One of my favorite forums the Motorcyclist Cafe, was having a fall get together in Show Low, AZ and I knew there was no way I could miss meeting many of my pals. We had every intention of Gary attending this soiree, but alas the vacation time would be put to use on his mother’s 80th birthday and trip to Europe. So another solo adventure and I put together the best route possible for a short run to AZ from CA in some of the hottest weather of the season. It seems motorcycling has made me lose my mind!
I left fairly early riding from Sacramento over the Sierras by way of Markleeville and Monitor Pass. At 8000 feet, I barely needed my Kilimanjaro jacket and could nearly have worn my mesh. I knew I was going to be in for trouble by the time I reached the Las Vegas area! I followed this route south, which was less than a stimulating ride, but I knew it was the path of least resistance, especially given the frying pan weather.
Monitor Pass was a real treat, having just been resurfaced! NO tar snakes…woohoo!
I arrived in Bridgeport and gassed up at the tune of $5 bucks a gallon…sheesh, but I knew Lee Vining would be the same and I would be heading into the desolate east range over Hwy 120.
I don’t believe I have ever seen the area so verdant as it appears this year so late in the season. It looks like spring!
The overlook on Hwy 395 above Mono Lake and the small town of Lee Vining, CA.
Hwy 120 East is a fun road full of high elevation beauty and some truly fun “whoops” or roller coaster humps. These whoops are throughout the journey all the way to Benton, CA. Benton Hot Springs offers the weary traveler wonderful rooms and soaks, but sadly my schedule dictated riding to Pahrump, NV for my overnight stay. I kept reminding myself, that at least I had the Sierras to ride over on this leg. I would not be so lucky the following day!
Hwy 120 East near Mono Lake
120 East near the whoops
Arriving in Pahrump, I was more than disappointed. I have never been in Pahrump and now I know why!
It’s just another NV desert town with little but casinos and trailer parks! I was going to stay in the casino that my dad always frequented, but all I had to do was ride through the parking lot to discover little shade and even less security. I headed to the Best Western motel, where I had a room coming. The check in woman couldn’t believe I was using a free room for Pahrump, so she upgraded me to a suite. What a riot…there was a mirrored bar, mirrors in the bedroom and here I was not able to appreciate any of the reflections!
I got outa there by 8 the next day and headed to Show Low in the already warm morning air.