Barstow to Amboy 04-13-2026 Day 3

We awoke to a sunny dry day with expected tailwinds. Carol was still carrying our panniers, so we had the potential to make good time. As we ducked under I 40 heading East along Main Street we came to the entrance of the US Marine Corps NBO Center. It was the most direct way to start our route, but there was a problem. Without proper authorization, we were not allowed to pass. My Lone Rider Business card could not trump their Gandalf “You Shall Not Pass”. The two guards and their large German Shepherd were very courteous and we knew when to follow instructions and this was definitely the time. So, we turned around and found our way to the Old Route 66 highway via another route. We were told we could ride on I 40, which was surprisingly easy, with a wide, smooth shoulder. Unfortunately, as soon as we came to the first exit, there was a sign that basically repeated Gandalf’s Warning “You shall not pass!”

We turned off the interstate and got onto the side road which was pretty decent. We were on a path that was part of the original Route 66, so we were OK. We soon saw the markers of a town that was once an important stop along the way. Painted on the road was the logo that said we were passing Daggett. There were remnants of the bygone era still standing.

The Road was pretty empty so we could ride side by side for a while.

We crossed over I 40 again to the South side at Newberry Springs. We had a lot of lonely miles as we made our way to the next town of any significance. We had one 8 mile climb before we started a constant descent to our day’s destination near Amboy. After going under I 40 again, we headed toward Ludlow where we could rest and eat.

After the Dairy Queen, we crossed under I 40 again to the South side and headed east with a strong tail wind, but darkening skies. We were about 15 miles outside of Amboy when the storms to our south decided to cross our path and pelt us for the next 12 miles. Reo Speedwagon was playing on the mental jukebox, “Riding The Storm Out”.

About 3 miles outside of Amboy, the storms had past over us. We were damp, but not soaked. At least we had made excellent time between the downhill slope and the string tailwinds. We made a quick photo op at the Amboy crater.

Then went on to Roy’s Cafe to rest until our final 6 mile to meet Carol at the intersection with the next road off of I 40.

We had passed three road construction sites at washed out bridges with short stretches of gravel road on those final 6 miles. Then we came to a sign that said the road was closed. Like Rocky Balboa, we are trying to determine if it is closed to everybody or just the general public. We talked about our alternatives for continuing our ride to Needles over dinner. What will we do? Find out tomorrow! We don’t know either, but it’s all part of the adventure!

The Not So Lone Rider