Day four was the travel home day, but we managed to squeeze in a ride out to the infamous Racetrack Playa. We knew it would make for a long day, but this was a must see for me. In 1971 I visited DV with my family. My dad didn't think we had the fuel to make it to the Racrtrack and back, so we turned back at Ubehebe Crater and I've wanted to see the Racetrack since. Forty + years later the time was right. We had originally planned to go in from the south via the Saline Valley, but Keith's rear tire was looking pretty sad, so we trailered to Ubehebe Crater and launched from there. The 27 mile ride in was fast and fun. The road is wide and a clear view through most of the corners sets the speed deep into the adrenaline zone. We were the only dust out there and we ripped. The first stop was about twenty miles out in this grove of Joshua trees. A shot of te trusty mount. I love this motorcycle..... Next was Teakettle Junction, where I attached my own kettle to the sign. Not an original idea. The people at Goodwill in Fremont want pictures of "their teakettle". I'll drop off some prints tomorrow. Finally we arrived at the Racetrack. As we approached we saw a military fighter low-leveling the lake bed. When we got close he hit the smoke, pointed up and bugged out. Very impressive. Boys and their toys.... This is what is called "The Grandstand". It's an island of rocks at the north end of the lake. Not many moving rocks at this end of the lake. Everything is bigger than it first looks. The bikes were red and white dots when viewed for here. At the south end, there are plenty of rocks and clear tracks. Crazy stuff.... And finally a shot of the dudes on the lake. Me on the left, Keith on the right. That's the Grandstand in the background. Then it was time for the long drive back home. It's times like this that will stick in my memory forever. Spending time with a good friend, outside of the daily grind is key to making life an adventure. I can't wait to head out again. We're planning a trip to Moab and The Valley of the Gods. It couldn't be too soon. Happy trails, Chris (AKA; Morris Better)
Great pics ... Yep, getting out on your own with your bike and a friend(s) is a very cool way to spend time ... Its life on the down-to-earth side ... Your bike looks a little like a jacked-up jack rabbit ... Build for speed with plenty of ground clearance On the terrain ... Seems like the pioneers would have had a gwad awful time crossing the west in covered wagons ...
Looks like an amazing time. My wife asked me the other day if we could go camping out there , after a double take I was like, sure I'll just bring the Husky along...just in case...
Camping at Stovepipe Wells is very popular, but it's like being in an tent/RV city. You can camp in any of the canyons after you get two miles off the main road road. I'd recommend a 4X4 for any of the roads except Titus Cn. You can drive anything that's not too big all the way through.
Good read. One day, we will head down to the west and ride there. In the meantime, I like reading these stories. Happy Trails!
Admiring your "rack", have the same awesome bike!! Wondering the make of the rack and how it mounts?? thanx great trip report!
