I start this Mojave National Preserve trip by waking up in my kitchy 1980s room at Baker's deteriorating Royal Hawaiian Motel
Roadside view of the Royal Hawaiian Motel, my home last night while waiting to begin the bikepacking trip
From my balcony at the Royal Hawaiian, I can see Kelbaker Road heading into the cherished emptiness of Mojave National Preserve
The 10-ton bike is now packed and assembled, ready to leave the Royal Hawaiian and spend two weeks in Mojave National Preserve
I check in at the Royal Hawaiian Motel for the night, which is an interesting example of kitsch from the 60s or 70s
Retro 70s furniture in my room at the Royal Hawaiian Motel at Baker, California
The Royal Hawaiian Motel is the cheapest motel in Baker, and for good reason (at $49/night it's not exactly cheap, however)
Even the message telling the visitor that this heater is no longer in use appears to be many years old
Overview of my room at the Royal Hawaiian Motel
The stained ceiling in the bathroom tells a story of a shower in the room above that leaked
The particle-board door on the bathroom has never been painted
Fluorescent bulbs above the beds (and almost everywhere else) create a retro 1970s fashion