Ali and Kristian's second day of riding is a late start. They admire the domes, Ali digs holes helping to build one, and Kristian works on administrative stuff. By the time they finally rolled on out of Hisperia, it is almost 4pm. In a few hours, they are able to cycle past Barstow.
Kristian is stopped by two California Highway Patrol Cruisers. In the US, cycling along an Interstate Freeway is illegal if there is no alternate road. The alternate route is not so appealing as the road is very bumpy and consequently very sore. The second CHIP cruiser is adamant that Kristian get off the I15. As fears often manifest into reality, there is reason to be afraid to drive on the side-road. While riding on this road, a very big pit bull runs off its property to munch on Kristian. Fortunately, Kristian could sprint away before the lactic acid build-up prevents him from continuing to ride.
One hour later, an even bigger, faster, fiercer dog presents itself to Kristian. Unfortunately, Kristian does not have the reserve to pedal really fast away. Consequently, the dog is in chase for over a quarter mile. No more side roads. Give the ticket, spare the life.
At 10pm, Ali shows Kristian the spot he has picked for sleep. A concrete slab 200 feet off a side-road. Kristian thinks of alternatives. He remembers a sign for Saint Antony Monastery on the road. So, Ali and Kristian head along a dirt road for 7 miles and eventually find a Coptic (Egyptian) Orthodox Monastary in the middle of the high desert, literally miles and miles from the nearest civilization.
This group of Egyptians/Coptic Orthodox monks take Ali and Kristian in with open arms, give them a huge meal and a comfortable air-conditioned place to sleep.
