Bilco's USA tour summer 2020 virtual trip report.

Sometimes we stop in Hollister which as many of you know was the setting of the Marlon Brando film the Wild Ones.

It's a pretty dull town to be honest but I've been there when the have bike meets and it's Harley central. The bars are Ok though ;)

Note the price of petrol (gas). California is on the pricey side for the US but it's still very cheap. A US gallon is a bit smaller than ours at 4 litres per gallon and in the US (except Oregon) you have to prepay for your fuel so you don't just fill up and go in and pay. You have to either put a set amount in i.e $10 and the pump will stop at that amount or overpay and go back and get your change. It's a bit of a faff but you soon get used to it.
 

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We then head across Central California which has some great roads as well as nice scenery. It's all yellow in the summer as it rarely rains and it's called California Gold.

The central belt is mostly fruit and veg growing and you ride through vast orchards of oranges, nectarines etc. Plenty of farm shops to stop at and fill your face with the delicious fruit.

Lots of the small towns are populated only by the Mexican workforce so they only speak Spanish.
 

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Next stop is a small town called 3 Rivers which is in the foothills of the Sierra's and the gateway to Sequoia National Park.

We overnight here and there is a great lake for swimming just down the road. As is usual for the US, everywhere is designed for cars so you have to ride down to the jetty but it makes for great swimming at the end of a very hot days ride. Yeah, I know all about ATTGATT but I've always found shorts and flip flops ideal riding wear to and from the lake :cool:
 

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3 Rivers is a nice little town in the foothills of the Sierras and being California, there is good food available.

Cold Beer, Rare Steaks and a nice view from the restaurant are the order of the day as should be the case on all bike trips :cool:
 

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After an excellent evening we head off ealry to avoid the RV's and climb on one of the best twisty roads on the planet.

Many people think the US is all straight (it is if you succumb the R66 hype) but I can assure you they do twisty roads unlike anyone else. They are all cambered correctly and generally the surfaces are excellent. This particular road is a briallant 2nd and 3rd gear road and really grabs you attention as you climb into Sequioa National Park .

There is a great overlook at the top of the climb which is bloody awkward to climb up but well worth it for the view. You can look down at the brilliant road you've just ridden and see it snaking up the mountain.
 

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Having a few issues with my lap top and can't upload stuff but hopefully full order will be restored shortly and I can get some more pictures up.
 
I am really enjoying this.... hurry up and get the laptop working....I cant wait for the next installment.

Had a great trip last year from Portland to Fairbanks and on to Anchorage... and all with the help of the Sarge. Thank you again.
 


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