an Exhilarating Ride, a Sense of Freedom and Some Sweet Sweepers!

By Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce

Route 49, California’s Golden Chain Highway, originating in Mariposa and concluding in Vinton, is acclaimed for the mining camps and historic sites dotted along its length.

But the scenic drive in our part of the world along Highway 49 between Nevada City and Downieville is known for providing a world of riding pleasure, and much of its stretch parallels the Yuba River.

While this portion of Highway 49 is not as highly curvaceous or concentrated as the infamous Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, Tennessee, motorcycle ride it is in our estimation, a contender; albeit undocumented.

According to MotorcycleRoads.com, “This road (Tail of the Dragon) has become an iconic fixture among motorcycle riders in America and for many riders in the world as a catchphrase has enshrined it for decades that describes very simply, and succinctly why so many riders have come to love the Tail of the Dragon. That catchphrase is “318 Curves in 11-Miles”… that’s all that needs to be said for many motorcycle riders!!! And it is that little moniker that has helped this ride capture riders’ attention and draws them to the relatively short stretch of road in Southeastern Tennessee for decades and giving the 11-mile motorcycle ride essentially a cultlike following.”

“The World-Famous Dragon Motorcycle Ride boasts 318 curves in its concentrated 11 miles, … now has other Dragon pieces being revealed around the country.

The Tail of the Dragon is rated the penultimate ride, recommended for only the most advanced riders. But the romance of the Dragon’s reputation has prompted many spinoffs, including Claw of the Dragon, Head of the

Dragon, Fat Daddy’s “little Tennessee dragon,” Skyway to the Dragon, The Arkansas Dragon, and so on.

So, how does Highway 49 compare? We think it’s a contender, and the stretch of Highway 49 between Nevada City and Downieville might be worthy of adopting the name The Yuba Dragon in recognition of its relationship with the Yuba River. The highway traverses along the Yuba much of its journey; the twists and turns of the river determine the road’s path as it climbs higher into the Sierra Nevadas. Magnificent scenery, wellmaintained roadways, and on a sunny day, it provides one heck of a great open-air ride.

In terms of Highway 49 rating the “Yuba Dragon” moniker, it appears more challenging than many minions spun off of the original Dragon, so who better to ask than the riding enthusiasts in Western Nevada County that seek out the Highway 49 biking adventure?

By Sachi Borman

Vroooooooooooommmmmm! That’s a Harley! You can tell it’s a Harley because those are aftermarket pipes. When you get to a Harley showroom and hear it start, it doesn’t have that sound at all, it’s quieter.

How did I know that? From my favorite job: For years, I had worked for a technology company but later got a job at a BMW Motorcycle shop, selling parts, accessories, and was the liaison between the DMV and a new bike owner processing all the paperwork and was also the bookkeeper.

Here’s a fun story about working at that shop, and one that I love telling because the motorcycle culture is such a man’s world.

One day a gentleman came in and asked, “Are you the only person here?” And I said, “Yep.” “Well, he said, I need a part.” “OK,” I said, “You can talk to me today, or come back tomorrow when the boys are here.” “Well, I need the part…” and we went from there. I went to the back, consulted the part catalogs, and found his part. He would come back, I’d listen to his description of what was happening with his bike, and immediately go get the part he needed. After that, when he came in and the boys asked if he needed help, he’d say, “No, where’s Sachi?” I just loved that switch!

Working at that shop, and getting to know motorcycles, inspired me to buy my first bike, and throughout the years, I’ve owned five. But I need to fill you in on the backstory, as I find that kind of ironic that I bought a motorcycle given my very first biking experience.

Years before Tom and I married, I went on a date and fell off the back of a motorcycle when the fellow decided to pop a “wheelie” without warning me! Luckily, we had just started, so I didn’t get hurt, but got up and said, “OK, this relationship is over, and I’m not sure I’m going to get on a bike again!”

But as noted above, I did ride again!

To go back to the beginning; Tom and I met in the Bay Area, knew each other as friends for years, and got married in 1992. Tom was very into riding and got me involved in motorcycles. We belonged to a motorcycle club. At one point our group rode up to Quincy, and on the way back, a fellow in the group said, “Oh, we have to stop in Nevada City.” And Tom said, “Oh, that would be great!” We stayed at the National Hotel before it was renovated — which looking back was brave — and while we didn’t enjoy the hotel experience, we really liked the area.

In 2000 when we decided it was time to leave the Bay Area, both of us agreed that our first choice was to explore options in Nevada County. My childhood memories of visiting this area, and Tom’s love of Nevada County’s motorcycle-worthy roads drew us back in this direction.

We’re happily settled here, it’s our forever home. Both of us work doing what stirs our passion, and our love of riding remains constant. We don’t belong to an organized motorcycle club, the Gold Country Harley Riders and the Lake Wildwood Motorcycle Club welcome riders.

Along with riding friends, we participate in motorcycle events, like the Nevada County Food and Toy Run. We love the heart and spirit of this event and supporting those in need in the community.

What’s our favorite Nevada County ride? Definitely up highway 49 towards Sierra City. We turn off and head for Graeagle then wind down Route 89 to Truckee and follow the sideroads along Interstate 80 to highway 20 down to Nevada City. It’s a glorious ride, we love the twists, and turns along the Yuba and long stretches of smooth-as-silk road and through a beautiful landscape. If you’re contemplating riding, I highly encourage you to do so. There are amazing adventures waiting to be experienced, so go, take some time and enjoy the freedom of the open road.