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Grand Canyon Suite
We leave the North Rim of Grand Canyon around five o'clock, hesitating for a moment about missing the sunset on the Painted Desert, but realizing that would put us on the road after dark. As we turn northeast at Jacob Lake, we're delighted by the twisty, curvy trail through the rocks. Christa picks up the pace, and I float down the mountain, the Ninja staying on the Concours' heels at every turn.
Suddenly, I come around a bend, and my heart almost stops. I slow down very quickly, lest I go right over the edge. Before me, there is a wide, wide valley stretching to the east and west as far as I can see, bordered unendingly by high cliffs. They are blood-red in what has turned out to be a magnificent sunset. The purples, crimsons, pinks and blues intertwine, and I don't know where the sky ends and the earth begins. We pull over, turn off our engines, and take off our helmets. It is utterly silent. Nothing moves, the light doesn't change, the air is still. Time is suspended. I'm reminded of the line that ee cummings wrote in one of my favorite poems: "and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart".
Day 1: Vegas to Mesquite
After two exciting days on the track, including a dirt-bike class (I think this will be my new calling), I'm ready to ride somewhere. We work our way from the Las Vegas Speedway, heading northeast towards Mesquite. It's not long before we are out of civilization and on a bumpy, winding road, taking sidelong glances at Lake Mead. I'm thrilled to apply my new-and-improved dirt-bike riding skills, standing on the pegs over the bumps, shifting gears when needed, and having an even better view of the surroundings. ...
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