Markleeville is NOT in the middle of nowhere! I spent a whole lot of time there. The hot springs after a day of backcountry skiing are heavenly.... I think I would have lived there but for that whole work thing... Gawd I miss the Sierra.
The "bar" has changed somewhat, I think. Used to have a giant collection of bras hanging from the ceiling. I heard that they are gone. Doesn't it (the bar) have some sort of fish name now?
FYI, it's always been called the Tour of the California Alps...they just reemphasized that name after the death, which was in 03 or 04, I think. The cattle guards all came out after that one. Now just painted lines.