Awesome Utah, 14 June

We had a confused start, probably due to pushing so hard to get to Dolores. That last hour was looking into the setting sun while navigating high speed curves. Our plan was to have a short visit with Matt Rambo at his shop and then head out. Due to the time changes we spent some time having an early breakfast...not our normal routine...while waiting for Matt to get to work. Matt has a business restoring or rebuilding Norton motorcycles.


He showed us bikes being built for customers in Hong Kong, Australia, and even the USA. His business is doing so well that he is moving to a new location where he will have 6000 square feet of space. We enjoyed the visit but had to get rolling.




Mark, Matt, Bobby




Almost immediately we were in southern Utah. It was like riding through a huge movie set, awesome scenery on all sides. The temp was perfect for 70mph blasting through the corners. I was happy to have the reserve power of my Ducati because that makes for effortless passing. We rode north om 191 and finally had to get on I70 for about 100 miles. The speed limit is 75 so we were doing 80. I discovered that I am more a 70mph gut than an 80mph one. The higher speed is not fun, too much wind noise. This stretch of I80 has no services for 106 miles. Be prepared!






Finally we got off the Interstate and onto US 50, known as the Lonliest





highway in the lower 48 states. It is true! Oh, and for long distances (30-40 miles) there is not a curve to be found. We had about 150 miles of mostly straight roads with no traffic or signs of civilization. Mark could not resist the temptation to see what his bike will do...I think the answer was 130 mph. Heck, that broke up the otherwise boring ride. We finally got to Ely, having ridden over 500 miles. Since we only needed three 400 mile days to get to Weaverville this mileage puts us to the point where we can have two easy days. It is about 350 miles to Reno so I suspect that will be the goal today. Last night we decided to slip in and not start riding until 0800.

I have been dealing with all the symptoms of a bad cold or allergies. By 8 pm last night all I wanted to do was go to bed so that's exactly what I did. Now as I watch the sun come up I feel just a bit better.

Let me not forget ot talk about our lodging. We are staying in the historic Hotel Nevada, built in 1929, and not changer much since then...except for the slot machines and craps tables. The place just reeks of charm and for $40 per night I can ignore the spotty hot water and slow elevator.


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Location:Ely, Nevada