DAY 15 EL CENTRO, CA TO BARSTOW, CA

Today I finally feel confident that I will complete the run in the time alloted. I picked up the bike at the shop about 9 AM. The problem was a fuse, one that I hadn't looked at. The fuse for the tail lights is also the fuse for the insturment panel. The shop replaced it and wa la, I have a working motorcycle again. There was a mad scamble to get the rental truck dropped off, get my stuff loaded and check out by 11 AM but I made it. By the time I got coffee, water and Ice for the road it was 11:30. No problem except that it will cause me to get tied up in the LA traffic snarl on my way out of town.

I head west on I-8. There were a lot of alfalfa fields just outside of El Centro. Once the water ran out, it was no growth of anything. The temp was already over 100. I'm betting that it didn't take long for that fresh cut alfalfa to dry before they could bale it.

Once out of water, the desert starts to look like desert. I continue to see the beauty and struggle that it takes to survive in this climate. I am feeling pretty balanced today. That meeting last evening really helped me get centered again. I am sure that my sponser will be relieved to learn that I finally followed his suggestion. I just keep learning that sometimes I just need to take time to do for me what my ego loudly says that I don't have time for. The balance of life is suce a pleasure when it is achieved. How seldom I really achieve it.

I have a route worked out to take me to San Yasidro. I follow the route even though sometimes I don't know where I am and there are no signs to guide me. If I keep on the road that I think is right, sooner or later there is a sign to tell me where I need to turn. So I blindly follow CA 125 to CA54 to I-805 to San Yasidro Blvd west. I now needed to stop and get out my instructions. I follow the street numbers and they are correct. I find the gas station and the post office. I top off the tank, get my reciept and phone number and put all the information required on the report sheet, put it in the envelope and go to the post office to mail it. God is good again and the only parking spot is right in front of the sign. I get a number of pictures of the sign and bike. I have completed this stop and it is time to head north.

I get back on the 805 and head north. Traffic is running good. I follow to the I-15 north and the traffic gets heavier. We have several slow downs for no apparent reason, common in this area. I am greatful that the Border Patrol check point is closed so we are not backed up by that obstruction. I take a short break at a Shell station once I am out of the San Diago area. There I met a man selling waterless car wash products. We start to talk and he also rides motorcycle and just has gotten into camping himself. We share some experiences. We discover that we both are sober alcoholics. He gives me his card and says that if I ever want a riding partner to give him a call. I keep the card and do not buy the product; way to expensive for what it does.

I follow the 215 up accross the I-10 and on north to where it joins with the I-15. Once I am headed north on the 15, I am flooded with memories of my many rides along this road with RFTW. My last ride up was in 2003. I am amazed at the amount of work that has been done to the road to increase its ability to handle traffic. I remember the wild road guard rides getting past the pack to get set for the next exit. I remember the sense of personal pride at riding at the head of the Central Route in 2001 as we started our pilgrimage to Washington DC. I also remember slowing down way to early for out fuel stop at Barstow. That is when I learned that I had a team that would help me do what I didn't know that I needed to do. I am amazed at how the Lynwood Exit has built up. The last time I was here there was only a shopping mall on the north side of the exit and 2 gas stations and a fast food place on the south side. Now there are major truck stops on both sides of the 15 plus major hotels and a number of eating places. What a change. I have shut it down for the day and now will plan my new route up to Washington. It has been a good day and I had few traffic problems. Thank you Lord. Milo