Hey J., this incident happened in my neck of the woods. I've driven that stretch of I-10 many a time, but in an automobile, not on a motorcycle. Yeah, there are long distances between services on that stretch. I sometimes had to exit and drive a few miles to a little town in search of a toilet and gas. At first, your description of the joint made me think something supernatural was about to take place. In the photo on the right, it looks like your motorcycle is parked at White Sands. Did you make it all the way to Las Vegas?
Hi KC. That stretch is a lonely one, for sure. I’ve traversed it a few times by car or box truck but this was the only time by bike. You out for long sunset drives?
I did make it to Vegas, and then to SF before heading back. Weather was good so I decided to hit Roswell and white sands on the return. I don’t recommend sand with a road bike but I couldn’t pass it up.
For several years, I covered Carlsbad, NM and Pecos, TX out of El Paso and drove home from Pecos on I-10. We’d drive to San Antonio through that same stretch. I can see where sand would not be healthy for a road bike.
"...The people I had seen earlier—drivers lingering at tables—seemed frozen in place. But why?"
"...We skimmed along the asphalt, the bike inhaling the last vapors from the tank, propelling us forward. Every mile felt like a gamble, the road stretching endlessly ahead..." You have built such exquisite tension into this story, Mr Curtis. I know nothing about motorcycles, but I have known this measured gamble and the vocal "prayer" that comes with it - "Please, please, please, let me make it." Nice job! Oh, and I DO believe it.
I remember someone telling me that there were two kinds of people — those who don’t know they have a gas light and those who know *exactly* how many miles they can go while it’s on. Thanks for the kind words, as always, Sharron!
Guy's conscience poked him. Saved your life. It's funny how our bodies often know something's off, but it takes a bit for our brains to catch up. Terrifying situation, J.
Maybe so. I’m afraid to think of how often this type of thing happens…where someone decides, unbeknownst to us, to change direction and keep us from harm.
Damn, man, that is crazy. I ride a motorcycle as well and have been on a fair share of sketchy long-distance adventures, but can't say I've ever experienced anything quite like you describe here. I can't even imagine. What a story!
Hey J., this incident happened in my neck of the woods. I've driven that stretch of I-10 many a time, but in an automobile, not on a motorcycle. Yeah, there are long distances between services on that stretch. I sometimes had to exit and drive a few miles to a little town in search of a toilet and gas. At first, your description of the joint made me think something supernatural was about to take place. In the photo on the right, it looks like your motorcycle is parked at White Sands. Did you make it all the way to Las Vegas?
Hi KC. That stretch is a lonely one, for sure. I’ve traversed it a few times by car or box truck but this was the only time by bike. You out for long sunset drives?
I did make it to Vegas, and then to SF before heading back. Weather was good so I decided to hit Roswell and white sands on the return. I don’t recommend sand with a road bike but I couldn’t pass it up.
For several years, I covered Carlsbad, NM and Pecos, TX out of El Paso and drove home from Pecos on I-10. We’d drive to San Antonio through that same stretch. I can see where sand would not be healthy for a road bike.
"...The people I had seen earlier—drivers lingering at tables—seemed frozen in place. But why?"
"...We skimmed along the asphalt, the bike inhaling the last vapors from the tank, propelling us forward. Every mile felt like a gamble, the road stretching endlessly ahead..." You have built such exquisite tension into this story, Mr Curtis. I know nothing about motorcycles, but I have known this measured gamble and the vocal "prayer" that comes with it - "Please, please, please, let me make it." Nice job! Oh, and I DO believe it.
I remember someone telling me that there were two kinds of people — those who don’t know they have a gas light and those who know *exactly* how many miles they can go while it’s on. Thanks for the kind words, as always, Sharron!
Ohh I know where I'm going on my next vacation! haha
Just like The Two Palms Motel…there’s always a vacancy
Eeuw. The Two Palms. No thank you.
That was tense! Glad you got out of there and followed your gut.
For sure. It’s so hard to see moment what’s happening except to think…GTFO!
Guy's conscience poked him. Saved your life. It's funny how our bodies often know something's off, but it takes a bit for our brains to catch up. Terrifying situation, J.
Maybe so. I’m afraid to think of how often this type of thing happens…where someone decides, unbeknownst to us, to change direction and keep us from harm.
No kidding. That’s a lot of power to wield.
Damn, man, that is crazy. I ride a motorcycle as well and have been on a fair share of sketchy long-distance adventures, but can't say I've ever experienced anything quite like you describe here. I can't even imagine. What a story!
Thanks for including, “Luck of the Draw!”
Yeah. I can still see that guy’s face
What a story to read, what an incredible moment that brief interaction was. Thank you for sharing ❤️