Two hours out of Vegas, cruising southbound on I-15, the desert heat begins to subside as the sun races for the edges of the skyline. It's Friday evening, I'm relaxed and in good spirits following a three-day marathon of product slinging and media fluffing at Interbike- then the inevitable strikes.
My champion 2000 Subaru Outback, which I've pushed from San Francisco to the Black Rock Desert of Northern Nevada, to Southern California and Vegas in a span of 14 days, has had enough. As I pound the accelerator like a ruthless bloodthirsty jockey, she suddenly cuts out. Flashing my eyes at the dash I note that the heat gauge is well in the red. No morning Trestles surf session for you, I smirk to myself.
Flipping on the hazards I drift for the shoulder as a semi rapidly approaches in my rear-view mirror and slow to a stop.
For those of you who find yourself in a similar situation, I suggest resisting that initial instinct to thrash out of the car, kicking tires, throwing rocks, and cursing powers that be. Instead, after securing your safety (making sure your vehicle isn't in flames, moving your car far enough out of the way of traffic, turning your flashers on, etc.), I've found that taking a deep breath can be much more rewarding. You are safe, things could be worse- here are some tips on how to make the most of the situation:
1. Start by thanking your lucky stars that you renewed your AAA or other road-side assistance service, this sort of insurance is inexpensive and can be a lifesaver when ish hits the fan during road trips. If you haven't renewed yours, or have never signed up in the past, DO IT NOW. Then get on the horn, assuming there is cell service in the area, and get the proverbial ball rolling.
2. Take note of your natural environment. Would you ever see this stretch of land from this perspective otherwise? Is there any wildlife that you would otherwise miss? What is unique about the vegetation? Get out a camera or piece of paper and get creative, take a moment to record and bask in the beauty that is before you.
3. Engage the impact of humanity in the miles around you. Are there cities/towns/otherwise that you have never visited before? What have you seen in the last few miles that make this location noteworthy? During this trip out of Vegas I passed an exit with the peculiar name of Zzyzx. It turns out this place has a deep and wild history that I would have never learned about had my car not decided it was time for a break.
4. Find a spot to post up and enjoy a few moments of introspection. Take stock of your personal mental and physical shape. Are you enjoying the direction in which you are headed? Are the commitments you are rushing toward really that important? How could you adjust your course now that you have a moment to pause and reflect?
5. Once you are picked up by the truck, get to know your chauffeur. Chances are you will be spending at least a few hours in a town nearby, and this person would probably be glad to give you some insight. What is the area known for historically? Where are the best eateries? Is there a park nearby that you could explore? Do they have a cool watering hole where you can wet your lips on some local libations? Here in Barstow, CA, AAA driver Sli dropped me at a (half-)decent Ramada Inn. Following his recommendation I'm venturing out to an off the grid bar called Molley's- good times await!
***
All right, before you say anything- yea, this place is a dump. The first spot I checked out was chalk full of heifers, and the second "nightclub" was attempting to charge $5 to subject yourself to awful R&B/Rap.
I did, however, manage to stumble-upon and procure my first ever 3-pak o' tall boys!
