recommend me a route(s) near Mammoth
 

I'm planning a trip to Mammoth around July 4th.
One of the things I'll take with me this time would be road bike.

So, I'm looking for ideas/suggestions for a ride or rides (I'll be there for 4 days). Something within 50-70 miles of range from town of Mammoth Lakes.

Thank you! :)

It may be a little further away than you were looking for, but the route from the Grizzly Century was pretty darned spectacular:

http://www.grizzlycentury.org/page5/page5.html

JB

The Grizzly Century route may be relatively close to Mammoth as the crow flies, but might as well be on a different planet via driving distance.

From Mammoth Lakes, ride south on either US395 or the "scenic loop" (SR203) out of the back of town. Ride to the June Lakes Junction, turn left and ride the June Lakes Loop. Lunch at eithet the Tiger Bar in June Lakes, or a little further in the loop you can stop at the Silver Lake Lodge. Continue on down the loop on a wide open and scenic descent towards Mono Lake. Re-join 395 and ride north back to Mammoth Lakes.

cool! thanks! :)

No problem. That loop is probably 30-40 miles, but there is climbing involved. Also, remember that Mammoth Lakes base elevation is 8,000', so the air is thin and the sun is harsh. In addition, 395 is really on high desert, so in the latter half of the day you can get some pretty good wind coming off the east slope.

Another good ride is to go south on 395 to the Convict Lake road, and ride up towards Mt Morrison to Convict lake. Very nice - looks like this:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...orrison-10.jpg

Ivan,
You might want to cross post this in SoCal, as I know a lot of riders from SoCal do trips to Mammoth. Plus, Eastern Sierra double century goes through there.

A couple of good rides I've done in the area.

From Mammoth - up and over Minaret Summit Rd to Red's Meadows. Great views of the Minarets. Road is closed to traffic this time of year. Last time I rode it I think there was a 5 dollar fee - but worth it.


Up 395 over Deadman Summit and around June Lake Loop - (easy)

Tioga Pass (Rt 120). I'd recommend starting at the Mono Lake Visitor Center (near 395 and 120). One of my favorite Sierra passes. You can continue at the summit (9945 feet) and descend a little into Yosemite and get food/water etc. at Toulomne Meadows. Then return and hang on for one of the sweetest descents there is back to Mono Lake.


-Glenn

P.S. Here's a pic from Minaret Summit Road.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/gw_12/ms1.jpg

I just posted a reply in the SoCal forum, echoing June Lake Loop and Reds Meadow. In addtion, I second Tioga Pass. The views are spectacular in that entire area, and the air is so clean. Something I miss being down here...

Also, be prepared for the elevation and dry heat.

If you're up for a good climb, head south on 395 to the signs for Rock Creek/Tom's Place (about halfway from Mammoth to Bishop). Ride up Rock Creek road to Mosquito Flat (~10,250', highest paved road in CA). If you're not tired after that, make your way a little further south and head up Pine Creek Road for another few thousand feet of climbing. If that's still not enough for you, go further south to Hwy 168 and go up to South Lake.

Do all of that in a day and you will have completed about 1/2 of the Everest Challenge. For the other half, get up early the next morning and go further south...head up to Glacier Lodge and back, then partway over Death Valley Road and back, and finally, go up to the Bristlecone Pine Forest road. If you are feeling okay after that, come back in September and do the race!

ahh, cool :)
I like the idea of Rock Creek Rd. :)

Thanks, guys!