fit2climb, just so you know, the road is all sand & gravel, and it is all above 10k elevation. Biking it will put you to the test.
If the gate is open, you should drive as far as possible -- maybe reaching the gate before the Barcroft lab. I have ridden and pushed my mountain bike to the summit twice (20 years ago & without suspension!). The 14-mile round trip was pretty grueling!
I tried calling some Inyo County roads numbers, and a person I spoke to said he believes the gate is unlocked, but with a sign about proceeding at your own risk.
Edit: Got a call back from Inyo N.F. Public Info person (Deb 760-920-2347). She says you should be able to get to the Patriarch Grove access. After that, there may be snow drifts still -- there were a week ago. She also asked: If anyone goes and can report back, they would sure appreciate your sharing the info.
