One is the Loneliest Number (June 4, 2014)

Guess Three Dog Night had it right, one is the loneliest number.

For the last two weeks, Sarah, Alex and I have been enjoying traveling through some amazingly beautiful country.  We have climbed some huge uphills and descended some huge downhills.  We have shared stories and laughs at the various campsites.  Good people, those two.

Alas, yesterday we parted ways as I felt the need to take a short ride into South Lake Tahoe, and they proceeded on to Truckee.  I had some bike maintenance issues (new chain and rotating tires ... had a slight mishap two days ago and tore a small hole in the sidewall of the rear tire).  Plus, I needed to get a haircut before the hair police came along and dragged me away.  Plus, my legs were feeling the rides (meaning climbs) from the past few days.  I had a very productive day yesterday, and enjoyed the beauty of South Lake Tahoe.

Speaking of beauty, the adjacent picture was taken just south of Lake Tahoe, just prior to a wonderful 6 mile, 6% downhill into the Tahoe Basin (Hwy 89).  Beauty comes in many forms ... advice from friends can also be quite beautiful.  One of the major climbs we were facing after leaving Yosemite was Monitor Pass (@ 8314').  Prior to leaving Tucson, Melinda Corell mentioned that she and Steve used to ride all of the roads around Reno and Tahoe, so I sent her a query as to alternate routes (so as to avoid Monitor Pass).  Steve responded with several options ... we opted for the route with the least climbing (but as it turned out, the most headwind).  The advice was greatly appreciated.

We ended that day's ride at a RV park in Hope Valley.  The other night we stayed at a wonderful RV park in Lee Vining ... the Hope Valley park was at the other end of the spectrum.  Alex referred to the shower/bathroom as "rustic".  Not too sure about that as I always thought that "charm" was an key element in "rustic".  As it turned out, the facilities were okay, but at the bottom of a huge hill.  We survived, but the morning was very cold.

So, back to riding alone ... Sarah and Alex have some specific locations/dates to meet, so they are charging ahead.  I am missing them immensely already.  There is an outside chance I might catch up to them in one of the National Parks yet to come, or maybe in Ashland ... who knows.  I am now thinking that I may not make it up into Washington, but rather head west to Portland along the Columbia River.  Looking forward to stopping in at Bill Burk's new house south of Bend, OR.  Got about another month of riding, then catching a flight back to Tucson.

Sarah and Alex ... good friends and great memories. 

Time to head to Truckee.

(Speaking of Three Dog Night ... saw an advertisement somewhere indicating that they are still out touring. Old guys playing old songs for old people in small venues.)