This past I went to Yosemite (Wawona) for our family vacation. While there it dawned on me it might be a great place to bring the bike and ride to the valley from Wawona (wife and kids would meet me there with the car and give me a ride home). While the road don't have that much of a shoulder the speed limit is only 35 mph. Outside of the people riding on the paths in the valley I didn't see any other bikers. What are everyone's thoughts on riding there?
I have driven that road recently and I would not want to ride that on the road bike. This coming from a guy who'll ride just about anything. Too sketchy.
The valley is fine for riding. Everywhere else you'd be at the mercy of tourists who's eyes are watching the scenery instead of the road. I'd think mid-week during the off season would be fine. One of these days I'm going to hit the big tree hwy up in Sequoia NP. I was drooling over that road.
I wouldn't take a bike to ride unless you are jsut gonna cruise the paths in the valley. riding dirt is a nono[-X But yea crusing the valley at night with a full moon over to one of the meadows for a picnic is a fun thing to do. a couple of years ago there was some traffic pileup and people were waiting for some deer to cross the road... a lady got impatient and honked... she was the third car. long story, had to be there kinda thing but she hit a deer. then started screaming at everyone that the deer shouldnt be in the street it was for cars? Wow. I love that place but some of the people that visit... wow.
When the highway 120 is closed for the year I have seriously thought about riding up from Mono Lake, throw my bike over the closed gate a Tioga Pass and ride into Tuolumne Meadows. Dean
Considering I'll be going in August I might just skip it. Might try and ride on the dirt near Bass Lake. Some of the people there are amazing. While driving back from Glacier Point there was a line of 10 or so cars going 40 (speed limit is 35). Some D-bag tries to pass me and squeeze in a space just big enough for his car. Or the a-hole that passed me in the tunnell at 60. Really mad me wish I was alone in my car and not with family in the wife's slow box. How icy does the road get?
Would wait until spring and try to time it just before they open the gate. The road is clear way before they open the gate. It fact Forest Service Rangers live out there year round so they keep the road plowed.
Call me crazy but I would do the ride. Sure there are lots of big vehicles out there and the roads are narrow. However I would still do it. August would be a sketchy time of year because of all the traffic but whatev. I've seen touring cyclist riding there several times. My wife and I rode around the Valley last year in late Oct. It was so beautiful. We are heading up there for my birthday the first weekend in December. We got a great rate at the Awhanee. If the weather is good we will bring the bikes again.
Last spring I took a road bike and would get out early and do 50+ milers taking Big Oak Road towards the 120. I'd get up and leave as soon as it was light enough to see and wouldn't see any RVs and/or tourists types until returning to the valley. I could pace with the traffic, so no worries about cars. It was such a good ride that I didn't mind doing it a few times. It was spectacular. I highly recommend it.
I rode there late season (Oct./Nov.) a few years ago. It was fun and beautiful. I'd do it again! We tried to ride up to Glacier Point but got turned back by rain. Went to the big tree forest (name escapes me) and hiked back into the woods. It was great! Get a blinky light and a mirror for extra safety and it should be better.
