The weather was clear, sunny and starting to get hot. Temperatures rose up to the low 90’s west of Gila Bend.
Day’s distance: 375 miles
Total trip distance: 2,477 miles
Today was the highest mileage day so far. Much of my travel was on higher speed roads. I left San Diego about 8am. My first destination was the toll road Hwy 125. It was recommended on the Butler map and I found it scenic, smooth, twisty, and lightly traveled. There was a $2.50 toll charged upon exiting the highway. Hwy 125 first travels past Olay Lakes …
and then into the hills. I spoke briefly with another rider at a stoplight. He gets to ride this route to work everyday. He seemed stoked about it, especially on a beautiful day like today.
Hwy 94 was next. It was smooth with sweepers and elevation changes.
Hwy 94 travels through small towns like Potero and Campo. Just prior to Campo, the border fence is very close to the highway.
Border patrol stops are frequent, though so far I’ve just been waived through.
Historic Hwy 80 was next. It allowed me to avoid getting on Hwy 8 for a little longer. Rougher pavement in spots, new pavement in other places. Seemed the least interesting of these three. I then had to travel Hwy 8 for a while until detouring towards Calexico on Hwy 98.
Hwy 98 starts out traveling through desert land. Mostly straight roads and 65 mph speed limits.
Suddenly desert turns into farmland where I believe they are mostly growing hay. Stopped in Calexico for brunch. Rosa’s Plane Food was highly rated and it located at this little deserted-looking (to me) airport on Second Ave. The food was excellent. I recommend this place should you be in town.
Back on Hwy 98 for a long drive on boring, straight roads. I traveled past Algodones Dunes, and crossed into Arizona about 3pm. I fill the tank in Gila Bend before heading south for Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, my camp for the night.
The camp wasn’t crowded, and the evening was cool and pleasant.
Tomorrow I head east into the Tucson area