GENOA-MT.ROSE 118 LOOP MILES MARCH 21, 2014

Leaving Reno, we headed south on I-580 to Carson City transitioning on to U.S.395. Turning right on to Jack’s Valley Road we head towards Genoa, Nevada’s Oldest Settlement and home to the Genoa Bar, Nevada’s oldest watering hole.

Arriving at Genoa, I ride up and park at the Genoa Bar which was built in 1853.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I felt like John Wayne when I swaggered in and bellied up to the bar!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many famous people have visited the bar over the years including the likes of  Mark Twain, President Ulysses S. Grant and Richard Boone (Have Gun, Will Travel). A number of movies have been filmed here including “The Shootist” with John Wayne and “Honkey Tonk Man” with Clint Eastwood.  When Raquel Welch visited she was asked to leave her bra (as many had done before). She agreed but only if all of the others were taken down.  It is difficult to see in the picture due to all the dust, but it is hanging from the antlers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a short walk around the settlement,

 

 

 

 

 

 

we departed for the lake.  Heading up U.S. 50 the temperature dropped as we approached Spooner Summit. Passing Spooner Lake we are reminded that while the calendar may say its Spring, it is still winter in the high country as a large portion of the lake is still frozen.

 

 

 

 

We turned on to NEV. S.R. 28 which runs along the east shore of Lake Tahoe catching an early view of the west shore.

                                                                                                           

Avoiding the community of Incline Village, I turned on to Country Club Drive which connects with NEV. S.R. 431 (Mt. Rose Highway). The Mt. Rose Highway climbs to an elevation of 8900 ft. and is the only Sierra Nevada Mountain pass maintained year round.

 

 

 

Immediately after cresting the summit you can view the Washoe Valley and Reno.

 

 

 

 

 

Mt. Rose Highway, on the east side of the summit, is one of the premier motorcycle roads in Northern Nevada for both quality of road and views. While it is not a high speed highway you can’t beat the views, with lots of twisties and a few 20 mph curves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the picture to the right you can see the loop which is pictured above and more of the downhill highway on the way back to Reno.

 

Approaching the Washoe Valley the air warmed up considerably from the mid 40’s at the summit to near 60 degrees on the valley floor.

 

Riding up or down, and whatever the season, Mt. Rose Highway is sure to please the most avid motorcyclist! And today was no exception!

“RIDE WITH PRIDE”