At long last I did my first loop ride of the year across CA Highway 4 today,

Crossing over Ebbetts Pass (8,700 ft) from the eastern side. Started out on the Mormon Emigrant Trail in Pollock Pines, followed by Highways 88, 89, 4, and 49. CA-4 was, as always, spectacular. The eastern end has no guard rails, is very narrow with no center line, and also very technical with several blind, uphill, first gear turns. The western side is more flowing once you get past Lake Alpine.

Got an early start to avoid the holiday weekend camping crowd. Stopped for breakfast at Upcountry Cafe in Markleeville, then an espresso at Gold Country Roasters in Murphys, and finally lunch at Marlene & Glen's in Plymouth, before returning home.