6000 Miles of Summer - Day 4
Barstow (CA) to Casa Grande (AZ)
(540 mi)
A Journey Through Contrasts
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Rehydrated (Blue Moon). Fueled up (Walmart Deli). Gassed up(Valero). As the first rays of the sun pierced the horizon, I headed due southinto Lucerne Valley, anticipating another day in triple digits. The excitementof reaching the California Coin in Idyllwild, a stop in one of the hottest cities in theUnited States and finally reuniting with my fiancée set the pace for the day.
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The sunrise was breathtaking, and with no traffic, it wasperfect for cruising. The CA-18 from Lucerne Valley started off mundane withmining traffic, but soon transformed into a thrilling, twisty climb up towardsBig Bear Lake. The altitude brought a welcome coolness, a stark contrast to theprevious day's heat. I hoped for a coffee stop in Big Bear, but luck wasn't onmy side, so I pressed on along CA-38 towards Riverside.
The road was a delight,with its smooth surface and endless twists and turns—a perfect warm-up for theadventures ahead.
Navigating the highways of greater Los Angeles is always arelief when it's over. It was the quickest route, and surprisingly better thanexpected, but still a highway.
The CA-243 to Idyllwild was a dream. After quicklyovertaking a lone car, it was pure bliss. Passing the town limits of Idyllwild,I felt a pang of disappointment that it was over. The devil on my left shoulderurged me to turn around and do it again, while the voice of reason on my rightreminded me of the journey still ahead.
A quick photo, and some fantasticcoffee and cake at 'Pure Bean Idy' (highly recommended!), and I was back on the road.
Heading South as far as I could, then turning east, Ifollowed the border on a state route next to I-8, passing through Calexico andtowards Yuma, Arizona.
I arrived in Yuma before 3:10 PM, greeted by a scorching115°F (46°C). After a quick lunch downtown, I voluntarily visited the prison—afascinating glimpse into the harsh conditions of the past.
The Harleydealership coin was a must-have, along with plenty of water and Gatorade. Arecommended stop at Dateland Travel Center for their Date Milk Shakes was muchneeded and well-deserved.
The rest of the journey was uneventful on the Interstate,with a few Border Patrol inspections and a looming dust storm in Gila Bend.Leaving the interstate, I took a backroad through the Sonora Desert Wilderness,finally arriving in Casa Grande. The hug I received was the perfect end to along day.
The next few days will be spent off the bike, enjoying time with family.
See you soon for the second part of the trip to Tennessee!
