"The Loneliest Road in America" is not so Lonely!

We started today's ride in Fernley, NV and soon found ourselves on Hwy. 50 which is billed as "The Loneliest Road in America".  Unfortunately, it is not all that lonely!  In reality, it is a fairly busy highway with people driving at high speeds.  Most drivers were very courteous though and gave us a wide clearance.  We rode 70 miles through the Nevada desert and over a couple of easy mountain passes and arrived in Middlegate, NV (pop. 17!) by about 1 p.m..

Sign on motel at Middlegate Station

Middlegate is an old Pony Express station that has been an oasis in the "middle of nowhere" for travelers for many years.  The 1850's Pony Express building is now being used a a restaurant/bar and is full of fascinating antiques.  The family who owns Middlegate has been there for 25 years and all work in various capacities to keep the restaurant, bar, motel, campground, rv park, etc. running smoothly.  We had both lunch and dinner here and the food was excellent.  We parked our RV for nothing as camping is free.  Motel rooms are basic but clean and comfortable and are only $40/night.  The owners are great and full of stories about the history of the area.  Locals (probably anybody in the surrounding 30 mile area would be considered "local") love to hang out here and talk with visitors.  We had a great afternoon here!

Lisa, Nancy & Dana on porch of Middlegate Station