Friday–Monday, 10-13 Oct 2008
These were the replies when asked about conditions during the Fall ride to Death Valley.
Tom wrote:
The passes probably closed after we all made it through. It was 20 degrees when the first group went through Sonora Pass. It was dry, but cold. The passes were still closed on Sunday morning, but 120 opened on Sunday afternoon. We had a good time and those without electrics wondered why they were without electrics…
Stan wrote:
Our little group (Stan, Jerry and Paul) went over Sonora Pass. Cold, lots of sun, snow close to the road in a couple of spots but open all the way. Paul and Jerry cut off to go to Beatty and I went in on 136 to Furnace Creek. That route ran me through dust/sand storms a time or two. Big wind and sand storm Friday night.
Met Tom and Carl at Furnace Creek for Breakfast on Sat morning……..old back injury flared up so I did ice and Advil and headed to Fresno and home Sunday morning. Boring, but true. Feeling better now.
Carl wrote:
Snow and pass closures - all part of the adventure. Wind and dust too!!
DV was cold and windy. Tom Martin and I managed to see 20 degrees at the top of Sonora Pass … and we were the lucky ones!! Those who came later found varying amounts of snow. The passes closed over the weekend, but we rolled the dice and kept our reservations in Bishop; hoping for an opening on Monday.
Luck was with us, and Tioga opened late Sunday. We took breakfast in Bishop, hoping a 10 AM start would allow for warmer temperatures up the hill. A+ breakfast at Jack’s Waffle House with excellent cakes and reports of delicious corned beef hash.
We made Tioga Pass at 11:30 AM with temps in the 40s. There were a number of patches of ice on the roadway, but otherwise clear sailing (though tedious due to the speed limits - and my firm belief that I am certain to find that one particularly unforgiving ranger).
Last stop was the Dan Bockmier Runs Out of Gas Memorial Valero Gas Station in Oakdale before heading home.
Looking forward to the next ride.
Pictures from Carl
