I didn’t want to post this way back when people could actually plan ahead. What tends to happen with that whole “planning ahead - scheduling - being a grown up” thing, is people intend to make it, then have a month to figure out why they shouldn’t go.
There is some excellent riding up in Inyo County. I’ve mentioned a thousand times that I plan on doing Everest Challenge, and this is the county it is held in. So, as I like to do on my birthday (July 12th) I’m taking a trip to metaphorically “birth” a new year, or something like that, and hopefully increase my fitness at the same time.
I’ll be camping at Onion Valley from July 12th - 25th. Campsite 8, which has a capacity from what I understand of two cars, six people and multiple tents, and so far there is one person, one car, and one tent. Trucks with those fancy pop-up campers on the back are all the rage at places like this. If you are feeling spontaneous and want to get away for a few days to suffer on some nice long climbs in moderate heat (ride between 5am-11am and again after 7pm) and potentially thunderstorms, this would be a good opportunity for you. Not sure if you like to suffer? Can you identify with this article?
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/opinion/mybackpage.html#Anchor-SUFFERING-33393
I’ve got a bar-b-q, a two burner stove, pots ‘n’ pans, and gang loads of food presented to me by my title sponsor (mom) in correspondence with Costco.
Here is a good read regarding the area and some of the climbs I’ll be doing if you are at all interested.
http://www.bikecal.com/bill/columns-detail.asp?bRecNo=13
People like Monk, who have cheated death far too long, and know their time is near, should consider riding up to the Ancient Bristlecone Pineforest. An excellent place to lay down for eternity, amongst the oldest living trees in the world.
This is the road leading up to Onion Valley.
Here is some more pertinent info regarding the campsite, if interested.
http://www.reserveusa.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/nrrs/ca/onio/newindex.html
I don’t actually expect anybody to sporadically show up, but thought I’d throw this out there so nobody later says “Dude, you should have told me, I was in the area and would have met up with you for a ride!”
Ah yes, if you plan on bringing wonderful gifts to celebrate my birthday, you should know that I prefer myrrh to frankincense, and micro-brews such as Rogue to macro-urine such as Coors.
Full report to follow at the end of the month.