A California Tour (Pleasanton CA to Mono Lake CA)

[Tim]

http://www.opawakening.com/Pages/TrainingRides.aspx

I thought this group would appreciate this.  If you're thinking about making this tour I will say that the route has beautiful 20 ft shoulders and brand new pavment.  Getting off the train in Pleasanton CA and heading out is safe and simple. 

[FredHiltz]

Hey, Tim, your photo brought pleasant memories. It's good to hear that the pass has been repaved.

For those who want to consider this, be warned about Training with a capital T. Riding up the east side from Bridgeport, I recall a sign, "25% grade ahead." That grade continued for two or maybe 2.5 miles, most of which I walked. Continuing on the Pacific Coast route to the San Juans and then the Northern Tier to Boston, I never had to walk again until Brandon Gap in Vermont.

It's gorgeous up there, though. Take your time and enjoy the great scenery.

Fred

[tsteven4]

Go Tim.  Sonora Pass is one of my favorite rides in CA.  Having done it both ways (loaded/unloaded) and both directions I can say an advantage to being loaded is your front wheel stays on the pavement!  You will notice the contrasts between the Sierras and the Rockies on your upcoming ride.

Fred, I think the west side is the steepest, 26%.  I seem to recall the east side was ONLY 23%.

See http://www.chainreaction.com/sonora_pass.htm, the over and back is a KICK!  My gearing advice would be ~22/24 front with a ~30/32 rear cog.

P.S. with respect to your statement "But then I think about what Utah & Colorado will be like.", UT and CO will be quite a bit easier.

[Tim]

There ya go fellas.  This grade begins on the western side of the Sierra just at Kennedy Meadow.  BRUTAL!!!  Thank god I just upgraded to the 11/34 gearing.  Even that was bottomed out to super granny.  I'm going back next week to the eastern side (suppose to get warm again) for hot tubs and a Bridgeport to Benton to Bishop.  Great year for a winter tour.  Knock on wood.

UT and CO will be quite a bit easier

Thanks bro that makes me feel a little bit better.