Voyages on Two Wheels – 9 July 2011 – The Old Highway South of Jean, NV

Time for another post   Saturday was a bit rainy and I figured I’d wait until the radar showed a bit of clearing before heading out.  Primm, NV sounded like a good destination as I know there’s some decent food to be had and I could say I’ve ridden to California

9 July 2011 - South of Jean, NV on the old highway with thunderstorms in the distance

 Unfortunately, the pics you see here show how far I got – about a couple miles south of Jean, NV on Las Vegas Blvd.  This was one of the places I’ve wanted to take the bike for a while.  Before I-15 linked Las Vegas and L.A. this was the main road into town.  Most of it south of Jean has been left to erode over the years and while I had thoughts of going until it ends about halfway to Primm, I thought better after feeling how harsh the ride was.

9 July 2011 - South of Jean, NV on the old highway with thunderstorms in the distance

 So why did I turn around and head back instead of jumping on the I-15 to Primm you might ask?  Well, if you look in both of the pics above you’ll see the answer in the background.  Here’s a hint – those clouds weren’t just dumping rain.  Now, anyone who’s read this blog for a while probably knows I love thunderstorms.  I just don’t like the thought of being on a motorcycle in one if I can help it – especially if I don’t have decent rain gear & I’m one of the tallest things around and not in a car

9 July 2011 - Sunset with showers over Red Rock Canyon in the distance

Another reason I headed home can be seen in this last pic.  Here’s a hint – look at where the sun is and consider that I’m about an hour from home with the route I had planned.  Yes, I went through Red Rock Canyon again to get back home.  I figured the rain would move on before I got there (it did – I only encountered sprinkles) and while it might be dark (I love my motorcycle’s high beam!), at least I wouldn’t have to deal with Saturday night traffic on city streets that would probably be under that rain by the time I got there.  All went well and I got home safe and only slightly damp

I’ll have more before very long, but until then have a great day