Sierra Cycling Adventure: Post 2 – Devil’s Post Pile

The drive from Mill Valley to Mammoth was not without some road fun. Despite the early start, the group came alive by the time we hit Sacramento. With coffee in hand and a few pee stops out of the way, we hit Rt 89 in less than 4 hours, well into the Sierra mountains with magnificent views and blue skies to enjoy.

We dropped down Monitor pass and made our way to our first great meal of the trip. Brad’s earlier scout trip uncovered a true food gem along one of America’s great highways. At the intersection of 395 & Tiago pass, we ate at the Mobil station restaurant!!! What a classic road-side restaurant. Fueled for the last hour of driving, we arrived at Mammoth at 2pm and were on our way up to Mammoth Ski area on our bikes in route to Devil’s Post Pile.

We climbed up to the National Monument entrance and were treated with a terrific view of the Minarets, one of the Eastern Sierras most forbidden peaks. We quickly descended over 3k feet to the base of the park where we pulled off our shoes and walked .04 miles out to the famous Devil’s Post Pile. One of the most rewarding parts for both myself and our clients while on a Studio Velo cycling tour lay in the fact that these trips are one part cycling and one part adventure. Walking out to a pile of rocks in your bare feet is only memorable because you got a chance to view one of the most incredible and unique rock formations on earth.

Riding shoes back on, water bottles full of natural spring water, and a gratifying visit complete, it was now time for the inevitable: about 6 or 7 miles up 3000 feet to the top of the pass. Shortly before the sun fell behind the Minarets, we rolled over the summit just in time to take few great photos of our riders completing their first Sierra climb. Extremely gratified with the day’s accomplishments, the group quickly descended back to the village for a soak and great meal.

Day 1., complete. Day 2, with two major climbs outside of Bishop in store, coming up next. Stay tuned.