Back in The Woodlands!

After another 800 mile ride through the desert I am back at my south of the Mason-Dixon line HQ.

The plan is to ride north tomorrow and enjoy the states that don't touch the ocean.

I should be home Friday or Saturday

Sent from my iPhone

Leaving El Paso

Heading East, for bike repairs

Tragedy four miles from my El Paso hotel!

Seeing flames in a rearview mirror are never good. My best guess is that after a ten hour ride through the desert at over 100 degrees F the exhaust temp skyrocketed and set off my tail bag. A strap could have wiggled loose, I may never know, but I am down a duffle bag, synthetic riding jacket (oh yeah they are very flammable and a bike cover.

The bike seems to all be there and there is damage to the tail light assembly but it's still working.

I will be taking 24 hours to asses and figure out what my plan is, the 2nd degree burns on my right hand is the real issue.

100 miles west of El Paso

Less than 200 miles to El Paso

Found out fuel stations en route to El Paso are just about 100 miles apart, I has to use my reserve can to get here.

Temp is above 100 degrees F. Trying to stay hydrated.

Underway making way

Visit to the LBJ Library Austin, TX

Back on the Road!

After two weeks of work to replenish the motorcycle fund, I am back in Texas ready to head westward early tomorrow morning (Sunday 5-22)

With a new take on packing, i.e. Less! Less! Less!

A shinny new duel compound rear tire, I'm ready for leg two. I plan on reaching El Paso tomorrow night with a stop over in Austin.

After reading the US Gov site on travel advisories I will not be heading to San Diego, the rout I-8 from El Paso west is considered extremely dangerous at all times. Being that I'm riding solo, the chance of encountering undesirables is outweighed by my desire to get a photo of the bike next to a US Gov sign saying not to travel on I-8.