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I'm awake somewhat early this morning since I have the 45-mile ride back to Barstow today and I might have a big headwind
Maybe I should go back to bed for another hour though! I slept well and want more. The wind stayed calm all night and I only woke up once. Because it was warmer last night (high 40s instead of low 40s), I didn't need to wear my wool hat to bed.
Date: November 27, 2011, 06h26
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As I eat a quick dry breakfast and get ready to pack up, I notice a thorny cholla piece that I tracked into my tent
I don't want to step on this! There's a cholla cactus right outside my tent, so it's no surprise that a little piece of one got in. Granola, nuts and three cups of instant Starbucks coffee to start the sunny day.
Date: November 27, 2011, 07h00
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The tent and all is packed up and I start riding the powerline road back down to old Route 66
I'm on the road before 10h; that's pretty good for me on day when I have to pack up everything!
Date: November 26, 2011, 09h40
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The Cady Mountains powerline road cuts a straight line across this part of the Mojave Desert
Nice to be riding this road in the downhill direction this time! Route 66 is down in the low area ahead. I haven't been up in the Rodman Mountains in the distance yet.
Date: November 27, 2011, 09h59
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A short paved section of road passes under the I-40 freeway and connects me to old Route 66
Interesting how a former line in the middle of the road has turned into an erosion scar on the old pavement over time...
Date: November 27, 2011, 10h40
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Back on old Route 66! Only another 40 miles or so until I reach Barstow, my destination for the day
So far, the headwind, to be expected when riding in the westward direction here, isn't too bad. I'm happy about that!
Date: November 27, 2011, 10h50
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This stretch of old Route 66, heading into Newberry Springs, parallels the I-40 freeway, clearly visible to my right
Newberry Springs is straight ahead in front of the Newberry Mountains. Barstow is over by those distant hills. Here I come. By bicycle.
Date: November 27, 2011, 10h58
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A number of old trailers dot the outskirts of Newberry Springs along old Route 66
Some of these are starting to feel like icons now that I've travelled this stretch of road a few times during the past couple of years.
Date: November 27, 2011, 11h14
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I pass a lava field along old Route 66 east of Newberry Springs
Maybe I'll get around to hiking out onto that black expanse one day; I'm usually on my way to somewhere when riding by here, so I haven't yet stopped here to explore on foot.
Date: November 27, 2011, 11h30
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Near the lava field east of Newberry Springs is the end of Troy Dry Lake
The I-40 freeway is just over there, crossing the middle of the dry lake. Minerals rise to the surface, creating snowy white crusts in places.
Date: November 27, 2011, 11h49
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I take a very short break along the shores of Troy Dry Lake to enjoy the Mojave Desert scenery
The i-40 freeway is still over there.
Date: November 27, 2011, 11h58
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I pass another collection of old mobile homes along Route 66 east of Newberry Springs
It looks like people still live here, with their add-ons and roof repairs. A good way to eke out an inexpensive living in the Mojave Desert.
Date: November 27, 2011, 12h15
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I enjoy looking at this well-kept property in Newberry Springs when I pass by; perhaps a former gas station
The small building at centre-right, which I've photographed before, contains old washrooms (perhaps for former rental cabins?)
Date: November 27, 2011, 12h30
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Also in Newberry Springs is this abandoned A-frame building with a roof of wood shingles
This style of construction was somewhat popular in the 1970s, but apparently is no longer.
Date: November 27, 2010, 12h31
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A playful, and perhaps vicious, group of dogs protect a former gas-station/restaurant property in Newberry Springs
One of the dogs at left is quite intent on being on top of the other dog, despite their barking due to the distraction that my presence provides.
Date: November 27, 2011, 12h34
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I pass the Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, famous for its appearance in the movie of the same name
An A-frame-style roof façade was added at some point to give more character to this flat-roofed building. I consider stopping in here here for a breakfast meal like I had here last year, but decide I want something quicker due to today's longer mileage.
Date: November 27, 2010, 12h37
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Next-door to the Bagdad Café is the old Henning Motel, with its metal roof being stripped by vandals
The property is also for sale; fantasy ideas set in.
Date: November 27, 2011, 12h39
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Fast-food break! Subway restaurant at the Newberry Springs gas station at the I-40 freeway
Meatball sub sandwich with tomato sauce with onions and lettuce, and Mountain Dew for some caffeine buzz. I need all of this! Route 66 crosses under the freeway here and I continue riding toward Daggett, and then Barstow after my meal break.
Date: November 27, 2011, 13h32
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