Ride to Live: Go Go Speed Racer!

I woke up crazy early this morning. Well.... I went to bed crazy early too. But I was sleeping really good and the stupid air conditioner in the room came on (was really loud), so I laid there waiting for it to go off so I could go back to sleep. Nothing. Screw it, I got up and turned off the air and figured I might as well head out. I think I got about the door about 5:15, it was pitch black outside. It must of been cloudy because there was nothing. I took off down through the town, made a couple turned and hopped on highway 50; which apparently is "The Loneliest Highway" in the US? I'm not sure but they had signs. This is what Highway 50 looks like -

The straightest / longest road I have ever been on. Seriously it was nothing but little mountains and valleys. So you know that means at 6:00 in the morning.... I had the road ALL TO MYSELF!! I didn't really open it up initially because it was dark out and I was have this reflecting - meditation moment being out there alone in the dark. It was nice. But once the lights came on, it was on! I would go from summit to summit with cruise on just over 100 all the way. I had to fill up for gas 4 times today! I honestly had no idea that going that fast used up twice the gas. Sure more, but twice? I might need a 7th gear.

The weather was great! A little chilly at times, especially when I would reach the top of each "summit". Then it would warm up a little when I would get to the bottom. There wasn't a whole lot of exciting stuff to look at, it was more just enjoying the bike and being out on the open road alone.

Made my way into Reno and the temperature went up 20 degrees somehow. Maybe because it was later in the afternoon, maybe because it was Reno. Who knows? I lived up the mountain from Reno about 18 years ago and I don't remember it being so.... dirty. There were bums everywhere! I almost got on video a bum arguing with a cab driver after he threw his soda on his cab. But it ended quickly, maybe this is a normal thing. So, I got the photos I needed, had a drink and bailed.... This is all that remains -

OH! I did come across a lot of police motorcycle and was HIGHLY impress! See for yourself, you'll know what I'm talking about.

GO RENO!!! Reno 911 finally paid off.

I looked down at the heat before I left and it was 93 (109 under the bucket on my head). I quickly made my way up the hill to Lake Tahoe, which at the summit was 68 (30 miles away). This was a nice break the heat. The hotel that I got reserved was on the North side of lake and I came in from the east, so I decided to make a loop around the lake before calling it a night. I also stopped by the 7-11 I use to work at and grab a quick photo. Here is it and a few others I took of the lake.

It's a lake and it's really pretty. The photos don't do it a whole lot of justice (as I always say). Around the lake I go and up to the hotel. Which, I was fortunate (with the help of a few others) to land a killer room at the Ritz on top of the mountain. It's not on lake, but it's pretty bad ass! I had a couple drinks, caught up on shows and ordered dinner to the room. I have a feeling I won't be waking up to the sounds of an air conditioner tomorrow morning.