Went out a couple of months ago for a "Three Pass" ride through Ebbitts, Monitor, and Sonora Passes. It was going to be a 400+ mile day, so we met up at 6:45am in Concord at Panama Bay Coffee Co. Three Passes require three riders. Your humble narrator:






Richard, on a R1100GS, is hard to get out on the road with his new wife and new baby. A Three Pass ride will do the trick.






Blake, on the right, rides a ZX-12R:






Hit the road at 7:40am. Our first stop was in Angel's Camp for breakfast a couple hours later.






I asked Blake what was the deal with the horizontal stabilizers. "Heps to keep'er down" was his reply.






The first photo stop before Ebbitts Pass:








Stopped at Mosquito Lake a short time later. Clarence was concerned with his clearance, so no Kawi on the lakefront:






This trip was timed to take advantage of the color change on the deciduous trees before the snow came and closed the passes. These were taken on the way down from Ebbitts Pass:










These were on the way up to Monitor Pass:

Scenic pullout on the way down from Monitor Pass overlooking Antelope Valley:






Looking back up from where we just came:






Random road shots. Some of the bestest twisties and the bestest pavement anywhere in California...












Blake waiting for the photographer.






On the way down from Sonora Pass:






Stopped at a scenic lookout over Donnell Reservoir:








One of the streams that feeds the reservoir:






Lunch opportunity came up late. Stopped at a place in Strawberry to find out only the bar was open at the time. We were referred to Diamond Jim's in Mi-wuk Village 10 minutes down the road. Tasty burgers, as promised.






One last stop for gas, then time to head home...

Nice pictures Steve! My co-worker and I did a Yosemite ride last month in Nov. That was a 400 mile day. Met up in Pleasanton, but started late. The ride was as colorful.

Belinda and I really enjoyed this pictorial - the scenery is outstanding!

Could you please tell us the camera you were using? Thanks.

I knew the scenery was going to be special, so I borrowed my brother's Canon 10D DSLR. Big and heavy for a motorcycle, but really a joy to use. Glad you liked the pics!

I like to ski but I really love to ride those passes! Theresa and I did that run a few times last year, sometimes spending the night in June Lake. A great ride that never gets boring!

Awesome, Steve! Thanks!

I'd like to know how you got CHP to stop all the traffic for you? Those are some wonderful looking tour spots. Thanks again.

Thanks for the great pics,some nice scenery and some really nice looking roads.

Really enjoyed your post and hope to do a similar trip when I buy my K1200GT in the near future. As a side note, My wife and I are considering retirement at the Sierra Canyon over 55 site near Reno. I've never been there, but plan on doing so this spring. Again, thanx for the post.

Thanks for the beautiful pics....you California riders are soooo fortunate. I gotta get out of Jersey!!!!!!!!