About nine miles further on Highway 190, while riding south down the other side of Death Valley, I pass the Beatty Cutoff

I'm back in familiar territory again; I rode up Beatty Cutoff a few days ago on the way to Monarch Canyon. One of many motorcycles whizzes by in the photo.

I've had numerous positive gestures from motorcyclists just on today's ride (and so many more throughout the trip), which is always uplifting. Several have waved, a few others have honked and waved, and one just a few miles ago was really special. He was headed in the same direction as I, and honked, yelled, and extended his arm with a positive thumbs-up gesture while passing, to make sure that I would see it.

I love these encouraging moments and wish I could reciprocate somehow, but I suspect that the entertainment value that I provide might already be a fair exchange.

I've taken today's ride quite slowly due to the extreme heat, and have stopped for many water breaks. My right knee is still giving me some pain, but the pain usually goes away whenever I stop for a short rest. But I don't care, it has been a great day nonetheless.