Riding up to Virginia City
So we start the ride up to Virginia City and I quickly realize, "UH....wow, we're really climbing here." 3,000 feet, 3,500 feet, 4,000 feet, 5,000 feet. Okay, it's getting pretty cold and we got some light drizzle coming down but the views are world class.
I like to think I know a little bit of history about the west seeing that I've lived out here since I was 16 but other than references to Virginia City on the old tv show "Bonanza", I had no clue as to the history of this amazing place.
Mark Twain lived here in the early 1860's and this is actually where he changed his name from Samuel Clemens. Pretty cool. The old Comstock Lode which turned out tons of silver and gold was here and a lot of people claim it financed the Civil War.
Truly an amazing place and when we got into town it was clear that this was a regular biker spot and on this particular weekend the place was filled with bikes.
We had a little drizzle while we were there but we had a fantastic time. This really is a great hangout during the Reno run or any other time for that matter. The local shop owners really gave us the impression that they enjoyed having us there.
And what is up with law enforcement in Nevada??? When we go to the Laughlin run every year, the cops have an attitude of no tolerance. Girls flashing? Forget it...busted. Here, same state, the cops were amazing. Hell, they were holding the crowds back from crossing the street as the girls were riding by flashing! I'll take these guys over the ones down south any day.
All in all, a great day. We decided that rather than go back down the way we came up with all the switchbacks and twisties, we'd head out of town on the other side and cruise back to Reno via Carson City.
I like to think I know a little bit of history about the west seeing that I've lived out here since I was 16 but other than references to Virginia City on the old tv show "Bonanza", I had no clue as to the history of this amazing place.
Mark Twain lived here in the early 1860's and this is actually where he changed his name from Samuel Clemens. Pretty cool. The old Comstock Lode which turned out tons of silver and gold was here and a lot of people claim it financed the Civil War.
Truly an amazing place and when we got into town it was clear that this was a regular biker spot and on this particular weekend the place was filled with bikes.
We had a little drizzle while we were there but we had a fantastic time. This really is a great hangout during the Reno run or any other time for that matter. The local shop owners really gave us the impression that they enjoyed having us there.
And what is up with law enforcement in Nevada??? When we go to the Laughlin run every year, the cops have an attitude of no tolerance. Girls flashing? Forget it...busted. Here, same state, the cops were amazing. Hell, they were holding the crowds back from crossing the street as the girls were riding by flashing! I'll take these guys over the ones down south any day.
All in all, a great day. We decided that rather than go back down the way we came up with all the switchbacks and twisties, we'd head out of town on the other side and cruise back to Reno via Carson City.
posted by Mike at 11:16 AM PERMALINK
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