We made a pretty sensible decision last night given the 108 F degrees temperatures and that is, we would start on the road early as the earlier we start the cooler it will be.
So at 6:30am we loaded the bikes and had a cup of coffee so that the eye lids opened and then we hit the road. It was a cool 77 degrees. Ventilation on the suit is fantastic and the suit with no liners in is so light weight and breathable. Starting early also meant that the roads were really quiet.
Today we had some interstate (2 lane 75mph road) and the original old route (1 lane - sometimes rough, sometimes newly treated)
By 8:30am temperatures were in the late 80 degrees as we motored into the Joshua Tree State Park on the old road. We did experience some road closures on the old route and sat nav directed us onto the interstate. We had actually had a heads up of the road closures in Amboy from a follower on Instagram yesterday (massive thank you ! ) so Kris was able to go into Garmin Base camp and adjust the route. Thus preventing the hissy fits of by the SatNav today.
We did stop in the state park a couple of times and I was able to take a few photos and then we rode into a town called ESSEX. As I was born in Essex this was a must have shot. Of course there is no comparison between my hometown and the one visited today.
The roads were rough and the terrain was dusty and sandy with mountains either side then the road would be freshly tar marked and it was such a sweet ride and then back again to patchy rough roads. My mighty FJ rode the different terrain like a dream.
By 10am we stopped at a town called Ludlow, and headed for the Ludlow Cafe on Route 66 where we had a mighty feast of Biscuits n Gravy with Scrambled Eggs and lots of coffee. No need for lunch !
We arrived at our destination for the day shortly after noon and checked into another Super 8 motel. Time for our machines to rest and to get out of our heavy motorcycle gear as it was a cool 88 degrees. Must remember to do a check on the side stand again before we leave in the morning as with all the vibrations that Kris believes is what is making the nut and washer loose.
Another fine day with a fine ride across desert with my riding buddy where we passed little towns and later today we are going to hit the out door swimming pool but for now time for an ice cold beer - cheers all
Total Mileage = 171
Total Trip Mileage = 3,129
FJ ODO = 6,352
Tomorrow we ride to Santa Monica and civilization of a city and on to the finish of Route66.