David: And so we started our final day on the bikes. We got up and were taken by Pam to a lovely place for breakfast. We chatted about her time in the navy and were taken aback by the conditions in which she he was forced to live (or maybe exist is a better word). It was a pleasure and a privilege to get to know her, just as we had got to know Matt the previous evening. Continue reading Los Angeles to LAX: The last day on the bikes
Monthly Archives: October 2013
Palmdale to Lake Terrace, LA. 56 miles.
We started the day with a gentle ‘get up’ as we knew we had a relatively gentle day ahead (oh, how our perspectives have changed). We were on the road by 8.45 and another sunny Californian day in the fall. The route skirted round the city – the combined metropolis of Palmdale and Lancaster having a population of 300K it was by far the biggest place we had cycled but the road was remarkably quiet.
Tehachapi to Palmdale : 54 miles and not much climbing
David: Well this adventure is drawing to a close, Continue reading Tehachapi to Palmdale : 54 miles and not much climbing
Kern River to Tehachapi. 56 miles. 7125 feet climbing (yes that much!).
Bernie: We woke early in our riverside campground and packed easily with a dry tent. Continue reading Kern River to Tehachapi. 56 miles. 7125 feet climbing (yes that much!).
Camp Nelson to Kernville: 56 miles : 4000 feet climbing (but 6600 descending)
David:This could have been a day like any other, but of course each day is so different that there seems to be an infinite nnumber of “other days” to which this day could be the same. But we got up, brewed coffee, took down the tent, had porridge and looked around for someone to pay for the campsite. No takers and so we had no choice but to leave without paying. If the campsite owner is reading this please contact us and we will mail the required $15 of course!!! Continue reading Camp Nelson to Kernville: 56 miles : 4000 feet climbing (but 6600 descending)
Lemon Cove to Camp Nelson: 46 miles and 6400 feet of climbing (lots of it STEEEEEP)
David: This was a day of 2 halves. The first part of the day was tackling the Yokohl Valley and the second half was climbing up to Camp Nelson.
Camp Montecito to Lemon Grove (52 miles and lots of downhill)
David: I am writing this sitting in a lively Bar in Camp Nelson with baseball on the TV because we have got a little behind on the blog. Apologies to anyone who has lost their reading on the train in the morning (Pete). Normal service is being resumed. Continue reading Camp Montecito to Lemon Grove (52 miles and lots of downhill)
Pinehurst to Montecito Lake, Stony Creek. 19 miles. 4300ft climbing.
We had spent the previous evening cogitating our various options on what to today. Our original plan had been to leave our luggage and cycle down the King’s Canyon and back but 2 major factors mitigated against this – the national park was closed and it was difficult to find out what accommodation/camping was open but more importantly the forecast was for a dramatic change of weather with cold air blowing in a forecast of snow showers. We had decided our best option was to press on – although that did mean climbing over 7500ft before the long descent to Three Rivers. We therefore got up with some trepidation at the climb and the weather and lingering tiredness in our legs.
Pine Flat Reservoir to Pinehurst: 39 miles and 4500 feet of climbing.
This was one of those days when we had to get from A to B, and hoped that there would be something memorable on the way to keep us interested. All cycling trips have these days, and despite low expectations we sometimes find they are the most memorable.
Bass Lake to Pine Flat Lake. 55 miles. 3500ft
Having been ‘forced’ into our luxury cabin because of the closure of all the Bass Lake campgrounds, we meandered up slowly and rather dragged ouselves away at about 10am – somewhat later than usual and with the result that the heat of the day hit us pretty early.
Continue reading Bass Lake to Pine Flat Lake. 55 miles. 3500ft
Oakhurst to Bass Lake: 12 miles and 1560 feet (A day off really)
We woke with the tent slightly wet from dew and with a hint of frost, even though we were only at 1500 feet height. Ambled out to a refreshing breakfast and then Skyped Pippa and Ant using the internet at the campsite, where the staff were very helpful.
Yosemite despite the government shutdown
Indian Flats to Oakhurst. 62 miles 6200ft climbing. Continue reading Yosemite despite the government shutdown
Lee Vining to Indian Flats RV Park : 82 miles and 5500ft up
David: Today was an epic and one of the highlights of the whole trip, despite the efforts of a group of Tea Party Congressmen and Congresswomen to spoil it. We reached the highest point of the whole route (9945 feet) and cycled our longest day yet. The scenery was spectacular throughout the day and, as I type this, I can genuinely say we felt we had pushed the limits. Continue reading Lee Vining to Indian Flats RV Park : 82 miles and 5500ft up
Thursday 3rd October: Walker to Lee Vining: 56 miles
David: Day 3 of the shutdown of the US government saw us wake after a good night’s sleep in the motel in little town of Walker (at about 5400 feet and so not too cold). Continue reading Thursday 3rd October: Walker to Lee Vining: 56 miles
Wednesday 2nd October. South Lake Tahoe to Walker. 63 miles.
This was a tough day but had 3 of the ‘BESTS’ this holiday. The Best downhill, the best panoramic view and the best autumn colours. Continue reading Wednesday 2nd October. South Lake Tahoe to Walker. 63 miles.
The Slow Cycling Blog 