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

[matty]

Hi Roy,

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

It was ridden and documented a couple of. Years ago: https://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=531059

 

[afm_147]

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.

Unfortunately, I'm prob out at this time? My "projects", which really aren't mine, kinda ate up my week, and then out bar hopping last night hasn't helped me get to the VFR ... and it seems sicker than I had hoped it would be. I'm going to try to get to it a bit today, and need to post on the VFR Discussion Forum for some tips about which direction to go with things ... maybe between today and tomorrow I might sort it out, but then not so sure I would want to take it on a couple hundred mile jaunt? And risk another break down, waiting, and having to haul it back to the house in the back of a truck??

 

[afm_147]

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.

As far as the route, I would recommend doing 4W, back up towards Markleeville, and then 88E. Keep in mind, depending which way you're coming down from Sac, that parts of 50 have been closed with detours for the last week or so. Not sure if that is still the case, but wanted make sure you're aware of that??

 

[afm_147]

As far as the route, I would recommend doing 4W, back up towards Markleeville, and then 88E. Keep in mind, depending which way you're coming down from Sac, that parts of 50 have been closed with detours for the last week or so. Not sure if that is still the case, but wanted make sure you're aware of that??

WHOOPS! have that backwards ... 4E, and 88W back.

 

[danate]

No worries. Hope you get your VFR running strong again.

 

[danate]

Well, it was a lovely ride. Went up 88 and stopped at Alps Haus cafe for sandwiches (they close for the season Thursday btw). Met a cool local guy on a Cagiva who lived off 4.

I definitely liked taking 4 going west over the pass. More fun doing the tight switchbacks uphill than down. Overall it was a gorgeous day and we had a nice ride.

 

[afm_147]

Well, it was a lovely ride. Went up 88 and stopped at Alps Haus cafe for sandwiches (they close for the season Thursday btw). Met a cool local guy on a Cagiva who lived off 4.

I definitely liked taking 4 going west over the pass. More fun doing the tight switchbacks uphill than down. Overall it was a gorgeous day and we had a nice ride.

Cool! Glad you had a good ride of it ... I did as well last time out, 'til things headed South ... not me, though I was supposed to be!

For some reason, I always end up doing 4E instead of West? Been a LONG time since I did it West for whatever reason? I'll have to make a point of doing the big loop of 108E, and then come back down 4W next time out ... who knows when that will be? Might have to move onto a different project, and hand the VFR over to my "expert"? Though he is always waaaaayyy backed up.

Again ... good to hear you had a good day out! Cheers!!

 

[budman]

Right on Nate.

I like 4 both ways. West the uphill sweepers are sweet.
How about a little drop off. Whehoo!! I feel I can be in more get my moto on for longer than E but it is still Bitchen.

We are blessed with one hell of a great loop 108/88/4 is a great day or couple days :ride

 

[Tom G]

Right on Nate.

I like 4 both ways. West the uphill sweepers are sweet.
How about a little drop off. Whehoo!! I feel I can be in more get my moto on for longer than E but it is still Bitchen.

We are blessed with one hell of a great loop 108/88/4 is a great day or couple days :ride

For me it's usually 4 or 88, not both, unless I want to do some figure 8. And I don't particularly like the traffic on 88 between Jackson and Stockton. Too many flatlanders and RVs.

 

[danate]

88 was definitely less interesting, especially because it had more traffic due to 50 being closed. Next time will probably go up 4 and back 108.

 

[budman]

For me it's usually 4 or 88, not both, unless I want to do some figure 8. And I don't particularly like the traffic on 88 between Jackson and Stockton. Too many flatlanders and RVs.

Sorry Tom... I screwed up. It is Monitor pass.. 89 right? :laughing

I just ride them... So to correct. 108 to 395 to 89 to 4. Heavenly experience.

 

[Tom G]

Sorry Tom... I screwed up. It is Monitor pass.. 89 right? :laughing

I just ride them... So to correct. 108 to 395 to 89 to 4. Heavenly experience.

Most of the time I don't even know the names of the roads I'm on, although I have driven/ridden them so many times. This is my favorite loop, although I think I missed 2 years already doing it. I have also spent so much time in the Mono Resort campground (Upper Twin Lake) with my wife camping, but we were not able to go back for a couple years now, just work and no time.

I did Hwy 88 a few years back mid January with Miguel, it was a dry winter, the road was clear and the temp around 50. Very much worth it when everything around is closed for the winter. I love the sweepers, most are good for > 55 mph, which is posted.

 

[danate]

youtu.be/a28G8MNdmAg

Here's a video from our ride shot on my buddy's bike. We had a third rider behind us who we met at the Alps Haus Cafe. His name is Patricio and he was celebrating his 74th birthday with a ride on his Cagiva. He lived off 4 and we stopped at his house and he showed us pictures from his youth in a skydiving club in Argentina. It was a really fun day.

Sorry about the video btw. I am not good at editing and the camera audio was terrible so I had to cover it up with music.

 

[budman]

Meeting Patricio sounds like a unique experience.
You appreciating it is very cool.