Could be Epic

[sapest]

Left today for Key West FL.
Met up with ridding buddy, easy first day, staying in Lynnwood WA.
The hottest driest Aug in recent memory, and today its raining when I leave home.
45 min lineup at the border, NEXUS lane is empty.
The border guard just bought a 2016A, and wanted to see how the 50lt top case mount worked.
By the time we were done discussing farkles, there were 5 cars waiting.
Left him with my standard border guard bribe (mini pac of red licorice).
Cheapest fuel $3.69

Stevens Pass tomorrow.
-Steve

 

[RossKean]

What is your route? Are your sightseeing stops on the way there or on the way back (or both)?
How many kilometers (or miles) are you planning per day?

I'll be watching this thread. Have a great trip!

 

[sapest]

Route east/south includes Spokane, Boise, around Salt Lake, Grand Junction, Pueblo, Wichita, Little Rock, Tallahassee, St Augustine, Key West.
Return not completely tied down yet.
Sightseeing both ways. Maybe avg 375 miles a day.
-Steve

 

[RossKean]

Return not completely tied down yet.

Lots of options!

 

[sapest]

Ok, re-write, now I have photos.
Day 2 is a study in climate and geography.
The start of the day arrived with a rainbow.


West side of Stevens Pass is rain forest, and cool this morning, around 50/52 at the summit. Coming down the east side is fruit orchards and heat. Cross the Columbia River and climb into the high desert and all you can see are grain fields and rolling hills.

Lunch was in Waterville, Washingtons highest incorporated town. (elevation 2626’) Also a major stop on the Yellowstone Trail (going east from Seattle)

Spectacular coulee formations east of Leavenworth. No photos, since its like taking a photo of the Grand Canyon. Didnt do Coulee Dam or the Dry Falls. BTDT.
Cheapest gas $4.24

-Steve

 

[Panman]

Jealous

 

[sapest]

Jealous

Think again - triple digits in Boise tomorrow.
On the other hand - Goodwood BBQ for dinner.
-Steve

 

[Rocnsanman]

Awesome! I'll be following your Epic Ride as well. Stay safe.

 

[PhatAir4Me]

Thanks for taking us along...looking forward to the next installment.

 

[sapest]

Day 3.
40 degrees and 42 oz
I know you Americans take beer drinking seriously.
I didnt know you could buy 8% 42oz beer for $2.50.
Is this everywhere? Or just ‘fashion by Cabela’s’ states like Idaho?
While getting fuel this morning I watched someone buy two, @8am.
The day started out on the Palouse Scenic Byway. Nice bit of road that goes near the Steptoe Battlefield. ***** were kicked. I leave the rest for you to find out.

The best part of the day came early, the old Spiral Highway near Lewiston.

64 curves, 7.3 miles, 2000’ elevation change. What more you want ?

This is a view of Lewiston from the top, you can see some of the Spiral highway.

After that, Highway 95 into the Salmon River Valley. The north end is big sweepers, wide roads and a nice ride. There is a lot of fire activity, much smoke. After an hour, I could feel it in my eyes and throat. Road by a big airfield full of helicopters and support vehicles.
Once into the Valley proper, temps started climbing.
At New Meadows we took 55 into McCall.
McCall has very civilized pedestrian crossings.
There are flags at the crossing, on both sides of the road.
When you want to cross the road, you grab a flag and wave as you go.
5200 ft up and its over 90F.
We are now in hell.
From about Smiths Ferry to Banks, you are in a National Forest. Its pleasant, some nice shade and curves.
Further south, still on 55, around Horseshoe Bend, we crossed the Payette River.
The bike says its 40C. (104F for you beer guzzlers)
And into (dropped about 2000’ of elevation) Boise for the night.
Goodwood BBQ for dinner.
Cheapest gas $4.4x.
Two states so far.
-Steve

 

[sapest]

Day 4
More heat, this time with Interstate!
Today was mostly an Interstate 84 day.
Pretty boring out of Boise to Mountain Home.
From there, to about Hager-something, the scenery is much improved.
Dropped into Twin Falls to check out the BASE jumpers at the Snake River Bridge.

Just missed some jumpers.


To put that in context, the white target in the photo above, is in the photo below as well. You can just a bit of the white at the base of the right bridge leg.

Here are some different types of idiots -


Looking west -

Yes the three specks are boats.

After Twin Falls we got off the interstate at Burley to have lunch at Ediths Cafe.
Lunch was above average, the parking lot is gravel. And it was over 90F.
Took 81 (2 lane, much nicer) out of Burley and then back onto the interstate.
Once we reached Howell, the view opens up and the Wasatch Mountains dominate.
Traffic gets worse, temps rise to about 104F, Utah drivers are mad, and we are spending the night in Layton, near Ogden. Right below Hill AFB. Getting our own airshow.
3 states now, cracked the first 1000 miles.
Cheapest gas $3.99
-Steve

 

[BigOgre]

Here are some different types of idiots -

View attachment 2561

Darwin.

 

[sapest]

Oops, forgot another crazy -

-Steve

 

[Halr]

Why does it seem like the girl with the drink in her hand is about to say: "Here, hold my beer."

 

[sapest]

Day 5
Mesa, Mountains, and Mudstone, oh my!
In an effort to miss rush hour traffic thru SLC, we went north on 89 to I84 east for a few miles to Morgan. At Morgan, we took SR66/65 south down thru the back side of the same mountains we saw yesterday, the Wasatch range. Its 23 miles of twists and turns, summits (Big Mountain Summit) at over 7400 ft, with views of the East Canyon Reservoir.



Some rocks at the start of SR66.


East Canyon Reservoir.


The Mormon story, and who else used SR65/66. Gold Rush, Pony Express etc.


The view west from Big Mountain Summit. You can see some of SR65
This was a wonderful start to the day. Fresh pavement and cool weather.
SR 65 connects to I80. From there, US 189/40 thru endless this -

Not the best photo, but this road didnt have many pull off choices.
Still cool, big sweepers, some elevation changes, very worthwhile route south.
At Duchesne, we switched to 191 to endless these -

(not the rigs, but the mesa’s) Halfway thru this segment, we stopped in Price, at the Tangerine Eatery for a fine lunch. The heat had returned, again over 100F by lunchtime.
191 hits I70, east to Grande Junction where arrived at the hotel just in time to mingle with a Cosmos tour group and score some cookies and drinks.

Four states now.
Cheapest fuel $3.82
-Steve

 

[PhatAir4Me]

Keep it coming! We just completed 17 days and day two included the "Lewiston Grade" also known as the Old Spiral Highway. Cool stuff - thanks!

 

[sapest]

Thx, across CO today.
-Steve

 

[sapest]

Day 6
Guardrails, we dont need no stinkin' guardrails!

Today started with a short ride on I70 back to Fruita to enter the Colorado National Monument at the west entrance. While this place was created to show off and preserve the the local landscapes, they have built a kick ass road with many switchbacks, tunnels and about 1600' of elevation change. Great start for the day.
Here's your $20 worth of photos -






Exiting at the east end, we caught 340 and then 50 east to Delta. 92 to Hotchkiss. Nothing of note. But then 92 becomes a delightful ride thru parks, forests, valleys and over a dam to boot. You might even say breathtaking. Travelling on the north side of the Black Canyon, it was tough to watch the road and take in the sights.


Back on 50, thru the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
Follow the Blue Mesa Reservoir to Gunnison.

Gunnison to Sargents, you need a breather.
You need some time to get ready for the climb to Monarch Pass and the Continental Divide. You will climb 3000’ on a kick ass two lane all the way up. Single lane all the way down, try not to get behind an RV towing a side by side.

Weather was good, mid 80’s. Great riding day.
Cheapest gas $3.65
Darn close to 2000 miles now.
-Steve

 

[biknflyfisher]

Steve - LOVE the report so far!
Is that an oil temp gauge I see on the port side of the bike? In 100 degree temps, whats the reading?. Just curious as we see that in Central Cally all the time and I’ve wondered about oil temps…
Biknflyfisher

 

[Bugnatr]

IN! Good stuff so far and watch the gas prices drop in the midwest even a bit more.