sierra nevada
photography . Rolling up Highway 395 and pausing at the Lone Pine Golf Course. This is the Lone Pine Peak at 12,942’ with the famous Mt Whitney to the right and in the distance, at some 14,505’.
My trusted stead, creekside at Aspen Camp . The 2012 Triumph Bonneville, with some 32,000 miles on her. From a thousand mile loops into Baja, to the ultimate town bike for my hometown of Santa Barbara, to this incredible adventure into the Sierra Nevada Mountains with inspired stops at the Lee Vining Mobile Station, Aspen Campground, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park, South Lake Tahoe, Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes. Another spectacular ride with complete confidence in the classic form and function of Triumph!
Setting up my tent next to the wonderful energy of Aspen Camp.
Duane and Colin very happy to be setting up camp here at Aspen Campground.
Duane working on setting up tent space, unloading his fresh Simi Valley Cycles sport touring motorcycle, the Yamaha Tracer 9.
Chris off-loading his adventure gear from the Triumph Tiger.
Colin staking out the ultimate zone for his tent next to the flowing water.
Chris and Duane feeling the stoke of a full day on two wheels with the reward of setting up base in Aspen Camp.
With Aspen Camp nestled in the trees at the base of the Tioga Pass, our adventures are just beginning.
The edge of Highway 120 is cut into the mountain side, rising steeply above Aspen Camp at the base of Tioga Pass, winding its way up to Yosemite National Park.
Pausing for a photograph of my Simi Valley Cycles Triumph Bonneville in the meadow at the entry of Aspen Camp.
While the guys relaxed and set up the fire pit at Aspen Camp, I headed up Tioga Pass to capture the magic of the moon over the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
One mile lead to another and I got lucky with an evening ride through the beautiful Tuolumne Meadow of Yosemite National Park.
Riding my Triumph Bonnevile deep into the park, hoping for a glimpse of Half Dome before nightfall . Simply elated to just make last light and to have this be my first image ever of this natural marvel.
Ansel Adams has always been my premier photographic inspiration, the way he captured nature and the feeling of being included in his vision. Now, I have a tribute image to Mr. Adams’ incredible body of work that I am thrilled to share . For all the camera aficionados out there, this photograph is a hand held shot with my Sony a7R lV with ISO 200 . F4 . 1/160s with the Sony 135mm F1.8 GM lens and processed with the Mono filter.
The warm glow of the fire pit back at Aspen Camp was so fitting and perfect to share with the guys the experience I just had chasing the last of the day’s light into Yosemite National Park… scoring the incredible moon shot and the magic of Half Dome!
Aspen Camp comfort as demonstrated by Mr Ken Symer . Note the message on Ken’s hat!
Spy shot! The undisputed role model for positivity, fitness and vitality.. our good friend, Colin Oakley.
Morning coffee with Ken and the ultimate gentleman, our camp host Gary and Daisy.
Mountain style with Gary and Daisy.
Home is where the heart is . Gary and Daisy’s Montana Canvas tent is their summertime mountain haven at Aspen Camp.
Ken Symer leading the way . This shot was difficult. I set the throttle lock on my Triumph to keep the wheels rolling while I followed. I then removed the camera from my shoulder bag, turned it on and got the capture.. while standing and riding hands free through the turns. Good times, I say!!
Chris riding his Triumph Tiger down one of the many intricate ridges lacing the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Colin Oakley smooth as silk aboard his BMW through every section of our journey through the mountains.
Ken Symer leading the crew aboard his BMW GS R1200.
Duane Kubes turn aboard his SVC Yamaha Tracer 9.
Colin Oakley eases through the transitions on his BMW.
Chris riding his Triumph with a nonchalant look to his right while the corner bends left!
A casual pause for construction high in the Sierras. From the left, Ken, Chris, Colin and Duane.
The Getaway Cafe for breakfast and coffee, truly excellent food and service! . Minutes from South Lake Tahoe
Duane and Ken . South Lake Tahoe . Riding motorcycles in our adventures is a lifetime lifestyle for this crew, the friendships are the gold element that makes these shared experiences priceless.
South Lake Tahoe with Duane, Colin, Ken and Chris
The leader of the pack . Ken Symer
Into the woods with my trusted Triumph Bonneville.
Just another beautiful turn heading down to another beautiful valley on another beautiful day.
Blue Star Memorial Highway
Feeling it . Colin rolling through Bridgeport
Ken Symer with the love . Bridgeport
Duane Kubes . All in a days work
Early light on Mono Lake
We met this young man, Levi, at the Mobile Station in Lee Vining . Levi is a fan of my Triumph Bonneville and a huge fan of photography, so it seemed like a nice idea to send him a portrait shot of his modern cowboy ways!
I am a huge fan of Yamaha motorcycles with their intelligent technology, power delivery, handling quality, fit, finish and durability of their motocross line . So, with an hour of daylight left and the crew relaxing at Aspen Camp after a full day in the saddle, Duane granted me permission for a sunset ride aboard his Yamaha Tracer 9. The contrast between the simplicity and function of my Triumph Bonneville and this modern marvel from Yamaha is a stark contrast in design for street bike philosophy. Yamaha’s suspension package, powerful braking system, high horsepower engine, technical control systems and overall aggressive stance had me keenly interested in the ride.
Tioga Pass is the ideal setting for a sport touring motorcycle! The Yamaha Tracer 9 feels light, powerful and nimble.
Certainly, Yamaha pays close attention to fit, finish and quality.
With the Yamaha Tracer 9, most riders will find the power, handling and braking invigorating and satisfying.
The luggage system on the Yamaha Tracer 9 is an excellent blend of form and function. Interestingly enough, mirrors matter. The Yamaha rear view mirrors are exceptional, offering a clear view of others with a very broad perspective on who and what is beside you and behind you.
A match made in heaven, the Yamaha Tracer 9 and Tioga Pass.
With the last bit of light, I had a chance to open the throttle to its full position. At the end of one particular straight section, my brief glance at the modern screen showed triple digit numbers, which were readily handled with smooth stability by the Yamaha platform.
Clearly, Yamaha takes the sport touring segment of motorcycling seriously. I would say that Duane is going to enjoy many miles of performance riding while exploring California and its amazing array of routes through mountain passes and ocean side roads.
Gifting our fantastic host Gary, at Aspen Camp, a premium bottle of WhistlePig Bourbon was a priority for us!
Aspen Camp with Duane, Colin, Ken, Gary, Chris and Daisy . When you have a chance to visit, please remember Daisy’s favorite grain free dog treats from Trader Joes!
Duane Kubes and myself at Aspen Camp . a Ken Symer phone shot!
jon ortner . (805) 895.5390 . email: JonOrtner10@gmail.com . instagram: @jonortner . Santa Barbara, California