Vegas!

For the past few days, I have been preparing for my ride up to Las Vegas to meet my parents and take a class.  Unlike preparing for my current Travel Nurse assignment, I have commitments that preclude me from leaving until tomorrow morning, and require me to return on Friday, Saturday morning the latest.  However, there is still the laundry, packing, etc. that has to be done.  My goal is to be ready to go, by the time I leave for work tonight.  That way I can get off shift tomorrow morning, get home, sleep for a couple of hours, and get on the road by 9am!  So, that is what I have been doing for the past 2+ hours.

The shortest route from where I am to Las Vegas is about 298 miles, and would take just over 5 hours of riding, straight through.  However, even though I am getting incredible gas mileage on my bike, it will still require at least one, two to be safe, fuel stops.  Plus, you never know, I might want to stop every now and then to take a break, check something out, take a few pictures, etc.

Tonight I was talking to another Nurse, who I have worked with before at another hospital, who is also a rider.  I reviewed with him my planned route, and one with a small detour that was suggested to me by my dad.  He reaffirmed what I have already told my dad, that there will be a final decision point.  Turn left and beeline it to the hotel, or turn right and take the detour.  It will all depend on how I feel, how tired I am getting, how late in the day it is, etc.

This will by no means be an "Iron Butt" ride (1000 miles in 24 hours), yet this will be the longest one-way ride I have taken so far.  And, four days later I will repeat it, in reverse, for my return trip to Yuma (minus the detour)!  I'm considering it a training/conditioning ride for just such an achievement.

So as bedtime quickly approaches, one more shift, a nap, then on to Vegas!  Wishes of luck, love, and safety are always welcome!