7/17 - Fair Play, CA

This morning, July 17th, it was back on the bike for a 66 mile ride to Fair Play, CA where we are staying in a B&B Winery. The first 15 miles was the climb over Carson Pass at 8500’, the way through the Sierra’s. This was the last major climb for the trip, and was fairly moderate. The remaining miles followed CA Route 88 down through the mountains and then foothills on a long descent with a few ups with moderate traffic. There is a forest fire to the north and the smoke was evident. The last 20 miles were a very pleasant ride along local roads (Omo Ranch) with very little traffic. The only down side was the hot temperatures in the high 90’s. While Bob waited at the road, Sally checked out the B&B, and the elderly gentleman across the road came out to make sure all was well. They invited us in for a cold drink and chat. We described our trip and now they know the reason they see so many bikers is they are on the bike route. A fellow B&Ber is British, and on his way east around the world, having just come from very cold New Zealand. He suffered from heat stroke yesterday, and will have his hands full going up Carson Pass tomorrow, loaded with 50 kilos of stuff. He’s been on the road 18 months. The United States is his last leg. He had many stories about going through Central Asia especially. We have seen very few bikers, again, except in Woodfords. It is a popular spot to park to ride along the foothills towards Carson City, or up and back down 2 different passes, one being Carson Pass. By the way, Sally was hiking there this morning among the wild flowers, finally, and found it tremendously easier going than yesterday’s hike.