Post by Gonzo on Sept 30, 2012 21:11:53 GMT -8
I am cured of the "Fear of Heights" paranoia
Well, maybe
I am trying to achieve the triple crown event since I did the Four Corners and Three Flags Classic. Since I live in SoCal it seems like an easy thing to do. WRONG!!
I came down to visit Manzanar (a very sad point in our history I think) and then head north to Mammoth Lakes to see the Devil's Postpile. It was easy to get there, head up US395 to the CA203 and followed the signs thru Mammoth and to the National Park. I think it was an 11 mile ride to the park entrance but a 17 mile ride down the vertical side of a mountain to reach Dante's Abyss (my name for it) and the Ranger Shack where I could get the park stamp on my passport as well as some photos.
This road is barely wide enough for two vehicles (in some places) to pass each other. I can't believe I navigated it so nicely without getting constipated . Chock this up to the experiences of riding with Gliderider (Bob Rogers) thru US191 in AZ when I had aspirations of doing the 15 best rides. (This was before I got totally worn out at completion of 3FC).
The Postpile road is a scary road for the uninititated but I seemed to just flow with it navigating all its irregularities without fear and the eventual constipation
I never really looked at the surrounding area...my focus was completely on the road....as it should be! But I could sense some magnificent downward vistas to the depths of hell. The whole area is full of trees and the unpolluted air filled my senses with pine tree scent.
This NP is probably the most challenging of the 24....wait a minute, I've only completed 9 so far. But I do not see the others as being as rigorous as this one was.
It was an exacting day for me, perhaps would be easier for other more experienced riders. But I did complete it much easier than expected.....perhaps I'm getting a little better at these twistie turnies.
BTW, if you've never been to ML I would suggest a brief ride around the small town. After the Postpile I did just that to see what were the flavors it had to offer. Many a small cafe and bistro/restaurant, etc. Try the "JavaJoint" or "Good Life Cafe" or "Shea Schat's Bakery" for a nice eat.
But I would do the tour and eat after riding the postpile if you have an anxious metabolism like I do
C ya maƱana,
Gonzo
Blog: www.GonzoCrossUSA.blogspot.com
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761
Well, maybe
I am trying to achieve the triple crown event since I did the Four Corners and Three Flags Classic. Since I live in SoCal it seems like an easy thing to do. WRONG!!
I came down to visit Manzanar (a very sad point in our history I think) and then head north to Mammoth Lakes to see the Devil's Postpile. It was easy to get there, head up US395 to the CA203 and followed the signs thru Mammoth and to the National Park. I think it was an 11 mile ride to the park entrance but a 17 mile ride down the vertical side of a mountain to reach Dante's Abyss (my name for it) and the Ranger Shack where I could get the park stamp on my passport as well as some photos.
This road is barely wide enough for two vehicles (in some places) to pass each other. I can't believe I navigated it so nicely without getting constipated . Chock this up to the experiences of riding with Gliderider (Bob Rogers) thru US191 in AZ when I had aspirations of doing the 15 best rides. (This was before I got totally worn out at completion of 3FC).
The Postpile road is a scary road for the uninititated but I seemed to just flow with it navigating all its irregularities without fear and the eventual constipation
I never really looked at the surrounding area...my focus was completely on the road....as it should be! But I could sense some magnificent downward vistas to the depths of hell. The whole area is full of trees and the unpolluted air filled my senses with pine tree scent.
This NP is probably the most challenging of the 24....wait a minute, I've only completed 9 so far. But I do not see the others as being as rigorous as this one was.
It was an exacting day for me, perhaps would be easier for other more experienced riders. But I did complete it much easier than expected.....perhaps I'm getting a little better at these twistie turnies.
BTW, if you've never been to ML I would suggest a brief ride around the small town. After the Postpile I did just that to see what were the flavors it had to offer. Many a small cafe and bistro/restaurant, etc. Try the "JavaJoint" or "Good Life Cafe" or "Shea Schat's Bakery" for a nice eat.
But I would do the tour and eat after riding the postpile if you have an anxious metabolism like I do
C ya maƱana,
Gonzo
Blog: www.GonzoCrossUSA.blogspot.com
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761