I’m riding across the desert on my BMW 1200 GS motorcycle. It’s extremely hot and I continue filming as I make my way across into California. In the afternoon I get a chance to cool off when a low-temperature front passes through the Mojave National Preserve.
Riding Solo | AZ to BC | Episode 4
Details
- Distance: 303 miles
- Location: Arizona, California
- Start: Bouse, Arizona
- End: Tecopa, California
- Roads: US-95, I-40 (needles Freeway), Kelbaker Road, Death Valley Road
- Conditions: pavement
- Cities: Bouse (AZ), Parker (AZ), Needles (CA), Baker (CA), Tecopa (CA)
- Camping: Delight’s Hot Springs Resort
Kitchen on the Road
Despite my best intentions of creating a beautiful, organized campsite, everything is a mess after just a couple of days on the road.
My camp kitchen contains everything that I need for bushcraft survival and motorcycle camping.
Waterproof Luggage
I use waterproof dry bags from Wolfman Motorcycle Luggage. The yellow duffels are about 10 year old and still working properly.
After leaving my BLM dispersed campsite, I stop in the small town of Bouse, Arizona to check out some of the military monuments, cross the Colorado River into California and continue filming my way across the desert.
Fujifilm Mirrorless Camera
The improvised monopod that I developed to hold my action cameras is working well, and I’m also able to mount my higher quality mirrorless camera on it when I want to stop and film a quick segment talking to the camera. I would usually have to set up my tripod, but with the monopod mounted like this I don’t even have to use the tripod.
Wind and Rain in the Mojave
Mojave National Preserve is one of my favorite parts of the California Desert. I’ve crossed this majestic piece of land between I-15 and I-40 before, although never in a wind and rain storm the likes of which I encounter on this day of riding.
Desert in the Rain
There is something truly magical about riding a motorcycle across the desert in, or just after, a rainfall. The aroma of the wet desert sage and creosote is truly intoxicating and one of my favorite smells. I take my time riding while stopping to film myself among the Joshua trees and other desert plants.
My First Tip-Over
I briefly leave the pavement at the Dumont Dunes OHV area for a quick jaunt on something sandier than the tarmac I’ve been riding on for most of the day. I tip over in the sand near the end of this little excursion. It’s not a problem, however, and I am able to right my motorcycle after unloading some of the luggage it is burdened with.
Death Valley on the Horizon
I head north toward Death Valley National Park and Delight’s Hot Springs Resort where I plan on spending the night.