weekend. Probably we might not be talking this weekend :-)
My next week's schedule is very busy. 2/3 projects just sprung up from nowhere. I might need to go to office tomorrow.
Well, as it looks, my name did not get selected in the lottery process conducted for the H1B visa this year. Its kinda frustrating and depressing, as i wanted to leave Yodlee this year if my H1 went through. It has been a long time and i need a change for good. Well, i spoke to T** about my other options and stressed on converting my current L1B to L1A and then applying for my Green Card.
I wish, within a blog URL i can make some posts private and some posts public. Couple of things i wanted to write about my recent actions/feelings/emotions/happenings/etc/etc which i did not want to express in this public blog :-) Maybe, i will just create off one new.
Princess went on a Thames River cruise and to couple of other places with a friend of hers, so she has a packed up touring schedule for the weekend. Probably we might not be talking this weekend :-)
My next week's schedule is very busy. 2/3 projects just sprung up from nowhere. I might need to go to office tomorrow.
Big Sure Ride 05/31/2008
Big Sur Ride on the ZR7 .... 05/31/2008
Home -- Saratoga -- Big Basin Way / Hwy 9 -- Hwy 236 -- Redwood State Park -- Hwy 9 -- Hwy 1 -- Pfeiffer State Park -- and back to Home via 156/101N
Route Total Distance : 236 Miles
< ..... >
map of the ride :http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=10671544201638940022,37.258610,-122.121220%3B2894327978566450804,37.212020,-122.156460%3B4195230060014721409,37.172590,-122.219790%3B10618171046579728436,37.146200,-122.157860%3B4504325010311975155,37.126070,-122.122520%3B13359911069988801880,36.238682,-121.772813%3B14110724196660697657,36.856890,-121.630130&saddr=444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&daddr=Big+Basin+Way%2FCongress+Springs+Rd+%4037.258610,+-122.121220+to:CA-9+%4037.212020,+-122.156460+to:Big+Basin+Way+%4037.172590,+-122.219790+to:Big+Basin+Way+%4037.146200,+-122.157860+to:CA-9+%4037.126070,+-122.122520+to:CA-1+%4036.238682,+-121.772813+to:US-101+N+%4036.856890,+-121.630130+to:37.355285,-121.968498+to:444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&mra=dpe&mrcr=5&mrsp=8&sz=13&via=3,7,8&sll=37.355558,-121.924553&sspn=0.057173,0.105743&ie=UTF8&z=13
Home -- Saratoga -- Big Basin Way / Hwy 9 -- Hwy 236 -- Redwood State Park -- Hwy 9 -- Hwy 1 -- Pfeiffer State Park -- and back to Home via 156/101N
Route Total Distance : 236 Miles
< ..... >
map of the ride :http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=10671544201638940022,37.258610,-122.121220%3B2894327978566450804,37.212020,-122.156460%3B4195230060014721409,37.172590,-122.219790%3B10618171046579728436,37.146200,-122.157860%3B4504325010311975155,37.126070,-122.122520%3B13359911069988801880,36.238682,-121.772813%3B14110724196660697657,36.856890,-121.630130&saddr=444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&daddr=Big+Basin+Way%2FCongress+Springs+Rd+%4037.258610,+-122.121220+to:CA-9+%4037.212020,+-122.156460+to:Big+Basin+Way+%4037.172590,+-122.219790+to:Big+Basin+Way+%4037.146200,+-122.157860+to:CA-9+%4037.126070,+-122.122520+to:CA-1+%4036.238682,+-121.772813+to:US-101+N+%4036.856890,+-121.630130+to:37.355285,-121.968498+to:444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&mra=dpe&mrcr=5&mrsp=8&sz=13&via=3,7,8&sll=37.355558,-121.924553&sspn=0.057173,0.105743&ie=UTF8&z=13
Friday, June 06, 2008
Spring 08 Roadtrip - Day 4
Day 4 - May 25
Lone Pine -- 395S -- Nine Mile Canyon Road -- Kennedy Meadow Road -- detour back to 395S -- (as Sherman Pass Road was closed) -- 178W -- Lake Isabella -- Kernville Way -- upto Kernville -- Johnsondale -- Western Divide Highway -- 190W -- Porterville (Best Western)
Today's trip was the most awaited trip. Sherman Pass Road / J41 -- http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2409 ; http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/showthread.php?p=40593#post40593 ... it is supposed to be one of the most windy and scenic roads. i was very excited about this. Drive on 395S was pretty cool with Death Valley on your left and Sierras on your right. Ya, you might be bit confused that i mentioned a detour and i will come to it later. About 2 hours later came to Nine Miles Canyon road entrance to the left , and to my dismay / horror / shock ; Sherman Pass road was CLOSEEEEEEDDDD !!!! Man ..... i was so so waiting for this day and i got so dismayed and dejected. I pulled over the car to the side, kind of got engrossed for 2-3 minutes thinking what to do, and then decided .. well this is not the end ? i will come back again .. then why not just enjoy the beauty of Nine Mile Canyon Road and the exotic Kern plateau. Nine Mile Canyons was steep and windy too and drops into the plateau. Worth mention is what i came across is the recent forest burn which SNP epxerienced. The trees were bare and trunks were burnt. It looked so deserted and gloomy. Cruising around and enjoying the nature i finally hit the plateau and proceeded towards the campground. I inquired at the local shope off the entrance to Sherman Pass and he mentioned that it will take another 2 weeks to open the Road to Johnsondale. Well, i opened my maps and in any case i have to return back to 395S ; so i decided to get down to 395S and get into Sequoia via 178 and Kernville. 178 was pretty busy and scenic too. Easy drive, enjoying the way. Lake Isabella was pretty cool. Many travellers have camped by the river, driving boats, water scooters .. overall a fun fun relaxing environment. The road upto Kern River by Kernville towards West of Isabella was awesome. Breathtaking views of Lake Isabella and a road stretching in between 2 mountains cutting across light brown grassland. Cross the lake and take the road by the Kern River. The beauty of Sequoia thus reveals before your eyes. A wonderful stream flow, Kern River and the amazing backdrop of the forests makes the atmosphere so serene and healthy to breathe. Lots ant lots of campers by the river, and several people biking and hiking, i find this place to be the ultimate area for camping. Defintely in my next roadtrip, if i cover SNP and KCP camping by Kern River will be the most favourable option.
<>
One thing i wished would have been more interesting in the blog was, if i updated links to the picutres as am discussing about the trip. Well, it will take lot of time and patience to do that and am yet to upload the pics .. phew !! from next time onwards, i need to sort out the pictures and build my blog discussion based on the pictures taken. It kind of makes interesting for the reader too.
Lone Pine -- 395S -- Nine Mile Canyon Road -- Kennedy Meadow Road -- detour back to 395S -- (as Sherman Pass Road was closed) -- 178W -- Lake Isabella -- Kernville Way -- upto Kernville -- Johnsondale -- Western Divide Highway -- 190W -- Porterville (Best Western)
Today's trip was the most awaited trip. Sherman Pass Road / J41 -- http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2409 ; http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/showthread.php?p=40593#post40593 ... it is supposed to be one of the most windy and scenic roads. i was very excited about this. Drive on 395S was pretty cool with Death Valley on your left and Sierras on your right. Ya, you might be bit confused that i mentioned a detour and i will come to it later. About 2 hours later came to Nine Miles Canyon road entrance to the left , and to my dismay / horror / shock ; Sherman Pass road was CLOSEEEEEEDDDD !!!! Man ..... i was so so waiting for this day and i got so dismayed and dejected. I pulled over the car to the side, kind of got engrossed for 2-3 minutes thinking what to do, and then decided .. well this is not the end ? i will come back again .. then why not just enjoy the beauty of Nine Mile Canyon Road and the exotic Kern plateau. Nine Mile Canyons was steep and windy too and drops into the plateau. Worth mention is what i came across is the recent forest burn which SNP epxerienced. The trees were bare and trunks were burnt. It looked so deserted and gloomy. Cruising around and enjoying the nature i finally hit the plateau and proceeded towards the campground. I inquired at the local shope off the entrance to Sherman Pass and he mentioned that it will take another 2 weeks to open the Road to Johnsondale. Well, i opened my maps and in any case i have to return back to 395S ; so i decided to get down to 395S and get into Sequoia via 178 and Kernville. 178 was pretty busy and scenic too. Easy drive, enjoying the way. Lake Isabella was pretty cool. Many travellers have camped by the river, driving boats, water scooters .. overall a fun fun relaxing environment. The road upto Kern River by Kernville towards West of Isabella was awesome. Breathtaking views of Lake Isabella and a road stretching in between 2 mountains cutting across light brown grassland. Cross the lake and take the road by the Kern River. The beauty of Sequoia thus reveals before your eyes. A wonderful stream flow, Kern River and the amazing backdrop of the forests makes the atmosphere so serene and healthy to breathe. Lots ant lots of campers by the river, and several people biking and hiking, i find this place to be the ultimate area for camping. Defintely in my next roadtrip, if i cover SNP and KCP camping by Kern River will be the most favourable option.
<>
One thing i wished would have been more interesting in the blog was, if i updated links to the picutres as am discussing about the trip. Well, it will take lot of time and patience to do that and am yet to upload the pics .. phew !! from next time onwards, i need to sort out the pictures and build my blog discussion based on the pictures taken. It kind of makes interesting for the reader too.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Spring 08 Roadtrip - Day 3
Day 3 - May 24
Beatty NV - Lathrop Wells - Pahrump - Bob Ruud Memorial Hwy - 190 - Furnance Creek - StovePipe Wells - Panamint Springs - 136 - Lone Pine (Best Western)
I had a good sleep after my Death Valley Road venture, and started off my day at 9 AM with the great memoirs i had. Today's Day trip involved driving on most of the paved roads of Death Valley and with the weather being good, wanted to do some good hikes around Furnace Creek Area. 95 was a straight highway stretch (real good for riding motorcycles fast :-) shhhh !!!) Pahrump town reminds you of the old country towns you see in movies with few houses, shack shops, shabby gas stations, car junkyards and farm lands. So, i get into Bob Ruud Memorial Hwy, i would say another paradise road for motorcycles. Cool drive, with great views of the valley, it merges onto 190 which is the official scenic byway into Death Valley (Furnace Creek). Really it is, as the true nature of Death Valley is revealed here. I forgot to mention that both these days the temperatures were pretty cool enuf, max going to 90's when i was at that backroad. Taking pictures along the way, i stopped at Zabriskie point, which gives a far better picture of the valley, mountain dunes, and myriads of colours of stones. Incidentally, there were lots of visitors too. It was around 12:00 PM and so i had enough time for a 2-3 hour hike. I approached Furnace Creek Visitor Center and got a hike trail around the area. Starts from Golden Canyon Trailhead off Badwater Road and makes a loop to Zabriskie Point and then to Gower Gulch Loop and finally out on Badwater Road.
So i started my trail, the camera mounted on top of the tripod, tripod on my back and enjoying the view. Indeed the name is deserved given to Red Cathedral where the mountain walls are completely red and uniform in nature and looks like a cathedral wall. The colours of the dunes were flamboyant enuf to catch your eyes very quickly. The trail was really good and i collected lots of colourful stones. Kind of deviated for a while but came back to track. Made it pretty slow and steady and completed the hike in 2.5 hours (can be completed in 1.5 hours easily).
This day I intended to be pretty chill, enjoy more of the valley and not do much of driving. So, i wanted to drive down Badwater, but i have not yet planned any road/map for the Sequoia National Park, so thought of checking into hotel pretty early and start working on it. Remember Death Valley is a place which is below sea level and goes upto -180 feet. I went on 190E and stopped by Stovepipe to take a view of the Sand Dunes.
Well, Death valley is more of getting into backroads, doing several hikes and exploring the ghost towns. Driving on the paved roads does not give you much insight into the beauty of the valley. So, i would say to be prepared for 2-3 days at least at Death Valley with a high rise vehicle to really explore it. I thing i missed was the Skidoo ghost town, which i realised only after coming to Lone Pine.
From Stovepipe wells i went onto Panamint Springs. Actually i had a misconception that i would be able to see some good hot springs on the way. It is not the case. There is a small cute resort at Panamint Springs and a RV park, else there is nothing much to venture around in a car. You can see the red Panamint Springs is supposed to be 10-15 degrees cooler than the rest of the resorts. The last 2-3 miles of drive into Panamint springs was great with windy and narrow roads. Boy !!! i kind of got attached to super windy/narrow and steep roads. Actually, there is a lot to see at Panamint, if you do backroads and get into the old mines or do lots of hikes.
Another place which i missed was Badwater Basin (salt base) which is the lowest elevation level @ US. (-282 feet). I am not sure how i missed it, it never came to my mind. Well, something left for next time isnt it ?
i called it the end of the day and proceeded towards Best Western, Lone Pine. A stretch of 190 was very very windy and scenic before meeting 136. I did not take the 190 but detoured into 136 with the awesome view of Owen's Lake and the streaks of sunlight peeping between the clouds and falling on the almost dried lake and the Basin. Death Valley, is a different form of nature and more of it can be explored only by hikes and backcountry roads. A good learning experience for next time.
Checked into the hotel, decent one but bit costlier. The town is pretty small, 4-5 blocks. I took a stroll around the town, filled gas (for the car and the gas tank) had a good jalapeno burger at Carls Jr. Started off with some research on the remaining 2 days of trip involving SNP and KCP, and then went off to bed.
This was the map of the day
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=6924098859252282090,36.263730,-116.003110%3B8956234908796126280,36.304399,-116.426314%3B8017512544835490600,36.639836,-117.030907%3B14088790181299945115,36.376819,-117.592558&saddr=550+E+Highway+95+N,+Beatty,+NV+89003+(Motel+6+of+Death+Valley)&daddr=NV-160+%4036.263730,+-116.003110+to:CA-190+%4036.304399,+-116.426314+to:CA-190+%4036.639836,+-117.030907+to:CA-190+%4036.376819,+-117.592558+to:36.610016,-118.065948&mra=mi&mrcr=4&mrsp=5&sz=10&sll=36.561497,-117.892914&sspn=0.462175,0.845947&ie=UTF8&ll=36.433437,-117.832489&spn=0.46294,0.845947&z=10
Not much of a distance covered today. Around 240 miles for the day. I wanted to take this day pretty light on account of the great adventure encountered yesterday. Overall it was great. I will definitely return to Death Valley again to explore the backroads and the hikes. I would love to do some dirt racing too.
Checked in at Best Western. Pretty decent but a bit pricy. Well, i had pre booked and its my first roadtrip. Learn, learn, learn from your experiences. Neat little town about 5-6 blocks. Got to a store to buy some stuff for the rest of 2 days. Had a good Jalapeno burger at Carl's Jr, filled up both the tanks (all geared for Sherman Pass Road the next day) and called it the end of the day. Well, today i bought one pint of JD again and had a refreshing good drink. Tomorrow' trip was pretty straight forward with surprises awaiting only on Sherman Pass Road / J41 ..
Beatty NV - Lathrop Wells - Pahrump - Bob Ruud Memorial Hwy - 190 - Furnance Creek - StovePipe Wells - Panamint Springs - 136 - Lone Pine (Best Western)
I had a good sleep after my Death Valley Road venture, and started off my day at 9 AM with the great memoirs i had. Today's Day trip involved driving on most of the paved roads of Death Valley and with the weather being good, wanted to do some good hikes around Furnace Creek Area. 95 was a straight highway stretch (real good for riding motorcycles fast :-) shhhh !!!) Pahrump town reminds you of the old country towns you see in movies with few houses, shack shops, shabby gas stations, car junkyards and farm lands. So, i get into Bob Ruud Memorial Hwy, i would say another paradise road for motorcycles. Cool drive, with great views of the valley, it merges onto 190 which is the official scenic byway into Death Valley (Furnace Creek). Really it is, as the true nature of Death Valley is revealed here. I forgot to mention that both these days the temperatures were pretty cool enuf, max going to 90's when i was at that backroad. Taking pictures along the way, i stopped at Zabriskie point, which gives a far better picture of the valley, mountain dunes, and myriads of colours of stones. Incidentally, there were lots of visitors too. It was around 12:00 PM and so i had enough time for a 2-3 hour hike. I approached Furnace Creek Visitor Center and got a hike trail around the area. Starts from Golden Canyon Trailhead off Badwater Road and makes a loop to Zabriskie Point and then to Gower Gulch Loop and finally out on Badwater Road.
So i started my trail, the camera mounted on top of the tripod, tripod on my back and enjoying the view. Indeed the name is deserved given to Red Cathedral where the mountain walls are completely red and uniform in nature and looks like a cathedral wall. The colours of the dunes were flamboyant enuf to catch your eyes very quickly. The trail was really good and i collected lots of colourful stones. Kind of deviated for a while but came back to track. Made it pretty slow and steady and completed the hike in 2.5 hours (can be completed in 1.5 hours easily).
This day I intended to be pretty chill, enjoy more of the valley and not do much of driving. So, i wanted to drive down Badwater, but i have not yet planned any road/map for the Sequoia National Park, so thought of checking into hotel pretty early and start working on it. Remember Death Valley is a place which is below sea level and goes upto -180 feet. I went on 190E and stopped by Stovepipe to take a view of the Sand Dunes.
Well, Death valley is more of getting into backroads, doing several hikes and exploring the ghost towns. Driving on the paved roads does not give you much insight into the beauty of the valley. So, i would say to be prepared for 2-3 days at least at Death Valley with a high rise vehicle to really explore it. I thing i missed was the Skidoo ghost town, which i realised only after coming to Lone Pine.
From Stovepipe wells i went onto Panamint Springs. Actually i had a misconception that i would be able to see some good hot springs on the way. It is not the case. There is a small cute resort at Panamint Springs and a RV park, else there is nothing much to venture around in a car. You can see the red Panamint Springs is supposed to be 10-15 degrees cooler than the rest of the resorts. The last 2-3 miles of drive into Panamint springs was great with windy and narrow roads. Boy !!! i kind of got attached to super windy/narrow and steep roads. Actually, there is a lot to see at Panamint, if you do backroads and get into the old mines or do lots of hikes.
Another place which i missed was Badwater Basin (salt base) which is the lowest elevation level @ US. (-282 feet). I am not sure how i missed it, it never came to my mind. Well, something left for next time isnt it ?
i called it the end of the day and proceeded towards Best Western, Lone Pine. A stretch of 190 was very very windy and scenic before meeting 136. I did not take the 190 but detoured into 136 with the awesome view of Owen's Lake and the streaks of sunlight peeping between the clouds and falling on the almost dried lake and the Basin. Death Valley, is a different form of nature and more of it can be explored only by hikes and backcountry roads. A good learning experience for next time.
Checked into the hotel, decent one but bit costlier. The town is pretty small, 4-5 blocks. I took a stroll around the town, filled gas (for the car and the gas tank) had a good jalapeno burger at Carls Jr. Started off with some research on the remaining 2 days of trip involving SNP and KCP, and then went off to bed.
This was the map of the day
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=6924098859252282090,36.263730,-116.003110%3B8956234908796126280,36.304399,-116.426314%3B8017512544835490600,36.639836,-117.030907%3B14088790181299945115,36.376819,-117.592558&saddr=550+E+Highway+95+N,+Beatty,+NV+89003+(Motel+6+of+Death+Valley)&daddr=NV-160+%4036.263730,+-116.003110+to:CA-190+%4036.304399,+-116.426314+to:CA-190+%4036.639836,+-117.030907+to:CA-190+%4036.376819,+-117.592558+to:36.610016,-118.065948&mra=mi&mrcr=4&mrsp=5&sz=10&sll=36.561497,-117.892914&sspn=0.462175,0.845947&ie=UTF8&ll=36.433437,-117.832489&spn=0.46294,0.845947&z=10
Not much of a distance covered today. Around 240 miles for the day. I wanted to take this day pretty light on account of the great adventure encountered yesterday. Overall it was great. I will definitely return to Death Valley again to explore the backroads and the hikes. I would love to do some dirt racing too.
Checked in at Best Western. Pretty decent but a bit pricy. Well, i had pre booked and its my first roadtrip. Learn, learn, learn from your experiences. Neat little town about 5-6 blocks. Got to a store to buy some stuff for the rest of 2 days. Had a good Jalapeno burger at Carl's Jr, filled up both the tanks (all geared for Sherman Pass Road the next day) and called it the end of the day. Well, today i bought one pint of JD again and had a refreshing good drink. Tomorrow' trip was pretty straight forward with surprises awaiting only on Sherman Pass Road / J41 ..
Spring 08 Roadtrip - Day 2
Day 2 - May 23
Lee Vening - Moon Lake - June Lake Loop - Mammoth Town - 395 - 168 - BristleCone Forest - Death Valley Road [dirtroad]
Well, since i slept last night at 10 PM, i woke up pretty early ... 3 AM .. Wow !!!! Quickly opened my laptop, jotted down notes of the day's trip make some breakfast (canned beef lasagna) and all set to leave at 6 AM. It was kind of cloudy and not clear skies. was driving 395S and was a great view before me. The Sierra Mountains on the right covered with snow and the hillocks and cliffs of the east of Inyo National Forest to my left. The June Lake Loop entrance comes before the 120 (way to Mono Lake), so i figured i will take a loop across June Lake and then come back 395N into 120. Even though the skies were not clear, the loop was great. A great camping spot around the lake, kind of i liked the camping around Grant Lake better than June lake. The views to the Sierra was as usual great from the entry point. It took me almost an hour to complete the loop and i headed back 2 miles to 395N to get into Moon Lake Area. The Moon Lake is just about a mile off Hwy 120 entrypoint, but i saw the beautiful pine trees down 120 and decided to take a detour. The roads were going up and down and the breathtaking views across the both sides of the road of the pine trees was amazing. This road leads to Benton and i just wanted to view the scenery around so went ahead. Crossed the valley road around the Mono Mills area, drove for 20+ miles and took a U-turn back to take the Test Station Road into Mono Lake. Well, the actual beauty of Mono Lake is when you view the moon, across the blue sky. It is an ethereal view with the blue sky colour turning purple in a clear atmosphere. Silhouetted by the Tufas the lake is an awesome place. The tufas are limestone structure portruding out of the waters. They are fragile and brittle and look like rocks. I took the short 2 mile look hike around the lake and clicked on several pictures. A great start indeed.
Finally, the long awaiting trip to the Ancient Bristlecone Forest begins. Route was 395S, H168, White Mountain Road onto Schulman Grove Point and finally upto Patriarch Point. The second hike of the day was planned at Schulman Grove. On they way i took a loop to the Mammoth town and here is where i first got the snow showers. Weather was real bad and i was kind of upset that the day will not be clear at all. However, the snow showers smelt good and fresh and it was great to drive (cruise) around the snow showers. I did not go upto the lake, just took a 1/2 mile loop around the town and headed on. Passed Bishop which is a cool neat town and saw the sun shine on me finally ... Wow what a relief !!! My first time experience (in US) of a mirage. You can see water bodies in the mirage feeling, Amazing one to see on the highways. Here it comes, turn West to H168. It is one of the most windy roads with drops and ups to multiple elevations. A favourite road of the motorcyclists, it also presents you with single lane narrow roads just after Big Pine Road. roadtripamerica.com really helped me a lot to plan the trip. Veterans like Mark and Mike have done a great job putting all sorts of information on the site. Here is a snippet of the road ... http://www.roadtripamerica.com/GettingOutThere/White-Mountain-Road-Trip.htm .... Well, to my dismay, rains started again and when i entered the first post of White Mountain Road, it was written there that Patriarch Grove Road was closed and Schulman Grove visitor center was closed due to heavy snow. I started to debate, should i go or should i not go. If i go, it will be my first drive in the heavy snow showers .... Anyway, who cares, after this is the excitement i was looking for. So i headed out. As described in the link, yes, wow, superb, amazing .... tons of wow wow words i am uttering to my mind ... Just couple of miles off the Visitor Center, i saw the road full covered with snow. Started to feel the heart beat, (no snow tires, no tire chains), well if i drive slowly what is there to worry about ? So damn lets go ahead .... The snow inches became thicker and thickers, snow showers was continously poring down and i slowly and steadily made my way to the Visitor Center. Unfortunately the center was closed so the hike around the forest was cancelled. I got a glimpse of the amazing bristlecone trees. It is said that these trees are aged from 400 - 1000 years. Walked around the snow for sometime, fresh and white as it could be, capturing sweet memories and couple of frames on the 20D i started my descent down.
came back to 168 and thought, should i take the entire 168 onto 266 and finally to my next stop Beatty ? Well, i am cancelling 30% of the roadtrip and its only 1 PM so why not get into the Death Valley Road which i just saw on my way up. I was talking to an elderly American gentleman and i was pretty amazed when he started giving me overviews of his various roadtrips and experiences. He was also amazed, I being an Indian have ventured on such a trip alone. He said, he has never seen an India on such a planned, exciting, mountain driving roadtrip alone and wished me best of luck for my drive ahead. I finally descended down 168, saw the SUN again, and with a glimpse took a deviation into one of the Vista points, to munch on some of the noodles i cooked earlier today at the hotel. i took some self pictures facing the mountain range West of King Canyon National Park and ventured ahead. Till now i have no idea as to what I am getting into once i enter Death Valley Road. I had the Death Valley brochures and printouts from nps.gov and it was clearly mentioned there not to attempt this road in a car and only attempt in a high rise vehicle.
The sign said 73 miles to Scotty's Castle which is what i planned to. I intended to do a short trail on Scotty's castle but who knew what was coming ahead ... Around 20 miles went by with the wonderous views of Death Valley, mix of paved roads and good gravel roads and finally i could see the Joshua Flats .... Haa haa, reminds me of the country movies. Finally at last .... now i just thought that the stretch on Joshua flats was the only bad gravel road that i have to go on (5 miles max ? ) ... AFTER ALL, THE ENTIRE DEATH VALLEY STRETCH IS LIKE THATTTTTT, GRAVELS, DIRT, POTHOLES, WHAT NOTTTTTTTT ... AAAAAAAHHHH !!!!
i was kind of enacting like Client Eastwood clan. Windows rolled down, facing all dust, loud hiphop music ... stopping by to take pictures, my dream come true. I so so wanted to go in these road stretches since my childhood. Suddenly, i forgot that i took a deviation into N Eureka Road, GPS was not working, Phone was not working, the map i had was not descriptive, but i was heading North .... i should be heading West / South-West ... OMG i deviated , ok dude , back on track so i came back onto Big Pine Road, and got upto the mountain and saw good gravel road. Ok, so thats it ? Well, ya its fun !!!! slowly driving and starting to take those steep turns, i saw remnants of an old quary but hold on, man, the road is horrible. I was bumping bad, with my head touching the ceiling, The axle may pop out anytime. Tires can become flat anytime ..... Wow !!! what the heck is this ... Is the entire death valley stretch like this ? I crossed the area around Last Chance Mtn with downhills on red dirt road and what i was presented before me i cant describe. I still have to go around 40+ miles into that horrible dirtroad again. Holy moly, son of satan, i am screweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed !!!!!!! What happens if the car breaks down ? What happens if the vultures pop out my eyes, No wonder why people have named it Death Valley. At least the left hand side of the road was good with tire tracks, the right hand side was not drive'able at all. I opened the other maps and brochures and there you go, 27 miles of dirt road TO BE ATTEMPTED ONLY ON HIGH RISE VEHICLES ... DAAAAAARNNNN !!!!! i banged my head on the steering wheel. With 5-10 mph speed i estimated atleast 4 more hours to get onto the paved road. Ok dude, you are completely screwed. So thinking of my fate, and wondering that the car may breakdown anytime, i started. The entire stretch i drove on the left hand side because the previous tire marks at least provided good traction. If i ever attempt right hand side, the car just wobbles and goes sideways and what not !!! I was feeling like son of satan was laughing at me and saying ..... "Come to me, Come to me, MUUHAAAAAH MUUUHHAAAA !!!" Ta na na na, Ta na na, bumptitty bump, bumpitty bump, here you go on. bumpitty bump, bumpitty bump, bumpttiy here you go on. Time went by 1hr / 2 hr and finally signs of Ubehebe Crater .... AAAAAAAH what a relief another 30 mins to 1 hour .... And, as i proceeded i saw the Racetrack Road on east. Should i go ?? BANG BANG BANG !!! i hit my head. Dude want to get f***d up again. Dont do that. Be on track , be good with the car. I got a glimpse and feel of the Racektrack Road while i turned towards the paved road to Scotty's Castle. Its all nature made, can you believe it? The same elevated turns to maintain gravity. Amaziiiiiiiiiiiiing ... On the last stretch of 3-4 miles the gravel road became good. The white car was yellow with all sand covered. Finally when i saw the paved road, i was so happy, so happy that i cant express. I came out of the car, bowed down to the car and kissed the ground. I am aliveeeeeeeeeeee and safe and the car is good and working and she rescued me from Son of Satan's wrath. An elderly lady driving a car on the paved road saw me and stopped. She thought something happened to me. She came by and asked me "Are you OK ? " I siad, "Yes, I am fine, cant be much better" .. I just survived driving a car out of Death Valley Road. She rolled her eyes and looked at me for sometime and went on. She must be thinking "Morooon, Mad, Wierdo ..... "
Paved road finally, so i sing along and go towards Scotty's castle. Memoirs of what i went thru was still haunting me and i was remembering and enjoying and laughing to myself. Scotty's Castle is just like a regular castle built but has no history to kings. Here is the story about Scotty's Castle ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty ... Took a quick 15 min nap in the car, took some pictures of the castle, and called it end of day to head down to Beatty, NV (Motel6 booked). via 267NE and 95S .. Beatty is cute little small town, with only 3/4 cross streets. Checked in, had a good beef lasagna and pack noodles, munched onto some Pringles, watched 300 and Knocked that on HBO and off to bed. Wow, what a day ... and what an experience !!! everlasting and will always be with me.
Here is the google map layout for the day
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=2319329626791514985,37.958520,-119.120620%3B4871045865324591173,37.766440,-119.121960%3B14743368761802322047,37.811513,-119.054316%3B16623296625724717409,37.875940,-118.618100%3B5471544439023331844,37.974521,-119.114063%3B5601735534254730096,37.673650,-118.997210%3B3298460036754184521,37.646090,-118.952550%3B10180332060599252738,37.313751,-118.155558%3B15537905823105566785,37.486573,-118.189030%3B4045848397155036849,37.183960,-118.249290%3B4169591927467277205,37.235960,-117.945920%3B12110936009216182938,36.998904,-117.367488%3B8402639287913225107,37.298490,-117.053681&saddr=Main+St%2FUS-395+%4037.958520,+-119.120620&daddr=CA-158+%4037.766440,+-119.121960+to:CA-158+%4037.811513,+-119.054316+to:CA-120+%4037.875940,+-118.618100+to:Picnic+Grounds+Rd+%4037.974521,+-119.114063+to:Mammoth+Scenic+Loop+%4037.673650,+-118.997210+to:CA-203+W+%4037.646090,+-118.952550+to:CA-168+%4037.313751,+-118.155558+to:Ancient+Bristlecone+Scenic+Byway+%4037.486573,+-118.189030+to:Death+Valley+Rd+%4037.183960,+-118.249290+to:Death+Valley+Rd+%4037.235960,+-117.945920+to:Racetrack+Valley+Rd+%4036.998904,+-117.367488+to:NV-267+%4037.298490,+-117.053681+to:36.910372,-116.755829&mra=mi&mrcr=10&mrsp=13&sz=10&via=1,5&sll=36.879621,-116.670685&sspn=0.460265,0.928345&ie=UTF8&ll=37.079284,-117.321625&spn=0.459059,0.928345&z=10
Lee Vening - Moon Lake - June Lake Loop - Mammoth Town - 395 - 168 - BristleCone Forest - Death Valley Road [dirtroad]
Well, since i slept last night at 10 PM, i woke up pretty early ... 3 AM .. Wow !!!! Quickly opened my laptop, jotted down notes of the day's trip make some breakfast (canned beef lasagna) and all set to leave at 6 AM. It was kind of cloudy and not clear skies. was driving 395S and was a great view before me. The Sierra Mountains on the right covered with snow and the hillocks and cliffs of the east of Inyo National Forest to my left. The June Lake Loop entrance comes before the 120 (way to Mono Lake), so i figured i will take a loop across June Lake and then come back 395N into 120. Even though the skies were not clear, the loop was great. A great camping spot around the lake, kind of i liked the camping around Grant Lake better than June lake. The views to the Sierra was as usual great from the entry point. It took me almost an hour to complete the loop and i headed back 2 miles to 395N to get into Moon Lake Area. The Moon Lake is just about a mile off Hwy 120 entrypoint, but i saw the beautiful pine trees down 120 and decided to take a detour. The roads were going up and down and the breathtaking views across the both sides of the road of the pine trees was amazing. This road leads to Benton and i just wanted to view the scenery around so went ahead. Crossed the valley road around the Mono Mills area, drove for 20+ miles and took a U-turn back to take the Test Station Road into Mono Lake. Well, the actual beauty of Mono Lake is when you view the moon, across the blue sky. It is an ethereal view with the blue sky colour turning purple in a clear atmosphere. Silhouetted by the Tufas the lake is an awesome place. The tufas are limestone structure portruding out of the waters. They are fragile and brittle and look like rocks. I took the short 2 mile look hike around the lake and clicked on several pictures. A great start indeed.
Finally, the long awaiting trip to the Ancient Bristlecone Forest begins. Route was 395S, H168, White Mountain Road onto Schulman Grove Point and finally upto Patriarch Point. The second hike of the day was planned at Schulman Grove. On they way i took a loop to the Mammoth town and here is where i first got the snow showers. Weather was real bad and i was kind of upset that the day will not be clear at all. However, the snow showers smelt good and fresh and it was great to drive (cruise) around the snow showers. I did not go upto the lake, just took a 1/2 mile loop around the town and headed on. Passed Bishop which is a cool neat town and saw the sun shine on me finally ... Wow what a relief !!! My first time experience (in US) of a mirage. You can see water bodies in the mirage feeling, Amazing one to see on the highways. Here it comes, turn West to H168. It is one of the most windy roads with drops and ups to multiple elevations. A favourite road of the motorcyclists, it also presents you with single lane narrow roads just after Big Pine Road. roadtripamerica.com really helped me a lot to plan the trip. Veterans like Mark and Mike have done a great job putting all sorts of information on the site. Here is a snippet of the road ... http://www.roadtripamerica.com/GettingOutThere/White-Mountain-Road-Trip.htm .... Well, to my dismay, rains started again and when i entered the first post of White Mountain Road, it was written there that Patriarch Grove Road was closed and Schulman Grove visitor center was closed due to heavy snow. I started to debate, should i go or should i not go. If i go, it will be my first drive in the heavy snow showers .... Anyway, who cares, after this is the excitement i was looking for. So i headed out. As described in the link, yes, wow, superb, amazing .... tons of wow wow words i am uttering to my mind ... Just couple of miles off the Visitor Center, i saw the road full covered with snow. Started to feel the heart beat, (no snow tires, no tire chains), well if i drive slowly what is there to worry about ? So damn lets go ahead .... The snow inches became thicker and thickers, snow showers was continously poring down and i slowly and steadily made my way to the Visitor Center. Unfortunately the center was closed so the hike around the forest was cancelled. I got a glimpse of the amazing bristlecone trees. It is said that these trees are aged from 400 - 1000 years. Walked around the snow for sometime, fresh and white as it could be, capturing sweet memories and couple of frames on the 20D i started my descent down.
came back to 168 and thought, should i take the entire 168 onto 266 and finally to my next stop Beatty ? Well, i am cancelling 30% of the roadtrip and its only 1 PM so why not get into the Death Valley Road which i just saw on my way up. I was talking to an elderly American gentleman and i was pretty amazed when he started giving me overviews of his various roadtrips and experiences. He was also amazed, I being an Indian have ventured on such a trip alone. He said, he has never seen an India on such a planned, exciting, mountain driving roadtrip alone and wished me best of luck for my drive ahead. I finally descended down 168, saw the SUN again, and with a glimpse took a deviation into one of the Vista points, to munch on some of the noodles i cooked earlier today at the hotel. i took some self pictures facing the mountain range West of King Canyon National Park and ventured ahead. Till now i have no idea as to what I am getting into once i enter Death Valley Road. I had the Death Valley brochures and printouts from nps.gov and it was clearly mentioned there not to attempt this road in a car and only attempt in a high rise vehicle.
The sign said 73 miles to Scotty's Castle which is what i planned to. I intended to do a short trail on Scotty's castle but who knew what was coming ahead ... Around 20 miles went by with the wonderous views of Death Valley, mix of paved roads and good gravel roads and finally i could see the Joshua Flats .... Haa haa, reminds me of the country movies. Finally at last .... now i just thought that the stretch on Joshua flats was the only bad gravel road that i have to go on (5 miles max ? ) ... AFTER ALL, THE ENTIRE DEATH VALLEY STRETCH IS LIKE THATTTTTT, GRAVELS, DIRT, POTHOLES, WHAT NOTTTTTTTT ... AAAAAAAHHHH !!!!
i was kind of enacting like Client Eastwood clan. Windows rolled down, facing all dust, loud hiphop music ... stopping by to take pictures, my dream come true. I so so wanted to go in these road stretches since my childhood. Suddenly, i forgot that i took a deviation into N Eureka Road, GPS was not working, Phone was not working, the map i had was not descriptive, but i was heading North .... i should be heading West / South-West ... OMG i deviated , ok dude , back on track so i came back onto Big Pine Road, and got upto the mountain and saw good gravel road. Ok, so thats it ? Well, ya its fun !!!! slowly driving and starting to take those steep turns, i saw remnants of an old quary but hold on, man, the road is horrible. I was bumping bad, with my head touching the ceiling, The axle may pop out anytime. Tires can become flat anytime ..... Wow !!! what the heck is this ... Is the entire death valley stretch like this ? I crossed the area around Last Chance Mtn with downhills on red dirt road and what i was presented before me i cant describe. I still have to go around 40+ miles into that horrible dirtroad again. Holy moly, son of satan, i am screweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed !!!!!!! What happens if the car breaks down ? What happens if the vultures pop out my eyes, No wonder why people have named it Death Valley. At least the left hand side of the road was good with tire tracks, the right hand side was not drive'able at all. I opened the other maps and brochures and there you go, 27 miles of dirt road TO BE ATTEMPTED ONLY ON HIGH RISE VEHICLES ... DAAAAAARNNNN !!!!! i banged my head on the steering wheel. With 5-10 mph speed i estimated atleast 4 more hours to get onto the paved road. Ok dude, you are completely screwed. So thinking of my fate, and wondering that the car may breakdown anytime, i started. The entire stretch i drove on the left hand side because the previous tire marks at least provided good traction. If i ever attempt right hand side, the car just wobbles and goes sideways and what not !!! I was feeling like son of satan was laughing at me and saying ..... "Come to me, Come to me, MUUHAAAAAH MUUUHHAAAA !!!" Ta na na na, Ta na na, bumptitty bump, bumpitty bump, here you go on. bumpitty bump, bumpitty bump, bumpttiy here you go on. Time went by 1hr / 2 hr and finally signs of Ubehebe Crater .... AAAAAAAH what a relief another 30 mins to 1 hour .... And, as i proceeded i saw the Racetrack Road on east. Should i go ?? BANG BANG BANG !!! i hit my head. Dude want to get f***d up again. Dont do that. Be on track , be good with the car. I got a glimpse and feel of the Racektrack Road while i turned towards the paved road to Scotty's Castle. Its all nature made, can you believe it? The same elevated turns to maintain gravity. Amaziiiiiiiiiiiiing ... On the last stretch of 3-4 miles the gravel road became good. The white car was yellow with all sand covered. Finally when i saw the paved road, i was so happy, so happy that i cant express. I came out of the car, bowed down to the car and kissed the ground. I am aliveeeeeeeeeeee and safe and the car is good and working and she rescued me from Son of Satan's wrath. An elderly lady driving a car on the paved road saw me and stopped. She thought something happened to me. She came by and asked me "Are you OK ? " I siad, "Yes, I am fine, cant be much better" .. I just survived driving a car out of Death Valley Road. She rolled her eyes and looked at me for sometime and went on. She must be thinking "Morooon, Mad, Wierdo ..... "
Paved road finally, so i sing along and go towards Scotty's castle. Memoirs of what i went thru was still haunting me and i was remembering and enjoying and laughing to myself. Scotty's Castle is just like a regular castle built but has no history to kings. Here is the story about Scotty's Castle ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty ... Took a quick 15 min nap in the car, took some pictures of the castle, and called it end of day to head down to Beatty, NV (Motel6 booked). via 267NE and 95S .. Beatty is cute little small town, with only 3/4 cross streets. Checked in, had a good beef lasagna and pack noodles, munched onto some Pringles, watched 300 and Knocked that on HBO and off to bed. Wow, what a day ... and what an experience !!! everlasting and will always be with me.
Here is the google map layout for the day
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=2319329626791514985,37.958520,-119.120620%3B4871045865324591173,37.766440,-119.121960%3B14743368761802322047,37.811513,-119.054316%3B16623296625724717409,37.875940,-118.618100%3B5471544439023331844,37.974521,-119.114063%3B5601735534254730096,37.673650,-118.997210%3B3298460036754184521,37.646090,-118.952550%3B10180332060599252738,37.313751,-118.155558%3B15537905823105566785,37.486573,-118.189030%3B4045848397155036849,37.183960,-118.249290%3B4169591927467277205,37.235960,-117.945920%3B12110936009216182938,36.998904,-117.367488%3B8402639287913225107,37.298490,-117.053681&saddr=Main+St%2FUS-395+%4037.958520,+-119.120620&daddr=CA-158+%4037.766440,+-119.121960+to:CA-158+%4037.811513,+-119.054316+to:CA-120+%4037.875940,+-118.618100+to:Picnic+Grounds+Rd+%4037.974521,+-119.114063+to:Mammoth+Scenic+Loop+%4037.673650,+-118.997210+to:CA-203+W+%4037.646090,+-118.952550+to:CA-168+%4037.313751,+-118.155558+to:Ancient+Bristlecone+Scenic+Byway+%4037.486573,+-118.189030+to:Death+Valley+Rd+%4037.183960,+-118.249290+to:Death+Valley+Rd+%4037.235960,+-117.945920+to:Racetrack+Valley+Rd+%4036.998904,+-117.367488+to:NV-267+%4037.298490,+-117.053681+to:36.910372,-116.755829&mra=mi&mrcr=10&mrsp=13&sz=10&via=1,5&sll=36.879621,-116.670685&sspn=0.460265,0.928345&ie=UTF8&ll=37.079284,-117.321625&spn=0.459059,0.928345&z=10
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Spring 08 RoadTrip - Day 1
Day 0 - May 21
... Well, finally am out on my first roadtrip. Though this roadtrip does not involve much of camping but hiking is for sure. Trip has been planned, google maps ready, AAA maps in hand, GPS in hand, most of the urgent shopping done. I picked up Hyundai Sonata from the rental company as that was the only one available. I was lucky enough to get a decent mileage car as the original rental location was giving me a truck or a PT Cruiser ... grrrr !! I wanted something basic, economic and the best out of gas. Everything packed and ready to head out. Here is the list (hiking shoes, extra pairs of clothes/socks/etc, hiking backpack, camera backpack, MagLite torch, camping sleeping pad, sleeping bag, comforter (kombol), packed food, lots of water and gatorade, couple of diet cokes, medicines, extra glasses, ice cooler box, necesarry utensils, 2 gl gas tank, music CDs, sunburn protection cream, gum). Am i missing something? Maybe yes, but will come to know only when i head out ... hee hee. Well, its been almost 3 AM since packing is all done and am sceptical if i can make it tomorrow at 6 AM. Adios !!
Day 1 - May 22
As usual, woke up late, all ready and set to head out at 7:30 PM. Bought the ice bags from 7x11 store and while i took 880 remembered i forgot the umbrella and the extra pair of shoes. Damn !!! anyway no returning back. Enjoying the drive i headed out for Yosemite. 880-156-152-SR41 into Yosemite. Starting 156 it was a scenic route and thats what i had planned for. SR41 was a great road too, with good winds and turns up into Yosemite. Took my Annual Pass (ya ya, i spent 80$ for the pass and not 20$ for the entry ticket, as i knew am going to come back several times) from Wawona Information Station and headed out towards Glacier Point.
That was the plan to detour into Glacier Point Road, spend some time there and then go to the village. What should i say about the views. Beautiful, exotic, scintillating, i was rejuvenated. Really worth that i ventured out. I reached Glacier Point around 1 PM. The expression was simply Wowwww. walked around the area, took lots of pictures, sat at a secluded downhill area for sometime (away from the crowds) with my eyes and mind gazed towards Glacier Point and the Valley. Wanted to do the 4 mile hike down to the valley but a 8 mile return trip will kill the day and i had lots to do. So headed out back down, stopped at couple of Vista points, took pictures and took the turn towards the village. Best part is the valley view to El Capitan. Man, i really need the feel to buy a wide angle lens now. It was very crowded. Northside Dr was closed so it was bi-way traffic on Soutside Dr. I did not want to hang around as i kind of fell suffocated with so many ppl around. Took a loop drive, stopped by couple of points (El Capitan view, Tunnel view, and views to Dewey point), took pictures and headed out for the wait of the day, Tioga Pass. It just opened today yesterday so was kind of worried on the road conditions.
Finally entered Tioga Road and what i was presented with cannot be explained in words. I was cruising at 30-35 mph to get a good grasp of all the views. My first stop was at Senta Lake, small one yet serene, calm, and beautiful. Sat there for sometime besides the water and felt so good. Well, i did not have any food until now, just some regular munchons like Pringles and Oatmeal bars. I was fine completely, not feeling hungry at all. Was ensuring to drink lots of water and gatorade in periodic intervals. There were not much cars/vehicles on Tioga pass so i was able to cruise around, stop and look far ahead of me. Well, it suddenly started rainging with very little snow showers. I mean, it was bearable though and i could walk around. It was windy and chilly though. Kept on driving from there without a stop and came upto Olmsted Pt. It was partially covered with snow, with portions of the mountain visible. There were little snowshowers and was slight foggy. Nevertheless, i was awestruck again.
I was approaching by Tenaya Lake and the wonders of nature was slowly revealing. I stopped by one of the view points down the lake brink. Its my bad, that i did not note down all the view point names, mountain names, but i remember one which is Pywiack Dome. Geographically am bad too to explain the natural set presented :(Along the banks of the crystal clear blue water (you can literally see the rocks below) the Dome looked fabulous. The Dome was portruded in front of the range (Sierra Nevada) and it felt like it was sitting on a cushion. The backview of dense forests was marvellous. I strolled around the lake for sometime (hit up on google search for Tenaya Lake and it will reveal lots of information and breathtaking views) took pictures and headed out.
I did not go into Toulemene Meadows that day and thus headed out towards Lee Vening where the night stay was booked at Lake View Lodge. The stretch from the exit station of Tioga to Lee Vening was great too, with beautiful mountain drops and views to the valley. Finally with an everlasting experience, ended the trip to the lodge. The lodge was great with a good view. Checked in, bought a small pint of JD from the store next door, had a good steak sandwich at the Mobil Restaurant and went to sleep. Target was to wake up as early as possible to get into Moon Lake.
One thing i did not mention was about bikers. Myriads of bikes (mostly cruisers) and groups were swarming around Glacier Pt Road. It was so good to see them. I so badly want to do a roadtrip on my bike too. That would be real fun and enjoyment.
However, Yosemite should be more visited at summer and fall time. Fall time is the best due to change of colours which makes the place, i would say the "abode of Gods".
And, here is the map for the day
Home to Glacier Point Road to Curry Village, Yosemite National Park to Lake View Lodge, Lee Vening (via Tioga Pass)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=17919502777459609228,37.020120,-119.793440%3B17952120303703987918,37.727118,-119.575249%3B8954944997412107740,37.739349,-119.560435&saddr=444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&daddr=CA-41+%4037.020120,+-119.793440+to:Glacier+Point+Rd+%4037.727118,+-119.575249+to:Happy+Isle+Loop+Rd+%4037.739349,+-119.560435+to:37.95638,-119.119263&mra=mi&mrcr=2&mrsp=4&sz=13&via=1&sll=37.949342,-119.123554&sspn=0.056718,0.116043&ie=UTF8&z=13
... Well, finally am out on my first roadtrip. Though this roadtrip does not involve much of camping but hiking is for sure. Trip has been planned, google maps ready, AAA maps in hand, GPS in hand, most of the urgent shopping done. I picked up Hyundai Sonata from the rental company as that was the only one available. I was lucky enough to get a decent mileage car as the original rental location was giving me a truck or a PT Cruiser ... grrrr !! I wanted something basic, economic and the best out of gas. Everything packed and ready to head out. Here is the list (hiking shoes, extra pairs of clothes/socks/etc, hiking backpack, camera backpack, MagLite torch, camping sleeping pad, sleeping bag, comforter (kombol), packed food, lots of water and gatorade, couple of diet cokes, medicines, extra glasses, ice cooler box, necesarry utensils, 2 gl gas tank, music CDs, sunburn protection cream, gum). Am i missing something? Maybe yes, but will come to know only when i head out ... hee hee. Well, its been almost 3 AM since packing is all done and am sceptical if i can make it tomorrow at 6 AM. Adios !!
Day 1 - May 22
As usual, woke up late, all ready and set to head out at 7:30 PM. Bought the ice bags from 7x11 store and while i took 880 remembered i forgot the umbrella and the extra pair of shoes. Damn !!! anyway no returning back. Enjoying the drive i headed out for Yosemite. 880-156-152-SR41 into Yosemite. Starting 156 it was a scenic route and thats what i had planned for. SR41 was a great road too, with good winds and turns up into Yosemite. Took my Annual Pass (ya ya, i spent 80$ for the pass and not 20$ for the entry ticket, as i knew am going to come back several times) from Wawona Information Station and headed out towards Glacier Point.
That was the plan to detour into Glacier Point Road, spend some time there and then go to the village. What should i say about the views. Beautiful, exotic, scintillating, i was rejuvenated. Really worth that i ventured out. I reached Glacier Point around 1 PM. The expression was simply Wowwww. walked around the area, took lots of pictures, sat at a secluded downhill area for sometime (away from the crowds) with my eyes and mind gazed towards Glacier Point and the Valley. Wanted to do the 4 mile hike down to the valley but a 8 mile return trip will kill the day and i had lots to do. So headed out back down, stopped at couple of Vista points, took pictures and took the turn towards the village. Best part is the valley view to El Capitan. Man, i really need the feel to buy a wide angle lens now. It was very crowded. Northside Dr was closed so it was bi-way traffic on Soutside Dr. I did not want to hang around as i kind of fell suffocated with so many ppl around. Took a loop drive, stopped by couple of points (El Capitan view, Tunnel view, and views to Dewey point), took pictures and headed out for the wait of the day, Tioga Pass. It just opened today yesterday so was kind of worried on the road conditions.
Finally entered Tioga Road and what i was presented with cannot be explained in words. I was cruising at 30-35 mph to get a good grasp of all the views. My first stop was at Senta Lake, small one yet serene, calm, and beautiful. Sat there for sometime besides the water and felt so good. Well, i did not have any food until now, just some regular munchons like Pringles and Oatmeal bars. I was fine completely, not feeling hungry at all. Was ensuring to drink lots of water and gatorade in periodic intervals. There were not much cars/vehicles on Tioga pass so i was able to cruise around, stop and look far ahead of me. Well, it suddenly started rainging with very little snow showers. I mean, it was bearable though and i could walk around. It was windy and chilly though. Kept on driving from there without a stop and came upto Olmsted Pt. It was partially covered with snow, with portions of the mountain visible. There were little snowshowers and was slight foggy. Nevertheless, i was awestruck again.
I was approaching by Tenaya Lake and the wonders of nature was slowly revealing. I stopped by one of the view points down the lake brink. Its my bad, that i did not note down all the view point names, mountain names, but i remember one which is Pywiack Dome. Geographically am bad too to explain the natural set presented :(Along the banks of the crystal clear blue water (you can literally see the rocks below) the Dome looked fabulous. The Dome was portruded in front of the range (Sierra Nevada) and it felt like it was sitting on a cushion. The backview of dense forests was marvellous. I strolled around the lake for sometime (hit up on google search for Tenaya Lake and it will reveal lots of information and breathtaking views) took pictures and headed out.
I did not go into Toulemene Meadows that day and thus headed out towards Lee Vening where the night stay was booked at Lake View Lodge. The stretch from the exit station of Tioga to Lee Vening was great too, with beautiful mountain drops and views to the valley. Finally with an everlasting experience, ended the trip to the lodge. The lodge was great with a good view. Checked in, bought a small pint of JD from the store next door, had a good steak sandwich at the Mobil Restaurant and went to sleep. Target was to wake up as early as possible to get into Moon Lake.
One thing i did not mention was about bikers. Myriads of bikes (mostly cruisers) and groups were swarming around Glacier Pt Road. It was so good to see them. I so badly want to do a roadtrip on my bike too. That would be real fun and enjoyment.
However, Yosemite should be more visited at summer and fall time. Fall time is the best due to change of colours which makes the place, i would say the "abode of Gods".
And, here is the map for the day
Home to Glacier Point Road to Curry Village, Yosemite National Park to Lake View Lodge, Lee Vening (via Tioga Pass)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=17919502777459609228,37.020120,-119.793440%3B17952120303703987918,37.727118,-119.575249%3B8954944997412107740,37.739349,-119.560435&saddr=444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&daddr=CA-41+%4037.020120,+-119.793440+to:Glacier+Point+Rd+%4037.727118,+-119.575249+to:Happy+Isle+Loop+Rd+%4037.739349,+-119.560435+to:37.95638,-119.119263&mra=mi&mrcr=2&mrsp=4&sz=13&via=1&sll=37.949342,-119.123554&sspn=0.056718,0.116043&ie=UTF8&z=13
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Significant things are happening in my life again
Are things changing for good ? Post 5/11 significant things have happened to my life. Since starting yoga this month, my backpain is gone, shoulder pain is gone and most interesting i have not been smoking since last couple of days. I am back to full blown riding and all geared for the roadtrip. And, most important of all, i am now looking seriously for marriage relationships. I have thought about it, and thought about it, and thought about it ... and i think , if i am able to get a friend for life who is compatible with me in my likes / dislikes / beliefs / ambience and the same with me too, then why not ? i think, i am no longer afraid now, but making the right decision is very critical.
Ok , enuf of blah blah blah .. BS life talk. back to basics.
Sat and Sun rides were pheomenous. I improved a lot in cornering and looking through the turn. I am just inches away from my knee touchdown.
Here are the 2 rides
Mt Hamilton / Lick Observatory / Mines - 134 miles
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=1232620314109786085,37.357270,-121.820186%3B13443129735926644062,37.334041,-121.667292%3B1224943926037446807,37.328394,-121.474722&saddr=444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&daddr=S+White+Rd+%4037.357270,+-121.820186+to:Mt+Hamilton+Rd+%4037.334041,+-121.667292+to:7299+Mt+Hamilton+Rd,+Lick+Observatory,+Uninc+Santa+Clara+County,+CA+to:San+Antonio+Valley+Rd+%4037.328394,+-121.474722+to:283+N+P+St,+Livermore+to:37.697948,-122.006607+to:444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&mra=dpe&mrcr=5&mrsp=6&sz=11&via=6&sll=37.681647,-121.953735&sspn=0.227694,0.422974&ie=UTF8&ll=37.681647,-122.086945&spn=0.227694,0.689392&z=11
Saratoga / Big Basin Way / Skyline blvd / Beer Creek / Rte 236 / Jamison Creek / Empire Grade / Lunch at Vasille(Santa Cruz) / Hwy 1 / Pescadero / Alice / Hwy 84 / Hwy 280 / Home - 147 miles
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=13436036833051197641,37.260696,-122.109601%3B4298958897048662977,37.232840,-122.098880%3B12418282114776239646,37.187580,-122.031280%3B7353747754751591925,37.144840,-122.180450%3B14934739960528563850,36.964844,-122.041842%3B7717327383129832233,36.963280,-122.043210%3B16533627282557405752,37.259660,-122.413210%3B6012756972468255043,37.253304,-122.351913&saddr=444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&daddr=Big+Basin+Way%2FCongress+Springs+Rd+%4037.260696,+-122.109601+to:Skyline+Blvd+%4037.232840,+-122.098880+to:Skyline+Blvd+%4037.187580,+-122.031280+to:21600+Big+Basin+Way+%23+406,+Boulder+Creek,+CA+95006+(Big+Basin+Redwoods+State+Park)+to:Jamison+Creek+Rd+%4037.144840,+-122.180450+to:1501A+Mission+Street,+Santa+Cruz+to:Mission+St+%4036.964844,+-122.041842+to:Mission+St+%4036.963280,+-122.043210+to:Cabrillo+Hwy+%4037.259660,+-122.413210+to:Pescadero+Creek+Rd+%4037.253304,+-122.351913+to:17288+Skyline+Blvd,+Woodside,+CA+94062+to:444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&mra=pi&mrcr=11&sll=37.265052,-122.187441&sspn=0.91585,1.691895&ie=UTF8&ll=37.337408,-122.173462&spn=0.228747,0.422974&z=11
5/17 Ride - Best Part - Mines Road
5/18 Ride - Best Part - Jamison Creek Road
Ok , and i did send an email to Daniel about ordering a full leather armour. enough of riding around in jeans. It is too risky to do so.
And, such a big idiot I am, i forgot my camera today too. Well, i need to take these routes again, as certain portions of the ride was amazing beautiful. Maybe, i will postpone my next ride to the later part of the day so that i can take the sunset pictures. Lets see what happens. Now am all concentrating for the road trip. i was thinking of buying the wide angle lens but its too much for now.
Ok, about marriage, i spoke to couple of girls. I kind of started liking one of them. She is very outspoken and perfectly my type. Now all of them are reading the posts :-) So this better be a surprise. Its not that I am talking to 20/30 of them. In total 4 and out of them 2 I think will most probably reject , 1 is very hifi , too much for a little person like me , other one is too mellow , "ghoroa, sonsari" not chollable. Suspense !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow, I need to work on couple of things. The virtualization project is pending so i need to finalize that. The DR build infrastructure access control need to be built by tomorrow. Couple of hours tasks so at the first half of the day i will concentrate on that. My T60 laptop is screwed up again. Need to reinstall the OS. Some damn spyware is constantly opening some p~^N sites. None of the spywares are working on it. The machine is frigging slow. Though they are yummy .. just j/k
Ok , enuf of blah blah blah .. BS life talk. back to basics.
Sat and Sun rides were pheomenous. I improved a lot in cornering and looking through the turn. I am just inches away from my knee touchdown.
Here are the 2 rides
Mt Hamilton / Lick Observatory / Mines - 134 miles
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=1232620314109786085,37.357270,-121.820186%3B13443129735926644062,37.334041,-121.667292%3B1224943926037446807,37.328394,-121.474722&saddr=444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&daddr=S+White+Rd+%4037.357270,+-121.820186+to:Mt+Hamilton+Rd+%4037.334041,+-121.667292+to:7299+Mt+Hamilton+Rd,+Lick+Observatory,+Uninc+Santa+Clara+County,+CA+to:San+Antonio+Valley+Rd+%4037.328394,+-121.474722+to:283+N+P+St,+Livermore+to:37.697948,-122.006607+to:444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&mra=dpe&mrcr=5&mrsp=6&sz=11&via=6&sll=37.681647,-121.953735&sspn=0.227694,0.422974&ie=UTF8&ll=37.681647,-122.086945&spn=0.227694,0.689392&z=11
Saratoga / Big Basin Way / Skyline blvd / Beer Creek / Rte 236 / Jamison Creek / Empire Grade / Lunch at Vasille(Santa Cruz) / Hwy 1 / Pescadero / Alice / Hwy 84 / Hwy 280 / Home - 147 miles
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=13436036833051197641,37.260696,-122.109601%3B4298958897048662977,37.232840,-122.098880%3B12418282114776239646,37.187580,-122.031280%3B7353747754751591925,37.144840,-122.180450%3B14934739960528563850,36.964844,-122.041842%3B7717327383129832233,36.963280,-122.043210%3B16533627282557405752,37.259660,-122.413210%3B6012756972468255043,37.253304,-122.351913&saddr=444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&daddr=Big+Basin+Way%2FCongress+Springs+Rd+%4037.260696,+-122.109601+to:Skyline+Blvd+%4037.232840,+-122.098880+to:Skyline+Blvd+%4037.187580,+-122.031280+to:21600+Big+Basin+Way+%23+406,+Boulder+Creek,+CA+95006+(Big+Basin+Redwoods+State+Park)+to:Jamison+Creek+Rd+%4037.144840,+-122.180450+to:1501A+Mission+Street,+Santa+Cruz+to:Mission+St+%4036.964844,+-122.041842+to:Mission+St+%4036.963280,+-122.043210+to:Cabrillo+Hwy+%4037.259660,+-122.413210+to:Pescadero+Creek+Rd+%4037.253304,+-122.351913+to:17288+Skyline+Blvd,+Woodside,+CA+94062+to:444+Saratoga+Ave,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95050&mra=pi&mrcr=11&sll=37.265052,-122.187441&sspn=0.91585,1.691895&ie=UTF8&ll=37.337408,-122.173462&spn=0.228747,0.422974&z=11
5/17 Ride - Best Part - Mines Road
5/18 Ride - Best Part - Jamison Creek Road
Ok , and i did send an email to Daniel about ordering a full leather armour. enough of riding around in jeans. It is too risky to do so.
And, such a big idiot I am, i forgot my camera today too. Well, i need to take these routes again, as certain portions of the ride was amazing beautiful. Maybe, i will postpone my next ride to the later part of the day so that i can take the sunset pictures. Lets see what happens. Now am all concentrating for the road trip. i was thinking of buying the wide angle lens but its too much for now.
Ok, about marriage, i spoke to couple of girls. I kind of started liking one of them. She is very outspoken and perfectly my type. Now all of them are reading the posts :-) So this better be a surprise. Its not that I am talking to 20/30 of them. In total 4 and out of them 2 I think will most probably reject , 1 is very hifi , too much for a little person like me , other one is too mellow , "ghoroa, sonsari" not chollable. Suspense !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow, I need to work on couple of things. The virtualization project is pending so i need to finalize that. The DR build infrastructure access control need to be built by tomorrow. Couple of hours tasks so at the first half of the day i will concentrate on that. My T60 laptop is screwed up again. Need to reinstall the OS. Some damn spyware is constantly opening some p~^N sites. None of the spywares are working on it. The machine is frigging slow. Though they are yummy .. just j/k
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Ride up Highway 35 to Alice's
Finally, after the great front suspension work done by elskipador (BARF) i went up to Skyline on the ZR7. Took I280 --> PageMill Road, H35/Skyline Blvd, Alice's, Skyline Blvd, CA92, 101S and back to home. I really really need to work on my cornerings. I am not looking perfectly through the turns, specially the sharp uphill turns, causing me to go wide. Skyline was pretty smooth and i was able to turn perfectly at a costant speed of 55-60mph. Its just the road on the FootHills Park was too windy and not smooth. I strained my hands pressing too much on the handlebars. I really need to work on the cornerings.
The bike is complaining on the carbs again, The idle just doesnt remain on cold starts and the choke lever when pulled in on hot revs up the rpm to 3K. I did run 67 ml on 4 gl of gasoline today. Need to call shawn (elskipador) again to take a look.
I stumbled on one interesting blog of Joy Dutta. Avid motorcyclist, multifaceted talented guy, he is truly passionate in what he does. He has several cross country riding trips to his basket of achievements and his descriptions on them are mind blowing. This is exactly what i want to do. I just lack the courage and spirit to do so. Its time to change myself.
I think i am getting a little bit of help with the Ramedev Baba Yoga postures am doing. Back pain has siginificantly reduced and chest pain is 30% gone. I still have some chest pain though and am trying desparately hard to minimize smoking and finall quit.
I still get sad looking at the Gixxers on road, such a foolish thing I have done which cost me a fortune.
Duh !! i still dont know what to do with this marriage thing. Should I or should i not. My parents are frantically looking for a girl and i have been advised to keep a constant look (its like a hunt for animals) on the BM site. This is like a huge project with no positive directions yet :)
The bike is complaining on the carbs again, The idle just doesnt remain on cold starts and the choke lever when pulled in on hot revs up the rpm to 3K. I did run 67 ml on 4 gl of gasoline today. Need to call shawn (elskipador) again to take a look.
I stumbled on one interesting blog of Joy Dutta. Avid motorcyclist, multifaceted talented guy, he is truly passionate in what he does. He has several cross country riding trips to his basket of achievements and his descriptions on them are mind blowing. This is exactly what i want to do. I just lack the courage and spirit to do so. Its time to change myself.
I think i am getting a little bit of help with the Ramedev Baba Yoga postures am doing. Back pain has siginificantly reduced and chest pain is 30% gone. I still have some chest pain though and am trying desparately hard to minimize smoking and finall quit.
I still get sad looking at the Gixxers on road, such a foolish thing I have done which cost me a fortune.
Duh !! i still dont know what to do with this marriage thing. Should I or should i not. My parents are frantically looking for a girl and i have been advised to keep a constant look (its like a hunt for animals) on the BM site. This is like a huge project with no positive directions yet :)
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Me
So, whats happening with me? Not happy with work, Not happy with self, dejected, always shedding tears on my stolen Gixxer. Damn !!!! dunno whats happening to me.
I still see the old pics of Gixxer and cry. The biggest loss of my life. What should i say. I do not have any words for it.
Well, the move is almost complete. One day left. Bibek took us to Lahore Karahi for lunch .. had a good lunch, Gudduji is as great as usual. Awesome food.
am going to do some riding tomorrow before the move. Waiting for shawn to do my front suspenstion and then will start with the hill riders again.
Seriously, I need to bring some discipline to my life. I need to setup a goal. I need to do something. I should continue this blog. I should start my trips again.
I still see the old pics of Gixxer and cry. The biggest loss of my life. What should i say. I do not have any words for it.
Well, the move is almost complete. One day left. Bibek took us to Lahore Karahi for lunch .. had a good lunch, Gudduji is as great as usual. Awesome food.
am going to do some riding tomorrow before the move. Waiting for shawn to do my front suspenstion and then will start with the hill riders again.
Seriously, I need to bring some discipline to my life. I need to setup a goal. I need to do something. I should continue this blog. I should start my trips again.
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