Day 7

It was a BLAST! Most of our days were a combination of riding and other types of traditional touring activities from sight seeing to learning about local history. Though day 7 was not different in terms of diversity, criss-crossing the Sierra Nevada via the Sonora Pass (Hwy 108) going east and Ebbetts Pass (Rt 4) coming back west, made the riding part a dominating memory. The two passes are only the best known beacons of this ride which is an ongoing "wow" yelled into your helmet, practically from mile one to mile two hundred and fifty one. Even the elephants on our Metzler tires were happy with the exposure. A few elevation figures might give you a hint: Mariposa -the starting point- 1851ft; Angels Camp -the end of the ride- 1379ft; Sonora Pass 9625ft; Monitor Pass 8314ft; Ebetts Pass 8732ft.


View 18 Day Calof rina Tour - day 07 in a larger map


Less than 20 miles into the ride and the mood is pertty high. You wonder why?


Look at the road and it explains everything.


Jamestown features many historic buildings. Time for a latte, anyway.



The town's railroad museum is unique. If you listen carefully you can still hear the hissing of the fire and steam,  clang, clang, clang as hammer hits a nail, the gasping of forgers and you can virtually feel the excitment, enthusiasm and hope that the railroad brought into the West more than a century ago.


Happy climbing.


Looking at the snow patches we could not help laughing at Death Valley temperatures.


Dramatic vistas over the Sierra Nevada. Sometimes you feel that you should get off the bike and write a poem right on the spot.


With all the inspiration in your mind you should not forget about the law of traction!




The picture album of the day: