Day 10 Monument Valley, UT - AZ

Riding to Monument Valley in UT was probably one of the cooler days we've had on the road so far out West. Temps only in the mid 90s, Not bad. 

Beautiful camp site at Monument Valley.   Winds starting to pick up. 

As beautiful as the Navajo land is, in areas it also resembles a 3rd world country.  On four instances we had who appeared to be Navajo people try to hit us up for a handout.  The last instance felt threatening as I stepped up and abruptly informed the gentleman I would not want anything from him and will not give him anything.  He commenced a stare down with me. Waiting for the other to flinch or succeed, I did not intend on giving any ground.  He did finally
mumble something, turned and walked away.

What happened to pride!

Anyone traveling through this area should be cautious about doing so alone.  Regardless of being alone or not, take note where and when you make your stops.

Great Navajo food. Fry bread with some of the best taco filling and burgers in between Navajo fried bread.  Gives a new meaning and opens all kind of doors for Italian East coast pizza fritta. 

STRONG Winds are picking up

We should have taken this as a sign of things to come. Winds started to pick up after lunch in Kayenta, AZ.   Winds picked up to at least 25mph sustained with gusts of who knows, but much worst.  Along with the winds, there is also sand and tumbleweeds in the air, and scattered rain.  All on a stretch of poorly maintained crumbling roads, 50 miles from any type of town.  Oh, and maybe the best. This section of road also runs through open ranges complete with cattle, goats, sheep, and what appeared to be wild horses all freely wondering along the side of the road. 

About 10 miles from Kayenta, winds steadily picked up.  At it's peak we tilted about 60 degrees into the wind.  For 30 plus miles we became one with our bikes.  Constantly fighting the wrath of some Navajo God nudging us toward and over the center line.  We keep the bikes moving forward. As fatigue starts to set in, options for ending this force of the gods start racing through our minds.  

Can we pull over & stop? No, no shoulder and any slowdown or stopping and the bike is going to be blown over with me on it into the road.  Can we ditch safely with out too much damage to our selves or the bike? Well, rather not try it!

So we continue down the road finding the perfect combination of gravity and forward momentum by throttling up or down.  We call on every riding skill ever learned.  I keep telling myself, The bike can do it, I just need to hold on.  

By time we arrive at the next town, we are both exhausted but in one piece.  Mr. Grey and the Mighty KLR has taken us through the worst conditions we've ever encountered.  As we continue our trip we will do what ever needed to avoid high winds like this.  I never want to go through that again!