The Breakfast Club: '08 Death Valley: Major WWWobble reports

Marc’s Report

Bob Burns [aka Major WWWobble]

Over the years I have heard engaging tales about SMBC rides, and this year, at Marc’s invitation, I agreed to meet some members of this group that rides alone. To abide by the spirit of the club, I departed alone from San Mateo a day early to enjoy a warm ride to beautiful Bakersfield (Hwy 25, 198, 33, Shafter, 99 and Bakersfield).

Next morning, east on 58, then north on the Caliente/Bodfish road over the mountain and into Lake Isabella from the south. This is one of those rare country roads that has not changed much in the last 25 years. No condos or gated communities along side. Lunch at Kristy’s Family Restaurant in Ridgecrest (recommended), Trona and onto Furnace Creek.

About 6:45 that evening I wander into the Furnace Creek campsite and immediately view the distinct amber moto lights on Marc’s BMW. Marc and Ran Bush have arrived and are attempting to make sense of the campground numbering system. I’m not convinced they were ever successful, but Marc locates a spot with some shelter from a cluster of Pepper trees.

From here, I’ll defer to Marco’s trip report, except to say thanks to Marco, Carl, Stan, Dan, George, Fred, Adrian. Good company, good ride, good time. A few images with captions follow for those who enjoy such things…


Off Cienega Rd outside Hollister

Off Cienega Rd outside Hollister

Off Cienega Rd outside Hollister
f/4.5   1/400   0 ev   10.8mm
Hwy 25

Hwy 25

Hwy 25
f/7.1   1/1600   0 ev   4.6mm
Hwy 25

Hwy 25

Hwy 25
f/5.8   1/400   0 ev   17.3mm
Lake Isabella from Caliente/Bodfish Road

Lake Isabella from Caliente/Bodfish Road

Lake Isabella from Caliente/Bodfish Road
f/7.1   1/1600   0 ev   4.6mm
Hwy 190, DV

Hwy 190, DV

Hwy 190, DV
f/11.0   1/500   0 ev   10.8mm
Following Ran, Hwy 190, DV

Following Ran, Hwy 190, DV

Following Ran, Hwy 190, DV
f/11.0   1/1000   0 ev   10.8mm
Fred & Adrianne thru Ran's broken windscreen

Fred & Adrianne thru Ran’s broken windscreen

Fred & Adrianne thru Ran’s broken windscreen
f/3.2   1/200   0 ev   6.1mm
Scotty's Castle

Scotty’s Castle

Scotty’s Castle
f/7.1   1/1600   0 ev   4.6mm
*[It’s windy!](p-20080419-1055-0009.jpg)
The rocks agree

The rocks agree

The rocks agree
f/9.0   1/800   0 ev   7.6mm
Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater
f/7.1   1/1250   0 ev   4.6mm
Marco checks local real estate

Marco checks local real estate

Marco checks local real estate
f/8.0   1/640   0 ev   6.1mm
Ran searches for an ATM machine

Ran searches for an ATM machine

Ran searches for an ATM machine
f/10.0   1/500   0 ev   9.1mm
Marco of the Desert

Marco of the Desert

Marco of the Desert
f/14.0   1/500   0 ev   17.3mm
Hwy 190 near Olancha

Hwy 190 near Olancha

Hwy 190 near Olancha
f/7.1   1/1600   0 ev   4.6mm
Thirsty Futura requires pit stop

Thirsty Futura requires pit stop

Thirsty Futura requires pit stop
f/7.1   1/1250   0 ev   4.6mm
Marco, Santa Rosa Creek Rd

Marco, Santa Rosa Creek Rd

Marco, Santa Rosa Creek Rd
f/5.8   1/800   0 ev   17.3mm
Marco, Santa Rosa Creek Rd

Marco, Santa Rosa Creek Rd

Marco, Santa Rosa Creek Rd
f/7.1   1/800   0 ev   4.6mm
Rest stop along Big Sur coast

Rest stop along Big Sur coast

Rest stop along Big Sur coast
f/7.1   1/1000   0 ev   4.6mm
GS Bee Screen

GS Bee Screen

GS Bee Screen
f/7.1   1/320   0 ev   4.6mm


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