April 11, 2012 -

Notarian hits it again. I've done the day loop he describes, and it is superb. Consider having lunch at Mountain View BBQ in Walker on 395. That's sort of a midpoint if you're starting from west of the Sierra.

Ebbetts is quite narrow near the top, and it can be sandy in places, but this is some of the very best riding on the loop. It makes Ebbetts a fully engaging ride!

April 22, 2011 -

We rode this last summer, Up 88 to 89 then back west on 4.. To say it was spectacular would be doing it a disservice. Ebbetts Pass is beautiful. Mosquito lake at the top of 4 is about as pretty a mountain lake as you will find anywhere. Roads are nice, though at the top of ebbetts pass and down the east side its 1 1/2 lanes. So you need to be observant of cars going down or up at that point. Going to do it again this year and BRING MY FISHIN POLE...

November 15, 2010 -

Ebbetts Pass is 5 star, no doubt. It isn fast and much single track and in 2011 there will be many new and completed tarmac sections to make it even better. Visually, Hwy 4 is spectacular (as is Hwy 108 (Sonora Pass) and a full day ride from Sonora would be Ebbetts, Monitor and Sonora Passes.

A day on Hwy 4, Monitor Pass and Hwy 108 = some of the best riding in the state.

Hwy 4 has just about everything one could wish for. 2 lane sweepers changing to a fairly wide single lane and beautiful vistas, lakes. However, there is presently 4 sections of roadwork with new top layer tarmac being completed. The route will be even better next year. Dinna fret, the rest of the road is in very good knick too.

The Sierra Nevada mountain range east and west sides are polar opposites. The west side begins with foothills and slowly increases in altitude to the summits making for lazier, flatter and more open turns. Whereas the east side elevations drop off sharply, steeper and is more dynamic. With the vistas, pinewoods and steep single track, it was like riding Corsica for two hours on the eastern section of Hwy 4.

Half of Monitor Pass is also in a re-tarmac state and the waiting time can be substantial. Again, when finished it will be brilliant.

Hwy 108 completed the day's loop and the road wonders of the day continued. 108 is simply smashing.

Want a premo day out? You can't do much better than 4, Monitor and 108. I did 4 east and returned west via 108 but reckon either way is just as fine.

Sonora is the perfect base for this too. Best place to stay is probably right downtown at the Sonora Inn ($70) with very friendly watering hole across the street Zaneâ Ironhorse Lounge run by Crissy. As for eats, depends on what you fancy and just ask her where to dine.