Anza Borrego Desert and Gliders

[Bugnatr]

With rain and snow in the forecast it was time to ride 500 mile south and enjoy the desert sun and warmer temps so last Wednesday I packed up and split. Nothing but freeway's, light rain and 559 miles to get down there, I hate the slab but it's the only way to knock out the miles in a hurry and it will force you to do some tire profile correction once you are there. However I did take a side road to check out the world famous Tehachapi loop built in the 1870's for trains to climb/descend the pass.

Look close and you can see the pushers in the middle above the front locomotives

Headed out of Palm Springs on Hwy 74, even the Cactus are manicured in this town.

Met up with Cliff on his SV1000 for some fun in desert. There are some great motorcycle roads up in the hills of Anza Borrego State park (which is bigger than many eastern states- ok at least some of the small ones).

We passed a Glider ride airport in Warner Springs, having always wanted to ride in one I went back the next morning and signed up. Looking mighty brave before our flight.

A view of the tow plane, Ryan my great instructor and some shots from the air.

Now that I'm an ace pilot I figured this baby was next. Actually the Apache broke down and landed at this small strip where they just finished the repairs. These guys were British who come over here to practice desert conditions before going to Africa. I thanked them for their service and let them get back to work.

Just be sure you don't sit here...

Time to throw another log on the fire as it is snowing here at home, *&!%#ing snow More pics in a few minutes

 

[Bugnatr]

Also rode through Joshua Nat. Park. The speed limit is 35 or 45 throughout the park so I had to be on good behavior (Mr Ranger has radar and could be behind the next bush).

This slow speed allowed me to work on my FJR stunting and picture taking.

Over the head looking back.

I also rode the East Grade Rd. up to this place about 5 pm. Down side it was closed but the UP side -no traffic at that hour for the down -back up, down the South Grade Rd. Very good tire profile management session.

I was rolling with laughter when I saw this sign. Southern California at it's best.

 

[CAJW]

Nice report. When I was a kid they were still sending passenger trains through the Tehachapi Loop and I remember the cars rocking side to side getting seeming almost close enough to touch the mountain we were circling. It was a real trip as a 10 year old watching the tail end of our train cross over the front as we completed the loop around the mountain. Were those practice bombs going off in the background behind the shot of Cliff?

 

[Bugnatr]

Were those practice bombs going off in the background behind the shot of Cliff?

Good eye, it is smoke from a controlled burn up on Palomar Mt. close to East grade where I rode up.

 

[beemerdons]

Very Nice Ride Report Doug, Thank You!

 

[Old Michael]

Bug, don't you have to work for a living?

Mid-week R & R?

*******.

And perhaps it's just me, but this (↓) pic...

...immediately reminded me of this famous image...

(And oddly, it's raining like HELL here right now.)

 

[Bugnatr]

Bug, don't you have to work for a living?

Mid-week R & R?

*******.

And perhaps it's just me, but this (↓) pic...

...immediately reminded me of this famous image...

Geeze, you trying to give me nightmares?

Been snowing on and off all day around here.

(And oddly, it's raining like HELL here right now.)

Now I'm going to have nightmares

Been snowing on and off all day in these parts

 

[Silver Penguin]

Nice photos. Gotta love that area. We have the privilege of being able to go down there every other weekend. We throw the dogs and the bikes in the trailer then go find a nice patch of sand to make camp. What better than some R+R, enjoying the scenery, riding the bikes, playing with the dogs, drinking cold ones and generally having a good time?

Not long back, there were dozens of microlights buzzing over us. We also saw the Jeep rally at the new Truckhaven training facility.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Nice report & pics...thanks

 

[FarWestFastEddie]

Doug, Great Ride report and pics!! It looks as you had some fair weather for your ride. No evening getting trashed pic's?

FWFE

 

[dcarver]

However I did take a side road to check out the world famous Tehachapi loop built in the 1870's for trains to climb/descend the pass.

Doug, what road is this? I've been over the top countless times but never stopped to explore. Me n' Wabs are eager to go...

oh, and GREAT RR - just what I needed this cold rainy day.