Monument Valley (round trip) 21st June (Day 9)

Took the panniers off the bike this morning to see if there was anything I could do to straighten the frame but nothing that can be done quickly an deasily with the available tools.

I left them off for the rest of the day as we went 22 mile up the road to Monument Valley. This is one of the most iconic sights of the American West having featured in many John Ford/John Wayne westerns from Stagecoach onwards. All I will say is visit it.









Some of us took our bikes onto the Valley Drive an unpaved 17 mile loop through the valley itself which I enjoyed so much I did some of it twice (23 miles for me altogether). It was basic gravel and rock off roading but with a few treacherous sandy patches. To my delight I managed to get all the way round without any problems even on the sandy bits. Point the bike, pray and a squirt of power and let the bike do the work!

Absolutely amazing day but expect to pay premium prices in the visitor centre. The cars doing the Valley Drive were mainly 4x4 and hire cars. No RVs (Recreational Vehicles) as it was too rough. There are tours run on modifed 4x4 pick ups but you will pay $65 per person. Much better on a bike :-D

Oh and the camera worked properly today!!