Vegas, Baby!

Actually, Henderson, Nevada, just minutes south of the Strip.

Today's ride was windy again, but no dust. Took 95S to Las Vegas for a total of 225 miles. Stopped just north of Beatty, Nv. to snap a picture of "Angel's Ladies" Brothel (see previous post below). I was tempted to go inside for a t-shirt, but thought better of it. Got the pictures and then headed into Beatty for gas and lunch. With both "tanks" full, returned to 95S and more fighting with the wind (gusts up to 55+). The temp climbed into the low 90s and little clouds to break the beating both the wind and sun were taking on me. Along the way a couple of helicopters started following me! No kidding. First they started, one behind the other, on my left. Then the lead chopper sped ahead and circled back to come to my right. So now I had one on each side of me. I could see the pilots' faces!!! They were smiling so I wasn't to worried and waved to each. I think they may have been on a training run. However, we did come up on a prison not to far off the highway to the west. Shortly after passing the prison turn off both choppers did a sweep to the left in front of me and then headed back north not to be seen again. Like me, they were flying directly into 40 mph headwinds. I was glad they were capable of flying in those conditions. Wish I could have shot a picture or video of the encounter.

The last 20 miles before hitting the populated area of Las Vegas the wind decided to get even stronger just to kick my butt a little more. I managed to push my way through the heavy traffic on I-515 to the exit into Henderson and the hotel. I was really grateful that the hotel was willing to let me check in at 2:30, a little earlier than policy. A couple from Quebec, Ca, were also pulling in on their Honda Goldwing as happy as I to be off the road and the brutal wind.

Hoping to hook up with Ed and Marie Stites tonight and then off to Hoover dam in the morning and then continue southward to Kingman and the start of the Mother Road (Rt. 66) as I ride to Flagstaff, AZ for tomorrow night.  Weather forecast calls for continued wind!!! I guess it's better than snow.

Miles today = 225
Total Trip = 1037
Weather = Continued strong S SW winds. Clear and low 90s
Tomorrow = Flagstaff, AZ