DAY 16 San Simeon to Ridgecrest

James Dean memorial. We almost missed it.
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Another early start - this time rollingthe bikes down hill from the Motel without using the engines.

Early sea fog causes some concern as visibility is substantaiilly reduced and Hawk can only go 40mph!

James Dean is dead !

Accidentally stopping at the Ranch Cafe we discover we are having breakfast at the memeorail and junction of James Deans death. Hawk and Slasher are quite moved by the occasion. The Canadians see us paying our respects and stop to join us. From now we ride as five.

James Dean accident scene
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We come across our longest straight raod measured as 30 miles with just one small bend after 14 miles.This is followed by an amazing C road that turns the speed and fear up. 20 miles of exhilirating riding turns the temperature up. Phil buys us all a bottle of beer after we finish the section and all confirm a great great ride.

We have lunch in Wofford Heights - another bar. We meet some guys who spotted our BMW's in Yosemite - its apparently a big country but small world!

Pumping oil, 100's of them
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The ride after lunch is again spectacular - the sharpest 15 mph bends, great inclines and declines, water, sand and air! Warrior tries to keep up with the pack - just!

Arriving at Ridgecrest our five bikes strut into town until joined by 15 Harleys.

At the red stop a Harley rider shouts out to Hawk - "which of you is Euan?" - cheeky bastards. We laughed last because their leader amost fell off as the light went green.

Temperatures are now rising its over 100 degrees tonight - we need air conditioning rooms and swimming pool motels - we get both!

We spend the evening talking with Gary and Phil - psyching ourselves up for the next day - Death Valley !!!!!

Everyone we meet is trying to talk us out of it - we wonder why.