-Mr. Twisters Ride Review
Suppose you were lucky enough to hop in the time warp and return to the days of the early Sport Touring world. Before the advent of the incredible Sport Touring bikes we have today, including the Concours 14, AR1300, and the FJR 1300. These bikes all evolved from somewhere and today we take out one of the pioneers of the niche, a 1982 Honda CBX, to enjoy some of the finest sweepers of the Sierra foothills. A perfect combination of comfort and a unique six pot across the frame makes the ride even more tantalizing.
Heading north on Highway 41, the “super-six” is right at home with the climb to the Road 222 turn-off to North Fork. After the first right turn, it’s easy to tell why this tarmac is so popular in the central valley with every type of rider. The lower part of this road has been repaved recently and it is a ribbon of sheer silk with comfortable and engineered sweepers. Enjoy the climb into North Fork – it’s an excellent slice of pavement. Incidentally, North Fork is well-known as the geographical center of California and the start of the southern Sierra scenic byway.
Many are the times I’ve made the cut-off to Auberry just before entering North Fork. But that’s a ride for another day as we head into town and climb the short hill up to the landmark Buckhorn Saloon. Even on a mid-week visit, several cruisers and sport bikes sit in the parking lot. An outstanding view from the front porch awaits you and inside is the epitome of western foothill comfort , the rustic ambiance being ideal for its mountain location. . The popular gathering spot, which was built in 1908, was reconstructed on the original foundation after being destroyed by fire decades ago.
Although the Mammoth Pool road beckons, to relive some of the classic smooth sweepers our blast-from-the-past CBX excels on, Road 274 winding along the east side of Bass Lake is the right choice. Just take a left as you are heading eastbound out of North Fork, and the ride starts with another climb on a long straightaway. Breathtaking views of Sierra granite will charm you on your right before getting a glimpse of Bass Lake after a few nicely-tailored sweepers. You’ll need to remember there’s quite a few driveways and the other road users, such as boats, RV’s, and logging trucks. However, the uphill left-hand corners offer a taste of the higher country and the pines are superb along the route.
We leave the stellar sweepers behind for a few minutes as the road northward transforms into four lanes. With Bass Lake in our rearview, we move swiftly down the hill, tee-ing into Highway 41. We turn left and descend towards Oakhurst. Traveling through town to the next leg of our journey – The Highway 49 junction. A right turn puts on the path towards Mariposa, through the classic oak glades surrounding the village of Ahwahnee. We decide to stop here and wet our whistle at the Hitching Post. After a small consumption of beverage, we hit the road again. Our classic CBX thrives on the long sweeping curves between Ahwahnee and Bootjack. A downhill run spills us into the historic hillside community of Mariposa. If you are running on an empty stomach, you’ll be spoiled for choice here in this gateway town to Yosemite National Park. Today, we head hungrily to the Happy Burger Diner. Another popular destination of locals and tourists alike, you’ll rarely see the Happy Burger Diner parking lot without its share of two-wheeled occupants. This dining institution serves up breakfast; sandwiches; charbroiled hamburgers; authentic Mexican food; mouth-watering dessert treats, and has a complete salad bar. You can even have some cervesas to wash it down with. And while you’re in town, make sure to take a stroll through scenic downtown Mariposa.
You can head just about any direction out of Mariposa and be in for a treat of a ride. East on Highway 140 towards Yosemite Valley; north on Highway 49 through Mount Bullion towards old mining towns of Coulterville and La Grange. A true and twisty loop back to points south can be had on Morman Bar/Ben Hur Road, which heads south off of Highway 49. You’ll meander through the small mountain community of Raymond and some fantastic Sierra foothill landscapes. Our mighty CBS craves the sweepers, so being in gold rush country, all points south for us are appropriately numbered “49”.
