They had the official Grand Opening of the new bypass bridge over Hoover Dam a few weeks ago, so I decided to go check it out. I have driven over Hoover Dam many times, the last time was about four years ago when construction was just beginning on the bypass bridge. I was glad to see Pat Tillman's name on it. He is just 1 example of 1,000's of people who stood up when duty called and payed the ultimate price! . . back to the beginning: . Friday night I realized I had nothing scheduled for Saturday, so I decided to go see the new Bridge. It might be my last trip before the snow starts flying. I awoke Saturday morning to this sunrise, a beautiful start to a beautiful day. So I got up, grabbed my toolkit, camera, water, and a few other items and hit the road. I was making good time, enjoying the brisk cool Autumn air when the right lane became closed and the speed limit dropped to 35mph. Then I found the reason for the lane closure. a few more a few more runners a whole lot more, all the way around the bend. By now we are doing about 10-15 mph, (I think a few runners passed me) the culprit was the white dually up front. He decided it was his job to keep traffic at a safe speed. Finally, after several miles of 1st gear, the runners turned right, the cones ended, and the dually turned around to go back and lead another parade of unsuspecting race spectators. I rode into town and topped off the tank. (8 gallons of premium) I love my G.S.Adv. I normally avoid freeways, but my destination left me no other choice, (if I was going to get there and back in one day). So I Merged onto I-15 and headed south. I must go load more pic's. More to come.
The first 18 miles aren't bad. The speed limit is 55 but everyone does 75. The Gorge is pretty fun for a freeway It's all banked sweeping curves At 75mph it's pretty fun But all good things must come to an end... This was pretty much the scenery for the next 60 miles. (fast forward 45 min.) next exit... Valley of Fire.
I have always wanted to see Valley of Fire, but because of the Freeway between it and I, hadn't. So I decided to drive through on my way to Hoover Dam. I exit the four lane and take the two lane. Less pavement but the scenery was about the same. The road got a little more exciting. And the scenery got a little better Through the park entrance, and then the road began winding around these vibrant red sandstone formations. I took a side road and found a place to park and stretch my legs I see some stairs and go to investigate... Some really, really, old graffiti. Back on the road to see some more of the park.
I rode further into the park and turned back to the North by the Visitors Center. I figured I would stop there on the way back out. The road cut up through this narrow canyon . . And over into the next Valley. The hard red sandstone colors faded into soft pinks, creams, and whites The speed limit is slow enough to let you navigate the turns while rubbernecking. Another short stop. The clouds seemed to be arranged to match the landscape . . Caution. Road Porn . . . . .
The Pic's speak for themselves. found a small side road and followed it it ended about a mile later. After hitting the end of both roads, I headed back toward the Visitors Center. When I got close, I noticed the parking lot had filled up with harley's.(probably close to 50) Must have been some big group ride out of Vegas? So I just went on by. I passed even more coming in from the east entrance, as I was leaving. This was about noon, so if you go, get there early. Valley of Fire just didn't seem as serene with the constant roar of V-twins going by. Anyway, I did make one more stop before exiting the park. - pretty neat, they even had fireplaces.
After leaving the park I headed south. The road was new asphalt. The temp. had climbed up into the high 60's. It was a beautiful day. When Lake Mead came into view, I knew I was getting closer. The little white specks were sailboats. I hit Hwy 93/95 and turned left, a few minutes later I was at the Bridge. Its just around this turn...... There it is. View from 1,000 feet in the air...... :huh I can't see anything? They built the walls just tall enough on both sides to block any downward views! While riding or driving across this bridge you have no concept of how high you actually are! Slightly disappointed I turned around on the other side and rode back across, with the same views. I took the Hoover Dam exit and rode down to see if I could get some better pic's. The place was full of tourists. Finding a parking spot for a bike was a lot easier than the cars. (pic might be incriminating) This sign turned into a self portrait.(I don't why it looks like I have a ufo on my head?) This is the walkway to get up to the Bridge. This is looking at the bridge from the side. It has a pedestrian walkway all the way across. You can see the people on it. Everyone else was doing it! Some facts about the bridge. Looking down from the Bridge. :eek1 880 ft. to the river. About half that to the cars. Looking out towards Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Look how low the water line is. This pic was taken looking back at the bridge from the upper right corner of the pic above. This pic was taken from the horseshoe road below the bridge. Thanks for coming along.
This is the time of the year to go. It actually hit 80 degrees while I was at the dam. You probably got snow up there last night/tonight.
