Today was a beautiful day, so we did a reprise of the June Lake loop - with a twist. After ending the 15 mile loop, we doubled back up Hwy 395 for a quarter of a mile and then turned east on Hwy 120 and headed off towards Benton Hot Springs.
On Hwy 120 we skirted the south shore of Mono Lake, and started a long slow climb up to Sagehen Summit. It is not too difficult of a climb, but it is ~10 miles long, in the sun, and there is absolutely no water. But it sure is beautiful! After summiting, we charged towards Apache Valley down a spectacular 10/11 mile descent with an unbelievably stunning vista all around to enjoy.
With impeccable timing, the girls overhauled us on the flats after ~43 miles of fun. Good thing, too, as we were just draining the last drops of water from our bottles.
As a side note, we had a favorable wind for much of the ride. On four different decents, I reached speeds of 43, 49, 51, and 50 mph.
A great day!
Skirting Grant Lake, at the far end of June Lake Loop:
Chasing my buddy Vic down to Mono Lake:
Cruising through the pumice fields around Mono Craters:
Big Sand Flat, just before the last bit of the Sagehen climb:
Topping out:
Proof:
Looking down the backside of Sagehen, towards Adobe Valley:
Looking back up:
A little further down:
Looking east towards the White Mountains:
