How did the brigands arrive just in time?

Why did the bandits arrive just after Benry Linus-Moriarty woke up in
the desert?  Convenient timing, huh?

Why did Benry ask the date, including the year, at the hotel desk?  If
he were really that unsure of the date, there are ways he could've
found out more discreetly.

The answer to both question is that the charade continued.  The
ostensible scuffle in the desert was so he'd be roughed up a little
and hence make a more memorable scene when he asked the desk clerk the
very odd questions about the date.  He wants people to think he's a
time traveler.  The odd clothing left at the scene in the desert was a
little extra touch.

We've seen this several times in "Lost" -- people deliberately making
a scene at a desk.

Robert