The way points of this bicycle route:
With the exception of a short downhill you are now beginning to climb the eastern side of the White Mtns. to Montgomery Pass at 7000'+. We camped about 4 miles short of the pass, along a road that took off north from the main highway. High elevation but still sagebrush. Outstanding views of night skies and wild mustangs.
Flat/gradual climb to this point. One small stream from mountains crosses this road about 3/4 of the way from Dyer to here. The cool water and shade trees were very welcome.
It's about 15 miles of very gradual climb to Dyer. Beautifully desolate views of the east side of White Mountains. Dyer has a market/trailer park/post office. That's about it. Mid-June temps: 93 and dry, dry, dry.
Wonderful downhill into the desolate Deep Springs Valley, home of the Deep Springs College. We were passed by 3 or 4 cars along this portion of the route. You climb out of Deep Springs to Gilbert Summit at about 6300'.
You've just climbed 15 miles from Big Pine to Westgard Pass, 3900' to a little over 7000'. There is a spring on the left, halfway up this climb. It's a lifesaver for shade and water during the hot season. Primitive camping is everywhere. Pinyon, juniper, ocassional Bristlecone.
Bishop to Big Pine a gradual down on busy highway, but good wide shoulder. Go left at first campground/Bristlecone Interpretive Kiosk. This is where THE CLIMB starts.
