DAY 13

J.B. and I got up this morning, got dressed and went to have breakfast in the lobby. Jim and Kathleen joined us soon after. Jim told us that according to the weather channel, it was 19 degrees outside. We were NOT prepared for this. After breakfast, we checked with the others and them of the outside temperature. J.B. and I returned to our room and put on our long handles. I went out to load the Motor and it was indeed cold! Chuck came out of his room and we told him of the temperature. We all had a huddle and it was unanimous to wait until it warmed. We waited and it warmed to 41 degrees by 9:16 AM so we left with Chuck in the lead.

We rode for 96 miles and at 9:38 AM we stopped in Holbrook for a pit stop. Three cups of coffee, 41 degrees and 96 miles on a Motor, I was dying! We took a little break and at 10:13 AM we left.

We didn't go very far. We rode for only 3 miles and stopped at 9:38 AM at the Wigwam Hotel. This an old hotel with several teepee's instead of cabins. There are also several old cars parked in from of the teepee's. We took pictures of the teepee's and old cars. One of the teepee's was open so we took pictures of that also. We then left at 10:30 AM.

Chuck led us for another 32 miles and at 10:53 AM, we stopped in Winslow, AZ. We stopped in a park with the "Welcome to Winslow" sign. We took pictures again. We then rode a few blocks to a corner with a parking lot, parked the Motors and walked eastbound for 1 block to the area from the song, "Standing in a corner in Winslow, AZ." We took pictures and shopped in a couple of stores. We walked back to the Motors and then rode to a nearby gas station.

It was Jan's turn to lead. Jan led us to Flagstaff, AZ. where we stopped at Wendy's at 1:04 PM after riding 60 miles. We left at 2:10 PM. and headed west.

Jan took us to Williams, AZ. where we stopped at 2:47 PM an riding for 35 miles for a pit stop and Jim topped off his gas tank. We left at 3:00 PM. As we were riding on 66 in Williams, Jan stopped and spoke with Chuck. They both got off of their Motors and came to us. Chuck stated that Jan was thinking and suggested that because Laughlin, NV. is packed with bikers and rooms anywhere in the area are price at approximately $140 per night with a 3 night minimum, we ride straight to Barstow, CA. and spend the night. We can continue the next day to Santa Monica, take pictures and make a quick turn around and head back. When we get back into Arizona, we can continue the 66 tour and hit what we missed today. By the time we return on Monday, the Laughlin bikers would have already gone. That was a great idea! We all agreed.

Jan continued to lead us into Seligman, AZ. where we stopped at 3:34 PM and after riding 39 miles. We gassed our Motors and soon after left at 3:50 PM. After Chuck gassed his Motor, he changed his routine and placed his gas cap on the gas pump. After he finished filling his tank, he forgot to get his gas cap. It was left at the gas station.

J.B. took over the lead and we rode for 100 miles before we stopped at a roadside rest area at 5:07 PM just south of Yucca, AZ. We stopped to stretch our legs and take a pit stop. We left at 5:25 PM.

We continued and crossed the Arizona/California border and rode into Needles, CA. at 5:53 PM after riding 35 miles. In Needles, we stopped for gas. We left at 6:15 PM.

Jim led us now. It was getting dark. At 7:32 PM after riding for 93 miles, we stopped in Ludlow, CA. for a pit stop. As we were at the gas station/Circle K, there were several motorcycles pulling in and out. We left at 7:56 PM, destined for Barstow, CA.

We rode for another 50 miles and at 8:40 PM we arrived in Barstow and checked in at a Best Western. We unloaded our Motors and took our stuff to the rooms. Jim took his stuff and Kathleen to their room. We then rode a mile away, leaving Kathleen in the room, to Coco's restaurant for dinner. When we finished dinner, we returned to the Best Western, parked the Motors and tucked them in for the night. We were all tired. We rode a total of 545 miles today. Tomorrow we will ride to Santa Monica and finish the last leg of our journey. After we stop in Santa Monica, we will take picture, maybe shop a little and do a little sight seeing. We plan to get out of Los Angeles quickly and head back toward Needles and continue the 66 tour in the Arizona side. We'll see what is in store for us tomorrow.