A little over a week ago we decided to try riding somewhere different other than our typical Sierra Front stuff. There's a small mountain range about 50 miles south of Reno called the Sweetwaters. They kind of rise up on their own and create a very nice little piece of scenery out in the sagebrush. Most people cruise down 395 when travelling between Reno and Los Angeles never knowing that if they take Nevada SR208 they can take a scenic bypass along the Sweetwater's northern flank. Very pretty little drive with not much traffic. . .which also makes it a great place to ride. Our little group had its usual mix of advanced and beginner riders so we only decided to do the 55 mile portion of the ride. It worked out fine, but I sure wanted to go further. Oh well, I ended up working in the yard instead.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Sweetwater-Out-and-Back

You start out in Smith, NV and head across the valley toward the Sweets. This valley is actually low enough that they can raise wheat, corn, and other stuff. Kind of funny for Nevada, but then again we are a funny state.

After making a left turn in Wellington, NV we headed toward Sweetwater pass and a nice scenic climb through sagebrush, pinion, and then high mountain meadow. It was nice with so few cars, a tailwind (not as nice coming back), and no shortage of things to look at.

We stopped at the Sweetwater Ranch to borrow their sign to sit on and eat lunch. It was warm and the scenery was so nice that we didn't want to head back. But all good things have to come to an end.

It was fun as usual. No problems and lots of opportunity for taking pics. A great day.

Thanks for the nice pics. I've flown over this terrain in sailplanes many summers. Even landed out at Sweetwater once.

Nice report. That's some wide-open country!

Nice pics. The sky looks great.

sweet