Well we didn't get too many pics on Saturday. Here we are leaving Barstow. You can see Thrasher taking this pic in my 'Leaving Barstow' vid on pg 2.
Me
Meriden
We decided this was the longest, sandiest road on earth.
We'd only ridden about 80 miles when we ran into some mechanical problems and broke down just outside of Baker. What happened was M's footpeg/centerstand bolt had come loose and his battery wouldn't hold a charge. We were able to fix the foot peg good enough with some spare parts I was carrying. Notice the orange bolt? Before I left Texas I painted every nut, bolt, washer and tool with
fluorescent orange so there was
no way I could lose anything out on the trail.
But the battery was a problem so we had to call it for the day and slab it the rest of the way into Las Vegas and find a bike shop before everything closed. M found a battery and stayed at the hotel to work on his bike. I had to buy a new mirror as well.
One of my bucket list goals on this trip was to ride over Hoover Dam so Thrasher and I took a little road trip.
I've always wanted to do this and finally I did!!
It was dark by the time we got back but the fun was just starting.
Here we are at the banquet held by the District 37 guys. Very entertaining and we had an absolute blast!!
Met lots of characters, folks from all over the world, raffle, auction, food and DRINKS (lots of drinks).
Lots of people and a very well done event.
M even won a helmet. A child's helmet.
He donated it back and they auctioned it off.
Thrasher took off back to his room but M and I got invited to an after banquet VIP party in one of the suites. Lots more drinking and lots more fun!
But to top off the night we had to go blow some $$ at the casino. A whopping $5 each in the penny machines.
Neither of us gamble but we couldn't come all the way to Vegas and not blow a little cash, right?
.
The view from the room...
The next morning we were off to Death Valley and a short detour to find Thrasher's lost phone.
We had gone maybe 50 miles when Thrasher got a flat in the absolute middle of nowhere.
M and I took turns holding up the bike and helping T. We had it changed in no time.
This is also where I went to start my bike and the kick starter broke.
Luckily it was only broken at the clamp holding it on the shaft but it was tweeked at an odd angle and wouldn't return all the way so at the next gas stop I just removed it altogether.
Back on the road.
The bottom of Death Valley, 190' below sea level.
Wish we'd had time to hang around but we were very pressed for time and still had 200 miles to ride. I will return someday though, I passed too many photo ops not to.
I went on reserve and we pulled over to fill up out of the aux tank. The other guys had just enough to limp to the next station about 30 miles further down the road.
I probably could've made it on reserve too but with the broken kick starter I figured I'd better fill up while it idled.
Well that's about it folks, we stopped in Ridgecrest so Thrasher could find his phone. He knew exactly where he lost it and it wasn't far at all from a highway access, he found it in no time. From there we headed on back to Palmdale and some much needed food
and rest.
The next day we loaded up and drove to Florence, Arizona and did the Coke Oven ride but
that's another story. Thrasher started a different thread so if anyone hasn't seen it yet, here's the link.
http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79686
What a week, what an adventure! Thanks to Meriden and ThrasherG for helping make it happen. Also a big thanks to SilverBullet who unfortunately had to drop out at the last minute due to uncontrollable circumstances. He did as much planning as anyone and we sure missed him out there.
Thanks for all the replies as well!!
Seeya next time,
Rman237