SSA Sierra Sportbike Association | Reno Nevada Motorcycle Trackday Weekend Riding Club

Departs as soon as all the posted riders show up or 6:00 AM, whichever comes first.

If we're going to do it, might as well do it while the weather isn't too hot (forecast for 95° in the lower foothills), 92° for Reno.  

For those who don't know what this ride is, I'll give a brief history.  There once was a ride referred to as the Tri-Fecta, taking in Yuba, La Porte & Buck's Lake (three passes).  I don't recall ever hearing of anyone who attempted that ride and it was thought to be an insane amount of riding to do for one day anyway.  

Along comes TahoeBrian5 and his long rides.  He's interested in the Tri-Fecta, but comes up with the idea of the Fecta, all the SSA rides in one day.   Now that would be insane!!!  Less VC & the truck route, that ride was accomplished in 2011 (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/smf/index.php?topic=3530.0) by the following SSA members:

1) TahoeBrian5
2) SparkyGixxer
3) BigCat
4) GreenMachine

To our credit however, the last two passes in the Tri-Fecta were done in laps.   It was a very long day, but I still remember it like it was yesterday.  Epic!

It's a quest ride that requires stamina, a love for riding, an adventurous attitude, and willpower.  

The ride starts near dawn, should cover over 600 miles and completes sometime around or after dusk.  Meet up is at the Maverick gas station (hwy 341 & the roundabout). Yes at the base of VC highway & 395/I580.

This is your roll call.  I'm going.

This is Saturday, July 13th you are talking about?

I am in! This would make a great Saturday ride! I am going on a 2400 mile vacation ride in August, so I need some long rides to train my body.

Quote from: dub on July 08, 2013, 02:32:21 PM
This is Saturday, July 13th you are talking about?

Good catch.  Yes. Saturday, this Saturday the 13th. 

I started the thread from the SSA Calendar which only gives something like 25 characters and neglected to read the post from an outsider's perspective.

Fixed.

Quote from: BMWSportRider on July 08, 2013, 04:20:24 PM
I am in! This would make a great Saturday ride! I am going on a 2400 mile vacation ride in August, so I need some long rides to train my body.

Awesome!  I'll post up more details in the next few days, but it's nearly identical to the one accomplished in 2010, except instead of getting a little lost at mid-day, there won't be any such problem...unless there's a road closure that we have to navigate around...not anticipating such. 

Road should be clear of any dust/dirt from the recent storms and no storms are forecast between now and the ride on Saturday.  Keeping my fingers crossed that holds true.

whew.... this one will kick my arse i'm sure, but i'm in  :o   6am at the defunct chevron on s.virginia correct?

Quote from: SinisterVendetta on July 08, 2013, 05:22:39 PM
whew.... this one will kick my arse i'm sure, but i'm in  :o   6am at the defunct chevron on s.virginia correct?

Is it defunct or under different ownership?  Damn, I was just by there a couple weeks ago.  Could have sworn it was operational.

BTW, you're a madman for attempting this ride.  Good news is we'll never be more than 180 miles from Reno, so if you need to bail early it wouldn't be too difficult to find your way home.

I'm in.

It's possible that a prior tentative plan for that day could be confirmed.  I'll let you know if I have to bail.

Quote from: GreenMachine on July 08, 2013, 05:44:58 PM

Quote from: SinisterVendetta on July 08, 2013, 05:22:39 PM
whew.... this one will kick my arse i'm sure, but i'm in  :o   6am at the defunct chevron on s.virginia correct?

Is it defunct or under different ownership?  Damn, I was just by there a couple weeks ago.  Could have sworn it was operational.

BTW, you're a madman for attempting this ride.  Good news is we'll never be more than 180 miles from Reno, so if you need to bail early it wouldn't be too difficult to find your way home.

Agreed on the madman part, we'll see how far I can go! With my slower pace I'll likely be fine, i'm just going to remember ear plugs this time. The chevron is fenced off and quite vacant..the last time I passed it several days ago.

Quote from: dub on July 08, 2013, 06:23:41 PM
I'm in.

It's possible that a prior tentative plan for that day could be confirmed.  I'll let you know if I have to bail.

The interest in this ride is incredible!  Would love to have a rider of your caliber in the party.  You too are a madman.   I guess we're all just mad.   :tard

I blame Brian.

I got word from TB5 that he has to wash his hair and vig-J-J this weekend, so he's out.  Whiner!

I will see you guys there at 6 AM. I am coming from Carson City, but I will try to get there a little early if I can wake up early enough. I am looking forward to it!

Hey BMW,

Why not either catch us as we go by at the base of VC, like at the 7/11 on hwy 341 (or Maverick at hwy 341) or save your energy and just pick us up as we go by Topsy lane in CC? 

The route map is posted above. I'm not sure we're going to meet now at the old Chevron.  That location closed.  Now I'm thinking Maverick on hwy 341.  Yes.  That's a better meet-up location, now that I think of it.

Things to bring and schedule.

1) the ride route map, so if you get lost you will be able to join back up with us and/or get home safely
2) water/hydration
3) powerbars & light snacks
4) full charged cell phone

In order to complete this ride our pace will need to be brisk and delays/breaks held to an absolute minimum.  Obviously we'll stop here and there for fuel and to stretch our legs, but our lunch break will need to be expedited, so Fast Food will be in order.  Depending on what the group wants to do, we'll probably take a break in Foresthill, Auburn or Grass Valley based on previous experience.  

Last time we stopped in Grass Valley at a really quaint downtown deli.  Parking was a bear, but it all worked out.

Input?  Anyone have any questions, comments, etc?

And so we're all on the same page... Meet up is at the Maverick gas station (hwy 341 & the roundabout).

Quote from: GreenMachine on July 10, 2013, 02:41:16 PMMeet up is at the Maverick gas station (hwy 341 & the roundabout).

What's the address?  I can't find it on GMaps.

I will meet the group at Maverick at the base of the Virginia City climb (Highway 341 and roundabout). I like that road, so I will make the trek to Reno to go up it with everyone.

Quote from: dub on July 10, 2013, 04:16:05 PM

Quote from: GreenMachine on July 10, 2013, 02:41:16 PMMeet up is at the Maverick gas station (hwy 341 & the roundabout).

What's the address?  I can't find it on GMaps.

The map is out of date.  I'm sure you've seen the place, but maybe never stopped there.  It's marked as waypoint 'B.' (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=reno,+nv&daddr=E+Whites+Creek+Ln&hl=en&sll=39.402228,-119.740613&sspn=0.008539,0.020428&geocode=FaEsWwIdVcnb-CmdoJKSrkCZgDGH9zh0zsXFQA%3BFV8-WQIdFOPc-A&oq=hidden&t=h&mra=dme&mrsp=1&sz=16&z=16)  <== link

Quote from: BMWSportRider on July 10, 2013, 04:42:07 PM
I will meet the group at Maverick at the base of the Virginia City climb (Highway 341 and roundabout). I like that road, so I will make the trek to Reno to go up it with everyone.

I'd be saving my energy.  You must be one of those 'in for a dime in for a dollar king of folk.' 

We won't hold it against you for starting in CC.  Think about it, you have to ride back to CC at the end and we won't.   You'll have met the requirements handily.

Quote from: GreenMachine on July 10, 2013, 11:12:48 PMThe map is out of date.  I'm sure you've seen the place, but maybe never stopped there.  It's marked as waypoint 'B.' (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=reno,+nv&daddr=E+Whites+Creek+Ln&hl=en&sll=39.402228,-119.740613&sspn=0.008539,0.020428&geocode=FaEsWwIdVcnb-CmdoJKSrkCZgDGH9zh0zsXFQA%3BFV8-WQIdFOPc-A&oq=hidden&t=h&mra=dme&mrsp=1&sz=16&z=16)  <== link

Arg!  It distresses me when Google maps doesn't have all the answers.

At any rate, I was briefly considering meeting you guys there at the Maverik via Mt Rose Hwy with the ambition of doing the entire ride plus an extra pass.  But I would have to leave my house at like 0430 and that's probably not the best idea.  So, I'll meet the group at the Chevron in Meyers at 0800.

I was wondering how you were going to negotiate that from where you're starting from.  Meyers Chevron it'll be.  Better make it 7:30.  At 68 miles from our starting point, we'll be long past Meyers by 8:00 AM. 

:D  Was your thought to take in Monitor too?  Should we dare alter our route to take that in as well?

OK, 730 it is.

Since Monitor was mentioned, just saw this on Twitter:

@TahoeMotoRide: Headed for the Sierra this weekend? Saturday road closures on Monitor and Ebbetts passes for the annual Death Ride: http://t.co/sHiTas4ZG3


Sounds like you guys have a fun route. Have fun (I'll be heading east - where a lightning storm has parked over my route. Grrrr)

:thumbup  Hopefully we'll be far enough from that excitement to not even notice.

I might be able to join in on the ride.  The stars will have to align just right for me to make it

Big Cat, are you listening?  This ride has your name all over it.  We need you.

Please check your PMs for my contact information.  Prep your bikes for tomorrow, print the route map (just in case)(except that stupid/false loopty-loop in Colfax).  We're not getting off a mile East, then riding back a mile West, that's just stupid.  I believe the exit we're taking is either number 148 or 146 at the old rundown Dingus-Mcgees (Colfax).

Riding etiquette: Safety is paramount!!! Do not feel compelled to ride over your limits no matter how far the leading pack may get from you.  However, if you're a capable rider, if you stay in touch with/keep in sight another rider of similar pace in corners, you will find that they will help you to maintain a safe speed (for your skill level) that is probably faster than you could do on your own, simply because you can gauge their speed through corners.  Read on...

I don't have to lead and will probably 'sweep' for portions of this ride.  If you want to lead, simply pass me in a safe area, but for the most part, I will try to guide the group.  We'll have at least one beginner rider, so we will stop at various forks in the road, but the pace, as I mentioned, will otherwise be brisk enough to keep us rolling and on schedule.

For the starters, much of our riding to Meyer's (South Lake Tahoe) will be highway pace and we may, but hopefully not, encounter traffic nearing Gardnerville/Southshore from the Death Ride crowd.  Let's try to keep the group together as we near the lake.  You guys have done very well so far on other rides, so I'm not too worried.

There are three roads we'll be on that have limited cliff guardrails: Icehouse, Mosquito Ridge and La Porte.  The last two are known for having 'falling rock', sand/gravel, and tar snake hazards.  Murphy's Law applies.  Assume you'll always encounter such in steep downhill off-camber blind corners where there will be an 18 wheeler coming in the other lane, with no run-off.  Reduce your speed.

Gasoline stops: Minimal.  You are responsible for your bike's fuel settings and range.  Rule of thumb on this ride should be to never let your bike fall below 70 miles to bone dry.  Let's keep the fuel stops quick and top off when we stop.  We can shoot the bull, but let's make it brief.  That's for two reasons.  It'll be hot tomorrow and the sooner we can get back into the mountains, the cooler and less fatigued we'll feel, plus we have a tremendous amount of miles to cover, so every minute that we're not rolling means we'll be pushing our return through deer infested mountain roads in the dark.  I don't want an encounter with a deer and neither do you.

Make a list, check it twice, bring enough fluids and emergency safety equipment as you think you'll need for tomorrow's ride, and for goodness sake, get a good night's sleep.  


If that's before 6:00AM, so be it. If you're later than 6:05 AM and nobody is at the Maverik, we've departed.  Either run us down or cut us off by taking I-580 and find us as we come into CC from Moundhouse.  And you have my cell number.  Text or call me and we'll get back on track with with you.

288CBR can you confirm your intentions to ride tomorrow?

I really love this ride and can't believe I'm getting the opportunity to do it again.  This is going to be awesome!!!

Have fun everyone, I wish I was going but I have other commitments.

Quote from: dr1150 on July 12, 2013, 03:36:02 PM
Have fun everyone, I wish I was going but I have other commitments.

We'll miss ya DR!  Next year.   :P

Quote from: dub on July 12, 2013, 02:34:12 PM
Big Cat, are you listening?  This ride has your name all over it.  We need you.

Dub,

BC has been doing overtime playing fast pitch.  And you're right.  He'll be missed too. 

Who knows, maybe he'll sneak out and be waiting at the Maverik in the morning.  That would be awesome!

(http://admerchant.com/gallery/SSA/ORO-Hwy70/P5300019.JPG)

Well work got in the way for me,  I will miss out.

Thank you 288 for letting us know.  Sorry you have to work, but maybe given the torturous nature of this ride, it'll work out better for you.   :D

See you on the next ride!

Good morning Fecta riders!   :D

Hope you guys have a great ride.. Everybody that is except for GM for the va jj remark. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your nether regions. Other than that, have a great ride.

What-choo-mean?   :-\  Well is it clean?  :evil1

Made it.  Door-to-door almost exactly 15 hours, but that includes an hour we took for lunch in Foresthill.

Only a few miles farther than anticipated.  But that might just have been wheelspin. 

Thanks for putting up with Dub and I, BMWsportrider.  You really had your hands full with that machine on the tight twisty roads.  You're welcome to join us anytime.  You're a great sport!  Hope you made it back and are resting up.  I know I am and need to.  Phew!  Still buzzing, but I'm going to crash as soon as that settles down.

It all worked out.  By 2:00 PM we were in Downieville having covered a little over 300 miles.  Roads dictated slower speeds, but as predicted, the afternoon leg of the ride averaged slightly faster, taking 7 hours to complete the remaining 330 miles.

I'll post up pics some other time.  But the conditions today were fairly good.  I was surprised by all the law enforcement vehicles however.  Right from the get-go, from VC all the way to our return route into Quincy.  We even had one shadow us for about five miles on hwy 70.  Dub said he hit his yellow lights as he finally passed us, but I wasn't looking.  I was just glad he finally focused his attention somewhere else.

Sounds like you all had a good time,  glad your all back safe.  Im going to have to do this ride next year for sure.

564 miles for me.  There were a lot of LEOs, but luckily no performance awards.

btw, GM, your port side tail light has failed.

Thanks Dub.  They do that all the time.   I'll have to buy some extra bulbs.

Glad you made it home safely and hopefully not too much after dark.  Here are the pics from yesterday.

BMWsportrider and I, 6:20 AM in Virginia City.  A nice cool clear morning for a ride.  Oh poor BMWsportrider didn't know what he was getting himself into.  ;)

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130002.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130002.JPG)

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130003.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130003.JPG)

Not pictured - It was one of those moments where you see something and wish you could have had the camera ready.  Our not pictured meet-up in Meyers.  BMW and I arrived about 15 minutes earlier than I had told Dub.  So I texted him that we had arrived.  A few minutes later he came blasting into the Chevron, Super-Moto style.  Mr. Mad-skillz.

BMWsportrider coming in off of WWS.  He and Dub waiting at 11 Pines goat trail after just completing WWS.  Bumpy road ahead.  :o

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130004.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130004.JPG)

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130005.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130005.JPG)

Half way point. 2:00 PM in Downieville.  Hydration and ice cream break.  The section from Foresthill back to Downieville was the hottest portion of the trip.  It was otherwise quite cool.  BMW had had enough by then.  He got his distance break-in and then some.  Dub however was just the opposite. "Let's keep going."  Hey, you're preaching to the choir. 

Oh and thanks Dub for going after BMW in Foresthill.  The formality of me reassembling all my riding gear would have taken far far too long.  I still owe you an ice cream bar or an old withered up apple or something.  :P

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130006.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130006.JPG)

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130007.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130007.JPG)

Taking a break for a bite to eat and more hydration after completing the northern most portion of the SSA Fecta.  Was almost temped to go inside the lodge and have a beer with all the unsuccessful fisherman.  They were really hamming it up inside.  Dub and I were hamming it up outside.  Darn, we should have ridden beyond our intended route so we could have taken in the Oroville Lake suspension bridge.  It was only another ten or so miles farther down.  :|)

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130008.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130008.JPG)

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130009.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130009.JPG)

Final break of the day - La Porte Road.  Didn't realize this was an official wagon trail.  Ironic story on the plaque.  Read it. Even back then the difference between a companies successful bid and what they actually received from the job, was substantially different.

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130010.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130010.JPG)

(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130012.JPG) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2013/07/P7130012.JPG)

Wow, I really must have been tired after this ride.  I went to bed about normal time for me and slept straight through until 11:00 this morning. Can't remember the last time that happened.

 :respect

You got up early!  After posting I couldn't keep my eyes open, so I ate breakfast and pounded some vitamins.  Still couldn't keep awake, so I settled down for a nap.  Boom.  It's 2:50 PM.

Nice job fellow fecticians!

Okay, I'm snapping back to reality and the fog is out of my eyes.  What happened?  Oh yeah, Dub and I completed the SSA Fecta!  How cool is that!?

:disco  :banana2

:greybike :grnbike
:grnbike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :greybike

WWS that early in the morning, without another sole on the road, was pretty spectacular!  Next time, if there is another next time, and I hope there will be, I'm going to go back for one more lap.  I could do that road over and over again all day long.