Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Like a hair-dryer blowing in your face! - the ride to Yosemite National Park

Boy it was hot leaving San Francisco this morning and riding east to Yosemite National Park.   It is always a little sad for me leaving the city-by-the-bay I've spent many happy times there and I know I'll be coming back one day, but sadly it won't be for a while.
Our Route


We took it steady getting out of the busy San-Fran streets but before long we were cruising across the Bay Bridge to Oakland where we visited the Harley Davidson dealership there for an obligatory T-Shirt.  Oakland, California is no doubt famous for many things, but we know it because of the first ever "Hells Angels" motorcycle club (HAMC) was founded there by Sonny Badger, and they went on to become an organised world-wide network.

We continued the ride east in the blistering heat, which is so tiring to ride in.  Every 50 or miles we had to stop for cold drinks and a rest in the shade.  Eventually though we found the cooling forests of Yosemite and of course the altitude which helped cool us off rapidly.

Here are just a few pictures, more to follow soon.






This photo above and the one below are taken from the back patio of our hotel room.  Pretty spectacular here in Yosemite we think.


Tomorrow we will ride up through the valley and take more photo's as we head towards Napa Valley and get ready to celebrate Jon's birthday on the 16th.

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9 comments:

  1. Trobairitz15 May 2014 at 15:59

    I bet it was so refreshing to get to the mountains and cooler air.

    Happy Birthday to Jon for tomorrow!!

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    1. Unknown16 May 2014 at 16:30

      It sure was refreshing to get into the mountains, thanks for the Birthday wishes 😄

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  2. Glen Bernard15 May 2014 at 21:22

    Hi guys ... I just discovered your blog last night via Gary France's blog and was hooked. I was up till 3 a.m. reading from the start to present. What a wonderful adventure you're having. Coincidentally, I rode my Road King to Key West from Oregon last year and was in Edgewater, Florida on this date last year. I'm reliving the journey through your blog and look forward to more stories, photos and go-pro videos. Be safe.

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    Replies
    1. Jaydee16 May 2014 at 16:24

      Welcome to our blog Glen your company and comments are much appreciated. That's a serious ride you made from Oregon to Key West but what a destination.

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  3. Unknown16 May 2014 at 00:08

    Jon:

    firstly, have a Happy Birthday tomorrow.

    John:

    I rode across the Country last summer in 100°F heat for what seemed like weeks wearing full ATGATT and I was sweltering so I can relate. I'd imagine you don't get these temperatures in the UK. Get an evaporative cooling vest it should make things more comfortable

    bob
    A weekend photographer or Riding the Wet Coast



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    Replies
    1. Unknown16 May 2014 at 16:28

      Hey, thanks Bob, Napa's a great place to have a Birthday !!

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  4. Unknown16 May 2014 at 19:31

    Happy Bday Jon! Looking forward to a belated celebration in NYC. Enjoy Napa!

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  5. Gary France20 May 2014 at 13:15

    That is some view from your hotel. I found riding in the heat was helped greatly by using a hydration vest. Have you heard of these? Soak them in water and wear them - they keep you cool for a couple of hours. Available in most H-D dealers where the weather is hot. Of course, it is a bit late to tell you this now.....

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  6. Gary France21 May 2014 at 06:49

    You are not going to believe this. From the Yosemite Facebook page. 20th May 2014. Yosemite. The Tioga and Glacier Point Roads are temporarily closed due to snow. Call 209/372-0200 (then dial 1 then 1) for road updates.

    I thought you said it was hot! LOL. You just never know with mountains.....

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