The KLR650 Motorcycle: Ride America

[ace_combs]

Somewhere outside Los Angeles, near a place called Temecula, I decided that I couldn't deal with Southern Califonia anymore. I found myself sinking into the same depression that had caused me to flee Chicago. The multi-lane, traffic-filled, concrete super-highways flowed through a seemingly endless suburban strip-mall landscape.

"Watch the

Comments

little seeds are germ[z]inating

[kazzibee]

i am getting to be jealous of this whole road trip thing germz.

Re: little seeds are germ[z]inating

[ace_combs]

Pack it into a camper van and go. You have a nice continent down there.

And don't forget: I need to go back to Chicago - in the Winter.

[keith_london]

The motorbike must be a modern metaphor for the horse of those frontier days. Such spectacular vistas to be had on "horseback"! Also, the pleasant bits of "Easyrider" come to mind. Why do you have to go back to Chicago? :-)

[ace_combs]

Yes! And people in Texas "get it." The idea of a man setting out alone on his mount resonates with these folk.

I do hope for an ending different than Peter Fonda's...

Chicago:
(1) Bills!
(2) I worry about the weather - as it grows more treacherous by the day. I play a risky game when I delay my return overlong. I left at a time that was perfect for travel in the American Southwest. But, Chicago might become very difficult to reach - on two wheels - very soon.

[noromdiam]

The photos are great, Arizona sounds downright pleasant this time of year. That's such a change of scenery within two days!

My friend who I'm going to see for Thanksgiving, she's planning to move to New Mexico soon because apparently it is one of the most beautiful places on earth once you leave Santa Fe.

[ace_combs]

There is such a radical difference between southern and northern New Mexico that it almost needs to be experienced to be be believed. I get the feeling that a lot of money (and IQ) comes into the economy via the scenery/tourism of the north - Santa Fe, Abiquiu, Los Alamos, Taos - and the resource exploitation that takes place in the south. Southern New Mexico had as many oil wells as did west Texas. Artesia, NM, was as bad/terrible/funky as Midland, TX, being filled with not only oil wells but also oil refining equipment

[mojokat]

conicidences. i found myself in abiqui while roadtripping too. there is a lake nearby and when the sun sets everything turns purple. i fell asleep to the sound of singing coyotes.

[ace_combs]

That place, Abiquiu, had a strong "presence" to it - more, even, than Sedona did. I am both pleased and also displeased that I did not take pictures there.

Yes: I heard the coyote sing. And I saw the waters. It would be good to return, and learn more...

That general store - Bodes - tipped me off: in addition to the wares that one might expect find (fishing bait, cast iron pans, etc) there was an impressive collection of "stuff" that hinted at a mainly female, artistic, educated, witty customer base. It reminded me of the School of the Art Institute...

[joybon]

It seems odd that you could take so many different pictures (be in so many diffent places) in such a short period of time.

I like it. Esp. photos #2, #6 and #7

And this: That general store - Bodes - tipped me off: in addition to the wares that one might expect find (fishing bait, cast iron pans, etc) there was an impressive collection of "stuff" that hinted at a mainly female, artistic, educated, witty customer base. It reminded me of the School of the Art Institute...
Sounds like a great place!
Go well

[ace_combs]

"(be in so many diffent places) in such a short period of time."

That has been the most striking thing about the trip, so far. The range of topography and climate has been incredible. Temps have fluctuated between 95 F at mid-day in southern Arkansas and 25 F in the mountains of northern New Mexico and Arizona, at night (or +35 C to -4 C).

It's not "cool" to say it, but I did underestimate the range of conditions to which I would be exposed. I did OK, but I have been taught more by the land. My craft is best suited to the eastern woodlands and hills with which I am most familiar.

Bodes: Imagine a rack filled with the typical post cards, e.g., "Greetings from New Mexico," that upon closer inspection was found to contain Betty Page and 50's kitsch. Or, a shelf with the usual household products, that upon closer inspection was found to contain really nice creams, gels, etc.

Thank you, again...