Ride Across California
by Brian Chun
ACTC members Brian Chun and Richard Hanke biked to Genoa, Nevada in their 500+ mile Ride Across California June 4th-8th. On Day 1, aided by delta tailwinds, they climbed 140 miles to the historic gold mining town of Jackson (elev. 1200′), site of the Kennedy Mines, once the deepest gold mine in the world (>5000′). On Day 2 they encountered snowfall, sleet, and rain along Kit Carson Pass ( elev. 8730′) and Luther Pass (elev. 7240′) reaching S. Lake Tahoe by 1630 hrs. (Richard) and 2030 hrs. (Brian).
On Day 3 they merged with Death Wish riders to climb Kingsbury Grade, ride the Pine Nut loop, and enjoy hot soup and fresh sandwiches in the historic town of Genoa in Carson Valley, Nevada. Later that afternoon, they were hit with uncontrollable shivering due to harsh winds and freezing rains atop Daggett Summit. On Day 4 the sun returned in the morning as they climbed and cruised for 95 miles along the gorgeous South Truckee River Valley, Luther Pass, Hope Valley, Carson Pass, and the El Dorado National Scenic Byway. Finishing early, Richard toured Jackson, and Brian explored Pine Grove, site of the world’s largest Miwok Grinding Rock (marble). On Day 5 they arrived home safe and sound by the afternoon, finishing the last 140 mile leg with shared pulls through the fierce headwinds between Stockton and Livermore.
Our thanks goes to the ACTC board for allowing this ride listing, Dr. Steve Riggio of Mokelumne Hill, Steve Ching for his hospitality and rainy day rescues, K.L. Seh for his famous Malaysian hot pot suppers, Richard Hanke for his speed, strength, sushi, foul weather preparation and water support, Howard Morris for suggesting the South Truckee River route, and all the bike buddies on the Death Wish/Life Ride to Genoa, Nevada.
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