6 fjrs, 8 people, Sierra, Sawtooth, Yellowstone, Tetons to WFO in Park City

[OrangevaleFJR]

We scooted through Stanley and in a snap of the fingers, we were in high desert again. Boom.

I mean it. Things changed quickly. Scroll up just a little to previous shots. This change occurs in about 2 miles.

Once again we were in a cycle of desert hills and green valleys where ranchers made use of the river in low lying areas.

The stark beauty of the rock was impressive and these hills were not hills. They were large.

Unfortunately, around this time the batteries in my camera were in need of a charge. I was running behind charging batteries the entire trip and only had one set per day to work with. That’s why I didn’t take 3,000 pictures. I saved the batteries for key moments.

It was hot again. We were tired after putting in what would be our longest day of the ride to Park City and we were anxious to find the hotel.

Here are some shots of the Kenwood radios in tank bags. Bike to bike communication is good for safety, ease of ride event coordination, LEO warnings and the best part about them was getting to share impressions of what we saw with each other. Random thoughts of riders seemed to be agreed upon readily with the common “Gunny” coming back to comments. I recommend bike to bike communication to anyone. It really makes a positive impact on the ride.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I'll be working on the next leg soon...

 

[Silver Penguin]

What can one say, other than WOW!!!! and thank you for sharing. I almost felt as though I were riding along with you - except that I'm grounded right now. Next time, I'll be there, if you're going to have THAT much fun.

Great photos. Interesting description. A pleasure to look at and read.

Jill

PS I think you should get a barn of your very own, to house your armory of cows.

 

[weekend rider]

Another out standing job of reporting the news with picctures. The route that your group chose to ride is quite interesting.

I rode almost the same route about 5 years ago when I had my Concourse.When you were passing through Lakeview and saw alka-lye flats , realy is the lake that does not drain. It is the lake that recieves water from a nuclear testing facality in Idaho from back in the forties and does have an awful smell. no more nuclear water being poured in to it now.

Your pics bring back a lot of riding memories from my trip. Will be waiting for the report of your trip :clapping:

Since I was unable to go this year to the WFO, because I was siting in a dentist chair for two hours for surgey and a recovery of 3-5 days. It is reports and pics from all the rders that make it possible for me to enjoy all the good riding time and all those interesting places in the USA. And can only imagine the good time that were had at the WFO

 

[wheatonFJR]

thanks again o'vale for the outstanding presentation!

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Blackfoot Idaho to Jackson Wyoming: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

The stay in Blackfoot was fairly uneventful. This was the second stay in a Super 8 and if you want bare bones hotel, these will work, but if you want any kind of nice touch, look elsewhere. It was in a strange location behind a grocery store. I suppose some people would call it convenient. We walked about ½ a mile to the nearest restaurant that was supposed to have a full bar per the store’s manager. It had beer. But we had a good meal with an exceptional waitress at a place called Wingers.

We ate, had a good visit, conversation and round of drinks in a room and then hit the sack looking forward to the day ahead of us. We had about 130 miles to ride before we entered Yellowstone. We were all worried about the traffic traveling on a Tuesday must have spared us. Traffic was there, but was nowhere near as bad as I had anticipated. The last time I was in Yellowstone, I was 4 years old. I remembered walking on the wood walkways built around the geysers. I remember the bubbling water and the intense colors of algae. There was a lot that seemed very new to me.

First of all, we took off from Blackfoot a bit earlier than 8am. We rode up 15 to 20. Rick and Karen had invited us to stay at a ranch between Blackfoot and West Yellowstone, but I don’t think anyone had the extra 120 miles in them the previous night. The heat kick out butts as we entered Blackfoot and the major attraction was a shower and then beverages. As we rode to West Yellowstone in the morning, I was so glad it was cool. I saw the Grand Teton range in the distance. I tried to get pictures with them in the background.

Joseph is waving and you can barely see the mountains on the horizon.

This shot shows that yet again something to build anticipation existed for this, but this time instead of something shrouding the view, the view was very visible in the far off distance. The view was of things to come, but first we were on our way to Yellowstone. Here, the Teton range is clearly in view.

We didn’t get to Yellowstone before somebody needed a pit stop. It wasn’t Dave. He tended to stay ready to move at a moment’s notice.

We stopped here.

You know, guard rails sure mess up pictures. They ought to just let people go off the road so my pictures would be better.

We were in the plain on a North Easterly course and the mountain range seemed to be heading straight North so we were continuously getting closer and closer to the mountains. Now, I love mountains and I was primed for some cool sights.

Scenes like this reminded me often of the verse, “State trooper thinks that I drive too fast, pulls me over to tell me so, I say out here on the prairie, any speed is too slow.”

Ric and Karen stayed at a ranch owned by one of the pilots that flew in the VMF-214, the famous Black Sheep Squadron under Pappy Boyington. This picture of the airport next to the ranch is an airstrip I’m sure he has used for many landings. This kind of indirect connection to history is really neat in my book.

The ranch is on a beautiful lake and I really wish we could have spent some time with Ric and Karen there. Oh well...

Getting closer to Yellowstone, I could sense the excitement growing again. Joseph was really looking forward to visiting the geyser basins outside of the Old Faithful basin and his interest flowed over to me. Again, I remember walking on the wood walkways as a kid. Pretty much anything that scared me I remember. I was three/four and the fear of falling into boiling water was something that stuck in my mind. I was anxious to see how similar it was. Before we got there, we got to pass all the things I had forgotten. What a treat to see them and capture their image.

There were areas where the fires of the not to distant past were still very evident.

Enjoyably, there was often, if not always, water along our path.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

The traffic picked up a bit, but getting through the gate wasn’t too bad. The group had purchased annual passes the day before so everyone except Tim and I were straight through. They waited for us and let me know on the radio how many cars were passing them as they waited. The amount of guilt I felt was a modicum. Soon enough, we were through the gate and fairly immediately blessed with gorgeous sights.

I couldn’t help knowing that we were in one of the largest active calderas on the planet. The potential for the cataclysmic demise of millions of people somehow escaped my thoughts when graced with the area. Steve said the guy in the river was fishing for mosquitoes.

The speed limit reduced down to 25 mph for a time and I didn’t understand why until a bit later. I saw this Eagle’s nest and then a bit later saw the Bald Eagle flying overhead as if to greet our group. Was there any way not to grin and feel good? Nope.

El Lieutenant?

In many places, I think the views were enhanced by the fires that cleared the old growth. In 30 years, this view will be very different than it was on this day.

The river was simply gorgeous as were the clouds, the weather and, well, pretty much everything.

The clouds were so bright, it affected my ability to get good shots…Still, these are good memories.

We took a side road to see the Firehole rapids. It was a one way road and we saw the river cutting through a steep and deep rock canyon with very aggressive waterfalls. I got no good pictures, but we were stopped by traffic near the swimming hole.

Here is a shot of the rock that was carved by the end of the rapids. Eventually, this height of rock would be on both sides of the river.

We were back on the road heading South to the geysers.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

As we traveled across this valley, I snapped this picture as soon as I saw the first geyser of the day.

There is a lot of talk about me being English, the fact is I was born there to English parents and we immigrated here when I was a baby. I am American. I have lived here all of 17 days of my live except those years I was serving overseas for the USAF. I am a proud American of our special National Parks to our regular areas of agriculture, ranching and industry. This land is a great land from the history demonstrated by ancient ruins to the decrepit barns still in use on our plains. Visiting National Parks brings an upwelling of pride and that upwelling can easily be brought much like the upwelling of the geysers in Yellowstone. Every once in awhile, I take account of the great things afforded my immigrant family by this country and I am thankful. I think some people know how lucky we are to live here, and others don’t think about it much. Visiting Yellowstone brought this feeling of patriotism, pride and appreciation for this great country, these great people, this great land and our great luck to have ended up here somehow. Enough of that.

This geyser field overflowed down the bank into the river.

The water really cannot be clearer I think.

There was some wildlife in view. Not too many this day, but I believe they let most out of the cages on the weekend (ha, ha, ha).

This was the same area, just without the zoom.

We stopped for a walk around the geyser basin. Joseph had got me excited about this place and before I walked on the wood walk again for the first time in 36 years I wanted to poke around and really soak everything in.

These were right off the main road.

Cindy on the foot bridge across the river:

The other direction from the footbridge:

I remember this place. This has been etched in my memory for 36 years; these colors, patterns, concoctions of various algae soup and heated pools that must kill most anything that enters. This place was a wonder to me as a curious and slightly frightened four year old. Now at ten times that age I am still as curious, still in wonderment and the fear was replaced with a joy and pride of having come some distance since the last time I was here.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

It was with great joy that I shared this area with my dear friends. I can’t really explain the affection I have for these people. Something about riding together, taking interest in sights, places and people together; it affects us. We bond faster than we would at work. We bond faster than we would at bars, or parks. This motorcycling activity is special. The friends we make during these adventures are something different than anything else. I have played on teams that won championships. I have been part of the military family that holds a dear place in my heart, but these new friends of mine are special and one thing I know we do a lot of is smile.

Mike by the Sapphire Pool.

Curious, smiling, being part of the group of friends:

Sharing a small and important part of our National Treasure with the young children; what memories will this young man hold onto and remember some years from now?

This pool must be 20-30 feet deep

A geyser is ready to share

The guys watch the bubbling pool

I smile and take a picture of visitors from another country. This child was very curious about my motorcycle gear I think. I wonder if she’ll remember the geysers or the funny dressed American more!

Elk hoof prints in the algae

So many different colors in such a small area!

Amazing

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Next up: Old Faithful. The last time I was here, and Steve was here near the same year and remembered as I did, that the Old Faithful crowd was small. Things have changed. The parking lots are huge. The light Tuesday traffic was definitely not minor. Then instead of driving up to the geyser to watch as we had many years ago, we had to approach by foot and despite the immense size of the parking lot, I was surprised by the crowd.

It started and people howled

It lasts quite a few minutes

Then we went back to the bikes

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

We had skipped lunch. We decided to go on to Jackson via the Grand Teton National Park and eat Linner Later. Is it Lunner? Anyway, we were headed South past the big lakes and toward Grand Teton National Park. There was no gate at the North end of the park. I suppose the only way there is through Yellowstone so there isn’t much need to stop people. One day pass in one National Park works the entire day in any National Park. Hmm… IBA mission? How many National Parks can you visit in one day? Hmm?

New growth

I couldn’t get a good picture of the lake.

I was sweep and Steve radioed, “Waterfall to the right up here.” I readied the camera.

Again, we were following a river.

There were quite a few straights in this section. I guess we were in the flat bottom of the caldera. Someday, a blast zone!!!???!!!

After about a 40 minute ride, we crested a hill and came down to a lake and WHOA!

The Grand Teton Range. The clouds were nearly bubbling with strength and it seemed a downpour was just a matter of time. It was. Let’s talk bikes. The FJR simply rocks. It rained so darn hard, I was in mesh, It seemed I barely got wet!

What a view.

And finally we stopped for some shots…more than incredible.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

The Grand Tetons

The guys as speechless as me.

Smile like you are having fun!

Then we went to Jackson…I need a break again…I’ll write more later.

 

[twowheelnut]

Hey, did I mention that Andrew snores like the Three Stooges? :lol: Veddy nice, Andrew! I'm askeered to download my piccies, now...

 

[MCML]

"Some places just remind you of the smell of stale cigarette smoke just by looking at them."

All of this and a wordsmith, too!

 

[tstaff]

Absolutely amazing O’vale!

Thank you for sharing.

Tom

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Great photos and write up I can't wait to read more.

Believe it, or not; more is coming! What a trip

Great report and pictures. Keep em' coming.

Thanks! Okay, I will keep em coming I really enjoy these things.

The best ride report I've read on the Forum. Epic in geography, words, images. Thank you. Jb

You are welcome. I'm speechless. I better type some more.

The best ride report I've read on the Forum. Epic in geography, words, images.

That's why I don't even bother. Andrew's the man. However, I'm looking forward to part V of the Creston expedition....

I was inspired by a ride report that I think was the best I have ever seen. I love reading ride reports, even just looking at the pictures. I really enjoy sharing thoughts about motorcycling and I'd love to see some ride reports from TC...such as when he killed a wabbit.

What can one say, other than WOW!!!! and thank you for sharing. I almost felt as though I were riding along with you - except that I'm grounded right now. Next time, I'll be there, if you're going to have THAT much fun.Great photos. Interesting description. A pleasure to look at and read.JillPS I think you should get a barn of your very own, to house your armory of cows.

Interesting...uh oh. That could be bad :yahoo:

Hey, did I mention that Andrew snores like the Three Stooges? :lol: Veddy nice, Andrew! I'm askeered to download my piccies, now...

Yeah, and I'm worth it :yahoo:

"Some places just remind you of the smell of stale cigarette smoke just by looking at them."All of this and a wordsmith, too!

I used the word "just" twice. My English teacher would have told me to quit boring him.

Absolutely amazing O’vale!Thank you for sharing.Tom

You are welcome...but the last leg is to come. We still had to get to Park City.

 

[James Burleigh]

The best ride report I've read on the Forum. Epic in geography, words, images.

That's why I don't even bother. Andrew's the man. However, I'm looking forward to part V of the Creston expedition....

I was inspired by a ride report that I think was the best I have ever seen. I love reading ride reports, even just looking at the pictures. I really enjoy sharing thoughts about motorcycling and I'd love to see some ride reports from TC...such as when he killed a wabbit.

Let me add that I too have really been enjoying your descriptions. The journey and images have elevated your narrative to, in some cases, poetry. Really fantastic stuff. I said "epic" before, and I really mean that. Journeys have historically driven great literature, and this type of ride report follows in that tradition. I'm talking about The Odyssey, which of course documents the return of Odysseus to his home over the course of 10 years after the Trojan Wars. Of course that story would have been a better read if Odysseus had had an FJR....

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Jackson to Park City:

We arrived in Jackson after riding through some major rain up by the Teton peaks. Again, I stayed pretty dry and was able to protect the camera from the elements simply my leaning forward and putting the camera between the tank bag and my chest. During this ride, there were two options for getting to Jackson. Some of us took the route closest to the mountains; the other group went the shorter way. We ended up a little over 5 miles behind Mike, but could still make radio contact. The Kenwood TK-3101 radios were really working well on this trip.

We had skipped lunch and were eager to get to Bubba’s BBQ joint for food. Best ribs I ever had outside of my house. Robin (CDogman) met us at Bubba’s and brought beverages for everyone. Bubba’s doesn’t serve, but you can BYOB. This generosity was not the first, nor last thing Robin did for our group, and WFO. Thanks Robin.

Robin and I walked back to the hotel and visited the saloon. We had a few scotches and then ended up out by the pool with our beer and Jack Daniels with Tim. We drank. The next morning’s ride was a bit tough until I got a maple donut at a gas station. The change was immediate and complete. I went from feeling like it was going to be a very uncomfortable riding day to feeling 100% and eager. Wow…maple donuts eh?

So…anyway, when we lit out of Jackson, our group had split up a bit. Dave and Steve decided to ride further that day so they split from our group, who were making a B-line to Park City with team leading the pack at “slightly higher than the rate of traffic.” Did I mention there were more shooting stars than cars? This route had us crossing more State lines in a short period of time than I have ever accomplished except the times I have visited Four Corners and run around in a tight circle. I wanted to beat the record for crossing 50 State borders so when I was 6 I ran around really fast in a circle at the Four Corners platform. Does that count as an IBA jog?

Again, the views were cool. I am not sure what roads we took because I was just following the guys who were following the GPS. The group was Robin, Tim, Mike, Me and Joseph. Tim lead the bulk of the ride. Did I mention he was in a hurry? He was doing at least the speed limit at all times.

We rode by this valley once, then realized we were going the wrong way and rode past it again.

Somebody needed gas and we ran into Gary there (Duff). The WFOers were showing up.

Joseph was ready and I like this shot

Tim and Gary were ready

Zoom we were gone. There were a lot of straight roads and we seemed to be getting where we need to go less 45 degrees so there were a lot of turns from road to road.

Mike mentioned the clouds were low so I took a picture to prove it.

I would slow to take a picture and then look up and find the guys racing ahead without me and I’d have to catch up.

Not much not to like about this country

Again, we took some long and straight roads that had very little traffic

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

We eventually hit I-80 East of Park City. Coming down the road, I saw a storm coming toward us. The red thing up there looked like a unique load. Something was tilted to fit on the trailer.

Before we got to the truck, very heavy rain was falling so this is the best shot I got

Formula Boat Racing

Before we got to the next truck, which was directly in front of the first one, the view through my windscreen looked like this

As quickly as the storm came, it passed…or was it the FJR’s moving along so quickly that got us into the dry again?

Mike told me he had never been in Utah. I told him that this sandstone cliff was barely even a taste of what he was to find in this state.

Another cloud threatened us, but we got by too fast

Were soon in Park City our bikes parked in front of the Marriott with the Yamaha truck already there

Impressions of this ride?

This was one of the very best rides ever. The people were a group of people that might be matched, but will never be beat. The route is one I’d recommend to anyone. The variety, the beauty, the Americana, the memories and the bikes are all incredible. Of all the sights I was graced with, I would have to say the places that made the biggest impression on me were the ranches in the far reaches away from towns that had generations of structures built close together. These people, these families helped build America and have lived in hardship for a long time. Something tells me, they are blessed with something so wonderful that you could only find it if you lived it. The Sawtooth, Yellowstone and the Grand Teton scenic byways and parks were astounding. Everyone should see them sometime. I missed Sherri a lot and wished she could have seen what I saw and shared it with me. I have the terrible task ahead to re-accomplish this ride with Sherri. Darn the luck.

To David, Dianne, Steve, Cindy, Joseph, Tim and Mike: Thank you all. I am truly lucky to be able to have shared this ride and time with you all. I miss you all already…where are we going next? Anyone else want to join in?

finis

 

[MCML]

Bravo, Andrew!

James, Odysseus on an FJR as described by Homer (no, not Simpson)!?

I can hear the Sirens sweetly singing.

Ever read John Barth's retelling of the story in The Tidewater Tales?