Here we go!

Leaving

Getting packed up and ready when it’s actually time to leave us always difficult for me. I always seem to forget things, or they don’t go as I planned them in my head. I set a time I wanted to leave by and a time I needed to leave by. I got out of the house at about 8:02, which was two minutes after my need to leave time. Not too shabby. Of course saying goodbye to the family was tough.

                Me on Lucille

Going, going, gone. 

Loaded

I had everything strapped on the bike, but it was a bit claustrophobic feeling worth all that stuff in front and behind me. I told myself to get over it, and surprisingly, I did! Once she was moving, I didn’t notice all the extra weight and got used to the stuff.

It was early and we had the road pretty much to ourselves. I took Highway 20 to Interstate 80, and stopped for gas in Boomtown,  near Reno.  A guy came up to me and started chatting about how he rode motorcycles about 25 years ago and he wished he still did. He admired Lucille, asked a couple of questions, where was I going, how long would it take, and he went on his way, looking longingly at Lucille.

The road

Gassed up, we hit the interstate again and took our exit in Fernley. I must have done something wrong when I tried to tighten up Lucille straps because my food bag was now pushing uncomfortably into my back. I pulled over in Fernley and adjusted everything. Now it would stay! While at the gas station fixing things, a FAT lizard came up to me. It looked like about 3-4 spiky fence lizards! No picture though because I was messing with the bike.

Smooth sailing

Once I had everything readjusted, the ride was wonderful. I topped up the tank again in Fallon and just enjoyed the ride and the beautiful weather.

Riding down the highway! 

Right before I got to Austin, Nevada,  the wind kicked up. I passed a motorcycle on the side of the road with no rider. Bummer. I climbed into Austin in cooling weather and filled up again. I bought a bag of chips and a Gatorade while I was there and sat down to enjoy it. There was a guy there with motorcycle gear and no bike. I bet I know which bike is his. We chatted a bit while I drank my drink, I wished him luck and continued on.

Climbing out of Austin, it was downright chilly, but as I came back down the hill it warned again. It even rained on me a bit! Not a soaking but definitely got me wet!

Home for the night

I found a hotel i rolled into about about 3:10 in the afternoon. The hotel was decent and I got a hot shower, did my laundry, checked in with the family and made dinner. Hopefully I’ll get up early tomorrow and get an early start. I’d like to make it to Green River, Utah tomorrow, about 400 miles.

All tucked in for the night!