I purchased a new to me pair of Olympia Airglide 3 pants from a woman rider who had them listed on ebay. Since she lived in Modesto, I asked if I might wave the shipping fee and take a quick ride down to pick them up Sunday morning, thus giving us a chance to meet. It worked wonderfully. She was a delight as was her husband and their adorable dog. We had some time to gab, look over her gorgeous white Burgman 400, which she uses for work and pleasure. Man, I’ve gotta ride one of these, as they really look like a kick in the pants. Speaking of pants…the Olympia are totally wonderful. The waterproof liner is much like a free standing pant and the overpants have an articulated area which acts to give more movement when seated on a motorcycle. I also appreciate that they are roomy enough to wear jeans underneath, although I usually prefer something more comfortable than jeans under moto pants.

**Note, please that these are true to size. If you wear an 8, buy and 8. They are designed to fit OVER pants. I ended up with a size too large thinking it would make room for pants underneath, but really this is already taken into consideration in the sizing. Buy the same size you wear in street clothes.**

Getting back to the “pants ride”. I decided I really wanted to make this somewhat of a day’s ride so thought it might be perfect to take a jaunt into Yosemite. Yep, perfect riding weather, with some overcast anda light breeze. I knew it would be chilly entering the valley, but the valley floor would probably be quite nice. I decided to give it a shot.

Getting out of Modesto was probably the most difficult part of my day, other than the wind I experienced on the way home, but that will come later. Of course I had not programmed my GPS and had to do it on the fly, which is way less convenient, but doable. I wanted to ride the our favorite little twisty gem, “the little dragon” or at least part of it. What a blast. I don’t believe I saw more than three other vehicles.

After paying the $10 park fee, I wound up and then down into the valley. The traffic was moderate and slow but so are the park speed limits, so running quickly really isn’t an option. There was a huge presence of dirt bikes and dual sports and after talking to a man and his wife at the ranger Kiosk, I found out it was a gathering of many riders from the Bay Area doing some group off road adventure riding and camping. They looked to be having a wonderful time.

My first glimpse of the upcoming awe-inspiring sights.

When I pulled off the road, I got this shot. Photos never do justice to depth of field. This was a very steep descent to the valley below.

The valley floor was bustling, but not so much I was unable to get some decent snaps without people. I could have cropped this guys hand, but I quite enjoyed his zeal.

Bridal Veil Falls

El Capitan

Ribbon Falls

A pano of the valley floor with Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite Falls

The gratuitous Bandit in the park shot.

Merced River

I hadn’t been in Yosemite since the big fire they had, but it was nice to see the new growth. I just hope we don’t have to watch more of this pristine valley be destroyed.

I climbed out of the valley the same way I went in, because it was late and I knew that I still had a few hours before reaching home. I decided to take some scenic roads, but work my way back to Hwy 99 for a straight shot in to Sacramento. I did take Obrians Ferry road which is a fun little diversion and had I have routed this on my GPS, I would have considered some other roads, but instead, I followed Hwy 4 to Hwy 99 in some of the gustiest wind I have ever ridden. Whenever I feel like it can’t get worse, it does. This was even hard on the Bandit and it’s fairly heavy and grounded. I didn’t notice it on Hwy 120 but as I worked my way west, it began with gales. It was strong unpredictable crosswinds on Hwy 4 and I was watching motorhomes look on the edge of toppling. It was even intense for me, who is more than used to high winds from riding so much in the desert.

I am amazed how brown everything is this early in the year.

When I reached Hwy99, it was relative dull but I made it a point to ride within a prescribed speed limit. I did enjoy some fun sights this being one.

When I arrived home nearly past 7PM, I was extremely happy I had chosen to ride in to Yosemite. I need to keep in mind just how close I am to such a marvel and here soon, Tioga Pass will be open! Gotta schedule a passes ride! 😉