Got up early to inspect the motorcycle and to try to put it back together. The good thing was that the tire and inner tube did not suffer a catastrophic blow up and managed to patch things and put it back on the slightly bent rim. A few zip ties here and there and one less pannier (unrecoverable) and the bike was moving ... so the trip was still on for me.
Unfortunately, Evgeniy’s clutch did give up the ghost and was unable to fix ... so he left the group and started making his way back to Phoenix to explore repair alternatives.
We finally left the around 10am to see some Nasca like figures in the desert we heard about. Short dirt ride in and out but very challenging. Steep drops, rocky climbs, sandy river beds ... but we managed to get out.
Loaded fuel and gas at Vidal Junction and headed into the longest desert ride yet. Fast riding. Passed by a massive salt lake with lots of abandoned rusting stuff. Got the chance to use our camping gear for lunch ... in an abandoned rail car to hide from the wind.
We then hit Route 66. Road was closed because 6-7 bridges were gone but we managed to go around them. Got to Sahara Oasis ... weird tourists time warp California-kitsch place. Gas was $5.50 a gallon. Pretty cool all in all.
As we were running out of daylight, we decide to make a final push to our camping site. Long ride. Beautiful setting. Joshua trees everywhere. Lots is sand. By now, no big deal. As it was getting dark we found our spot in a beautiful little clearing surrounded by rocky mountains on 3 sides. Temperatures started dropping fast and the wind started to pick up. We found a camping area next to some trees for cover. Hard to build camp in the dark when it is cold and the wind is howling.
Went inside our tents for protection and went to bed at 8 hoping the tents would not be blown away with us inside : ) The stars were amazing!
Unfortunately, Evgeniy’s clutch did give up the ghost and was unable to fix ... so he left the group and started making his way back to Phoenix to explore repair alternatives.
We finally left the around 10am to see some Nasca like figures in the desert we heard about. Short dirt ride in and out but very challenging. Steep drops, rocky climbs, sandy river beds ... but we managed to get out.
Loaded fuel and gas at Vidal Junction and headed into the longest desert ride yet. Fast riding. Passed by a massive salt lake with lots of abandoned rusting stuff. Got the chance to use our camping gear for lunch ... in an abandoned rail car to hide from the wind.
We then hit Route 66. Road was closed because 6-7 bridges were gone but we managed to go around them. Got to Sahara Oasis ... weird tourists time warp California-kitsch place. Gas was $5.50 a gallon. Pretty cool all in all.
As we were running out of daylight, we decide to make a final push to our camping site. Long ride. Beautiful setting. Joshua trees everywhere. Lots is sand. By now, no big deal. As it was getting dark we found our spot in a beautiful little clearing surrounded by rocky mountains on 3 sides. Temperatures started dropping fast and the wind started to pick up. We found a camping area next to some trees for cover. Hard to build camp in the dark when it is cold and the wind is howling.
Went inside our tents for protection and went to bed at 8 hoping the tents would not be blown away with us inside : ) The stars were amazing!
Yes, I managed to piece the bike together after last nights crash.
Eating lunch in an abandoned railroad car
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