Hwy 108, 4, 88 which direction is your favorite?

afm_147

Well-known member
My ride started fairly bad, the first third of it anyways, and ended even worse! Parrots Ferry Rd had "re-striping" the road for a good half of it, and me, being a good citizen, stayed in line behind the truck, waiting patiently! Then onto 4 East, and run into 3 sections early on, with one way traffic control for tree trimming/clearing!

Fortunately, after all that crap, when the ride gets good on 4, it was smooth sailing for me and the mystery BMW rider I got hooked up with and stayed behind until about the crest to start the descent. Never caught up to anyone in front of me, and had a good run all the way to the end!

88 West was almost even better, minus the traffic, but the "trustworthy/bulletproof" VFR (which is still fairly new to me) ended up spoiling the day. SIGH!!

Still haven't figured out the issue yet, but haven't dove all the way so far? Basically, seemed like it was running out of gas, but was at the bottom of the tank, without the gauge even blinking at me yet? Would not stay running or accel from any low RPMs, but if I revved the crap out of it, it would seem "OK" above like 7-8K ... but would not pull any sort of load ... meaning HILLS!! Good luck avoiding hills in the Sierras!!

Cost me several hours on the side of the road, waiting on my sister to get her friend's truck, and coming to get me, and get back to their place! Ride bascially came to a halt about 4-5 hours into it, with about an hour to go to finish my loop, but then took what should had been an hour, into about 4-5 hours to actually get "home"!

No regrets though ... as I said, the first 2/3rds of the ride was great, minus the "roadwork"! And the last half is just "life". I will live to fight another day ... though the VFR may end up on the auction block soon enough, as I have already considered selling it, since I acquired it? Love the motor ... brakes and suspension ... not so much. I'll either move on from it, or graft on the front end from one of my old "race bikes", and update the rear brakes as well, to ditch the "Honda linked braking system".

We shall see??
 

afm_147

Well-known member
Oh, I had changed my original planned route, because I left a few hours later than initially intended. Shortened it up a bit, and was still going to be a good 4-6 hour loop.

I'll sum it up with "SIGH" ... but nevertheless, was an enjoyable day, as any one is that remains upright on 2 wheels!!
 

danate

#hot4beks
How are things on 108 lately? Still bad smoke?

I'm looking to do a ride up that way and it's been a long long time. I'm wondering if I should stay further north and just to 4 and 88 and other roads up there to stay out of the fire zone.

afm_147, I'd be down to meetup at some point if you want to go for a spin (if you get your VFR happy again).
 

Grissom

....................
Just read this on mymotherlode.com

Tuolumne County, CA — Sadly a motorcycle rider has died after plummeting over a cliff on Highway 108 in Tuolumne County.

The crash happened around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday near the Clarks Fork Road intersection, between the Donnell Vista and Dardanelle. The CHP reports that the bike went off the highway and 50 feet down a steep hill. First responders were able to reach the rider and administer CPR, while and an air ambulance was headed to the scene, according to the CHP. Unfortunately, the rider succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The individual’s name is not being released pending notification of family. The wreck remains under investigation.
 

bergmen

Well-known member
Just read this on mymotherlode.com

Tuolumne County, CA — Sadly a motorcycle rider has died after plummeting over a cliff on Highway 108 in Tuolumne County.

The crash happened around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday near the Clarks Fork Road intersection, between the Donnell Vista and Dardanelle. The CHP reports that the bike went off the highway and 50 feet down a steep hill. First responders were able to reach the rider and administer CPR, while and an air ambulance was headed to the scene, according to the CHP. Unfortunately, the rider succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The individual’s name is not being released pending notification of family. The wreck remains under investigation.

Any update on this?

Dan
 

Grissom

....................
Any update on this?

Dan

Found this from thepinetree.net


Pine Grove Man Lost His Life in Fatal Motorcycle Collision on Hwy 108
Posted by: thepinetree on 09/21/2020 02:55 PM
Pinecrest, CA...On September 19, 2020 at approximately 1:30 PM, a 36-year-old male from Pine Grove, CA was riding a 2017 Aprilia motorcycle westbound on State Route 108 east of Clarks Fork Road at approximately 65 miles per hour. For unknown reasons, the rider lost control of his motorcycle and traveled off the north roadway edge of State Route 108. After leaving the roadway, both the motorcycle and rider traveled down and embankment, approximately 40-50 feet and struck a tree. Unfortunately, the rider succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

RIP Rider
 

bergmen

Well-known member
Found this from thepinetree.net


Pine Grove Man Lost His Life in Fatal Motorcycle Collision on Hwy 108
Posted by: thepinetree on 09/21/2020 02:55 PM
Pinecrest, CA...On September 19, 2020 at approximately 1:30 PM, a 36-year-old male from Pine Grove, CA was riding a 2017 Aprilia motorcycle westbound on State Route 108 east of Clarks Fork Road at approximately 65 miles per hour. For unknown reasons, the rider lost control of his motorcycle and traveled off the north roadway edge of State Route 108. After leaving the roadway, both the motorcycle and rider traveled down and embankment, approximately 40-50 feet and struck a tree. Unfortunately, the rider succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

RIP Rider

Thank you for this. I have a close friend who lives in Sonora and rides this stretch of road often.

Dan
 

afm_147

Well-known member
How are things on 108 lately? Still bad smoke?

I'm looking to do a ride up that way and it's been a long long time. I'm wondering if I should stay further north and just to 4 and 88 and other roads up there to stay out of the fire zone.

afm_147, I'd be down to meetup at some point if you want to go for a spin (if you get your VFR happy again).

I did a couple jaunts on 108, about a month ago and 3 weeks ago. Then, the smoke wasn't so bad as it's been in the weeks since. 4W wasn't too bad til you got out towards the end of it, where I think the good parts are. 88 wasn't as bad, again once you start to get further west.

On 108, they were doing some grading or paving, I think they still are, so I didn't take it all the way to the end to 395. The first ride I did was cool though, as I was sitting by myself, early in the AM, I chatted with the guy doing traffic control, and he said the roads weren't bad, little loose gravel and some fresh pavement and whatever that filler stuff is they put down. I sat there a good 15-20 minutes, but then realized when the chase truck was coming with the opposing traffic, I was the road open to myself heading back East, so I flipped it and headed back to Sonora for some breakfast with smooth sailing ahead.

Last note: 'Danate' - Haven't really dove into the VFR yet, but have some strong suspicions of potential problems. Any ideas of when you may be wanting to ride out that way?? If the VFR gets back on it's feet(as well as all 4 cyls), I'd be open for anytime after Wed? If the weekends are better, we can figure that out as well?
 

danate

#hot4beks
I did a couple jaunts on 108, about a month ago and 3 weeks ago. Then, the smoke wasn't so bad as it's been in the weeks since. 4W wasn't too bad til you got out towards the end of it, where I think the good parts are. 88 wasn't as bad, again once you start to get further west.

On 108, they were doing some grading or paving, I think they still are, so I didn't take it all the way to the end to 395. The first ride I did was cool though, as I was sitting by myself, early in the AM, I chatted with the guy doing traffic control, and he said the roads weren't bad, little loose gravel and some fresh pavement and whatever that filler stuff is they put down. I sat there a good 15-20 minutes, but then realized when the chase truck was coming with the opposing traffic, I was the road open to myself heading back East, so I flipped it and headed back to Sonora for some breakfast with smooth sailing ahead.

Last note: 'Danate' - Haven't really dove into the VFR yet, but have some strong suspicions of potential problems. Any ideas of when you may be wanting to ride out that way?? If the VFR gets back on it's feet(as well as all 4 cyls), I'd be open for anytime after Wed? If the weekends are better, we can figure that out as well?

Current plan is for this coming Monday. I could do Wed or Thurs of this week as well if you were up for it.
 

afm_147

Well-known member
Current plan is for this coming Monday. I could do Wed or Thurs of this week as well if you were up for it.

Wed might be a bit tough ... have another project set for tomorrow, Tues, but if it wraps up quick, I can get onto the VFR. Thurs is a good possibility, depending on what I find/fix between tomorrow and Wed?? I'll keep you posted.

I actually might be heading back to the Bay Area before next Monday, but if not, we can plan for that Monday ride instead? Did you have any set route/loop planned specifically? I'd like to do the 108E, to 395N through Walker, up over Monitor Pass to Markleeville, then onto 88W back to wherever??

Without double checking, I think it's about a good 4-5 loop, at around 200+ miles? Maybe a bit more on both specs, with stops etc?? Plus, this ends in "Jackson", so not sure if that's a good point to head "home" or continue elsewhere. Appears you are up "North", so would seem like a likely "end point"??

If you had something else in mind, I'm game, and/or we could shorten it up if you preferred?? Let me know.
 

danate

#hot4beks
I’d be down to try 108. I’m coming from Sacramento and on Monday my buddy will be coming from Benicia. We could meet near Sonora and go from there. I’ll play around with the maps tomorrow and see what works best for me.
 

afm_147

Well-known member
I’d be down to try 108. I’m coming from Sacramento and on Monday my buddy will be coming from Benicia. We could meet near Sonora and go from there. I’ll play around with the maps tomorrow and see what works best for me.

We could meet further up north too if you like, it might be easier for you 2, depending on where you guys are meeting up before heading East/South??

50 is not really good for much, unless you're in 4 wheels going to Tahoe/Reno.

But 88 is good both directions, 4 can be as well, and 395 might be a good initial meeting spot, if you think starting further north would be better? The other thing to consider, if you want a shorter trip back towards home, then starting in the south, and working north might be better for the 2 of you?

I possibly might be heading back to the Bay Area straight from this ride, but would prefer not to ride with all my "luggage", though it's not much really. Biggest issue, is no rack or hard bags ... yet!!
 

danate

#hot4beks
My original plan had been to go east on 88 and then west back on 4. PM me your number and we’ll figure it out.
 

echo7tango

Road Warrior
I like 108 eastbound much better than westbound, for the dramatic drop from the summit down into Pickel Meadow. A beautiful ride.
 

bikeama

Super Moderator
Staff member
I like 108 eastbound much better than westbound, for the dramatic drop from the summit down into Pickel Meadow. A beautiful ride.

If you do 108 besure to stop for a break and view here. Leavitt Falls Look on Googe Maps turn is not well marked. Great view and easy to just ride by.
 

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echo7tango

Road Warrior
@bikeama, never knew it was there, thanks! I've done that ride / drive dozens of times and I've always bypassed that. Next time, I'll be sure to stop. I just marked it on my map.

My ex-in-laws lived in Bishop and over the years I've crossed just about every drivable/ridable route across the Sierras between I-80 in the north and CA-58 in the south, including Chowchilla Mountain Rd between Mariposa and the Wawona Golf Course (edited -- some of that is a 4x4 Jeep trail). I'm always on the lookout for new ways to go. Your pics and the web images are very scenic.

Thanks again, Bill.
 
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Tom G

"The Deer Hunter"
I've crossed just about every drivable/ridable route across the Sierras between I-80 in the north and CA-58 in the south, including Chowchilla Mountain Rd between Mariposa and the Wawona Golf Course (edited -- some of that is a 4x4 Jeep trail).

Never heard of it before, just googled it. Google map shows it comes out on Hwy 41 in Fish Camp. Is there an actual way to get through to Wawona? I have also done most of the Sierra passes by car and bike, but only paved ones.
 

echo7tango

Road Warrior
Never heard of it before, just googled it. Google map shows it comes out on Hwy 41 in Fish Camp. Is there an actual way to get through to Wawona? I have also done most of the Sierra passes by car and bike, but only paved ones.

Hi Tom,

That gMap route you're looking at is only partly correct. Yes there is a way through. Or at least there used to be. But I'm pretty sure it's still there.

I drove it about 10 years ago, leaving the Wawona and heading west back to the SFBA. A restaurant worker at the Wawona who lived in Mariposa told me about the road. It was his regular commute route.

On gMaps it's easier to show you from the Mariposa end, but keep in mind that I drove it from east to west. From Mariposa, gMaps takes you almost to the Wawona and this is the route I took: https://is.gd/NLrEsP. That ends at lat/long 37.529293, -119.658384.

That is most of the way. The rest of it, which was the beginning of my run when I drove it, is best seen in gMaps satellite view, where you can see dirt trails that gMap won't route you on.

https://is.gd/pzYYn5 << gMap satellite view -- do not follow the route but pay attention to the two endpoints and you'll see dirt trails between the two points, which are lat/long 37.529293, -119.658384 and 37.535946, -119.656614.

I'm sure the road can be impassable when wet. I drove it in a stock 2001 Honda CR-V, a car with not much ground clearance and no transfer case. It was easy to do, and in the conditions back when I drove it I could have done it in a Original VW Beetle.

There were signs saying do not enter, and there may have been a gate or two back then, but they were open. Today, who knows what's there. It would be fun to find it again, it's a way to enter Yosemite without have to pass through a ranger checkpoint. But of course you can do that late at night too.

At the Wawona (east) end, I do remember that the very beginning took you onto the golf course, on a path with tire marks that looks like you shouldn't be on it because it's part of the golf course (fairway?), but the restaurant guy said that's where you go. I did, and it was easy to get out from there, meaning no intersections to decide which way to turn -- but my memory might be a little hazy on that detail because it's been several years.

The locals who live in the Mariposa area and work in the park use that route. If memory serves it took about a half hour to get through and onto pavement.

Cheers,
Roy
 

Tom G

"The Deer Hunter"
Hi Roy,

following google earth, it looks like you are right. Would be interesting to explore some day, maybe not in the winter.
 
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