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| Views as we ascend Monitor Pass |
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| Descending Monitor Pass |
HOME: Bridgeport, Ca. Ruby Inn
DISTANCE: 63 miles
ALTITUDE: 6,030
WEATHER: Perfect, except for headwin along 395
NARRATIVE:
We started early today because we had a long way to go – to Bridgeport, which meant lots and lots of climbing as well. We began by conquering Monitor Pass (which we’ve done the other way). It took us 3 hours because the grade was mostly 10-12% with a few 13s as well as 8s to let us catch our breath occasionally. The views of the mountains and the Fall leaf display from the Aspens made for a great, but challenging ride. We flew down to 395 – again, the view of the valley below was spectacular. Found a new Restaurant/motel just before Walker (our lunch destination). If we had stopped there, kicked back for the afternoon, all would have been well. And, that was our plan till we realized we needed to get to Yosemite on Sunday, so needed a long day to set ourselves up to go over Tioga Pass.
But no, we were heading 30 miles and 2400 more feet to Bridgeport. It’s a beautiful ride up a canyon – 20 miles of it is uphill. While only a 2-3% grade for 20 of those 30 miles, a moderate headwind made it like a 5% grade. It kept going and going and going. It took us 3 hours to do the 20 miles. Tired at lunch, now exhausted, we did have a fast and fun downhill the remaining 10 miles to Bridgeport. Ruby Inn – standard, but comfortable motel. Good dinner at the Bridgeport Inn.
Ten hours on the road today – too long. Our bodies need a lot of mending overnight.
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