Last weekend I ventured out to Hawthorne, NV as part of an annual pilgrimage with my friends from B.A.R.F. This was my first time going out to the desert and although I had a great time with my friends, the longest ride I've ever done in a day wrecked my back. 

My friend Kurt routed this for us and it was certainly an incredible way to get there, instead of the boring highway routes.

Unfortunately I only had my iPhone with me so I wasn't able to take any good pics of the roads worth mentioning (I did manage to get a few random shots in my Instagram Feed here). The best part was the chunk from Valley Springs through the Sierras to 395. Here are the ones you should check out if you're headed East:

• Jesus Maria Road from C to D (goaty, no dirt but nice short twisties)
• N South Road to Mormon Emigran Trail up and over 88 (also goaty, no dirt and nice twisties)
• Highway 89 Monitor Pass (perfect, twisty, amazingly paved to 395) See my ride report from last year to see pics from this road.

The total miles for me from SF that day was a painful 412 miles. A painful, personal best. But worth every inch of pain to hang out with my motorcycle family. Next year I pray that I'll have a dual sport or dirtbike to trailer out. There were some incredible dirt roads out that way...

Huge thanks to Kriega for letting me use their universal fit packs for this trip. And to BMW Motorcycles of San Francisco for having them in stock!  For more info about these packs, click here.

I also went the fastest I've ever ridden in a straight line wearing my Schuberth helmet. Once again, it impressed me with it's wind resistance and comfort at 80+mph.