Sierra Sidewinder [CA]

We’re going all-in on Walker

Rally headquarters will be returning to what has been expressed as a COG rider favorite. We’ve booked out two nights at the Andruss Motel in the town of Walker, on the east side of the Sierra. This is an old fashioned motor lodge with gravel drive for parking bikes right outside our rooms (all of which were renovated just a few years ago), rustic log chairs out front, a communal fire pit, laidback management, walking distance to a burger shack and a fantastic BBQ restaurant, and directly on Highway 395 for instant access to Sierra byways. 

The Andruss Motel is discounting their rooms more than 20% for cash buyers and holding the whole motel open for us. Tell them you’re with COG and pay cash, and the nightly rate will be $120 total - no tax. Rates for credit card payers jump to $140 per night, plus tax. The same rates apply whether you choose a room with a single queen or two queens, and they will take your reservation without a credit card. 

There are lots of great routes to Walker, but for riders wanting to join the parade Friday, Sept. 15 west from Highway 49, some of us will be meeting for lunch somewhere in Gold Country (details to come). 

The 2023 T-Shirt is available. You should order ASAP to make sure it arrives prior to the event. Before 8/25 is best. Event Specific Shirts

SoCal Friday Ride Option
Meet in California City Thursday night (14th) and then ride up 395 to Walker on Friday (15th) together. We'll socialize Thursday evening and leave early Friday.
Meet at: Best Western California City Inn & Suites
10386 California City Blvd, California City, CA 93505, 760-373-1369

But however you travel, come hungry, because Friday night we’ll be getting our barbeque on at Mountain View Barbecue, home of smoked meats and choice regional beverages (plus plenty of other options).

Saturday, September 16

Early start to ride north up the Walker River Valley, then up over Monitor Pass, 8,314 feet, for breakfast at a favorite stop in Markleville. Then it’s west on the wonderfully twisty and narrow Highway 4 over Ebbett’s Pass at 8,731 feet. 

Past the historic town of Murphys, we’ll cut south through the railtown of Columbia, then back over the Sierra on Highway 108, cresting Sonora Pass at 9,643 feet before coasting down through Devil’s Gate and a pitstop in Bridgeport.  From here, riders can choose whether to take a side trip to ghost town Bodie State Historic Park, head north into Nevada for the long way back to Walker over Sweetwater Summit and around Topaz Lake, do all the above, or just make a quick sprint back to Walker.

Dinner offers a couple choices, but we’re eyeballing a new small establishment just up the road in Coleville. Apres-ride beverages can be back at the Andruss around a campfire.

Sunday, September 17

Early risers get their wish, with coffee and light breakfast a block away and we’ll be on the road while there’s still a chill in the air. Heading back once more over the Sierra crest, we’ll have some options and determine a route (or routes) that works for the group. Regardless of the road number, there will be twisties, incredible views, craggy peaks and thick forests, then at least one more High Sierra Pass – and down to lunch in Gold Country. After that, there is still The Little Dragon and maybe a few more miles home before the 2023 Sierra Sidewinder is in the bag.

Registration & Fees 

Registration will be done online through the COG website.  There is a $10 registration fee ($15 for non-members) for this rally to help cover part of the cost of insurance.  Online registration will close at 11:59 pm on 09/11/2023.

2023 Sierra Sidewinder Version shirt is available - Event Specific Shirts

Questions & Additional Information

Contact the event organizer Dan Breeden at danbreeden@icloud.com. 

Please check the COG Forums for additional announcements and conversations. 

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