Subject: Benton 120 report
Author: Patrick Hayes
Date: Jun 25, 2001, 12:47 PM
Post ID: 1707254772
Last week we discussed Highway 120 from Benton to Yosemite as a potential
travel route into Central California for the Guzzi National. I just drove
this highway over the past weekend to attend a desert race out in Tonopah.
First, there is NO gas in Benton as there used to be. So, fuel up in Bishop
or Tonopah and you'll easily make it into Yosemite. Actually, both Benton
and the much larger Tonopah in Nevada are just about drying up completely.
Nothing much to hold people there anymore. Lots of boarded and dilapidated
places.
Second, the road and scenery are every bit as beautiful as I remember.
Third, it is about 50 miles from Benton at 120/US6 to Lee Vining at 120/395.
The most westward five miles (closest to 395) has recently been oiled and
sanded. Most of the sand/gravel has been pushed off by travel. Not enough
left to effect driving except for just a little in the center of the lanes on
curves. The area is signed well, so it won't jump up and surprise you.
Please pay attention. The eastern 45 miles of the road is terrific.
Fourth, if I can get my 20' motorhome airborne (well, at least it felt like
zero gravity) on these woops, you certainly will on your scooter. The best
part is about 10 miles in from Benton and lasts about 10 miles. Might be
worth a few U-turns and repeat runs once you know how the gullies and hills
go.
Fifth, most of Tioga Road down through Yosemite is 45mph. Don't worry. Your
vision is so distracted that this is plenty of pace. Also, I did Tioga Pass
on Sunday at noon. There was hardly anything on the road and I breezed on
through. Even the entry station was only about 10 minutes in line.
Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA