Rules of the Road: The Sonora Pass

Michele Kerr

Michele Kerr lives in California, for her sins.

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4 Responses

  1. Aaron David says:

    Excellent. I have been over that pass a few times, not surprising as I lived in Sacramento and my brother in Reno. And yes, a 26% grade is a terrifying thing for the uninitiated. In Berkeley, home of my mothers family, Marin Ave has a similar grade, only listed as over 25%. As a child, I remember my parents driving up to my mother’s aunt house on Euclid Ave in a manual trans Mustang, and there are half a dozen stops on that Street. An anxiety thrill ride for a six-year-old.Report

  2. Michael Cain says:

    You don’t cheat with the hand brake when you have to start uphill with a stick?Report

  3. DensityDuck says:

    Whenever I’m on a grade behind someone who clearly isn’t used to it, I try to give them space. I’m sure it only seems like space to me–they’re probably upset at the idea of *anyone* behind them–but I know that when I’m on a big grade, the worst feeling is somebody riding my bumper like it’s going to convince me to go faster. “Oh hey, someone’s behind me, I guess I’ll suddenly stop being scared and go up this hill at 55”.Report

  4. Michele Kerr says:

    Density, I’m the same way. If I can’t pass, I keep my distance.

    Michael–my brakes died out once driving home, and I used the hand brake the whole way. But on a hill, I worry that the release will create a jolt that sends me the wrong way.

    Aaron, I’ve been on some horribly steep hills in both Berkeley and Seattle. None are degree wise as bad as the two in San Francisco on the list. LA has some steep ones, too!Report