California bound: (stage 2)
Leaving Tonopah on a misty morning was a slight bother, but most was
downhill and with it, the temperature got warmer, sigh. The next stop was “Dusty Fender Bar & Grill” in
Goldfield for breakfast, where I enjoyed an “Everything Omelet” for fuel, as
there was a long day ahead. This was an excellent place to stop; I enjoyed
visiting with friendly, chatty locals.
I then continued south on 95. So far the roads had good shoulders to
ride on, though this came to an end and with increased truck traffic, it became
a bit scary at times. With this, I heard the voices of my friends in my ears
again, who are calling me crazy, nuts, etc…….
So I was happy to turn onto scenic route 267 towards Death Valley
National Park and get back to peaceful riding. After a 94-mile ride, I stopped
at the Mesquite Spring Campground inside the National Park. On my camping menu
for the evening was Ramen Noodles, crackers and Trail-mix. This, or baked
beans, is kind of the standard on the road gourmet meal, as it is easy to carry
and prepare.
From over 6000 feet and 40 degree F the day before in Tonopah, to 10
feet and 98 F in Stove-pipe Wells (Death Valley), shows the extreme weather
conditions in this country, never to be underestimated. From the low point of
Death Valley, it was a long 17-mile uphill over the 4956 foot Towne Pass.
Thinking back 2 weeks from when I had started, my fitness had improved
tremendously. Pedaling the 110 pound plus load (incl. bike), would have seemed
impossible at the beginning of this journey.
The ride continued south toward route 395, as I remembered talking
to a Ranger on top of Towne Pass, who advised not to camp out near Trona, but
further south in an Off-Road-Vehicle Park. Cycling towards the park near Red
Mountain, I noticed big black spots on the pavement and some moving balls as
well. Stopping to investigate, it turned out to be Tarantulas and it looked
like out of a movie, an invasion of spiders.
It was Sunday afternoon and as I got to the “campsite”, the weekend
enthusiasts were packing up their vehicles with the toys, leaving me with
leftover food and beer. With the sun going down, I was left by myself, grateful
and indulging the gifts.
The next hurdle was the San Bernardino Mountains, climbing from
Hesperia up to Crestline. At first it
was a nice gradual incline with great scenery overlooking Silverwood Lake, but
just before the crest, I was using the smallest gear, barely
making it to the top. As it was drizzling and cold, I only stopped long enough
for coffee and a snack before racing down the other side to the greater and
warmer Los Angeles area.
Again and again, life is not always all pleasantries, but in any
situation if looking for it, we can find something positive, if it is only a
warm cup of coffee in the hand of cold fingers.
Until next time...
Tony Bike
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