Shakedown Ride to Joshua Tree, Calif, and Back

[fljab]

Great photos and ride report!

I am "trying" to put together a 50CC to San Diego over the Memorial Day week, then visiting an old buddy in Temecula, then out through Joshua Tree and points East via as much as possible backroads (within my schedule/time off). Good to see some pics from that area.

 

[RenoJohn]

Room 8 at left, where Gram Parsons died:

Jimmy B, You have got to be ******* kidding me. All my jaunts down to Joshua tree and I've not done that motel. In fact, I never even knew of it. That place looks groovy,

...and I thought I knew the groovy place --up above 29palms not far from Amboy road, this is about as groovy as I've been able to get outside of the Mojave.

But I don't think it can hold a candle to room 8.

...anyway, I want more info on that motel, I'm packing my bags, It's room 8 or bust. bringing all my essential swag to enjoy a full weekend in room 8. In fact, I'm going to bring a sack of quarters for the massaging bed ....

Thanks for sharing this trip report Jimmy B, much better than the past dribble you've bored us with, you really haven't done anything worth while since the SF pictorial a few years back. <joke>

...... JB. Don't sell yourself short just yet. 500 can be a 8 hour ride if you just sit there and twist that, but it can also be a really relaxed 12 hour day with photo stops, long lunches and plenty of time to play tourist too. On the road at 6 am, off the road by 6 pm and lots of time to be off the bike. Your evening stop is also the hotel location, walk to dinner, enjoy the evening, etc.
The East Coast is only two days away if you want it to be. It's more fun to take some time getting there, but some would argue for strait shot there, then wander on the way back home.

I have to agree, the best days are the ones where you were seeing too much good stuff to put on big miles.


BTW, Jimmy B: I wonder how many people return the key for room 8?? I bet not many, I know mine is coming home as a souvenir.

 

[fljab]

+1 That's the truth IMO! I like having the setup and skills to do long days and big miles, but I really look at it as a "tool" that gets me where I want to go within my time budget, then go back to the backroads and seeing America (just like you did on this one) and all the cool places that you can't find any other way.

My friend in Temecula is wanting me to come out and that's not too far from Room 8; RJ, let us know the results of your investigative ride...

 

[James Burleigh]

But I don't think it can hold a candle to room 8. ...anyway, I want more info on that motel, I'm packing my bags, It's room 8 or bust. bringing all my essential swag to enjoy a full weekend in room 8. In fact, I'm going to bring a sack of quarters for the massaging bed ....