West Coast Ride – Day Three

Day three. Up at 7:00am and on the road by 8:30. A cool 63 degrees and no clouds in the sky. Head west towards Flagstaff and saw much of the same terrain. Light green prairie grass and small shrubs everywhere. Ahead in the distance stood another mountain, Humphreys Peak. The only cloud in the sky hovered above it, tall and bright white. A kitten, curled up trying to grab it’s own tail.

The mountain ahead grew closer and color started to show on it. The landscape soon changed to mesquite forest. Then to red dirt and brown, dead looking, foot high shrubs. As I came up to Flagstaff the road rose up to run over the edge of the mountain and a tall, green pine forest appeared seemingly out of nowhere (at least I think it was pine).

Leaving Flagstaff the road ran back down and into more desert. A few more miles of straight roads, long curves and multiple canyons. After putting in a couple hundred miles, the road lead into more mountains. No forests this time, just rocky walls and more strong crosswind signs.

As I wound my way though the Arizona mountains I noticed a cloud dropping rain ahead of me. I could see the rain falling, and it wasn’t a large amount, but any rain more than a sprinkle sucks. It looked as though I might luck out and get around it but, alas, my luck only goes so far. More big drops. No lightning and no wind higher than what I’ve already dealt with today. As small as it looked, I decided that stopping to suit up wasn’t worth the hassle. I got wet. The rain only lasted a few minutes and I dried out almost as fast as I got wet.

Back out of the mountains and into more desert. Brown dirt now and more short, dead looking bushes. I make it to a town called Kingman. I’m a couple miles from heading north towards the Grand Canyon and I’m making great time. Lunch stop.

I jump off the highway and make a right. Run down the strip looking for something I’ve never seen before. Preferably something local. Can’t go somewhere I can find at home, remember? A couple miles down, the businesses start to dwindle. I’m about to give up and turn back. Saw a Chili’s not far back. Want a good meal and cold Miller. BUT, I come across the Sundowner Saloon. Parking lot is empty but the road sign says they open at 11:00 am, kitchen at 12:00.

I park, get off the bike and check the door. Open. Save a lone barkeep stocking coolers, the joint is empty. I’m the only patron. Turns out the cook is in the back. Ordered my Miller and a burger. The bartender and I get to talking. Tell her about where I’m from, where I’m going and the history of these trips. Her boyfriend comes in a short time later. Nice guy, full beard and is a biker too. Never caught his name. We get to talking and come to find out I’m not about to cut north to the Grand Canyon. Apparently my GPS decided to ignore my directions. Should’ve cut north way back in Flagstaff.

I finish my meal and tell the bartender I’ve got a weird question to ask her. “Can I take your picture?” Generally not a question you ask a woman you’ve just met and certainly not in the presence of her boyfriend. I explain the bears and she’s all for it. Dad took these bears everywhere. I don’t recall where they came from or how it started but he had dozen’s of photos of new found friends with these bears. JOM – Just One More and I’ll Have Another are their names. These bears have been to Sturgis and every trip we’ve ever been on. They’ve even found their way to Afganistan and Iraq. As for my request, she’s happy to oblige. Her name – Rambo. I bid my new friends goodbye and set back out on the road. Less than a hundred miles to Vegas. More mountain roads and incredible views – see main photo.

I arrive in Vegas. Can’t park out front to check in and have to park in the parking garage. Long trek down through the casino to get to the lobby. Get checked in and have to make multiple, long trips to the bike to unload. I get settled and head out to see the sights. Not what I imagined. The different sights are neat but it’s big city, tourists everywhere. Not for me. Not by myself at least. The homeless problem here is just as bad as I’ve been told. And everything is super expensive – $8.50 for a 12oz beer at the restaurant.

Tomorrow I head towards Clovis, California to stay with a good friend. I’m excited to see her and meet her husband. It’ll be a good night. Tonight I’ll spend a little while longer reflecting on years passed and previous trips.

I miss sitting around on these trips every night. Sharing stories and reminiscing with Dad. I leave you all tonight with this bit of advice – never pass up an opportunity to listen to a story. Even if you’ve heard it a hundred times before. Listen again because one day the storyteller will be gone. And it’ll never be the same coming from someone other than the person who know’s the story best.

Enjoy your work day, friends.