Story: 21 Days in June
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Via US 50, SR 2, SR 722, Alt 50 (The Loneliest Road in America)
| Terrain: Desert Date: June 2014 Roads: Interstate, Curves, Valleys Technical: Easy to Intermediate Elevation: 3,898 ft. to 6,759 ft  |
I am riding the loneliest road in America today and it dawns on me… this is a land of extremes. Not in terms of extremely hot or extremely cold, but extreme as in, if you don’t mind your self out here, you may die. That’s right, that’s extreme. Travelling between towns, you get the feeling that you must respect everything out there. If your transportation breaks down or you make a mistake, there isn’t anybody there to take care of you. You need to be on your toes, keep your wits about and don’t be timid.
I learned the hard way, and with a suddenness that made me a believer. I was driving out to the Sand Mountain Recreation Area to see the sand dunes and forgot all about the 5 mph dips that appear out of nowhere. I suddenly find myself airborne on a 1200 lb. launch vehicle. It’s not the same sensation as on my Honda CRF250… no, but I did get some air hang time. No problem… I thought, but when I landed, I looked back and the rear trunk and seat looked odd. It was tilted 90 degrees back… the mount had failed. I’m in the middle of nothing, nobody, the extreme hits me square in the face. I am calm in these situations so take a looksie, unpack my tools, and begin removing, bending and straightening the mount so it will hold the trunk straight again. Almost as good as new, a little skewed, but livable until I can get to Las Vegas for permanent repairs. OK, I learned my first lesson. Survival depends on care, caution, and mindfulness. It’s slow down for now and live another day. A good lesson for me on day three of a very long adventure.
I start off slowly and think to myself, I’ll just ride slowly for now. What better way to do this than to stop and read the historical markers on the highway. I’m less than 10 miles down the road and see the first sign and pull into the area. It is gravel, but no worries. Gravel has been very good around here. After reading the sign, I continue on the turn around to get back to the road. My front wheel starts sliding in the ‘thick’ gravel sand. It’s like quicksand! I wasn’t expecting that, but I made it through, fine… My off road practice takes the credit here. But I started thinking about those Youtube videos I’ve been watching where women show you how to pick up downed Harley’s. if they can do it… There is a special way to pick up a downed Harley with finesse and the right hand holds. They weren’t thinking of picking one up in thick gravel though. I start wondering if the techniques would work in gravel…. I don’t want to find out and glad that I didn’t need to try it right then and there. Lesson #2: Be extra careful out in the middle of nowhere, for help may be far off.
OK, on with the voyage. I went thru the city of Fallon today. It is on Hwy 50 East of Fernley. Here is where you find true Americana in the real western sense of the word. People have been here for 150 years and throughout that time have built a wonderful city. It’s the county seat and they’ve been building this area and making it better and better for that entire 150 years! They seem to have perfected a lifestyle that is a treat to see. You know that pride, beauty and respect that you find in these types of places. Look around, no graffiti, Stop to talk with the local people and they’ll tell you what they think, watch the local police and you’ll see they truly care about their town. Oh… and don’t speed through Fallon. I warned you.
While in Fallon, I wanted to do a fix on my bike… not the trunk thing, but wanted to get a lock on my soft bag. I talked with the guy at Tu Brothers Motorcycle Shop and they were a great help. They work on everything there, lots of bikes, lots of types of bikes in the shop and lots of cool stuff inside. Stuff that you may think you want but can never find… ever online! They love bikes. They love their town… and it shows. They helped me out with a great solution idea, but didn’t charge me anything. Nice guys.
I met two wonderful ladies at the Churchill County Museum & Archives and was lucky enough to have Bunny Corkill and Julie King there to stamp my Loneliest Road in America book. I don’t know what I was expecting, but ended up being more than impressed with the facility and the people. Bunny’s family history came to the area around the same time as the Pony Express. She has wonderful stories to tell. Bunny is the Museum’s Research Curator and Julie brings her own knowledge that only comes from experiencing the community for a lifetime. This is a 5 star Museum and a treasure find on this loneliest highway. The museum has stories that tell of the people that shaped the area. There are excellent 5 star displays that create a picture of the way of life that ultimately became the world that we know and live in. Well done, ladies. And of course, there are stories of the Pony Express and legacy that was so quickly replaced by the telegraph. I reminisce those stories of people rising to the occasion. Having technology rise to the occasion just doesn’t bring with it the same romanticism and pride. As I walk around and look at all of the displays of people and events in the museum, I am sure that Bunny and Julie could bring them all to life. But simply browsing around on your own and reading all of the displays is a special treat. I’m glad that I stopped in Fallon for this.
I head off on Hwy 50 and in 47 miles stop for a fantastic sandwich in Middlegate; a recommendation from Bunny, of course. There is a bar, café, gas station, camping, cabins and motel there. I had a patty melt with grilled peppers that was fantastic! I met a few bicycle riders going cross-country on their bikes! Wow, talk about an adventure and what commitment. I enjoyed talking with them. There are some similarities between riding bikes and riding motorbikes across the country. There are differences too, I burn gasoline and they burn calories. It was neat to see that their maps include elevation changes in detail. I never imagined that we were travelling so high in elevation through Nevada! Isn’t Nevada flat? NOT.
After Middlegate I take a side road on Hwy 722/2. This takes me right into Austin, but through a more curvy stretch and beautiful views. The road is getting worn, but nice on a motorcycle, no potholes and no tar snakes to worry about. My right thumb dances on the straights. Go slow by the houses, there aren’t really that many, and it’s clear sailing. Speaking of sailing. Off hwy 722 is Smith Creek Playa where the 14th Annual Landsailing World Championship is being held this July 12-19. It looks like fun if your’re going to be in the area.
I stay in Austin. Nice choice, I met a few wonderful riders on the road. It was nice to have company and talk about riding.
The flick of the thumb switch. Cruise control, baby! Gotta love it.
The ‘other’ button. I can take pictures or videos with a push of the button. The camera is on my helmet for the most part. But I can put it anywhere.
Driving into Fallon from one of the side roads
Churchill County Museum & Archives
Inside the museum are fantastic displays. This one is on the Lincoln Highway, now the Loneliest Road. This road reminds me of Route 66, but much older and still fully in use today.
Amazing display rooms
The study
Everyone is represented
Even the Top Gun guys at the NAS
Fallon is where the NAS Top Gun is located since moving from Miramar, CA.
Leaving Fallon you are reminded that this is indeed a desert.
Here is the Sand Dunes Recreation area. This place has been providing fun for generations!
Before heading to Austin, it’s Middlegate Station for lunch.
Oh, and they have gas too.
I head to Austin via hwy 722. What’s neat about this, is that it takes me right by Smith Creek Playa to see where the International Sailboarders are meeting this year.
Welcome to Austin, NV
I spend lots of time here. Food and Drinks.
Austin is getting a little tired. Many building are old and unused. The views are great and you can walk/hike all the way up the hill where you can see the LOW flying fighter planes regularly breaking the sound barrier.
