MAY 16, 2014 – Headed out with some friends for a 300+ mile day ride. Our route took us along the Truckee River, the west shore of Lake Tahoe, west on US50 (side trip up Ice House Road), back east on US 50 to Silver Fork Road, following it up to the Morman Emigrant Trail, south to CA88, and back east to the Carson Valley.

The Truckee River along CA89 between Tahoe City and Squaw Valley.

The always beautiful Emerald Bay as viewed from my Harley.

On top of the ridge – no guard rails and drop off on both sides before getting into some serious S curves requiring due diligence.

A favorite of motorcyclists of the world, we encountered this visiting group riding the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

A friendly wave between riders.

Aspens are just starting to leaf out making for a beautiful picture.

Leaving the Tahoe Basin we head up to Echo Summit.

Heading down US50 from Echo Summit.

Ice House Road (Forest Service Road 3) is considered one of the top motorcycle roads off of US50.  The road will take you to Union Valley and Ice House Reservoirs and on to Foresthill which is roughly 90 miles from US50.  The road is generally in good condition.  The first few miles heading in is through new growth forest before it reaches the upper elevations of older growth.

Riding in 23 miles, we decide to retrace our route as we want to ride up Silver Fork Road near Kyburz.

After fueling, we start up Silver Fork Road. The road is in fair condition but is not to be ridden at highway speeds as it is narrow, has pot holes and rocks littering the surface. It isn’t long before we parallel the Silver Fork of the American River, where we stop for a lunch break along the stream.

Approaching the far end of Silver Fork Road we start seeing snow on the ground.  Making a left on the Mormon Emigrant Trail, we follow it for four miles where it intersects with CA88.

Continuing east on CA88 we pass Silver and Caples Lakes before cresting Carson Pass at 8573 feet in elevation.

Quickly descending, we pass Kirkwood Ski Area and Hope Valley as we follow along the Carson River, which today has its share of anglers testing their skills.

 

As we cross into Nevada, we head to Genoa and the Genoa Bar, Nevada’s oldest thirst palor for a refreshing beverage.