Today we're going to ride East on Hwy 50, "The Loneliest Highway In America" as far as Austin then turn North and be homeward bound. The route we've planned should take us to the end of the week and be home for the weekend.
We don't waste too much time getting out of Reno motoring on I-80 east as far as Fendley; then it's Hwy 50 to Fallon where we stop for breakfast and top up the fuel tanks. Breakfast at "Jerry's" was excellent. Omelet for me and Eggs Bennie for Lori. A few cups of coffee, we're feeling refreshed and we're off and rolling east into the desert and a lot of nothingness. I love the desert and enjoy every moment I spend in it's vastness, beauty and intrigue. This is Lori's first time riding in this part of the country so I wave her on through to take the lead so she can enjoy all this road has to offer.
Lori ripping along Hwy 50.
The last time on Hwy 50 was with longtime riding buddy Norm Ingram, five years prior. On that trip we were heading westbound and after overnighting in Battle Mountain we were loading up the next morning and Norm discovered his rear tire was separating. Oh-Oh. That's not good news with the closest bike shop being hours away in Reno. Well Reno was our destination so after a bit of discussion we go for it; with Norm riding very diligently it takes up most of the day to go the 250 miles to Reno. Everything worked out in the end and Norm got new tires installed that day. Great service from Reno BMW by the way.
Lori's putting down a good pace and we're zipping along lickety-split. At Middlegate Station we veer off the road to get a photo of the bar for our friend Peter Vardon. Now Pete's been to a few bars in his time but this ramshackle shed is a favourite of his so we stop by and pay homage and take a few photos. While hanging around Middlegate we meet a man and his daughter from Arkansas both riding Harleys. Heading westbound, this was their first time in this part of the country and they were enjoying it immensely. What a great way to spend quality time with your daughter, going on a cross country motorcycle ride together. Another nice feature of Hwy 50 is it is built along an old Pony Express route and the ruins of the old stone station houses are dotted along the roadside.
Middlegate Station, Hwy 50 Nevada
Another hour or so and we're in Austin topping up the tanks again. I remembered a small gem and stone shop from my last visit so we head over and have a nose around. I'm a turquoise fan and I end up getting three stones; one for a ring at home, another to have made into a pendent; I think I might know a gal that would like that and a third stone for I don't know what but it is very pretty and could come in handy in the future.
Hwy 305 Nevada
Hwy 305 Nevada
At this point we turn North onto Nevada 305, another meandering highway that will take us to Battle Mountain, our oasis for the night. Again, my memory goes back to the last time with Norm Ingram in Battle Mountain; it was a stinking hot day when we checked into a motel, got some cold refreshing beverages, put them on ice and lounged in the pool for the remainder of the afternoon. It was during this quality time we heard sirens coming down the road, closer, louder, closer, louder until they were right outside our motel and now turning into our courtyard! Being curious kind of guys we go for a look and discover our motel is on fire. Not our unit but one in the back corner has thick clouds of smoke billowing out the door and window. The Battle Mountain Fire Department save the day, putting out a careless smoker fire, pronounce all persons safe and the show's over as quick as it began. We're back in the pool picking up where we left off before this noisy interruption.
Back to the present, Lori and I roll into Battle Mountain and yeah, I couldn't resist. I wheel over to the Big Chief Motel and wouldn't you know it there's lots of room and we park 'em for the day. Durning check-in I remark to the woman at the desk how the last time I was here the place caught fire. She cackled, recalling how she was here too, but assured me they hadn't had such an incident since. Hunger drives or in this case walks us the half mile or so down the road to an excellent little Mexican restaurant, "El Aguila Real". A modest family run business, the food was wonderful, excellent service and low, low prices. $26.00 for two including tax and tip.You gotta love that!
We walk back to the motel taking a diversionary route through a residential neighbourhood and have a nosy-parker look at the houses and what the locals are up to. I spend some time bringing the journal up to date, albeit the photos won't upload, network issues, grrrrrr, but I get the posts written and I'll try and upload them in the morning.
Buenos noches mi amigos!
Steve
Battle Mountain, NV
June 22/14
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