I get to ride all year, just hot as heck in the summer, I know that you from the ice and cold are crying crocodile tears :'( But the last 2 weeks with work and out of town visitor (not a rider) only got up in mtns one time for breakfast and 50 mi round trip. My buddie called yesterday and was telling me about his great ride so I had to get out today as I was not working.
Up I-10 about 25 miles and then up the back way to Joshua Tree Park.
it is always a good ride. Up from sea level to 2500' - 5000' in elevation with lots of different plant life at different levels. Lots of curves that aren't very difficult as you head up to and through the park. About 60 miles up through park to 29 Palms where the marines train in the desert.
i stopped at an ocotillo grove at a view point and a couple from Canada came over talking about the Interstate they have and really like. they took my picture in front of an ocotillo plant. these things can get up to 20-25' and in summer look like a bunch of dead sticks. With rain, they bloom with small green leaves and then flower. Good bit of rain over winter so they are all green.
After leaving the park, I head out through the Mojave Desert about 75 miles. Nothing but creosote bushes and long straight road. Hardly any traffic. There were a few slight changes in direction and one "turn" in the 75 mi. I mostly just took my time, but out alone on that straight road with no traffic, I did test out the higher numbers on the speedo for a short while. Very smooth.
Finally stopped at Desert Center Cafe for a burger. Built in 1922 by Stephen A. Ragsdale, also known as “Desert Steve”, a desert eccentric of the first order. Nothing else around except a single room post office and abandoned garage.
So home now after 240 mi, having adult beverage and happy to have been able to get out and ride.
