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 ..
Saturday, May 31, 2008
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 :)
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