So much happens so fast... more from today.
If you look at the recent pics, I've tied my dirt boots in the tires on each side, so it took me longer to load the bike this morning.
Started the day with 8000 miles on the clock.
Traffic was dodgy much of the day, until I got out of Kalifornia, but near Phoenix got heavy again.
I had a lightweight dirt bike jersey under my heavy Belstaff offroad jacket, with all the vents open. I watched the temperature (TFT display) rose from mid 70s this morning, into the low 80s and then 90.
With the windscreen in its lowest setting, it gives me a nice steady breeze right on my face... visor up, sunglasses for eye protection, and the non-existent humidity minimized the heat very nicely. At 85 degrees I noted the onboard temp gauge and still felt cool and comfortable, whereas in Bama I'd be dripping.
I have worn my Camelbak every day since Friday, and I use it, but still recognize I'm behind the curve, and I'm dehydrated. With the faceshield up, I know it's sucking the water out of me. I didn't have to pee all day, so I'm glad I got to quit riding when we had to change the back tire.
To continue riding wouldn't be the best decision, and even though I wasn't tired or feeling ill, it would have caught up with me. Lack of hydration leads to weakness, loss of coordination, and brain fog, all of which are working against a man on a bike riding at night.
Or day.
The desert has appeared to remain unchanged, although there are fewer mountains as I move east, they look much the same as in Castaic, rugged and remote but still pretty to watch as the morning and evening sun highlights and accentuates the ridges and valleys with ever-changing shadows.
Tomorrow, on to New Mexico and then a week (it seems) across most of the width of Texas. Many songs about traveling through the state, one of my favorites is Miles and Miles of Texas, as played by Asleep at the Wheel. Lots of cool artists have recorded it.
My last time through was on a BMW g650gs thumper, and it seemed I rode 500 miles at a 45- degree angle, to keep from being blown off the road. We'll see if the bigger bike with all this weight will help or hurt... but today on the roads, on cruise control at 80mph (speed limit 75), I could take my hands off the bars and it tracked smooth and straight, even with my wonky cargo loading.
When I do have to change lanes it feels like it has power steering, and I can turn literally with one finger and a light touch. Research is for scientific use and data gathering. Don't try this at home, kids.
