Three cool dudes hanging out in Williams, Arizona.
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona.
A symbolic end of the road (or beginning - depending
upon your direction - end for us.)
The beach, where the skies were blue, and the temperature was
cooler (than in the desert).
More beach stuff.
And more.
Day ten. Overnight in California. End of the road.
We awoke this morning in Victorville, California (Pop. 125,000) to royal blue skies with no clouds. The temperature was in the mid 80's as we prepared to travel the remaining 97 miles (1.5 hours) to the end (or beginning - end for us) of Route 66. We loaded the bikes and said our farewells, as we knew that when we reached our terminus point Bob would be leaving us to fly home (shipping his bike home through an arrangement made with the shipper and the local Harley dealer) and Larry and I would continue our journey over other roads to other places.
But alas, the best laid plans often do not go as planned. The problem with Larry's bike was found to be worse this morning so we said our goodbyes and Bob continued the trip (for all of us) to the end of 66 alone. He made the last four photos above.
Larry and I went looking for a Harley dealer that was open on Sunday. We found one in Riverside, California. They got the bike in the shop, fixed, and our journey continued. We did not make it to Santa Monica today, but we will do so before we leave the area.
This however will be the last posting for this blog. I have not decided whether I will blog the rest of our (Larry's and mine) travels this summer trip or not. Probably not. If you are interested in following us further, or reading my blogs of previous trips you can find me at Google+. Just ask to add me to your account list and I will "probably" accept you without reservations.
This was a great trip. It was made especially so by sharing it with two excellent riding companions. Over the years that I have been riding I have been blessed with my ability to identify and ride with people that I enjoy being around, and who add much enjoyment to the overall experience. That can certainly be said for both Bob and Larry. Both are very competent and safe riders, and I was never concerned that we, or they, were in any situation beyond our/their ability to manage.
Bob's J&M (new for this trip) CB radio went out after the first two days so he and I were unable to communicate by CB along much of the route. Larry's bike began to have noticeable issues starting in Holbrook, Arizona, and continued until we reached the Harley dealer in Riverside today. We experienced rain early in the ride, but nothing that was not manageable. And of course the heat crossing the desert. What can I say? It was hot. But, that too was manageable, and we dealt with it as we should, with lots of water and frequent and lengthy breaks inside an air conditioned building.
We met several other Route 66 enthusiast/travelers along the one. Some we saw more than once.
There are many other ways to do this trip, and I think all would probably be enjoyable. My basic recommendations are, read a couple of good books on Route 66, talk with others who have made the trip, and where possible get two equally enthusiastic adventures to make the trip with you. I did. That made the trip even better.
Another good day.
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