The Call Of The Road

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cyclebabble

Well-known member
Joined
May 26, 2008
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Location
Gaylord, Michigan
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It had been two years since I had gone on a long motorcycle trip. I was itching for sometime on the road, visiting places I have never been. My first thought was an East Coast loop, leaving Northern Michigan and heading to Niagara Falls and then up to Maine, and down the coast. However Hurricane Irene was swooping up the coast, and though I do like adventure, I didn’t think 11 days of riding in the rain sounded like fun.

My other plan was a loop through the Southwest. Visiting some fellow youtubers in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona. My only reservation was the heat. Temps above 90 are not the norm for me, and Texas being in the middle of a heat wave didn’t sound to inviting. I decided I would head West, but would decide specifics after I was on the road.

The night before was full of packing all the necessities. Besides the usual clothing, tools, I was also packing two Contour HD cameras, my Nikon D7000 with one lens (17-50 2.8), and my Sony HD video camera. I carry way too much camera gear on the road, and I have promised myself next time I am going to film the whole thing on my Iphone. I did a speedy oil change & checked the final drive. The bike was as ready as I could make it.

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The day of departure was slated for August 26th. I would try to be on the road by noon.

Of course being self employed, my business had other plans for me. And after an early morning service call, I was wheels up at 3:30 in the afternoon.

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I added an Sirius Satellite Radio to help with the miles I would rack up on the Interstates. It worked well with my Scala Rider, and it was nice to have music besides my Ipod to keep me entertained.

Also added a Mascot for the trip, though he only made it about five miles down the road before being blown off. I meant to stop and buy velcro at one stop on my trip, but never did. He spent the rest of the

trip in my tail bag.

Day one ended in Michigan City Indiana. Did a little over 300 miles in about five hours. I was already suffering from Monkey butt, and wasn't sure how I would handle the remaining 4500 miles. But was still excited

to be on a motorcycle trip once again.

 
Day Two

The main goal of today was to make it to Omaha, to visit with my friend Billy from By Way Of Motorcycle on Youtube. The day would consist completely of I80. I left Michigan City around 7:30 am, and pointed the bike West.

Riding West is one of my favorite feelings. I don’t know why, but just pointing the bike in that direction, is like the beginning of a new adventure. Perhaps it is because I haven’t spent that much time there. The West is big, full of beautiful things to see, wild animals, majestic mountains, expansive vistas. It is hard in Michigan to see for many miles without visiting the great lakes. And then all you see is water.

I won’t spend much time writing about the ride on I80. It consisted of a break every 100 miles or so. A stop at the Iowa 80 truck stop, though all I did was get gas and take a picture.

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I arrived in Omaha around 6:00 PM, and headed to Billy’s house.

After a dinner at a local brew pub, a viewing of the Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy and some good conversation ended the day.

Day Three

7:30 AM. Billy and I headed to breakfast and discussed the next leg of my journey. My original intention was to head South to Oklahoma City to meet up with his partner on the By Way Of Motorcycle Trips, Tracy (aka Busasaurusrex).

The temps were supposed to be near 106 in Oklahoma, and it wasn’t something I was looking forward to. In retrospect I wish I would have gone South as I would see temperatures close to that a few times on this trip anyway.

I decided to head for Colorado. I once again pointed the bike West and was on my way.

It was a uneventful ride on I80. I skirted the edge of a storm and never saw any rain. Nebraska was not as boring as I thought it would be. The landscape was interesting enough, and my satellite radio tuned to the Boneyard kept me from boredom.

One stop for gas and I saw this van pull in. Thought it interesting enough to take a picture of.

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I love the Western states for having a pull off before the states signs, even on the freeway. I stopped and shot some video, and snapped the obligatory pictures to add to the state sign collection.

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The goal was to get past Denver, and find a place to stay. Two years ago I rode through Frisco and remembered how picturesque it was. I decided that would be the stop for the night.

Colorado is such a diverse state. I am amazed how much it changes from the plains to the mountains. Once in Colorado the skies cleared and the temperature began to climb. The highest I saw it on my thermometer was 97 degrees. Not to bad when your riding, but stopping to get gas I started to sweat instantly.

After riding through Denver I needed to find a gas station. My first taste of some twisty roads. I blew by the gas station not even noticing it, as it was hidden upon a hill. It was no matter because the road was a fun respite from the last 1000 miles of interstate.

I returned to I70 and headed for Frisco. This has got to be one of the most beautiful freeways in the country. Riding through the mountains, even with a slight rain falling is a exhilarating feeling. Maybe it is because I am from Michigan, where a mountain is a couple hundred feet tall. I have lived in Michigan most of my life, and no doubt it is a beautiful state. But Colorado has stolen my heart.

After riding through the Eisenhower Tunnel, I descended towards Frisco. The view upon exiting the tunnel is magnificent, and takes my breath away each time.

I arrived in Frisco at about 8:00 PM EST. Checked into a hotel, and had an ole fashioned A&W Root Beer and burger for dinner.

A little over 600 mile for the day. Tomorrow I was going to explore Colorado.

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Your Narrator.

 
Day Four

I departed Frisco around 7:00 AM Local time. Heading West on I70 I stopped at the first exit to find this little lake. It was raining and cold, but it didn’t bother me. I took in the views as the rain fell upon the lake. Snapped a few pics, and shot some video.

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The goal for today was to ride some of the mountain roads of Colorado. I went through Vail and got onto HWY 24. After a few miles I thought I smelled something burning or very hot. The smell hung with me for miles and I began to worry something was wrong with my bike. Stopping at a river near Red Cliff, I examined the final drive. I had some issues with this a few years ago, as the crush nuts Yamaha uses for sealing have aggravated me. I had to fashion a gasket from gasket seal to take care of the issue. I thought that might have been the problem. But was relived to find no sign of leaks.

After walking around the bike I resolved it was all in my mind. And headed South.

Back on the road I soon realized this was going to be a long day. I stopped at nearly every lookout, to take in the amazing views.

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Rounding the bend the Eagle River Bridge came into view. Another stop for pictures and video.

It reminded me of a model train set, as the road followed the mountain and the railroad tracks passed under the bridge. I was definitely in tourist mode, camera in hand.

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I wanted to ride through Gunnison as that was the site of an STN meet a few years ago, and was interested to see what it was like.

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The scenery changed, and it felt as I was further south than I actually was. The landscape reminded me more of what New Mexico might look like. Riding along Blue Mesa Reservoir was a treat.

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I was taking it easy on these roads, and let a fellow motorcycle rider pass me by. I was more interested in the landscape than challenging myself on the unknown but spectacular roads.

Stopping for gas at a small gas station in the middle of nowhere, I was unsure of if I had to prepay. I pulled up the pumps, and went inside to ask the owner.

The propiertors were an older couple, and the first words out his mouth were “I’ve never seen a motorcycle that ran on diesel!”

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Whoops, pulled up to the wrong pump. Filled the FJR up with the right fuel, grabbed a Klondike bar and took a break. There were many motorcycles out on this Monday afternoon, enjoying all that Colorado has to offer.

After reading a ride report on STN I knew that I wanted to ride the Million Dollar Highway (HWY550).

https://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65968.0.html

klb1122 pictures had driven me to check it out, and his photography skills are greater than mine. Check out his ride report.

One thing I underestimate is how long it takes to ride these mountain roads. I was beginning to think I had drastically over estimated how far I could get today. Foregoing stopping for meals I rode on. Determined to make Durango the stop for the night.

HWY550 was an amazing road. Carved through the mountains, just hanging on to the edge. I followed a F800GS for awhile, but his skills outweighed mine and I lost sight of him on the curves of the Million Dollar Highway.

Some of the road reminded me of Ice Road Truckers in South America. Though the roads are in much better condition, the drop off is no less intimidating.

Stopping in Silverton I heard the whistle of the train, and was tempted to stop for the night there. It is a beautiful town nestled between the mountains. I though of what the first settlers in this area must have gone through. What a magnificent place to come upon, but living here must have been tough.

Climbing out of Silverton, I came upon a couple photographing a small stream. I stopped to check it out and turned around to take this picture. One of my favorites of the trip.

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Arriving in Durango around 7:00 PM local time, I was unsure if I wanted to stay there. It was much bigger than I thought it would be. I pulled over in a park and called my mother to let her know where I was. I was looking at the map thinking it would be cool to stay in Monument Valley, and wake with the sun to take some pictures during that magic hour of sunrise.

I studied the map, and thought I could possibly make it. I turned out of Durango, but after passing a couple of motels I thought better of continuing on and stopped for the night.

The hotel was quite expensive for what it was, but I was too exhausted to keep moving.

Each nights ritual is transferring photos and video to my laptop to free up space on the cameras. Unfortunately this when I found out my 5 year old Dell was full. It was a good thing I stayed in Durango, as I found an OfficeMax and purchased a 1 Terabyte drive.

There must have been a motorcycle gathering or something happening in Durango, as there were many Harley riders and one Victory rider staying at the hotel as well.

When on the road I find most riders to be quite friendly towards me. I enjoy talking with fellow riders about their travels, but this bunch did not seem inclined to talk. So after a dinner of Soup and Salad I headed to bed.

 
Day Five

Was on the road by 7:30 AM headed for the four corners monument. Stopped at a rest area outside Cortez and talked to a fellow rider on a Busa.

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The horizon began to open up and the mountains disappeared behind me.

The four corners monument was less than exciting. It would have been more fun if I had someone to share the experience with, but it was worth the stop.

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I continued Southwest to Kayenta, AZ to make the turn North towards Monument Valley. The temperatures were starting to climb and it was near 90 when I rolled into the valley.

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Images of John Wayne westerns began to fill my mind. What a spectacular place, no wonder John Ford chose these vistas as a backdrop to his movies.

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The heat kept me moving and I took fewer pictures than I would have liked. When on a motorcycle trip I have an overriding desire to press on, to see as much as I can in as short as time as possible. I don’t know if others are like this, and I find it an annoyance, it’s like I need to make as many miles as possible to make the trip as epic as possible. To that end I forgo stopping for breakfast or lunch on most days. As the trip wore on, I started to tell myself next time, “Ride Less, See More”

Monument Valley was worth the visit, though it wasn’t as large as I expected. I thought those vistas would go on and on.

Somewhere in Utah I remember Rush's "Time Stand Still" playing through my headphones. I was overcome with emotion, I was right where I was meant to be at this time in my life. On my motorcycle, enjoying all this country has to show me.

I continued North stopping in Bluff for a quick bite of gas station food, and a check of the map. Temperatures were still climbing and was nearing 97 degrees.

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Stopping every once in awhile to take pictures I pressed on towards Monticello. A dark menacing front was moving through ahead of me. I saw several lightning strikes and pulled over to let the storm pass in front of me.

I rolled into Moab several hours later. Temp was 103. The bike needed fuel, and I needed some water and a cold treat.

I sat at a picnic table and explored the map. It was around 6:00 PM local time. I thought I could press on to I70 for my stop for the night.

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A fellow rider walked over and talked to me. He was moving his daughter to Washington State. And on the way they were doing a tour of National Parks. They were in a car, and he missed his motorcycle, but the A/C in the car was a plus.

After relaxing for a bit, I got back on the bike and headed out of Moab. I passed HWY 128, and Arches National Park. After riding about 20 miles I stopped the bike and turned around.

I was going to explore Moab at least a little bit this night. I found my cheapest accommodations of the trip at a Motel 6. $59.99.

After unloading the bike, I took off to ride at least a little of HWY128. I had seen a video on Youtube of this road several years ago and wanted to experience at least a little bit of it. What a fun road it was. Cliff faces on each side as the road followed the Colorado river. I fell in behind a sports car who was traveling at a brisk pace, and felt no need to pass him. Taking in the views I spotted a turnoff to stop and take a pic. As I began to turn the FJR around in the gravel I lost my footing and the bike started to fall to my right. I knew I couldn’t hold it, so I let if fall to the ground.

Angered at my mishap I threw off my helmet and Jacket and cussed myself for my stupidity. A couple in a Jeep stopped to see if I was alright. They were very nice and he was a fellow rider who had shipped his bike home and bought the jeep to explore Utah. He helped me right the bike and check for damage. Just some scratches on the mirror and right case.

They were very, very nice to me. And she was genuinely concerned that I had hurt myself. I wish I would have gotten their names. I love how friendly and helpful fellow travelers can be.

While I was there, I snapped a couple pics. Which turned out less than what I saw in my own eye.

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I returned to Moab and grabbed some food a Pizza Hut, then walked downtown for a Sundae. Moab is a very cool place. I thought it would be nice to return there one day and explore in a Jeep or a Dual Sport.

A storm was rolling in North of town and the lightning lit up the cliff faces. How very cool. Must return here one day.

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Dang Chris! When you decide to head out for an adventure you sure know how to do it right!

Great report, can't wait to see the rest.

 
Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate it. I know my narration isn't that great, but this is really my first try at a real ride report. Thanks again.

Now on to......

Day Six

(Warning lots of text before any pictures, sorry for the long narration)

I left Moab at around 7:00 AM local time. The sun was rising and it was going to be another beautiful day. I followed I70 to my exit at HWY191, which I would follow to Provo.

I didn’t take many pics this day, as I knew I was just making miles Until I got to Idaho.

So far on the trip I had seen very little wildlife, save a few birds. On HWY191 a deer of some kind stood atop a ridge right next to the road. I wish I would have stopped to take a picture, because he just stood there like he was the ruler of all the land.

I continued on through Helper, UT. And came along a lengthy delay for road construction. After waving us through the road meandered along the river with some breathtaking views.

Provo to Salt Lake was a mess. It was under construction and the traffic was horrid. I have never been so uncomfortable on my bike. I just wanted out. The traffic seemed to go forever as well as the construction.

North of Salt Lake I pulled over for gas and a break. My plan was to head up I15 to Idaho Falls. But I was tired of the traffic. I took a look at the map, and made a change in my route.

I exited the interstate in favor of some 2 lane roads. Passing through Logan I traveled along HWY 89. This turned out to be one my favorite rides on this trip. Following the river the road twisted and turned and renewed my energy.

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I stopped at an interesting place where the river seemed to divide. The water from the river had forced a crack in the rock allowing it to flow through. It looked like a natural spring was feeding the river. It was a interesting geological feature.

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Later I came upon a sign that declared “Caution, Cow Trailings” I was unsure what a cow trailing was, until...ahh they mean cow ****! It covered the road, as this was an open range area the cows were allowed to graze. I only saw one cow though. Passing over a cattle grate I came upon my first cowboys.

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Though I think it was more of a dude ranch, than real cowboys. But it was cool to see them.

Continuing on HWY89, I headed towards Garden City, UT climbing higher and higher upon cresting the ridge I was treated to a spectacular view of Bear Lake.

I stopped at the overlook to take some pictures and video. The wind was really ripping and I was a little nervous to leave the bike to take pics as it was looking like the wind might catch it.

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I hurriedly tried my hand at taking a panoramic picture.

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I descended into Garden City and refueled the bike. My goal for the day was to make it to Jackson, WY. It was still a few hours away.

Crossing my 8th state line for the trip I was in Idaho.

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I continued North towards Montpelier only stopping for gas and something to drink. Following HWY89 I crossed my 9th state line for the trip, Wyoming.

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The landscape was amazing. Passing through small towns the mountains as a backdrop. It seemed every home had horses.

Passing through Alpine, WY I was tempted to stop and stay the night there. The views were magnificent, and I had spotted some cabins for rent. I thought to myself how cool it would be to have a cabin to myself in Wyoming. But the urge to press on to Jackson took over and I sojourned on.

Following HWY 89/26 towards Hoback, I stopped at an overlook and met some fellow riders. One on a Concours and the other a cruiser. I had seen them a couple times during the day and it was nice to be able to chat with them. Not sure if they are on STN or not, but they were doing a route similar to mine but they had started in Georgia I believe.

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I arrived in Jackson and it seemed the hotels were either full or way too expensive. I road through town, and was struck that this seemed to be just an overpriced tourist trap.

I stopped at a overlook just outside of town and considered my options.

Turning around I stopped at a fancy hotel that had some nice cabins. I knew it would be pricey. I pulled out my Iphone and typed in the name of the hotel to check rates. $300.00! No way.

Leaving there thinking there was no way I would find a place to stay, I came upon a older log hotel that had cabins as well, and the sign said vacancy. I pulled in and talked to the man at the desk. He had no rooms left, but would rent me a cabin at a discount. Done deal.

The cabin was perfect. Close to town, my own private front porch. I loved it.

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I walked into Jackson and had dinner at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Buffalo burger, my first try at that. It was not bad. Afterward I walked around town, bought a T-shirt then sat in the park with an ice cream cone.

What a cool town. Another place to come back to sometime.

I settled in my cabin for the night and fell asleep to The Mummy.

Tomorrow, Yellowstone and Bear Tooth pass.

 
Great Pics!

Love the SW, like nowhere else in the world.

Comprehensive report, thanks.

 
Excellent ride report! This is making me wanna get out on the road out west again...

When on a motorcycle trip I have an overriding desire to press on ... I don’t know if others are like this ...
You're not alone. To Sooze's chagrin at times, I'm notorious for not stopping for lunch. I just don't get hungry. Hell - when we were on our 3-week trip out west last year, I wound up losing 15 pounds!

 
You're not alone. To Sooze's chagrin at times, I'm notorious for not stopping for lunch. I just don't get hungry. Hell - when we were on our 3-week trip out west last year, I wound up losing 15 pounds!
Same and same (Well, 10lbs). I pretty much lose all my appetite when I'm traveling.

I'm figuring after CFR next year (Hyder!) I'll be down to my 25 yr old self again.

 
Terrific report! Although I was sad we couldn't meet up, I really think you made the right call staying out of Texas this summer.

I think your FJR is like mine. Once she gets going she doesn't want to stop. :yahoo:

 
Great stuff Chris!

Ya know Andy.. I bet a guy like Chris with his video skills could make us look far superior than the majority here.

What say you Chris? 15th of next month?

 
Great report! We've been on a number of those roads. You should have tried the Moki Dugway out of Mexican Hat. Maybe next time. Are you still on the road?

 
Great stuff Chris!

Ya know Andy.. I bet a guy like Chris with his video skills could make us look far superior than the majority here.

What say you Chris? 15th of next month?
Here's what we'll need:

* A few beers.

* A video camera.

* The beeper / speaker thingy off a Scorpio alarm system that still has the factory-installed smoke inside.

* An 18-volt cordless drill battery....

 
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