Nevertheless, the ride over Monitor Pass on Highway 89 was stunningly beautiful and we found that (tiny) Markleeville was a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon and night as well. Then today we met three southbound Sierra Cascades riders. In the morning I met a young Japanese cyclist who'd come in late with stories (and pictures) of how he'd been accosted by a bear while he had is bike apart trying to straighten out a bent front wheel! Then later today on the climb up to Luther Pass we met a couple experienced cycle tourists from Sacramento on their way south as well (pic above and their journals can be found under "PB&J" (Peggy Blair & Jerry :) on crazyguyonabike.com). We've met other cycle tourists but those three were the first Sierra Cascades riders.
Today we suffered yet another flat on the rear tire -- this time from some unknown assailant. So after 1200+ miles on the bike with no flats, we've now had three in the last week. I guess it's just the additional load on the rear tire now that we're riding together. Anyway, we stopped by a cycle shop on the way into town today and found a heavier weight tube to put in the thing. It's not as heavy as the incredible monster I have in the front tire, but maybe it'll do a better job for a bit. I think ultimately I need to switch to a tougher tire although the one's I'd like don't seem to come in the particular size I need.
Ah, before I go, a bird update. Jay from Bishop wrote to say that the birds that were so put off with us were Brewer's Blackbirds defending their nests. Apparently they love the open wet flats of that countryside and during this time of year they bedevil him on his rides as well. Thanks for the info, Jay!
We'll be here in South Lake Tahoe through tomorrow. It seems we need to see Harry Potter or something like that ;-)
/David