Day 3

Day 3 was a bit of a discovery. We had two options to connect Lone Pine to Three Rivers on the East and West side of the Sierras. The obvious route hugs the mountain's southern end where Hwy 178 goes from East to West. There is a road less traveled however with less traffic, more scenery but not maintained and questionable road conditions. To make things more interesting, you cannot find two maps - either paper or digital - which would mark this back road with the same name and same designation. In the saddle of the BMW1200GS we were not too concerned but with a fully loaded street bike (1200RT) in the group we did not want to encounter challenging road conditions. Since turning around is always a possible scenario on a 220 mile long day so we decided to cut through the mountain on the road less traveled. While the road wasn't the smoothest our tires ever seen, the scenery and low traffic far outweighed the inconveniences of the potholes.


View 18 Day Calof­­rina Tour - day 03 in a larger map



For the first fifty miles or so that goes south from Lone Pine is fairly straight, the snow on the hill tops hinted curvy roads through the mountains.


As we turned east on Nine Mile Canyon Rd. the ascent started with broad sweepers.


Leaving the low elevation and hot temperatures behind.


Fortunately only the bear was grumpy at the retreat and despite of the sign "parking only for Harleys" we were treated with cold drinks and tasty food.


Having had breakfast at McDonald's we were not craving for a burger, but whenever buffalo burgers are on the menu, it's a must. Turned out to be a good choice.


Ponds, brooks, meadows, blue sky. The area is part of the Sequoia Natl. Forest.


We really did not regret that we branched off of the highway.


A local 4th of July parade added colors to nature's green and blue dominated pallet.


There was no lack of entertaining curves on this road. Gravel on the road commands self discipline throughout the entire stretch.


Our route joined the Kern River Hwy surprisingly at the Kern River. Expect more curves...


The Yokl Road fills you with nostalgic old country feel and stays away from traffic.


Though we missed the last rays of the 3rd day's sun, there was still time for a plunge before dinner.



The picture album of the day: