Day 1: 55.5 paved highway bicycling miles from Baker to Tecopa Hot Springs, California, mostly on Highway 127
I ride from Baker to Tecopa Hot Springs on Highway 127, then along the Old Spanish Trail Highway via the town of Tecopa.
The ride begins at about 925 feet elevation in Baker, drops to about 450 feet along Highway 127 near Dumont Dunes, rises to about 2100 feet at Ibex Pass, then drops back down to 1400 feet in the Tecopa Basin.
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Date: April 18, 2007, 09h00
Size: 57 items
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Up bright and early, I go for a walk up the road to the Bun Boy restaurant for breakfast.
I cross the "Baker Bridge" over the wash along the way.
Date: April 18, 2007, 07h27
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Close-up of the plywood sidewalk on the Baker Bridge
This undersized sidewalk is really getting worn out!
Date: April 18, 2007, 07h28
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Trees with pink blossoms in the wash under the bridge
There's even a little bit of water down there in the wash.
Date: April 18, 2007, 08h33
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Baker Market, the town's only mom-and-pop store, carries a small vegetable selection and even propane bottles
There are franchise-style convenience stores attached to the numerous gas stations here in Baker, but Baker Market is different.
Date: April 18, 2007, 07h31
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Baker's "world's tallest thermometer" registers a comfortable 61 degrees Fahrenheit this morning
I don't expect to see such cool temperatures often during the next two weeks while I'm out here.
Date: April 18, 2007, 08h06
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Baker's lone four-way intersection has a four-way stop, which is great when you want to cross the road.
Walking back to my room at the Royal Hawaiian Motel to pack up and start my trip for real.
Date: April 18, 2007, 08h10
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The el-cheapo Royal Hawaiian Motel is overpriced for what it is, but the tackiness of the place has its own special character
The Royal Hawaiian Motel is the cheapest motel in Baker, but be ready for special features like clogged sinks and missing light bulbs.
Date: April 18, 2007, 08h21
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A flock of birds congregates in the Royal Hawaiian's parking lot
Last year when I was here, birds were swimming in the motel swimming pool in the morning.
Date: April 18, 2007, 08h22
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Back at the motel from breakfast, the bike is packed up and ready to leave Baker
Finally, off on my way!
Date: April 18, 2007, 10h04
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On the way out of Baker on Highway 127
On the outskirts of Baker is one of those "next services" signs, 57 miles in this case.
Date: April 18, 2007, 10h11
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Highway 127 isn't all that busy, but it does have a lot of big rigs driving it
The first big rig of the day passes me while I am stopped to take photos of the "next services" sign.
Date: April 18, 2007, 10h12
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Out on the open road outside of Baker on Highway 127
Feeling free and light!
Date: April 18, 2007, 10h35
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Highway 127 is rather empty once out of Baker
... for quite a few miles.
Date: April 18, 2007, 10h42
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Oh look, an oncoming car on Highway 127!
The rush and commotion of freeway travellers passing through Baker has been left behind.
Date: April 18, 2007, 10h52
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I stop for a quick break across from the road that crosses Silver Dry Lake (very dry right now)
I don't really need a break yet, but I want to check to see if my cell phone still works.
Date: April 18, 2007, 11h01
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