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April 27-29 2018 North Meets South in the Middle


CoarsegoldKid

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CoarsegoldKid

April 27-29 will be coming up sooner than you can believe so mark your calendar. I haven't gotten around to speak to the innkeeper at the Comfort Inn but I will in just a few days. For any new riders to this event it's held in Oakhurst, Ca. The Central California foothill riding is not to be missed. Come meet new friends that know the area for the best experience. In past years Yosemite National Park has had "FREE" days for us. And it's only 13 miles from the motel. Past riders have come from as far away as Austin, Tx, Washington, Utah. Come put your mark on the map. More info to follow. Anyone with pics of your past rides please post.

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Is that Highway 49 between Mariposa and Coulterville?

 

I don't believe so. Joe probably has a better idea of what the road is. I just remember it being a lot of fun to ride...

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I looked at it and said it was Old Priest Grade Road. But what do I know.

 

Old Priest Grade Road should be called the automatic transmission killer.

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If you are planning to attend, make sure your health insurance is up to date. Make Cornelius ride in the back. And take a satellite phone to call the ambulance because service is real spotty. No need to thank me, happy to help.

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I can't wait to get on Granite Rd again, and hopefully there will have been rain in Feb and Mar. When the foothills are green it is just so BEAUTIFUL. Frankly I'm not optimistic though, seeing as how it is 74º today, and will be 77º tomorrow. I see more firestorms next year. damn.

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John

One of the nice features riding up that way in the spring is the smell of the orange blossoms, if the time is right.

If I go, I won't be going that way.

dc

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CoarsegoldKid

Hwy 49 between Mariposa and Coulterville is about 15 miles of curvy cliff hugging road the locals call the Little Dragon. It's a good one. I enjoy going south to north. Priest Grade is a different road. It's the old Hwy 120 that goes from Moccasin to Big Oak Flat. It also was the stagecoach road. I imagine it knee deep in mud with highwaymen relieving you of your shiny possessions..

 

Mark enjoyed every second of Friday's ride until he suddenly stopped short of Oakhurst. You see in Texas the roads are straight. On our roads they are curvy and often times suck you in and spit you out. I hope Mark joins us.

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There will be an invasion of southerners on Friday, led by the usual suspects!

 

Utah riders will get special accolades as our guests of honor,

 

 

Texans will be required to sign a waiver.........

 

 

Don J

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  • 2 weeks later...
CoarsegoldKid

Alright folks the Comfort Inn is now taking reservation for your stay on Friday April 27 and Saturday April 28. The room rate is 89.00. Apparently April is becoming the "IN" month probably because we are the big group. The Wood Cutters will also be there as they have in the past.

Call the Comfort Inn at 559-683-8282 tell them you are with the BMW group.

 

See you all there.

Edited by CoarsegoldKid
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What road/weather conditions would you expect in late April in Death Valley, Sierras, Yosemite? I'm planning a ride in April, probably starting in Albuquerque, and considering heading in that direction. Any particular areas/roads to avoid that time of year? Thanks

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Ken

I have experienced every type of weather imaginable over there in April.

Warm and beautiful, orange blossoms blooming, just perfect weather.

Another time it was pouring rain, rain like a solid wall of water. But then a few hours later, sunny and dry.

Another time, in the park, 27 degrees; just nice and cold. Later in the day it warmed up somewhat.

Road conditions, mostly good.

Going past the Glacier Point road, even tho' the weather was nice, there was a foot of snow on Glacier Point road and it was closed.

From the east 120 usually doesn't open til May or June. The other pass roads from the east may be open earlier. This year they probably will all be open early, if they are not open now.

One year when I didn't go, they all reported rain, just a whole lot of rain, except Sunday, when everyone was leaving, then it was nice.

 

You might want to approach from the west, travel south til you are west, then head north. You might head up thru' Kernville, but that might be closed. So you might need to go further west.

 

This year it looks like it will be beautiful weather, just all sunshine and orange blossoms (from the west).

 

Unless a late, and severe winter comes in, then you might have a serious blizzard.

 

You just have to check when the time comes.

dc

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Ken

I have experienced every type of weather imaginable over there in April.

Warm and beautiful, orange blossoms blooming, just perfect weather.

Another time it was pouring rain, rain like a solid wall of water. But then a few hours later, sunny and dry.

Another time, in the park, 27 degrees; just nice and cold. Later in the day it warmed up somewhat.

Road conditions, mostly good.

Going past the Glacier Point road, even tho' the weather was nice, there was a foot of snow on Glacier Point road and it was closed.

From the east 120 usually doesn't open til May or June. The other pass roads from the east may be open earlier. This year they probably will all be open early, if they are not open now.

One year when I didn't go, they all reported rain, just a whole lot of rain, except Sunday, when everyone was leaving, then it was nice.

 

You might want to approach from the west, travel south til you are west, then head north. You might head up thru' Kernville, but that might be closed. So you might need to go further west.

 

This year it looks like it will be beautiful weather, just all sunshine and orange blossoms (from the west).

 

Unless a late, and severe winter comes in, then you might have a serious blizzard.

 

You just have to check when the time comes.

dc

 

Weather changes fast in the Sierras and it's environs, so even checking is no guarantee of a road being open by the time you get there, so have a back up plan. DAMHIK.

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  • 3 weeks later...

We are in. Make sure to ask for the BMW rate. $89.00 per night. I was quoted $179 per night before I mentioned the BMW discount. Way to go Joe... that's a great savings. See you all soon.

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We are in. Make sure to ask for the BMW rate. $89.00 per night. I was quoted $179 per night before I mentioned the BMW discount. Way to go Joe... that's a great savings. See you all soon.

I've always wanted to make this trip and thought I was going to miss it again due to a work commitment. Luckily the work commitment got canceled and I'm now booked for this. When I said the date I wanted to book, the employee immediately asked, "With the BMW group?" Guess we're popular with her.

 

Edited by BrianT
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  • 3 weeks later...
CoarsegoldKid

Wow they sure raised the rates again. I think the BMW group contributed to the raising the rates. The owner saw that the end of April turned into a popular time. He didn't see that it was the BMW and The Wood Carver groups that was booking up the place. Leaving only a few rooms for the tours. Take us out of the calculation and the place would have a lot of vacancies. It is also true that the forest is still being thinned of live and dead trees so there are plenty of guys with chanisaws booking rooms too throughout Oakhurst..

Maybe by next year the three huge motels that are slowly being built will be completed. This will increase the amount of rooms in Oakhurst by about 300 rooms. Maybe that should ease up the price of rooms.

We haven't had much rain or snow this year. However in the next few days there is the expectation that there will be a big storm. Riding off-road hasn't been an issue so far so if anyone wants to venture into the forest roads I think you'll be able.

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Booked...

 

Into jail?

 

Again??

 

 

No edddd... I'm not in jail, nor did (or do) I wish to book for jail time. Todd might but not me...

 

Moreover... I'll tell you one little experience with jail... and da po lice.

 

It goes back to a time in 1972 when free spirits were flowing and the disposition with regulation and conformity were lacking (or non existent).

I was hitchhiking South bound on CA 99 just South of Fresno, CA. off on the shoulder of the rode. By hitchhiking standards of the day it was exceptable. Though I thought all was OK, and I was going to land a ride; things changed quickly.

A CHP(California Hwy. Patrol) pulled up, then another, and, then another... WTF...

Well, I was dressed simply in Bluejeans, Green T shirt and tennis shoes. The exact garb of the local prison. They all were all feeling this was a great catch. Ha!

To further the the dress code scrutinizing; I didn't have any valid identification and a $1.50 in the pocket (times were tough, didn't own a BMW) Well, off to the pokey I go. More Weeeeeee. They held me for 48 hours and let me go. Told me to stay off the Highways, hitchhiking, and not to dress like a prisoner (like I knew).

Also, I want you to know eddd, I didn't share a cell with anyone ! :jaw:

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  • 4 weeks later...
CoarsegoldKid

Well Frank, you'll have to 'plain NS and the Texas Rider to me.

 

For those of you itching to ride the Little Dragon I have some bad news for ya. According to a report sent to me by mbelectric it will be closed for 6-8 weeks for repairs due to heavy rains this past week between Hwy 120 Hwy 49 junction at Moccasin south all the way to Bear Valley. Hornitos Rd in the flatter lands also has significant damage. But I'm not sure exactly sure where the washouts occurred but I think they're past the community of Hornitos. As the NmS weekend approaches I'll ride over there and see how things are progressing. I hoping that a ride around is take Hwy 49 on to Hwy 120 to the Priest-Coulterville Rd down to Coulterville onto 132 over to Merced Falls Rd to Hornitos Rd to Bear Valley Rd back onto Hwy 49.

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If you are planning to attend, make sure your health insurance is up to date. Make Cornelius ride in the back. And take a satellite phone to call the ambulance because service is real spotty. No need to thank me, happy to help.

 

FYI......if you put Cornelius in the back he WILL pass you. DAMHIK

 

 

Wish I could make it again this year butt the Doc says no walking, no riding, no NOTHING until early May :-( Not moto related, had a foot surgery last week. Ride safe!

 

Russ

 

 

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If you are planning to attend, make sure your health insurance is up to date. Make Cornelius ride in the back. And take a satellite phone to call the ambulance because service is real spotty. No need to thank me, happy to help.

 

FYI......if you put Cornelius in the back he WILL pass you. DAMHIK

 

 

Wish I could make it again this year butt the Doc says no walking, no riding, no NOTHING until early May :-( Not moto related, had a foot surgery last week. Ride safe!

 

Russ

 

Late Apr, early May, what's the diff?

:grin:

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CoarsegoldKid

Heal up Russ. In the mean time don't walk, don't ride, do nothing. Yeah, right! Early May. Missed it by hours.

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Late Apr, early May, what's the diff?

:grin:

 

 

The metal rods sticking out of two toes on my right foot. Can't get a boot on until they come out :P

 

Russ

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Late Apr, early May, what's the diff?

:grin:

 

 

The metal rods sticking out of two toes on my right foot. Can't get a boot on until they come out :P

 

Russ

 

I have a wide variety of clamping pliers for the rods and 30db earplugs for me if you start screaming like a little bitch. :lurk:

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Late Apr, early May, what's the diff?

:grin:

 

 

The metal rods sticking out of two toes on my right foot. Can't get a boot on until they come out :P

 

Russ

 

I have a wide variety of clamping pliers for the rods and 30db earplugs for me if you start screaming like a little bitch. :lurk:

 

You feeling up to it little fella ? :Cool: I took video when they pulled the rod out of my left foot, didn't feel a thing or squeal at all. Of course, they were professionals :thumbsup:

 

Russ :wave:

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If you are planning to attend, make sure your health insurance is up to date. Make Cornelius ride in the back. And take a satellite phone to call the ambulance because service is real spotty. No need to thank me, happy to help.

 

FYI......if you put Cornelius in the back he WILL pass you. DAMHIK

 

 

Wish I could make it again this year butt the Doc says no walking, no riding, no NOTHING until early May :-( Not moto related, had a foot surgery last week. Ride safe!

 

Russ

 

 

I wonder who is the bigger Hooligan, thediggindutchman (Cornelis) or Krakken???? We/I haven't seen Dwight for a looooong time.

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CoarsegoldKid

You're all a bunch of hooligans 'cept me of course. Heyfrank is the worst. I've seen him get a performance award in Nevada once.

 

It was brought to my attention, regarding dinner plans, that we should warn the restaurants of our descent upon them. I can tell you that Crab Cakes is out of business. The BBQ has changed hands and I've heard for the better. The Dirty Donkey, Todd's favorite watering hole, is still serving drinks so you can all rest easy.

 

The eatery across the street from the Comfort Inn, Yosemite Gateway, looks to be a shoe-in for Saturday evening. How about we get a headcount and I'll connect with them very soon. If you don't have any issues with the BBQ place I'll set them up for Friday evening. Does 6 pm sound about right for each evening?

 

I'll start. Me and Juanita.

 

Edited by CoarsegoldKid
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I'm in for both nights at the watering hole. Oh yea and I'm in for both nights of dinner too. Getting excited about making my first trip to North Meets South.

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CoarsegoldKid

Between PMs, forum posts, and FB we have 18 as of 8:00am. Keep those cards and letters coming.

 

Bye the way BrianT if you can make the Friday ride up with the riders staging in Tehachapi it's highly recommended. Otherwise you'll keep hearing how much enjoyment they had, and kick yourself in the behind.

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Dinner Plans,

Both options good with me. Maybe a 6:30 to 7:00 start time considering we tend to get there rather late on Friday

 

Hakan

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