Having found ourselves in a pleasant hotel and in the middle of a heatwave, we decided to have a rest day today. We are making good progress but up to 200 miles per day on a bike takes its toll and it’s good to have an occasional day off.
The temperatures here are nudging 37-38C which is about 100 for those of us who still think in fahrenheit. It is apparently approaching record high temperatures for the time of year and about 20F above average. Consequently we’ve done little more than stagger between the pool, the gym and the ice machine since we got up.
We spent an interesting half hour or so last night in the bar (The Bull Shed) attached to the hotel. It seems to be a popular place with the locals and baseball caps and cowboy hats were present in abundance. We watched in horrified fascination as huge glasses were filled with ice which then had fluorescent green or blue liquids sloshed over it (and most of the surface of the bar) before being dumped in front of the lucky recipients. We stuck to beer!
On the subject of drink, we’ve noticed that Newcastle Brown Ale seems to figure prominently among the beer taps in many bars. Who says that the Brits have lost their entrepreneurial spirit if we’re actually able to export something so toxic that no-one at home wants it any more. It’s seems a bit like Chernobyl being able to sell its nuclear waste.
Anyway to return to the point, we are back on the road tomorrow and heading for Redlands which is just outside of San Bernadino. This was the last stop on the old Route 66 and we should cross it at some point but we won’t be joining it yet. From Redlands we should be a day’s ride from the Arizona border.
Thanks to all at home who have been following this blog. It’s great to get your feedback and comments and to know that we haven’t yet been entirely forgotten!
Over the Hill and Far Away.......... 
If you see that Geoff Barnett, say hello.
Well I haven’t seen your Harleys yet! I just wonder about the practicality of machines that do in excess of 140 when the speed limit is 50. Or is that all a rumour designed to discourage us from visiting the good old US?
Not forgotten well not entirely
Thats alot of miles..how many miles are you getting to the gallon? I appreciate the American gallon is a little smaller than the UK…what is it …about 7/8ths if memory serves me right?
I think you lads should show a bit more Northern grit and go for the fluorescent stuff…you know what they say “When in Rome or Bakersfield…….”