Death Valley 2020 photos

[stubble!]

Hi all - a little ride report and a few pics from DVD... More pics are here.

 

Dana and I met up with Mikko, Russ, Bill, Gary, Jason and Mike in Gilroy for the ride down 25 to Parkfield for lunch. Cold start warmed up to a gorgeous afternoon.

 

Hwy 25:

 

Gary, Jason and Mike heading up Parkfield Grade:

 

Mikko and Russ:

 

Gary:

 

Lunch at the Parkfield Cafe:

 

Hwy 155 over to Lake Isabella: 

 

In Kernville we were treated to a lovely sunset:

 

Kernville breakfast crowd:

 

Some of the gang tried to go up Sherman Pass but found it closed and had to backtrack. We were late getting out due to my work, so we waved to them as they all headed back through town, before we headed out on our own:

 

We were taking a break for a quick photo op when Mikko pulled up and joined us. The wind up here was crazy. 

 

So there we are, bombing up Panamint Valley, when we see a lone biker pulled over. Naturally we turned around to see what was up. Well, it was our very own Larry Bump.

 

Mikko quickly determined that Larry had decided to do a quick oil change there in the middle of the desert.

 

But Larry clarified that his mirror had come off, requiring a complete front fairing and dash disassembly.

 

So naturally we supervised...

 

And I took a few pictures:

 

Mikko:

 

Larry's almost done:

 

Dana:

 

Then we headed into Death Valley by way of Wildrose:

 

Mikko:

 

Once in the valley we split up and D and I headed up to Titus Canyon. Had some great light while we explored:

 

We finally headed for Beatty under the a most incredible sunset.

 

The new BBQ place in Beatty is LEGIT. We tried it all. The brisket is great.

 

Beatty locals are a welcoming bunch:

 

Saturday we just mosied around doing the tourist thing. Dantes View, late lunch at Furnace Creek, and then we headed up to the crater which I had not seen before. It's pretty cool.

 

Oh and Larry turned up too. That guy is EVERYWHERE.

 

Crazy weather that day. Squalls, blue sky, cold and breezy.

 

Zabriskie Point. 

 

This one is worth clicking through to full size:

 

 

Then all too fast it was time to head home. We went west and found freezing temps and sleet squalls.

 

We pulled in to the Olancha Cafe to warm up.

 

This was just before a crazy little squall - sleet and sideways winds.

 

 

Then came the hail. This is Hwy 58 heading over to the coast. We had to pull over, the road was too icy.

 

While we were waiting we realized there was another motorcyclist just up the road doing the same thing. We must have been right behind him. He walked over and we hung out a bit. His name was Zi, he was on a GS. 

 

After a little bit we pressed on, now with our new friend.

 

It dried out as we got closer to the coast and we had a nice ride.

 

After splitting from Zi we landed in Morro Bay hotel. Let me tell you our room's fireplace was a welcome sight.

 

We had a great seafood dinner and in the morning we headed up the coast to home.

 

DVD remains a favorite trip. Sometimes it's hot, sometimes it's freezing, it's always gorgeous. Good seeing everyone.

 

[StuGotz]

Most excellent report sir. And thank your photographer!  👍

[Tank]

Great photos  and report.. DVD has a place in my soul that is unshakable

 

[mrduck]

Been doing this for at least the last 10 years and still never gets ho-hum.

There’s something about that place that just draws us back, always good to see everybody again 

 

Thanks for the excellent pics and words.........

[Twisties]

I'm so looking forward to next year!  Looks like you guys had a great trip!  

[LBump]

Thanks for the ride along Sebastian.  Great photographs!

Also, thanks to you ,Dana and Mikko for the moral support in the  middle of Panamint Valley. 

[AZgman]

Awesome photos! Hail sucks!