Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

After our "quick stop" at the last check point, we were heading SE on Hwy 2 toward Sonoyta.
The brown fence to the left is the United States / Mexico border.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

The temperature began to rise but never got above 110-112F. This was about what we had been riding in most of the day. Were we getting a break from the extreme weather?

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Dark clouds began developing in front of us and was bringing with it a large thunder storm.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

We made a short stop to honor and scatter the ashes of a fallen Rat Rider.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Back to the thunder storm in front of us.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

As we got closer to the storm we discovered that this was not rain but a dust storm.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

As we entered the cloud of dust the winds picked up and there were alternating cross winds at 30-35mph. Felt like a cat batting a mouse back and forth and we were the mouse. Fighting the cross winds and trying to keep the bikes upright while the dust was getting blown inside the helmets and into our eyes made for a challenging ride.
Finally the dust and winds began to settle and the weather was much calmer.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Cross winds came back again, but this time they were coming from only one direction and wind speed was constant with almost no gusts. Much easier to contend with. Lean the bike into the wind and keep on going.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Winds quit and then we got the rain. Rain lasted for only a few miles and was then gone.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

The weather started clearing again as we made our way into Sonoyta.

Highway 2 East - Highway to Hell

Stopped in Sonoyta at a Pemex to get gas and our required receipt then back on Hwy 2 heading toward Santa Ana.