Motorcycling XCountry

Sept.24-28 Sun-Thur

Sept.24 Sun. 

Albuquerque NM - El Paso TX = 270 miles - 4 hrs.

After NM, I went to El Paso TX.  On my way there, I noticed that the bike was acting funny. 

Upon a closer inspection, the tires were shot, the chain was about to go, and the oil was running low.

I was able to get to the Gardner Hostel in El Paso TX without any incident.

Sept.25 Mon. For some reason, motorcycle shops are closed on Mondays, but Rio Yamaha in Las Cruses was open.

When I got there, the service manager told me that they were short staffed, and the head mechanic wasn’t in.

The service manager assured me that they would be able to get the job done without a problem.

Pretty much I spent the whole day there.  From 11am - 5pm.

When they brought the bike out from service, I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there.

As soon as I got to the hostel, I noticed that the rear rim was bent and also scratched.

Not sure if it happened along my travels or if it was the shop that did it.

Either way, it pissed me off.

That night, while I was out for dinner, I took a right turn going about 5-10mph.

And BAMM!  The bike slipped from under me and I fell. 

It was like someone had just pulled out a seat out from under me.

I guess there was gravel, sand, or something on the road that I wasn’t able to see.  So when I went over it turning, on new tires, it just didn’t stick.

There was only minor damages to the bike and I scrapped up my right knee a little bit.

To top the night off, while I was asleep, I kept scratching myself all over the place.

At first I thought I had some sort of allergic reaction to what I ate.

But when I got up to use the bathroom, I turned on the light, and the whole room was infested with mosquitos.

From that moment on, I wasn’t able to get any sleep.

It was probably the worse day on this trip so far.

Here’s how my knee looks like now.

Sept.26 Tues. 

El Paso TX - Austin TX = 580 miles - 9 hrs.

The next day I called Rio Yamaha to complain about the damage done to my rim, and of course, they didn’t want to claim responsibility for it.

I think this road sign pretty much describes how I’m feeling about this whole incident.

My original plan was to go to Dallas. 

But in one of my stops for food and gas, I met an older couple from Dallas.

They told me that I should go visit Austin instead.

I’m glad I did.

Out of all the cities that I’ve been to, Austin TX is one of my favorite places.

The night life out there was popping on a Tuesday night.

I had no clue why, but the next day, I found out that the University of Texas in Austin is the biggest non private university in the US.  Making it probably the biggest in the world.

I ended up staying at the hostel in Austin for two nights.

Austin is a place that I’ll definitely come back to some day.

Sept.28 Thur. 

Austin TX - Gavelston TX = 220 miles - 3.75 hrs.

After Austin, I decided to go to Galveston TX.

On my way there, I got pulled over, and had no clue why.

The cop’s excuse for pulling me over was that my license plate was not visible because it was dirty.

Which was BS, cause all he did was give me a warning and chat about bikes.

The hostel that I stayed at was located right on the beach.

As soon as I got to my room, I went to take a shower and noticed that the bathroom door would not close.

It’s the dumbest shit that I’ve ever seen.

Whoever built the bathroom, put the toilet too close to the door.

For dinner, I was craving for some seafood, so I went to a local spot called Bennos and had a crawfish meal while overlooking the ocean. 

Sept.20-24 Wed-Sun

Sept.20 Wed. 

Baja MX - San Diego CA = ~650 miles - ~ 11 hrs.

Being in the Mexican desert for so long, made me starve for some good old American conveniences that we tend to take for granted everyday.

So, after Baja, I shot straight to San Diego. 

Since it was late, and I was tired, I got a room at the Econo Lodge.

The manager there was mad cool. 

He let me know that the area wasn’t safe for bikes and told me to park inside the room.

Sept.21 Thur. 

San Diego CA - Phoeniz AZ = 360 miles - 5.5 hrs.

The next day I decided to head towards Arizona and check out the Grand Canyon. 

On the way I stopped by Phoenix.  Didn’t do much there, just stayed at the hostel.

Sept.22 Fri. 

Phoenix AZ - Flagstaff AZ = 145 miles - 2 hrs.

I arrived in Flagstaff Arizona.  Unpacked my things at the hostel, and went to see the Grand Canyon.

For some reason, I had always thought that the Grand Canyon was a site along a highway or interstate.  Basically free.

I was wrong.  Like any other attraction in this country, you have to pay for it.

I paid $12 to get in.  Which I thought was pretty steep.

The Grand Canyon Park was huge.  They give you this map so that you find your way around the park.  And it covers more than a few miles.  But it’s all Grand Canyon.

The experience of being there was awesome.  I felt like a drop of water in a ocean. 

Pictures cannot describe how immense these canyons are, and how insignificant you feel around them.

Sept.23 

Grand Canyon AZ - Santa Fe NM = 470 miles - 7 hrs.

I heard that New Mexico was I place I should check out.  So I went to Santa Fe.

It’s different being in the high country.  Due to the high altitude, it’s a little hard to breath at first and at times it makes your legs feel like spaghetti. 

The only problem I had with Santa Fe was that it was freaking cold out there.

It felt like it was in the 40’s.

I met a few local riders from the area, and they suggested that I should ride up Hyde Park mountain.

Sept.24 Sun. 

Santa Fe NM - Albuquerque NM = 65 miles - 1 hr.

Hyde Park Mountain had some good roads for riding, but since I woke up a little late, and being Sun., by the time I went, the road was packed with cars.

It’s sketchy riding out there.  You have the factors of, hikers, cyclists, cars, gravel, ice, and snow. 

Now I can say that I have ridden trough all types of conditions, except hail… jk

It was worth going to the top to see the view from above Santa Fe.

On my way down, I stooped for some gas, and another local rider tells me that there’s a show/race going on in Albuquerque.  So I went with it.

I got there after 4pm, so I didn’t get charged admission.

I took way to many photos to post up so I’ll just do some.

Sept.18-20 Mon-Wed

Sept. 18 Mon.

Los Angeles CA - Erendira MX = ~400 miles - ~7 hrs.

Mexico has always been somewhere that I wanted to go. 

But after talking to some people, I felt discouraged at times, due to the negative opinions people had.

Still like everything else, I had to experience it and see for myself.

So I decided to go into Baja Mexico from San Diego.

I figured, like any other 3rd world country, that the big cities are where you can get into trouble. 

So I skipped Tijuana, and went straight to the Hostel in Erendira.

As soon as I touched down in Mexico, I got blind in one eye.

For the most part, the ride was foggy, but sunny at the same time.

Highway 1 also stretches into the coastline of Baja Mexico.

Mexico was beautiful in it’s own ways.

The off roads to the hostel was horrible. 

It made me feel like I was riding on the surface of the moon.

Coyote Cals hostel was very nice, overlooking the ocean.

That night I went to eat dinner at a local restaurant.

The lady there made me feel like I was home.

I realized that Mexican people are genuinely nice and comforting.

My skepticism about these people went out the window.

I felt safer in Mexico than I did in most parts of the states. 

After dinner, I went back to the hostel and sat around and got drunk with a whole bunch of people that were staying there.

It was definitely fun times.

Sept.19 Tues. 

The next day I took it easy and went to the beach for a tan.

  While walking along a path to the beach, all I saw was litter all over the place.

It was sad to see such a nice place ruined by so much garbage.

I didn’t feel like taking a picture of it.

For lunch, I went to a different restaurant in the neighborhood, and had chicken with rice and beans.

As I was about to leave, these 2 kids looked at me as if I was some sort of superhero on a motorcycle.

Asking me where I saw from, how I got there, and how they had never seen someone like me riding around in a motorcycle like that.

I guess all they’ve seen from time to time are the Baja rally bikes which are off road bikes.

After that, I went back to the hostel and passed out from my body being sun burnt.

Didn’t do much that night.

Sept.20 Wed. 

Erendira MX - South of Baja = ~500 miles - ~9 hrs.

Woke up early and went south from Erendira.

After a few hours of riding, I was in the middle of nowhere in the desert with my gas running low.

This was nothing like in the states.  At least in the states, you see cars driving past, so you could always flag someone down for help or use your cell to call someone.

But this place, you got no cell phone reception in Mexico period, there are no cars anywhere around, and no Mexican is crazy enough to go as far down south as I was.

It was honestly the first time that I kinda started to freak out a bit.

Then, it only got worse when I passed a sign that said that the next gas station was 300km away.

I thought to myself, I’m dead. 

I’m almost out of fuel, no food, no water, and just a whole bunch of cacti around me.

I thought, if worse comes to worse, I’ll just ditch my bike and survive by drinking my own piss.  Eww!

It’s weird what your mind goes through when your put in situations like that.

Thinking back to it now, it was fun!

Anyways, long after the 300km sign, just like a mirage, a restaurant and a little gas stand appeared out of no where.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I ended up filling my tank and getting something to eat there.

With what I had just gone through, I wasn’t so sure if I should keep heading down. 

So I decided to turn back. 

It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make on this trip so far.

It might sound like a no brainer. 

But for me, it was more like deciding between, exploring the unknown and having a greater experience, or heading back to something that I already know.

Thinking back to it now, I wish I could have kept on going and maybe I would have made it as far as main land Mexico and into other South American countries.

Oh well, that’ll be part 2 for my next adventure.

One thing that I learned, and that I’ll try to do, is not let my fear get in the way of my decision making process.

The more scared you are, is because the greater the outcome will be.

Oh yeah, along the way, there were a few military stops.

I made some new fans.

Sept.12-16 Tues-Sat

Sept.12 Tues.

Montara CA - Monterey CA = 110 miles - 2 hrs.

After leaving Montara, I just kept heading south via Highway 1 .

Along the way I went through Redwood Forrest.

After a few hours of rinding, I decided to stop by Monterey.

I had some dinner by the docks and got food comma.

But before I went to the hostel, I rode around a bit and enjoyed the view around town

Sept. 13 Wed The next day I tried to go to the Aquarium in Monterey, but there was a huge line, and the entrance cost was $27.  So I decided not to go and just take this picture instead.

Monterey CA - San Luis Obispo CA = 250 miles - 2.5 hrs.

I kept going on highway 1 and got to San Luis Obispo

That night I stayed at a local hostel in town.

Sept.14 Thur.

San Luis Obispo CA - San Pedro CA = 220 miles - 3.5 hrs

After San Luis Obispo, I rode down to San Pedro.

As I was checking into the hostel, the girl behind the counter tells me that I should check out the Korean Bell.

Which was on the same property.

I was like, Korean Bell?

When I went to check it out I realized it was the same bell that’s been in movies and stuff. 

Sept.15 Fri.  On my way down south, I stopped by LA to meet up with Nak and some of my family.

I Spent a nigh at Naks.  He seemed to be doing really well.  It was good seeing a friend for the first time in the west coast.

Sept.16 Sat.  I spent some time with my cousin Rosie, and have dinner with her and my aunt.  I spent the night at Rosies crib.  I was glad to see my family that I haven’t seem in a while.

Set.10-12 Sun-Tues

San Francisco CA - Montara CA = 25 miles - 30 min.

All along the way from NJ to CA, there was one thing in common about the recommendations from people of where I should go riding.  And it was Highway 1. 

Highway 1 goes up and down the CA coastline.  And it’s one of the best scenic highways with crazy twisties along the mountain.

By the time I left San Fran, the whole way along Highway 1 was foggy.

As I’m riding the 1, I noticed a light house overlooking the ocean.

So I decided to stop by and take a few pictures, but as soon as I got there I saw a hostel sign.

I thought to myself, this can’t be.  It’s too nice to be a hostel.

Even if I had to pay more than $20, I would have stayed there regardless.

The hostel was located right on site of the Light House.

Once unpacked I met my roommate Dave.  He was also riding his bike along the coast, but he was heading up. 

While chilling in the living room, we met this girl Brandy.

After talking to Brandy for a bit, she tells us that she surfs and that she could teach us how.

I was like surf?  Wow, that’s so out the box for me.

But deep inside, it was always one of those things that I wished I could scratch off my list.

So I said cool, let’s do this.

The next day Sept.11 Mon. we rented our surf boards and wetsuits, and went surfing at Pacifica. 

Now I can say I surfed and I was able to stand up.

But I gotta admit, I must’ve looked like a fool as if I was walking on a thigh rope waving my arms in the air to catch balance.  I had crazy fun.

After about 2 hours into surfing, Dave took a bad spill and snapped his board in half. 

It was too funny. 

I never thought that surfing could take so much out of you.  That shit got me so tired and sore.  So I decided to stay another night.

On Sept.12 Tues. we left the Hostel.  I started to go south and Dave north to Chico.

On my way south I took a little detour around some mountain roads that lead me into La Honda House Cafe.

At La Honda House Cafe I had my best $18 porterhouse steak ever!

After that hearty meal, I went next door to the convenience store to buy a drink.

As I’m waiting on line, to my surprise, a Korean lady comes to the cashier.

I’m pretty sure that when she saw me, and when I saw her we both thought of the same thing, WTF are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere?

Out of all places, I never thought I would see another Korean person in the middle of nowhere in the mountains.  But I guess our people are all over place.

Oh yeah, while I was chilling out there. I saw the strangest thing, a mobile library for people in the mountains who can’t get to a real library.

Sept. 9 Sat

South Lake Tahoe CA - San Francisco CA = 190 miles - 3.5 hrs

After one night in Reno, I decided to stop by South Lake Tahoe.

I didn’t do much there.  Just took these photos and appreciated view.

Since there weren’t any hostels in the area, and the hotels being out of my budget, I decided to go to San Fran.

On the way to San Fran I took a detour trough Sacramento

Old Sacremento made me feel like I was in one of those western flicks.

And as soon as I got in San Francisco, a biker who was riding in front of me, gets cut off by a car backing up from a driveway.

I felt bad taking this picture. 

The guy was on the ground cold passed out, and the lady that was driving, started to act like her neck was hurt only when the cops and ambulances came. 

I stuck around to be the witness for this one.

After that near fatal, traumatizing moment, I found a place to sleep at The Globe Hostel.

The Globe had a nice lobby, and a elevator.

But as soon as I got to my room, I got disappointed.

The room smelled like wet rags, and to top it off, the hostel gave me sheets that had crazy stains on it.

It was the worst room on this trip by far.

The next day I woke up early and had breakfast on Haight St.

Walked around and looked at stores.

Stopped by the park and there was a opera festival going on, so didn’t stick around too long.

After talking with some locals, I was told to check out the highest point in San Fran.

As soon as I took this picture, it didn’t stop getting foggy.

Sept.8 Fri

Reno NV - South Lake Tahoe CA = 65 miles - 1.5 hrs.

Have you ever wondered why people are so ignorant?

I have, and I don’t blame them.

If you live in the middle of nowhere, all that you are exposed to is what’s around you.

Here’s my example.

I left the Bonneville Flats for Lake Tahoe.  On my way there, I had to pass by Nevada.

Certain parts of Nevada, the towns are miles apart and there’s nothing but these small towns.

In one of the stops for gas, I stoped by a small town in Nevada between Reno and Bonneville somewhere.

As I’m going to the bathroom, a slot machine caught my eye.

Do you see it?

How bout now?

This shit is fucked up.

This guy has just set us back at least 50 years.

WTF.  Did he have any idea on how his picture would be used?

And if he did, would he have cared.

Or better yet, why take a picture with a face like that?

Sept.8 Fri

Bonneville Salt Flats UT - Reno NV = 420 miles - 6.25 hrs.

I always wondered how fast I could go without getting a ticket, killing myself or someone else.

There’s a place just for that.

It’s The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Located 1.5hours west from Salt Lake City, is were people and their machines break the world’s speed records.

And it’s perfectly legal to speed as much as you want.

The Salt Flat is a lake that has a crust of salt on the top.

Just like a frozen lake, the Salt Flat has areas were the crust is thick, and some areas were the crust is thin. 

If you land on a thin crust, it’s just plain mud underneath.

You can just image what would happen if you got caught in it.

The surface of the Salt Flat is as smooth or smoother than fresh paved asphalt.

Luckily for me, it’s the right time of the season, and there’s spots marked out for racing.

As soon as I got to the salt flats, I noticed that it was empty, with the exception for Ruben.

Ruben was doing security detail for Honda who was filming a commercial out there.

By the time I got there, they hadn’t arrived yet, so Ruben was just chilling and waiting for them.

I asked him to keep an eye out for me in case I didn’t return so that he could get help if needed.

I jumped on my bike and went.

Let me tell you, it was one of the illest things I ever did.

Legally, Liter bikes in the US can only read up to 189mph on the speedometer even if you’re going way above that.

I stoped giving gas at around 13K rpms in the fear that the engine might blow.

So my guess is that I did around 19?mph, with my tank bag removed and my saddle bags still attached.

I think I got my need for speed out of my system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4KVwPkJxzA

Sept.7 Thurs.

Salt Lake City UT - Bonnevile Salt Flats UT = 140 miles - 2.5 hrs.

After Moab, I made my way to Salt Lake City.

On the way, I got pulled over for speeding. 

The cop was cool, and as soon as I explained what I was doing, and how far I had come, he let me off with a warning. 

I was able to sneak a candid shot of him pulling me over.

When I reached the mountains to get into Salt Lake City, it started to pour more than it did in the Rockies.

At one point, I had to pull over due to the mud slides along the roads. 

Traffic was blocked off both directions.

I ended up staying at the gas station for a few hours until they had everything cleaned up.

That night I stayed at Avenues hostel in downtown Salt Lake City.

For $17 for the night, and it was the worst hostel so far.

Usually, hostels are filled with international students and travelers.

But this place was filled with recovering addicts, the near homeless people, and the not so mentally sane.

Since there were no private rooms, I shared a room with this guy Rick.

Rick’s story was that he was assaulted a few months back and severely hurt.

Breaking a lot of bones in his body.

Due to his injuries he underwent multiple surgeries, wich had failled him.

Then, went through more surgeries to fix the past surgeries.

So he was at the hostel recovering from all his surgeries.

Did I loose you? 

Ok, not that I didn’t feel bad for the guy, is just that I didn’t trust him.

The first thing that he said to me when I walked into room was that people get their shit stolen all the time.

So right there I couldn’t let my guards down.

Reguardless, I went out that night and took a spin around town.

Afterwards I stoped by this cafe and had dinner.

Sept.6 Wed

Moab UT - Salt Lake City UT = 240 miles - 4.25 hrs.

After talking with some locals from Denver, I was told that should visit Moab in Utah.

So, on my way to Moab, the first road sign that I saw was ‘Gusty Winds Likely’. 

What an understatement!  It was crazy windy. 

At times it felt like the wind was going to knock me off my bike. 

So, I would lean against the wind, only to have the wind blow from opposite direction, making me loose my balance at 80mph. 

To make matters worse, I also got caught in a dust storm. 

I never thought that road signs were for real, but it seamed that every hazardous sign that I came across, became true.

Despite all these obstacles, I was able to make it to the Lazy Lizard Hostel in Moab.

The Lazy Lizard was cozy and a bit rustic. 

The people there were pretty cool and friendly.

For $25 a night, the room came with AC, outdoor bathroom, and no Internet.

That’s why it took me so long to update my blog.

The next day I went to Moab National Park.

I spent $5 to get in, and it was the best $5 spent on this trip so far.

Words or pictures cannot describe this place.

I just wished everyone could have been there.