Recreational cycling: Markleeville, Ebbetts Pass, Monitor Pass
May 21-23 2005

photos by Steven Hill, steephill.tv
photo sharing conditions

Markleeville 3 day weekend

This was my fifth biking trip to Markleeville in the California Sierra-Nevada over the last three years and the best weather-wise. The conditions were perfect for cycling (mid-70s) under clear blue skies during the day and ideal for camping at night (high-40s). Unfortunately, my wife could not join me for this last minute trip and I could have spent some time in the dog house upon returning but she's understanding. The routes I rode are part of the infamous Death Ride held each July in hot, dry, high elevation conditions, which features 2600 riders attempting 129 mi and 15000+ feet of climbing. On Saturday, I rode up to Ebbetts Pass and Monitor Pass for 64 mi and 8000' of elevation gain. CA#4 was closed to cars beyond the halfway point up to Ebbetts Pass since it was not yet completely clear due to the large winter snowfall. It was fine for cyclists and we had an exclusive on Ebbetts during this perfect weekend! On Sunday, I rode a double Monitor Pass out to US395 and back for 62 mi and 7500' of elevation gain. On Monday, I rode north looping around Diamond Valley Rd and Emigrants Trail for an easy 35 miles. I started all rides from Grover Hot Springs State Park campground, the finest state park campground that I know of in California and listed in Best in Tent Camping Northern California. Also, consider one of the few motels in Markleeville - J. Marklee Toll Station Motel.
-- Steve Hill, May 25/05

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Bright, clear and warm all three days	CA89 weaving along the swollen East Fork of the Carson River near Markleeville	East Fork of the Carson River before CA4/CA89 (Ebbetts/Monitor) junction
Vertical panorama of the East Fork	The (un)welcoming sign for CA4 leading up to and over Ebbetts Pass	Looking down one of the nasty, steep switchbacks
Snowbanks started about halfway up. In fact, CA4 was CLOSED beyond this point to cars.	Standing in front of a sheer snowbank	Gardnerville guy standing next to an 8 foot sheer snowbank
At the top, a mostly buried Ebbetts Pass sign belies the warm temperature	Descending through high snowbanks	Gardnerville guy's turn to descend
The weekend colors - Snow white, earth tone and azure	Admiring Silver Peak (el. 10,774 ft) on the way back down	Peaks and cleavages - A fellow Berkeley resident reaches the top of Monitor Pass while out training for the Death Ride
Monitor Pass cyclist tombstone	Alta Alpina club ride regrouping at the top	First glimpse of the picturesque descent into Nevada from Monitor Pass
A panoramic view of Nevada (the highest peak is Mt. Grant el. 11245 ft)	Monitor Pass east side switchbacks and the valley below	The east side of Monitor Pass is desert-like near the bottom
Turning around at the bottom to start a double of Monitor Pass	A small ridge marks the halfway point on the 7 mi ride heading north from Markleeville to Woodfords	Emigrants Trail looking towards Nevada
Hot Springs Rd while cycling back up to the campground	Still standing	Westerly panoramic view from the campground
Hot Springs Creek runs through the campground	Campsite No. 27 at Grover Hot Springs SP	Squirrel-cam - The campground was dead quiet when I got back from my final ride on Monday

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