On Monday we were going to drive up to the lodge from Squaw Valley, so I pedalled on ahead figuring I would ride as much of the 60 miles before the chase car caught me. I made it exactly to the stop sign in Sierraville (about 40 miles) when I heard "DADDY" being yelled out the back window of the car. This ride goes through some nice countryside, but there's not a lot to recommend it given the other roads in the area. I travelled basically up Highway 89 the entire way, which had a lot of traffic in places and some sketchy shoulders to ride on.
I did have a different riding experience once we got to Gray Eagle Lodge. On Wednesday, I rode a fantastic loop over the Gold Lakes Highway, then over Yuba Pass, and back up 89 to Graeagle. The Gold Lakes road is tailor made for road cycling -- great climbing, super smooth tarmac and beautiful scenery. This is a highly recommended loop. A little under 50 miles but with a fair amount of steep climbing.
Gold Lakes Highway. Smooooooth roadway and great scenery.
Top of Gold Lakes Highway. Screaming downhill from here.
Sierra Buttes dominate this area. Still a good amount of snow here even in late June. Not a lot of cars here either. Cycling paradise.
Make a left onto Highway 49 and follow the North Yuba River up to Yuba Pass.
More Sierra Buttes, from near Bassetts on Hwy 49.
Atop Yuba Pass. From here its a nice downhill to Calpine, then a rolling 15 miles or so back to Graeagle.