FREE
vol 3 issue 2
april 2018
CC Biker & Motorsports
A
A Nice Saturday Ride
s spring arrives and the weather turns warmer, most of us look forward to getting on the bike and heading for the hills. In the foothills around the Central Valley the hills are green, the flowers are blooming, and the roads are perfect for a day ride. One of the nicest rides I can think of is from the Fresno area to North Fork, then either up the Scenic By-way or across to Bass Lake. As you head north on Highway 41 toward Yosemite, the road begins to narrow, and the traffic begins to thin. You’ll pass the turn-off to Millerton Lake (also a nice ride), head past the 22-Mile House, and eventually find yourself at the junction of the highway and Road 200, also known as the Scenic By-way. Turn to the east here, and as this road dips and turns the valley floor is left behind and oak trees and cattle become more abundant. At this time of year the poppies are in full bloom, as well as lupines and other flowers, which gives you a colorful background as you ride. You’ll eventually find yourself passing the BassFork Mini-Mart, and from there you can either turn toward Bass Lake or continue on to North Fork. My choice takes me to North Fork, as Road 200 turns into Road 222. Once in this quaint little ex-logging town, you’ll see the Buckhorn Restaurant and Bar. If it’s still early, the Buckhorn has an excellent selection of breakfast items on their menu; if it’s a little later, you can enjoy almost anything from a taco to a hot dog to an Angus steak sandwich, along with a cold beer or drink, before heading
down the road. Come back in the evening and you’ll find the same menu, but the crowd does get a little livelier.
vway. Leaving Manzanita and turning east you’ll travel a narrow road that will take you along a peaceful road to the shores of Once you’ve filled up at the Buck- Bass Lake. From there you can horn you can continue through either go around the lake or head North Fork until you get to the back to Highway 41 toward home fork by the North Fork Market. or Yosemite. From this fork you can either turn The other road is the Scenic north again and head toward By-way, which is an amazing Manzanita Lake (the road will ride full of different scenery and also take you past Angel Falls to swithchbacks. (Just a quick side Bass Lake), or continue on to the note - there is only one gas staeast on the Scenic By-way, which tion/store along this route, and I will take you past the Reding- can’t guarantee when and if it will er Lake overlook, by the Jesse be open, so make sure the tank Ross cabin, and past several is full and you have snacks and great campgrounds, Mile-High drinks before you head up.)This Lookout, Mammoth Pool, and road is not maintained in the wineventually winds around until you ter, so if you go up in the early reach Highway 41 again, on the spring it may still be closed due north side of Oakhurst. to snow. If not, it’s worth the trip! The road I’m most familiar with is The Reddinger Lake overlook is the one that leads to Manzainita one of the first views you’ll apLake. Manzanita Lake is a small preciate after leaving North Fork, lake maintained by PG&E. There as the oak-covered hills slope are several picnic sites here, the down to the lake. Continue on ducks and geese will keep you and you’ll come to a small sign entertained, and the fishing is pointing to the Jesse Ross Cabin, usually great. If you don’t stop the homeplace of one of Madera at the Buckhorn this is the ideal County’s first settlers. There are place to break for a picnic and original newspapers from the eara cold one before going on your ly 1900’s lining the walls, and the
cabin has been restored to the exact specifications as when old Mr. Ross was living there. Along the By-way there are several excellent campgrounds and fishing streams, and plenty of side roads that are maintained enough for a slow ride. The Mile High Overlook gives you an excellent view of Mammoth Pool and the surrounding areas. At Mammoth Pool you’ll find Wagner’s Resort, the gas station/store that might or might not be open, and a few primitive campgrounds. Continue on past Mammoth and you’ll pass Jackass Meadows, then turn back down the hill until you come back to the highway. It’s a long loop, but it can be done in one day, and the scenery is worth it. Once back on Highway 41 you can either head up to Yosemite or back down to the valley. There are several restaurants and bars in the Oakhurst/Coarsegold area, many which are listed in our Central California Biker, to stop at and finish off a wonderful day. So, if you’re looking for a great place to ride to on a warm spring day, head up north on Highway 41 and see what’s waiting for you!