Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
Distance covered: 429 km
Time riding: 6 hr 1 min
Route: San Francisco, CA ➝ Vallejo, CA ➝ Pollock Pines, CA ➝ South Lake Tahoe, CA ➝ Carson City, NV ➝ Fallon, NV
Vibes: Urban departure, forest serenity, high desert arrival
☕ Farewell to the Wharf
We kicked off the day early at Café Franco, grabbing one last warm drink before leaving the vibrant buzz of San Francisco behind. The city skyline faded in our mirrors as we turned inland, headed for mountain country.
🐻 Breakfast Pit Stop
After weaving through traffic, our stomachs led us to Black Bear Diner in Vallejo — a classic American-style breakfast, heavy on the comfort. Pancakes, bacon, and coffee hit the spot before tackling the Sierra Nevada.
⛽ A quick fill-up at Shell and we were off.
🏔️ Climbing into the Pines
The ride through the Sierras was one for the books:
- Dense pine forests
- Crisp mountain air
- Scenic highways winding through elevation
We took a break at Pines Shopping Center and Safeway in Pollock Pines to stock up on snacks and hydration before pushing deeper into the mountains.
🌊 Lake Tahoe Detour
A short but sweet detour took us to Lake Tahoe Airport and the nearby Beach Retreat & Lodge. We stopped to stretch, enjoy the lake breeze, and grab a quick bite at Boathouse on the Pier. The view? Absolutely stunning.
🛣️ Rolling into the Desert
From the alpine beauty of Tahoe, we descended into Nevada’s dry heat. A brief fuel break at ARCO in Carson City, then a solid push east brought us to:
🛒 Walmart Supercenter in Fallon — our last major stop to restock before settling in for the night.
🏠 Overnight in Fallon
We pulled into 600 S Taylor St, Fallon, NV at 7:11 p.m., ready to wind down. It had been a long, varied day — from coastal cafes to high-mountain roads to desert straightaways. The terrain changed constantly, but the ride never got old.
🌟 Highlights of the Day:
- 🥞 Black Bear Diner belly-filler
- 🌲 Riding through the Sierra Nevadas
- 🌊 Breezy lakeside stop at Lake Tahoe
- 🏜️ Entering Nevada’s desert zone
- 🛒 Random but necessary Walmart run
💭 Final Thought:
“From ocean cliffs to alpine air to high desert silence — California gave us its last gift, and Nevada welcomed us with heat and open roads.”