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Here in the Central California in the Sierras, we have many many roads that are twisty and curvy, and a challenge to ride. On the upside, there aren't well known and are infrequently travelled. Mainly locals because these are secondary roads. For those wanting to get where they're going, there are faster ways.
One of these is Watts Valley Rd. The section pictured in the first two photos is one lane. There are curves that are very tight. Because many of the curves are fairly blind, one has to be mindful that there may be an oncoming vehicle. Occasionally, one of these vehicles just might be hugging the inside of the curve. So one must be cautious in the approach. There is a four mile section that averages 12% with short sections of 18% grade.
Another is Tollhouse Rd. (Picture 3). NOBODY drives this except locals. At one time it was the main road going up to the high country. There is not a single stretch of straight road. Some are extremely tight switchback turns with steep elevation changes. 2500 feet elevation gain in seven miles, topping out at about 5000 feet.
Mike, you can add Upper Elwood Road between Wonder Valley & Squaw Valley to your list. I've seen a lot of bike crashes on that road & some of the trees on the side of the road have bike parts in them.
Mike, you can add Upper Elwood Road between Wonder Valley & Squaw Valley to your list. I've seen a lot of bike crashes on that road & some of the trees on the side of the road have bike parts in them.
Oh yeah! I know exactly what you're talking about. Some like to ride these roads fast like the Really Fast Guy from a popular post this week. Me? I'd kinda like to live to see the sunrise the next day, so I take my time and enjoy the ride!
Originally Posted by Grouser62
I love remote roads like these, will be heading California way next month I'm hoping, and will check out what I can. Thanks guys
If you end up somewhere in Central Cal, shoot me a PM and I might be able to play tour guide. TommyC here also lives in the area
Thank you for the post, I have been on the Tollhouse Road, you are right, a technical ride if there ever was one. I also agree with the the poster on HWY 138 from Silverwood to Crestline...if you get to NotCal, check out the backside of HWY 4 through the Ebbetts Pass, after you pass Alpine lake it becomes a very narrow and technical.
Warning: Ebbets Pass is so narrow that there are no center lines through much of the ride. The pavement, although generally quite good, is less than 24' fog line to fog line. There are all kinds of warnings against trailers, larger trucks, etc. However, not all idiots can read, and you must be very observant on upcoming blind turns, and there are many, for oncoming traffic blocking the road.
Gorgeous ride, though!
This summer I finished the last of the central Sierra passes on the Road Glide: Donner, Ebbets, Monitor, Carson, Sonora, and Tioga.
Wouldn't disagree. Awesome combination of curvy road, excellent (usually) pavement, incredible scenery, and very little traffic. Saw an awful lot of burned areas this trip.
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Central Sierra Dragon
