Route #2 Mighty 190, Kern River and Highway 155 154 miles - 458' to 7,221' elevation
¤ From the Best Western head east on Hwy 190
¤ Turn left at the ‘T’ (Parker Pass)
¤ Follow the road right onto Kernville River Road (Sierra Way)
¤ Turn right to cross the river into Kernville (good lunch/gas stop)
¤ Turn right on Hwy 155 (watch closely for the turn-off)
¤ Follow right-hand road into Glenville
¤ Turn right on Jack Ranch Road
¤ Turn left on M-109 (through Fountain Springs)
¤ Turn left on Hwy 190 back to Best Western
This is the rally’s other traditional ride. It is usually run clockwise and encompasses the grandeur of the Great Western Divide, the beauty of the Kern River valley and the technical challenge of Hwy 155.
Start by heading east on Hwy 190. Not long after Springville, the road will begin to climb. This is where the fun begins. Hwy 190 is a series of ever-climbing twists and turns. Watch for sand/gravel at the apex and along the outside edges of the curves.
At about the 33 mile-mark look for the restaurant/general store of Pierpoint Springs on the right. This is a good place to stop and catch your breath before heading further up the mountain.
From Pierpoint Springs, continue east. If anything, the road gets twistier for the next few miles. Just past the sign announcing the end of Hwy 190 and the beginning of the Western Divide Highway, the road opens out into long sweepers punctuated by tighter corners.
Eventually, you’ll come to what amounts to a ‘T’. (Directly ahead down the short hill is a thoughtfully provided restroom.) Turn left towards Kernville. (Turning right takes you to California Hot Springs. See Route #3.) Just after crossing the Kern River you’ll see the turn-off for Sherman Pass to your left. Stay to the right as the road begins to mimic the course of the river.
Memorial Day weekend is busy time of the year for river rafters. This stretch of road is often crowded with SUV’s and trailers. There are usually a few Park Rangers and CHP units as well. Be patient. There are some passing areas, but most of the road is double-yellow.
Turn right over the river again when you get to Kernville. This is a good place to stop for gas and/or lunch.
Continue south out of Kernville to Wofford Heights. Note the speed limit through these towns is slower than you might expect. Look for the turn-off to Hwy 155 to appear on your right. It isn’t well marked in advance.
Hwy 155 is a dance of corners. Again, watch for sand/gravel at the apex and along the outside edges of the curves. The road into Glenville appears as a fork in the road. Bear to the right to Jack Ranch road. Turn right 5 miles to the intersection of M-109 where you’ll turn left. This intersection is usually pretty dirty, so be careful.
M-109 runs through the edge of the valley floor and soon becomes wide open high-speed sweepers and straight-aways. The tavern at Fountain Springs offers a shady spot to sit and unwind before making that last dash north into Porterville. When you reach Hwy 190, turn left. The Best Western and Jaye St. will appear on your left.
