Day one

Work or ride, almost no decision at all since my job has been less than satisfying recently, requiring little to no work daily or a ton of unorganized ideas thrown in my direction. Ride easily claimed the day.

I grabbed a couple of necessities, clean underwear, sweater, moisturizer and lipstick, jammies, a drawing book, IPOD, camera and some water, then donned my leather. I grabbed a California and Nevada map and did a quick check on Pashnit.com. When all was loaded on my little 250 Rebel, I checked the oil, tires, bolts and nuts and grabbed a couple of tools. I filled up with gas and headed for Markleeville, CA and Grover Hot Springs.

What a glorious fall day. The leaves were turning numerous colors of orange and yellow and glittering in the morning sun. The air was crisp, filled with different aromas some pleasant and others pungent, but all filling my lungs with life.

Wow this is motorcycling riding at its best!! Little traffic and smooth surfaced roads gave way to a quick clip. The mountain roads of Mormon Emigrant Trail and Highway 88 – Carson Pass were providing a steep grade and sweeper turns, a few twisties, but a moderate challenge for newbie rider.

I stopped at will, took pictures and enjoyed the ride, totally.

Markleeville provided a great sandwich and lovely conversation with another rider from Laurence Oregon. He convinced me that the ride over Monitor Pass was well worth the time, so, I skipped the hot springs and rode on.

Monitor Pass – Highway 89 – is truly amazing! Beautiful twisty road, unbelievably steep and no, yes I said NO guardrail anywhere. Phew.I kept envisioning those road side crosses providing the bailing off points of zippy sport bikers. There were none. Once at the bottom, came my decision. No turning back now off to Nevada.

Carson City. What a good place to be FROM. I hardly recognize it anymore. The traffic on Hwy 395 was tremendous, bumper to bumper all through the valley between Gardnerville and Carson. Each vehicle seemed to be in more of a hurry than the next vying for small passing space. I kept my eyes alert and escape routes open. I had made several phone calls once I got a digital signal on my cell, trying to find either family or friends. Must have been a bit too early as no one was available.

I went and sat out an hour in McDonalds, pretty sad sight. Iced tea and kids abounding, I got the hell out and decided I would waste time riding rather than subjecting myself to the madness of McDonalds. Where was Starbucks or some coffee joint when I needed one!

I finally found a friend and spend a wonderful evening with him and his wife. He was amazed when I arrived via Jez the Rebel, having his own massive BMW. Knowing the roads and all about riding made Jez even more of a enigma. How could I handle that distance on a baby 250? What about vibration? What about my numb bottom? What about wind, speed and traffic?? They wined and dined me as they felt I had earned it somehow!

Mormon Emigrant Trail

Descent to Silver Lake

Silver Lake

Rugged Terrain

Monitor Pass