MEMBER'S TRAVELS
As some of you already know. Four Winds member, Ron Kranz, is traveling around ith his bike and a trailer. The following is a diary-type account of his ride that I received via hat wonderful technology. e-rnail. Walt.

Today is Monday, Feb. 15th and I Just returned from Death Valley. I got up early Sat morning and rode the 350 miles. Other than the winds, the limate is perfect for motorcycling. Even after dark, it does not become bone chilling. No electric vest is needed for me, although local riders equired the vest.

Death Valley is the largest National Park in the U.S. The terrain is mostly gravel with a few sand dunes scattered about. here are large flat areas surrounded by mountains. The mountain appears as hills, but ascending proves otherwise, as the elevation pops your ears. ach mountain has its own color, composition, and striking appearance. The Twenty Mule Team section brings back memories.

The Airheads and NorCal BMW Riders were camped out at Furnace Creek. A friend, Jerry, was with the Airheads, which is where I set p. The temperature went down to 35 degrees, but was no problem once the bag was zipped up. Sunday morning, Jerry and I went to breakfast and attended the NorCal meeting. Jerry headed home and I toured Death Valley. By hance, 1 wound up on CA 95 into Nevada. To my surprise, a brothel appeared, offering free coffee. I take out my camera, but decline the coffee, too weak and may succumb to temptation.

Around 2:30 P.M. I left the Park for home. Going through San Bernadino, a sign appeared, Chaparrals, where I used to order motorcycle tires. It was now 7:30 P.M. and I found a Motel 6 so I could visit the store in the morning. I ended up purchasing 2 Dunlop 491·s. Metzlers cost more, and 1 heard good reports about the dual compounds of the Dunlops. Time will tell. With 4/32nds remaining it was a hard decision. My experience has been for the last tread to disappear quickly and riding on the cord is nerve-racking.

Enjoying the climate and easy life.
Saturday, Fcb.2Oth, another beautiful. sunny, warm day My cousin, his daughter, and my father pick me up and we run an errand run to Sycuan Casino, then take a different way back to San Diego and Balboa Park. We stop at the Model Railroad exhibit and next, the Motorcycle-
Car exhibit. The model trains were fine, but the auto show was fantastic. This weekend was for motorcycles. in particular. Lots and lots of Beemers, including a 1923 model. To top off the BMW's, was a 1999 Kl200LT and the RIIS and the Rl2 Cruiser. The cars were equally represented also. A tucker engine that was never produced was displayed. a flat 6 cylinder, 5"x 5" with hydraulic valve action. So much to see and do ... someday.

Other than the climate. living here is the same as home Waking up to blue sky and bright sun IS invigorating. Even a gloomy day IS not bad. It is February, winter, and by April the weather will be perfect every day. A leather Jacket will be required for safety and comfort. Right outside of town arc two lane, twisty, country roads, lots of hills and turns, plus scenery. The beach is very close, should you desire. More risqué is Black Beach. Nudist only. Longing for snow? No problem. It’s less than an hour away. Desolate, sandy desert? An hour
away.

Chores never completely go away. The van developed a “miss” at idle and starting out. I installed those fancy new $6 plugs. Surely, they are good and the plug wires are at fault. With the aid of my cousin and the Navy Exchange store, 1 purchased new wires. Still, an ugly job awaits me ...

Feb.27th. Another great weekend. 72 degrees, blue sky with high cirrus clouds scattered about. I leave Chula Vista on Telegraph road. Soon, the suburbs and homes stop, and all is as it's supposed to be. Otay Lake is in view, where the Olympic Training Center is located. The two lane road winds along the lake, then off into the hills. The hills are green in “February” with large bolders strewn about. Vegetation is abundant, but low
in height, typical of the west, as water is sparse. 1 am now riding along a fast, surging creek making its way for the lake. The turns of the road are getting sharper as I begin to ascend the hills, winding and twisting upward. Not knowing the road, I lay back and enjoy the scenery. Before intersecting with CA 94, I approach a camp ground. It would be nice to move my van here and spend some time in the hills.

An RV Show is going on. I tour through some of the motor homes, fantasizing about the possibilities. Realizing their cost, I return to reality and head out on CA 94. This is an old highway, and it passes through some small communities. There are cafe's with motorcycles parked at their doors. There are all type of motorcycles. With Harley dominating. The community of Campo is nearing as I pass CA 188. This leads to Tecate, MX. only ten
miles south to the border. As you enter Campo, there is a railroad depot of yesteryear. Today it is used as a tourist attraction. On weekends. a steam locomotive is used to take you on a journey into the past. A diesel engine is used during the week, but real train buffs pass on that. Campo. as with other communities, are just that. They are not towns, for there is nothing commercial, no banks, stores, gas stations. A home, or two, maybe a cafe.

Maybe someday this area will be developed, but for now you can live there in solitude.
Dusk is approaching, and J see a sign for I8. Buckman Springs Rd leads the wav, A long, flat, two-lane, straight road, and I finally shift into fifth gear. Fifty miles back to San Diego IS the sign for entering 18. Still enough daylight to use my dark shield as 1 ride into the setting sun. Crossing over the mountain, elevation 4500 feet., Viejas Casino and Outlet Center exit approaches. A new,, very large, Indian complex. Maybe
someday.

Looking for 1805 as EI Cajon is behind me. The exit for 1805 is an elevated, one and a half lane bridge. Very very, high and banked harply. The radius looks intimidating, but cars do not slow down. Oh well, hunker down and pray. The turn is sharp, but with the bank, is easier han it looks. Something to get used to.

Back in Chula Vista again, I visit my father. He prepares me dinner as I tell him of my day. My ride for this day covered 140 miles…and tomorrow?
Ron