Biking the Sierra Nevada

October 7, 2014

It had been over a year since my last tour, but one of the best parts of working with an organization that is so rooted in traveling by bike is the opportunity to get out and actually do it. Last week, I had the opportunity to take some time away from the office and join a great group of fellow enthusiasts on the Sierra Sampler tour.

We crossed many ranches — those cows have a great view!

The route was from Truckee to Mammoth Lakes, California, and was filled with scenery day in and day out. As our Event Director put it, this ride is for the riding and the views. I was awestruck by the sheer beauty around every corner.

Riding in Yosemite — Lembert Dome in Tuolumne Meadows

The tour reminded me of the need to escape the monotony that sometimes settles in during everyday life and the excitement that a change in routine can bring. It was so refreshing to wake up every morning (although I did wake up earlier on this trip than I do in my normal day-to-day) to cool mountian air and great food, then hop on the bike to spend the day exploring.

If you're looking for some great downhills, this tour has them (you do have to climb to get there!)

One of the coolest parts of the tour was a detour that we took down to the South Tufa of Mono Lake. A lake that has no out-flowing rivers or creeks, Mono Lake is saltier than the ocean! It also has these cool formations called Tufa which are created by the mixing of calcium from springs and carbonates in the water. A pretty cool result!

The Tufas at South Tufa on Mono Lake

Although the photos taken throughout the tour capture the riding, I was also thrilled during our in-camp time to get to know my fellow travelers. I learned a great deal from them, and hope one day to have half as many interesting stories as ones that I’ve heard.

Some of the group at a water stop.

The trip was truly fantastic, and as soon as I got back to Missoula, I started looking to plan a trip in 2015!

Post and photos by Mike Lessard

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ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team — Lydia, Darrah, Mike, Mandy, and Arlen — tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to the Adventure Cycling tours department. Check out our 2014 Guided Tours today!