Great read and write. Love the pictures. What time of year was it? I ride most of these roads at least once during the summer but never did the descent/ascent to Red's Meadow. I have driven there and it seems like a tough bike ride. I usually throw in the climbs from Bishop to So. Lake and Sabrina and the road to Yosemite out of Lee Vining. The Eastern sierra is some of the best riding on the planet. Have you guys done the "Markleville Death Ride"? That is a "must" also.