Day 7 - Minden, NV

Day 7 is in the books, and I have made my way from Ely, NV to Minden, NV (near Reno). It was just about as perfect as you could possible want with very few clouds, no rain and light winds. It did get a little warm as I got closer to Reno.

Today's main goal was to capitalize on the whorehouse bonus. I talked about a bad experience in Wells the night before, but nothing weird happened today. In fact, the places got much more upscale closer to Reno, and the only interaction I had with "employees" this time was a few offers to take my picture. After 46 years I can now say I have seen the Mustang Ranch - it was a mythical mecca when I was in high school in northern California.

Riding across Nevada requires creativity to break up the boredom. After climbing a pass within minutes of leaving Ely this morning, I decided to stop at every pass marked by a sign on highway 50. The total was 10, and they ranged from a piddly 6,400 feet to a more impressive 7,600 feet. I was decked out in my heated gear but didn't really need it. Pass temperatures were around 50F, even at 8 in the morning. In fact, the first pass was warmer than it was in Ely!

Finally, several of the rally riders got together for dinner in town tonight. I had a great time meeting some of the faces behind the helmets. There is a pretty strong contingent from Washington state - more than I would have guessed. I was surprised that so many traveled quite a few miles to be here.

We get together for the rally banquet Saturday afternoon and evening. I don't plan to ride too far Saturday morning - I am going to take advantage of the break to rest. Sunday morning I start my trek home and hope to be back sometime Monday afternoon, traffic permitting.

I left Ely and climbed to this pass within about 15 minutes.

Looking back to the east, these were the last clouds I saw for the rest of the day.

I have to think the people responsible for naming mountain passes ran out of motivation for this one.

One of my whorehouse bonus pictures. The $5 bill was a required element for this special bonus.

9 of the 10 passes from today's ride. Sorry not all the signs are visible.

My route so far. I plan to ride back through California, eastern Oregon and western Washington.