Having to pack and unpack some, most, or all of my gear each day means I’ve had plenty of practice. Some days when I’m riding I’m mentally going over the load and trying to figure out how to arrange it better and more compactly. It’s one part art and one part science, and today I think I finally arrived at an arrangement that works really well.
One reason I mention that is because today’s 614-mile ride is the longest distance I’ve ever ridden, and when it was over I felt like I could have kept going. The way I arranged my gear this morning allowed more room to move around on the bike, multiple sitting positions, and I could even recline somewhat when riding with one hand on the bars.
By the way, if you’ve ever wondered where most of your food comes from, especially produce, take a trip through southern California and you won’t have to wonder about that question any longer.
Route 66 was a letdown, at least the section that I rode. Two-lane asphalt with minimal shoulders surrounded by desert. Guess I’m not all that nostalgic.
Speaking of the desert, I rode through and by the Mojave Desert today. Too bad Amy wasn’t with me as she LOVES the desert. ?
The scenery for much of today reminded me of the two rotations I did at Ft. Irwin (NTC) in the Mojave, where the Army does its desert training. “First platoon, we need a concertina fence between those two mountains. Make it happen.” Oh, those were the days!
I rode mostly freeway and interstate today, which makes it kind of difficult to take pictures, but I managed to get a few.
The last hour was in the dark as I approached Flagstaff, and there were numerous warning signs for deer and elk crossing the road, but fortunately and God-willing I didn’t see any. Hitting a deer or elk at 75 mph on a motorcycle…well, let’s not think about that too much.
Photo gallery of day 17
