Day 12—Torrey to Panaca, NV
I began fairly early, got the bike packed and was on the road by 8ish, which for me is an accomplishment! Climbing out of Torrey on the scenic Hwy 12, I found the road exhilarating and the bike responsive. I was in my element, sailing free, absorbing the musky aromas of high desert landscape while the tepid wind was hugging the vents in my face shield. The road rolled before me like a red carpet to an unknown celebration. I was high on motorbike riding and oh what a feeling!
As I reached the summit I discovered that there were indeed other humans on my roadway and what a scattered lot, they were. I had two SUVs in front of me, and as a courtesy to my senses I trailed them for a few minutes simply to observe what true moron drivers can concoct. Both were mountain driving, and by that I mean they did NOT observe that there was an existing center line, dividing the highway into two directions. Every corner, they rode over the line and even crossed the DY on the straightaways. I had to get a shot documenting the tosser.
Yep…not a good driver IMO! I dropped a gear and they were sudden history and just in time for me to enter the Grand Staircase. Seeking the Burr Trail that began its winding descent just inside of Boulder, UT, I stopped at the local post office to mail a postcard. I chuckled at the postmistress’s response to my Burr Trail query. She quickly told me that I had NO business riding that “deserted and dangerous” road alone. I assured her that my friend Randal would not have recommended it, had I been unable to handle the quest. She wished me luck and said she was glad I had a spot locator on my bike, you know, just in case! Off I went on my next adventure.
I am so grateful to have found the Burr Trail. I do believe that the unbelievably scenic and “safe” road was one of the highlights of this entire trip. I highly recommend this route to anyone passing by. The road is in great shape with a generous amount of twisties, and a narrow sandstone canyon that opens allowing the sun to bathe the roadway. What a treat!
The canyon entrance…WOW!!!
