Our Friend Frank Sobiecki Motorcycle Diary

With kind permission by our friend and best neighbour ever I wanted to share this fascinating trip that he wrote.

A 1,000 motorcycle run through California, Nevada and Arizona By Frank Sobiecki

Well, I did it. A 1,000 mile motorcycle butt run across the Southwest.

When I started out the weather was fine, however when I reached the desert areas the wind began to pick up. Riding my motorcycle with a luggage bag behind me, made me somewhat top-heavy. I basically had to lean into the wind as I was riding. The 30 mph winds were manageable, however the unexpected 50 mile an hour gusts were a little unnerving. My first stop was for lunch in a small mining town called Randsburg, California. Not much there, but I was able to get the local history from a ninety-eight-year-old bartender. After lunch I headed out to Olancha, California, which is located just west of the entry road into Death Valley. Stayed at the Rustic Hotel (aptly named as this is the worst hotel I've ever stayed in, in my entire life).
The next morning was cool and very calm. I headed east on Highway 190. I was practically the only person on the road that morning and it was just the perfect day to be riding a motorcycle across the desert. Climbing to about 5000 feet in elevation I came to a ridge line overlooking a vast desert valley. At first I thought I was looking into Death Valley. Later I realized I was looking into the Panamint Valley. I stopped for coffee at the hotel/restaurant near the bottom of the Panamint Valley. I was very excited making it this far and very much enjoyed my coffee while looking at the austere and beautiful surroundings. I received many stares and glances as the locals and tourists realized I was all alone riding through the desert. Riding out across the Panamint Valley and crossing over the easterly rim and seeing my first glimpse of Death Valley gave me any natural high that I have never felt before. Being able to see 50 miles to the north, 50 miles to the south and 50 miles to the east with nothing obstructing my view, was pretty amazing. The glimmer of the white salt flats was expected but nonetheless an awesome site. With a gentle wind at my back, I literally felt like I was floating down the highway into the valley of death. It was an undescribable feeling. I visited Stovepipe, Furnace Creek, Devils Golf Course, Badwater and rode the Artist Drive on my way out.

The rest of my trip through Pahrump, Nevada, Las Vegas, Kingman Arizona, Laughlin Nevada, Joshua Tree National Park ( via old Route 66 ) was also a memorable experience. Just thought you'd like to know how my Death Valley experience went.