On May 10, 2024 – a Friday – Mahesh and I decided it was time to hit the road. He rode his Ducati Scrambler 1100, while I took out the Tenere 700. The plan was simple: take Highway 26 through some quiet towns, grab a bite, and then climb up to Carson Pass on Highway 88.
Highway 26 was pretty smooth, winding through Valley Springs, Mokelumne Hill, and West Point – towns that feel like they’re frozen in time. When we got to West Point, we stopped at a local joint called “Pizza Plus” for lunch. Mediocre is putting it generously, but then again, when you’re in the middle of nowhere, you can’t expect a gourmet experience.
After fueling up, we hit Highway 88 and made our way up to Carson Pass. The ride became more scenic, and snow still coated the mountains, adding to the views as we climbed. The Tenere handled the twisties like a champ, steady and smooth, while Mahesh’s Scrambler tore through with that Ducati flair. Up at the pass, we took a break, enjoying the stillness and the cold mountain air.
The ride back was uneventful, but overall, it was a solid day out on the bikes. Great scenery, good company, and some fantastic stretches of road.
Sujit Kirpekar 