Day 1 started early, as if to practice for the arrival of Harv. Actually got on the road at 6 a.m. and bee lined it towards Reno. No traffic and people were moving at a good clip. I made great time through the first tank of gas as towards the end I needed to well, empty out. However, all the rest areas on I-80 are still closed.
Gassed up just outside of Reno and pointed myself toward the “Lonliest Highway” which is Rt 50 through Nevada. The first stop was Middlegate which really is just a middle of the no where outpost, but I love these types of places. The food was good, the people were fun so it was a good choice of stops.
From there I head out a few miles to check out the “Shoe Tree”. It is on the map and has some folklore behind it.
Oh yeah, this a motorcycle trip. However, I’m in my Truck with my bike in the back. Side Store: In 2020 the PB’s met up in Wyoming and on the way back I got a solid dose of desert crossings. 2.5 days of 115 degree temps made me learn my lesson. So, I’m crossing the desert to CO in the Truck and will then unload for nearly a weeks worth of riding. Just me all you want, but I was basically a brisket cooked low and slow after that last trip.
From there I set my sights on Austin Nevada. Nothing more than a gas stop because I wanted to make sure to keep topping off. I gassed up and grabbed an ice cream
From there I was pointed toward Ely Nevada which was my final destination. So I continued on the “Lonliest Road” as the temps got up to 100 in a few spots. I was happy with my choice.
The clouds showed that nice square portal right above the road. I thought for sure some UFO’s were going to show up or at least a secret US Gov plane, but it wasn’t even a portal to hell. It was just pointing its way to Eureka Nevada. Side Note: Eureka was originally one of my choices for a stop. I’m glad I didn’t. It looked so dead that there weren’t even meth heads around.
I stopped on the road to take a video, considering it was the Loneliest Road there was no traffic.
I arrived in Ely, and checked into the Hotel Nevada. Then headed across the street to the Jail Cell steakhouse for dinner. It was more expensive than the location, but the food was good and the service staff were very nice.
Did I mention that my room is the John Schneider room so the decor is Dukes of Hazard.
I ended the night with losing money in the Casino. Tomorrow’s adventure consists of Caves, Utah and hopefully an arrival in Colorado.
PB – Steve reporting from the West moving East contingent.
Phat Barstewards 