On 31 Jan 2007 01:41:33 -0800, wrote in
.com:

Anyway, I would be happy to pay for the gas if it's not too awfully
high, but I can't afford charter rates.

The FAA prevents pilots from providing charter service without
complying with Part 135 regulations. They are permitted to carry
passengers on flights THAY are planning, or on flights of which there
is a commonality of purpose. In such cases, the maximum compensation
paid by passengers is limited to a share of the expense of the flight
(fuel, aircraft rental fee, landing fee) commensurate with the number
of occupants in the aircraft; thus the maximum compensation permitted
by regulation for a flight by a pilot and a single passenger is 50% of
the flight expenses.

Your best bet, is to heir a flight instructor to transport you (while
providing instruction if you choose), or perhaps:
http://pilotsharetheride.com/

How long will you be staying in Bakersfield on a typical trip?