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of the ride – Here are the pictures of the ride as taken by different riders
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Pictures
of the ride – Here are the pictures of the ride as taken by different riders
who have put their pictures up on the net.
Story of the ride -
Hot Creek Closure - This was the year of closures. The Hot Creek near Mammoth Lake that we visit every year on the first day of the ride was closed in to bathing this past June because of unusual and dangerous geothermal activity. The boiling water from the volcano under the area began to make itself to the surface in a different place in the creek. This made it impossible to enter the creek without getting scalded. Mother nature burped and ruined the Hot Creek, at least for now. So there was no gathering at the Hot Creek this year and many lamented that loss. We won't know if the creek will be open for the 2007 ride until later this year. Perhaps it will be back for the 2007 ride but that is to be seen.
Road Closures - Early snow closed both Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass the day before the ride was to begin. It looked like we might have to make a big diversion to one of the open passes north of Sonora Pass. But early on Saturday morning, Tioga Pass opened to traffic, just in time. We did not get the news until the gas fill up at Manteca. All the bikers went over Tioga for the first time in years, and got to experience a refurbished the Ohlmstead Point vista.
Weather - The weather for the ride was actually quite good. It was a little cold over Tioga Pass, but quite manageable. The temperature in Death Valley was only in the low 90’s. A few riders experienced a small amount of rain near Inyokern and Walker Pass. Otherwise, it was another perfect ride through paradise.
Numbers: This seemed like the best attended ride. There were at least 65 bikers at Zabriskie Point, and many more on the ride. There are more bikers in the picture at Zabriskie Point gathering this year than on any other ride. Perhaps 100+ riders took part.
Kernville – This was a major change for this year and will be a major change for years to come. The gay sportbiker group stayed in Kernville on their ride this past May and it turned out to be a fun time, so many of them stayed there the second night of the ride. It seems to be a great idea. The second day's ride is an hour shorter; it is not necessary to ride that last hour with the sun in your eyes, and the sportbikers were able to take over the entire town of Kernville. This coming year the second night of the ride will stay in Kernville. Check the ride information for details.
Last updated January 8, 2007
Back to Queer Biker Invasion of Death Valley, 2006