(updated April 14, 2008)

This month's campout will join the “Bunkum Rally” at Finnon Lake Campground near Placerville. The gathering originally started as the Twaddlefest held at Songdog Ranch.

There will be a catered Italian style meal and a keg of local microbrew. Cost will be $20/person ($10 if no meal).

Warren will be collecting money for dinner and camping at the meeting and needs a total number of reservations to the rally organizers on April 19th, so if you plan to attend with our without dinner please contact Warren at tourcaptain@bmwnorcal.org or call at (703) 984-9019 (leave message). No reservations for dinner after the 19th, however if you show for the camping without RSVP that is ok.

Alternatives to the catered dinner are the local Rock Creek Cafe that's adjacent to the campground (beer & wine available there too), and numerous restaurants in Placerville (ten mile ride). The cafe (run by Frank) will also be open for Sunday breakfast. The cafe has inside and outside dining.

The campgrounds have toilets, water, picnic tables, barbeque grills and firewood.

Anyone wishing to come Friday is welcome at no extra camping charge. There are numerous GS type roads in this area that are excellent. Rock Creek road goes all the way to Wentworth Springs road and Georgetown. Same for Mosquito road. They both turn to dirt upon entering the national forest just past Swanboro. Uncle Tom's cabin and Stumpy Meadows lake are other favorite destinations. Remember there's still snow at the higher elevations.

Finnon Lake campground is on most AAA maps and Mapquest. The coordinates of the cafe are: N38 47.828 W120 45.125. There are numerous ways to get there. The best in Tom’s opinion is Mosquito road from Placerville over the Mosquito Bridge. Take the Broadway exit off US 50 and make two right turns on to Mosquito road, go back under US 50, and make a left turn. In approx 3 miles, don't miss the left turn to stay on Mosquito road. Going straight turns into Union Ridge road.

Be prepared for narrow steep grades and four tight, Alpine style switchbacks. The Lake is on Rock Creek road between Mosquito road and Mosquito Cutoff road. Enter the campgrounds just to the left of the Cafe.

The other route is Rock Creek road from CA 193 about half a mile north of the American River bridge. This road is a bit wider, but with spectacular views of the South Fork and Rock Creek canyons. Watch for the Lake and Cafe at the top on the left.

The tour will leave at 8:00 a.m. from the Denny’s restaurant located at 6455 Owens Dr Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925) 463-0720. Show up early and grab some breakfast before we head out. If you plan to ride with the tour please arrive with a full tank of gas and be ready for a day of twisting road riding. We will stop for breaks, gas, and lunch along the way to the campground. As always, new riders and non-club members are welcome to join us on our tours and at our meetings and campouts.

Warren Barnes, Tour Captain