This Ride Report is by David J aka "Dawg"
The ride began with six of us meeting up at the Chevron Station in Valley Springs.
The last to arrive was a rider (Terry), rode all the way from Ukiah (on his Thunderbird) and is definitely a candidate for the "Iron Butt Association" ...
Anyway, I digress ... The other riders; Tony (on a Rocket), John (on a Tiger) and Al (on a Yamaha), all rode in from Sac-town. Stan (on his Honda Valkyrie - Lives local in Valley Springs) and myself on my "Old Faithful" Harley FXDLI LowRider.
The kickstands were up before 11:00AM and we headed off, up Hwy 12/26 to "Pool Station Rd" and into Copperopolis. Pool Station road is a nice little primer road for those who love twisties, however, this road is also enjoyed by Cagers, so it requires full attention. Also, one must beware of Wild Life. Stan had 3 deer cross his path while leading the group of us.
From Copperopolis, we continued on into Jamestown via O'byrnes Ferry Rd (by Tulloch Lake) and up Hwy 108. A brief butt break and topping-off the tanks for those how needed petrol - (I am a firm believer of topping off my tank, even if I have only gone 46 miles since my last fill up ... this time I only needed 0.79 gallons of fuel).
From Jamestown, we headed west on "Rawhide Road" (eventually becomes Hwy 49) into the historic town of Columbia (if you ever have time - Columbia State Park is a nice little visit worth taking). From there, we continued on into Murphys for lunch at the Firewood Pizzeria/Cafe. Finding a parking location for 6 bikes is rare. Also, keep this helpful warning in mind, never park with your "Front Tire" over or passed the white line ...
The "Fire Wood" ... a great little spot to eat ... Link to Firewood Restaurant web site
 |
| Firewood Restaurant |
After lunch we decided that I would give us a tour of downtown main street, in search of "Sheep Ranch Road", which wound up to be about 150 yards from where we just ate. The entrance way to this road as like going into an alley way (and very easy to miss).
For future reference, I recommend taking "Church Street" and getting onto "Sheep Ranch Road" ...
Now, for a little info about "Sheep Ranch Road". This road is a not the smoothest road for about the first 6-7 miles out off Murphys. If you ride a "Touring Style Motorcycle" (if you ride a "RIDGID FRAME HARLEY" - fuhgeddaboudit) ... you will find this road a bit rough, but not un-ridable, you just will have to keep your speed down to under 30MPH and two wheels on the ground (unless your John and ride a Tiger - which was having a blast on this section of road). However, once you get closer to "Mountain Ranch Road", The road is well maintained. Sheep Ranch Road is very twisty and one should be cautious while riding this road (especially the rougher section of the road - unless you have a Tiger - LOL).
Sheep Ranch eventually meets up with "Railroad Flats Rd". A well maintained and fun, 8.8 miles of twists and turns until you make a left onto "Ridge Road". A four mile (well maintained) shortcut over to Hwy 26, which lead us another eight miles down the road into the town of Mokelumne Hill (the intersection of Hwy 49 & 26).
This is where the 3 sac-town riders and Terry, headed off west on Hwy 49 to Hwy 16, Terry onto Hwy 20 back home to Ukiah. Stan and I continued on down hwy 26 into Valley Springs (where I stopped at Stan's for a short visit) then continued on back to Stockton.
This was a another great day for riding. The weather is is shaping up for another great riding season. Time for the rest of you to "dust off" your scooters, charge up the battery, get out on Two-Wheels and enjoy the outdoors ...
Map of the Ride Route
View Larger Map
 |
| Dawg |
Till Next time,
Ride Safe.
No comments:
Post a Comment