tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47188131019611618172024-02-20T05:00:55.071-06:00LeanAngleGixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-12338274355804802102021-11-24T14:56:00.003-06:002021-11-24T14:56:27.281-06:00DRZ - Adventure Spec Mini Fairing Install<p> I bought this mini faring by Adventure Spec second hand from Two Wheeled Texans a while back. I had some issues installing it on the DRZ because of clearance with the fork caps. I was curious if the tubes were set too high and I should lower them because the previous owner of the fairing had them on a DRZ. I ordered a shop manual and confirmed the height of the forks is correct.</p><p>I figured out a solution to this by killing two birds with one stone and ordering some Zeta 3/4" bar risers from Revzilla.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2001-DRZ400E/i-nKhgcXF/0/3b475145/XL/PXL_20211124_203405617-XL.jpg" /></p><p><br /></p><p>This moved the bars up making it easier when I'm standing and also gave me the clearance to install the mini fairing and my GPS mount on the fairing. I used some 3M vinyl to try to make it match the bike and got close enough I think. It looks better in different lighting than in the photo. I can always take it off and leave it black if I don't like it. I still have to run the wiring in these photos but they show how the fairing is mounted and used. I'll need to figure out how to relocate my Vapor gauge at some point though.<br /><br /></p>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2001-DRZ400E/i-txHWsSJ/0/b7561015/XL/PXL_20211124_203414711-XL.jpg" />
<p><br /></p>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2001-DRZ400E/i-gK9d4st/0/978e477b/XL/PXL_20211124_203400442-XL.jpg" />GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-66493079903158453522021-09-20T14:14:00.000-05:002021-09-20T14:14:12.460-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 14<p><b>Day 14</b></p>
<p>Tuesday, September 7, 2021<br />Distance: 501.8 miles<br />Duration: 7 hours, 6 minutes, and 49 seconds<br />Average Speed: 70.5 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 378 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 4241 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-spdTPPj/0/1a1926b9/L/2021-09-07-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Today is get home day. My alarm goes off at 5am and the bike is already packed so all I have to do is suit up and hit the road. Not much to do in the early morning hours except watch the fascinating synchronized red flashing lights on all the windmills.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-qQcwc7X/0/dad62119/XL/GH010577_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>More windmills on the horizon as the sun starts to light up the sky.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-crbdpJb/0/ac6b3849/XL/GH010578_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Riding through Amarillo, one more day of riding into the sunrise before turning a little away as I take 287 to the Southeast. The bugs sparkle beautifully in the sun. LOL.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-jFmDTPT/0/0edf7afb/XL/GH010579_Moment1-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>More windmills as the sun makes it's full presence in the sky.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-x6swLmD/0/5df41c7e/XL/GH010580_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that it was a pretty unremarkable ride across terrain that I know all too well. Not much to photo or film. I did get threatened with thunderstorms at one point and was enjoying using the weather radar on the GPS but the storm had rolled through by the time I got there so all I got was sprinkles from the sky and spray from the semi trucks around me. </p>
<p>I rolled back through Dallas in full battle mode to deal with our traffic. I rolled into the house and was greeted by my wife and my previously angry and depressed, and now super excited dog. I got cleaned up and fresh clothes and was able to surprise my sone when he got home from school thinking I'd be home about dinner time.</p>
<p>A great trip in the books, the trip I've dreamed about since buying the FJR and have had to experience vicariously through the ride reports of others in the past. This time it was my turn and it was so worth it.</p>
<p>My FJR is fifteen years old and almost ready to hit 100k miles. She took me to see my parents in Florida earlier in the summer and now has taken me to California and back. What a treasure Yamaha has developed in this fantastic motorcycle.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-h46z46c/0/20948f10/L/PXL_20210907_184216657-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Two days later I cleaned up the FJR and put on two of stickers I purchased (Forgot to grab a few stickers when getting magnets, oops) on the top box to go with the others from previous trips.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BcDqLK5/0/63da0956/XL/PXL_20210909_023620156-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Suitable stickers to remind me of the amazing things I've seen on this trip.</p>
<p>Now, time to start planning for next year...</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-13.html">Go back to Day 13</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-75437326400270499692021-09-20T14:13:00.003-05:002021-09-20T14:13:57.028-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 13<p><b>Day 13</b></p>
<p>Monday, September 6, 2021<br />Distance: 554.9 miles<br />Duration: 9 hours, 31 minutes, and 37 seconds<br />Average Speed: 58.3 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 4051 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 7321 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-TVWfWQ3/0/a206bb0f/XL/2021-09-06-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Today I'm running from one old Route 66 town to another. I've got my sights set on Tucumcari NM.</p>
<p>I ride off into the sunrise, yay! Not. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Rpvq5rr/0/6557e529/XL/GH010554_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Apparently there's an early morning smudgie/bug on my camera lens that takes me waaaaaay too long to notice. Apologies, I'll try to stage my captures so it messes up the image as little as possible.</p>
<p>My route destination today is fairly early on. As I depart my hotel I'm still not sure if I'm going to take the time to check it out after my day of heat yesterday. However, I spent yesterday evening looking at the weather predictions for my route and it seems like today will se a comfortable 95F for the high temperature of the day. I can definitely handle that. So, I make the decision to hit my morning destination and swing through the Petrified Forest National Park, thus bagging my fifth National Park of the trip. Stickers and magnets are of course purchased at the visitors center.</p>
<p>Side note. At the Grand Canyon I presented my Veteran's ID to get in and was given the military park pass. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-QXstTvt/0/afd3c037/M/PXL_20210904_194043566-M.jpg" /></p>
<p>The guy at the Grand Canyon informed me that I'd just have to present this to get into the parks. However, the lady at the gate of Sequoia National Park read me the riot act about how I'm to present this AND my photo ID. I offered to get out my photo ID and she said it was fine and sent me on my way. I showed both this and my ID at Yosemite but they were more concerned with seeing my reservation pass to make sure I had that. Death Valley didn't have anyone to check, but instead had a vending booth that sold the access tickets, which irked me because I had to pay for that one. Oh well, if I only had to pay for one, that's not bad for all the enjoyment I got. It occurred to me riding off that maybe instead of putting my credit card in the machine that maybe it would have accepted my pass. Oh well. The best though was the guy at Petrified Forest. I handed him my pass and ID and he didn't even look at them, just handed them right back as soon as they touched his hands, and then being super friendly he engaged in a conversation with me about motorcycles. Crazy.</p>
<p>Petrified forest is a nice little ride through with some stops to check out. I should have stopped at the Crystal Forest but I was well past it when I realized what it was.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-5RXtqSC/0/888d371c/XL/GH010556_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-DCcqhQc/0/67e34147/XL/PXL_20210906_154435747-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-p3nR45v/0/6ecec74e/XL/PXL_20210906_154439498-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-N5jpbFP/0/52435c92/XL/PXL_20210906_154453678-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-fKhKQCt/0/b94e56fb/XL/PXL_20210906_154732652-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-qqkrGzs/0/6b0376fb/XL/PXL_20210906_154739505-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Once again, I'm walking back to my bike and am struck by the beauty of the old girl who is wrapping up the adventure with me.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-fPthWf6/0/a427e2e2/XL/PXL_20210906_154800731-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-63WsHn4/0/f7f0f8af/XL/GH010557_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Crossing back over I-40 with just a little more to see before exiting the park.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-SZJ56L3/0/56f5260f/XL/GH010559_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-pQmN8qX/0/c54c340a/XL/PXL_20210906_161159326-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then, I know it's going to be a boring day after this so I start messing with putting the GoPro in other locations, specifically on the Ram Ball on my brake reservoir.</p>
<p>Hey, it's me!</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-gN6fdWf/0/308d8517/XL/GH010561_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Still me, trying to figure out which way I have to go apparently. This also gives a good view of the chin mount that I usually have the GoPro attached to.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-VCczXwD/0/531fbc30/XL/GH010563_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Trying to capture a sideways view of the passing scenery and the oncoming train.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-J38pR3t/0/adbb019b/XL/GH010566_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Not the greatest view.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BB2FWZS/0/d4ff9321/XL/GH010568_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Making sure I stay hydrated.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-v2BLkpW/0/5057b5cc/XL/GH010569_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>GoPro back on my chin, taking in the dwindling nice scenery as I continue to head East, knowing sooner or later I'll be back in the area of the country that is flat, hot, and boring.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BTT967P/0/ae909774/XL/GH010572_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And then I come to Albuquerque. I stop just prior at a truck stop and have some of whatever fast food restaurant is inside. The food is not memorable and there wasn't a reason for a photo.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-tT7K8dS/0/177796f6/XL/GH010574_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I'm quite surprised. I've been told that posting your spotwalla link on the forum and then passing through this city is a guaranteed way to find yourself pulled over by local law enforcement. I manage to zip through unscathed though.</p>
<p>For a long while I watch a column of black smoke in the distance. Most of the time it's off to my left, however, as I approach I see the road curve to the left and realize that there's trouble on my side of the highway.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-nqfz3Wf/0/baaea18b/XL/GH010576_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Everyone is on their brakes headed for the left shoulder, me included. Well, all except that semi truck you see in my mirror that came blasting up on my right before he woke up and realized what was going on and hit the brakes pulling over and right behind me.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-LMJ4JJV/0/ecadd0c6/XL/GH010576_Moment1-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>yep, somebody is having a bad day.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-mvtBw2b/0/6608ccfa/XL/GH010576_Moment2-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>As I roll past it, I realize it looks like it started in the engine compartment and is burning it's way back, but hasn't reached the gas tank yet. That makes me quite nervous and feeling exposed as I roll by.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-B3PKCr3/0/da43452f/XL/GH010576_Moment3-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>But I'm on my way and I end my day stopping into my favorite little motel in the world, the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari NM. </p>
<p><a href="https://blueswallowmotel.com/">Blue Swallow Motel</a></p>
<p>It's changed owners but the new owner is just as friendly and helpful, and very proud of his little establishment. As he walked me to my room I started laughing and told him that this was my third or fourth time staying in this room. He was blow away that I've been there before, let alone that many times. I pointed out the one other room I stayed in my first time there and we got a good chuckle that I and my family have been in the same room ever since.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-wPjT85W/0/28377619/XL/PXL_20210906_231556217.MP-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I unloaded the bike, then headed down the street to gas up for the morning, and to the grocery store for a six pack of Shiner to enjoy this evening. Then I walked down the street to Del's Restaurant.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.delsrestaurant.com/">Dels Restaurant</a></p>
<p>My meal is delicious.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-sRTZqG5/0/50cd5c48/XL/PXL_20210907_000530568-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then it's back to the motel for a few beers as I enjoy the usual show of the fully restored neon lights from the old Route 66 era powered by the original restored power transformer. I've taken more photos before but I snap a few anyway.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-89FHtw4/0/bc7a1e71/XL/DSC01446-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-n3vDKC6/0/fb98a774/XL/DSC01451-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-bwqL7tM/0/008eb7b9/XL/DSC01447-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>This guy rolled in so I had to walk over and chat and take a few photos. He tells me it's all for show, and that he's in a hearse club and tells me about some of the other fully functional vehicles in the club.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Gx3vpdV/0/607aab22/XL/DSC01452-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Oddly, tonight the mosquitoes are pretty bad. They are biting despite me applying the spray that's been working for me the entire trip. I decide that I've seen the neon before and head inside a little early so I can get a head start in the morning. I'm close to the time zone line to enter Central Time Zone in the morning so I plan on a really early start so I can be home before my son gets off the school bus.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-14.html">Continue to Day 14</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-12.html">Go back to Day 12</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-10631291703970810352021-09-20T14:13:00.002-05:002021-09-20T14:13:43.154-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 12<p><b>Day 12</b></p>
<p>Sunday, September 5, 2021<br />Distance: 584.6 miles<br />Duration: 10 hours, 40 minutes, and 56 seconds<br />Average Speed: 54.7 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: -250 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 8134 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-np75ZK7/0/ce4c218c/L/2021-09-05-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>It's Sunday, and that's head for home day. You might think this trip is over, but I know that the slog home is usually the worst part if you are just trying to make miles and get home. I have three days to get home so I've decided to make this a part of the trip and have some things to see on the way home.</p>
<p>First up is Death Valley. I'm not so excited about it but it's on the way, let's see it, get the stickers and magnets, and cross it off the list.</p>
<p>The problem here is weather. True to it's name, it gets pretty hot in Death Valley, so I'd like to hit it as early as possible. However, that means shoving off early in the morning when it's still hovering just above freezing. I make a plan to start off right before the sun will come over the mountains so I'll only have to freeze for a little while before the sun starts to warm me up.</p>
<p>It's a beautiful morning and while I can't see the sun yet, I can see it lighting up the tops of the mountains. I'm certainly in for a spectacular sunrise on the road.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-LR5hH4C/0/74e00560/XL/GH010506_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-dm8tpRg/0/a5267cd3/XL/GH010507_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-57ngXPj/0/d3ac9b2e/XL/GH010507_Moment1-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-rBLb3dP/0/c83b62f0/XL/GH010507_Moment2-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-xtzttsz/0/497ba5d5/XL/GH010508_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>It warms up to around 50, then drops back down, then back up, then back down. I see 34F at the coldest point of the morning.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-b95Lnvt/0/468532c0/XL/GH010510_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-GxrpW5r/0/0ba8d9f0/XL/GH010509_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I might be slabbing it south, but the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Range sure does make it a scenic slab.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-7BjqzLG/0/7b5df618/XL/GH010514_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-C6dzqnj/0/4fd69641/XL/GH010516_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-LRs8hqZ/0/d7543bb0/XL/GH010517_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-DknM6Bq/0/dc18bf84/XL/GH010520_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Before turning East toward Death Valley, I stop in the last town and top off the gas tank, have a bio break, and remove all my warm layers as it's now gotten quite nice, and I know what's ahead.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-4k6c7SC/0/eee9eb77/XL/GH010521_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>You wouldn't think there'd be twisties out here but the road does twist and turn as the elevation plunges ever lower. I'm headed toward one of the lowest points in the United States.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-5jXJpWD/0/02a2471a/XL/GH010523_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-QTVjdbt/0/ad883f1f/XL/GH010524_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-QHpDjz8/0/ba01db69/XL/GH010525_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Somewhere around here I descend to below the altitude of my home.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-CKKm64c/0/914bf7a1/XL/GH010527_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>We go up and twist a little before heading back down down down.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-kCvhvxq/0/b23cad21/XL/GH010528_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>The road descends below sea level and that's when I learn that the Garmin Zumo XT will display negative numbers for altitude. I film quite a bit here trying to find my lowest point. Eventually I get down to 250 feet below sea level. If you head to Badwater Basin, which I did not, you can go down to 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in the United States.</p>
<p>I realized somewhere that it's 10am and it's already over 100F here. This is a place to visit in the winter so I do not linger, I stop at the visitors center and buy my sticker and magnet, then give the camelbak a much needed refill and get back on the road.</p>
<p>The hope is that I can climb out of Death Valley and into more tolerable temperatures. The joke is on me and my optimistic self.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-h5kqkfn/0/25f39326/XL/GH010545_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I stop off at Rubalcaba's Taco Shop in Pahrump, NV for lunch, a little hole in the wall behind the local Walmart. I do this right after filling up with some finally sane gas prices here in Nevada. Lunch is delicious.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-GWczNTC/0/68eae0db/XL/PXL_20210905_191214608-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I have plans to swing through Red Rock Canyon on my approach to Las Vegas. The temperatures are around 105F and I've seen Red Rock Canyon before. Even though it only supposedly adds 12 minutes to my route, that's 12 minutes I'd rather not spend in the heat, so I skip it.</p>
<p>Before that I'm passing through Las Vegas again. Only the road doesn't really pass right through the city, it dumps you onto surface streets that you have to navigate to get to get back up to 215.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-skzfL3S/0/44752892/XL/GH010547_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I've got Hoover Dam set in my GPS as the next location. As I approach, there's a little exit to the "Robert L Mendenhall Scenic Overlook" so I take it. There's not a lot of parking spots and they are all occupied. I wait a bit for a couple to get into their terribly parked truck and finally figure out how reverse works and get out of the spot. I grab my camera gear and trudge up to the scenic overlook and find, the worst scenic overlook of my trip. It's an overlook of the highway I've been riding on!</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-XXvTs6g/0/4db15642/XL/DSC01439-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I exit the highway and take the twisty 2.5 mile road toward the dam. As I round a corner I see a horrific sight in front of me. I can see about a half to a full mile of standstill traffic trying to get through the security checkpoint to get into the dam. I can see once in there that there's a lot of walking and climbing of stairs that I'll have to do in full gear carrying my tankbag and helmet again. Sweat is pouring off me as I come to a stop noting that my thermometer on the dash says 109F. I look at the not moving traffic and decide this is something to come back and see in a vehicle with air conditioning. As soon as there's a break in traffic I flip and U and get back on the highway. That's two things scratched off the itinerary today that I'd planned on seeing, but it's just too hot.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Bd3ghbS/0/71da1909/XL/GH010548_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Eventually I see 110F today, which is a long way from the 34F I experienced this morning.</p>
<p>Moving into Arizona I'm tracking south of the Grand Canyon area, which I'd tracked north of on my way west. The views are quite nice here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-vV2KFBj/0/3af5ebef/XL/GH010550_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>It's still freaking hot though. I stop at a gas station to fill up my gas tank and my camelbak. As I get back to my bike with a camelbak full of ice and water, an older guy gets out of the truck next to me and we have the following dialogue.</p>
<p>Him: Hunnertanate.</p>
<p>Me: Pardon?</p>
<p>Him: It's a hunnert and ate degrees.</p>
<p>Me: Oh yes, that's what my dash has been telling me too. {Duh captain obvious}</p>
<p>Him: Stay haadrated, this shitell kell yea!</p>
<p>Me: Yes, thank you, got my camelbak full of ice water</p>
<p>Eventually I climb in altitude, and things get greener and I rejoice at 91F temperatures. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2H7gx2M/0/4cda311f/XL/GH010552_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>At this temperature the mesh on my jacket does it's job and allows my sweat to evaporate in the dry Arizona air and provide some cooling effects, which is better than the earlier part of my day. I spent about 5 straight hours in triple digit temperatures.</p>
<p>I've spent so many miles on this trip all over on roads lined with the yellow flowers seen above. It's definitely a theme for the trip.</p>
<p>I've been sucking down the water for a while and now that things have cooled off I have to stop and use the restroom, shortly after using the restroom at the last stop. I'm definitely hydrated. Only this is a mistake as I'm dumped into one of the old Route 66 towns. As I gear back up from my stop I get to hear the family having a screaming fight in the car next to me as teenager girl thinks she's being mistreated. I hop back on the road only to find out there's no entrance ramp to the interstate for another 12 miles, so I cruise along reading the recreations of the old Burmashave ads along the old Route 66.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-wHmmNRr/0/f3fc7d26/XL/GH010551_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Eventually I roll in and check into my room at the Red Roof Inn+ in Williams Arizona. I'd originally had my heart set on camping in the Flagstaff area because I heard it was beautiful (It is) but there was a slight problem with that plan. See, it's Labor Day weekend and I'm within an hour of one of the biggest tourist spots in the USA, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Every campground is requiring a three night stay because they know they can fill up even with that requirement. I find a local KOA that'll rent me a single night, but it would cost me $50. Red Roof Inn will rent me a room for the night for $55 so it was an easy decision when I was making my reservations.</p>
<p>Williams Arizona is another of those Route 66 towns, but one that is definitely located well to continue to prosper as other towns have long since died off. I walk down the main street enjoying the old Route 66 vibe and swing in for dinner at the Station 66 Italian Bistro. There's a long wait but since I'm by myself I'm let right in. I have the lasagna with garlic bread for dinner.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-DDrtxWq/0/bf8caca2/XL/PXL_20210906_012759049-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Later, back at my hotel, I hear all kinds of commotion and booming outside. I step out and am treated to what is apparently a Labor Day fireworks show. Also, man, that's a lot of bugs I have to wash off when I get home.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-cCQzCwx/0/4a5afc79/XL/PXL_20210906_030329448-XL.jpg" /></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-13.html">Continue to Day 13</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-11.html">Go back to Day 11</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-48434951379944371902021-09-20T14:13:00.001-05:002021-09-20T14:13:27.092-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 11<p><b>Day 11</b></p>
<p>Saturday, September 4, 2021<br />Distance: 115.1 miles<br />Duration: 6 hours, 34 minutes, and 23 seconds<br />Average Speed: 17.5 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 6448 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 9195 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-wxSdC97/0/856d4dc7/L/2021-09-04-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Today would be another day of flexibility. Craig and I had plans to do more walking than riding today. We plan to hit the Bodie State Park and the Bodie Ghost town, then head into Bridgeport and walk around as there's some interesting things to see there. We decide that since the morning temperatures are in the thirties, we'll have a lazy morning and hang out for a bit and let the sun come up and warm things up a bit.</p>
<p>After a light breakfast and coffee I head back to the wagon to get suited up and ready. As I pull back up to the front Craig has a concerned look on his face. He comes over and tells me that he just got a call and he has to leave ASAP as he has a family member critically ill at home. This is a bummer because instead of Craig getting to go riding and hang out with friends at the evening banquet, he'll be making miles for home with a whole lot of worry to deal with on his own.</p>
<p>One of the other folks there invites me to ride with them, they are headed down to Mammoth Spring HD was doing a demo day to allow test rides of the all new HD Pan America. That sounds like fun but I tell them to head on down and don't wait for me, I'll catch up as I'm going to help Craig get going. Craig tells me he needs ice in his cooler and needs to be checked out at the front office. I head up to get this taken care of, which means I actually stood around waiting while our amazing waitress did all the work. I made sure to let the owner know later how after explaining what Craig needed, that she sprung into action and did so much to help Craig get going faster and with less worry.</p>
<p>On getting Craig on the road, I saddled up and pointed south to see if I could catch up with them. I figured an HD demo event would be at a dealership. On arriving in Mammoth Spring I find there's no motorcycle dealerships really, just this oddball motorcycle shop in a warehouse district that sells dirt bikes. I roll in there figuring if there's something big going on with motorcycles in town that they'd know.</p>
<p>I'll say, these folks at Mammoth Cycle Works were so friendly and helpful, even knowing full well I wasn't there to buy anything or have service done. They had no idea where the HD event was and were kind of surprised they hadn't heard about it. They were on the computers doing some searching and we found the event but it just listed the town as the location. They offered to let me stay as long as I wanted using their WIFI, but as it was nearing lunch time I just asked them to point me in the direction of a good local place to eat.</p>
<p>The guy tells me to go to Burgers. I'm like "That's the name? Burgers?" He says "Yes, get the burger and they give you a lot of fries so ask for half fries half salad." Ok, sounds like a plan, so I head into downtown following the GPS and am soon parked at Burgers restaurant. I head to the upstairs dining room as it has a nice view of the main street of downtown and the waitress gets me seated and points out their daily special, the pulled pork sandwich plate for $10. Now, I haven't found inexpensive food since I've been in California and this sounds like a really good deal, especially since it's usually $17. So I ask if I can do the half fries half salad with that and she confirms I can so my order is placed. Man what a good lunch that was.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-sTs8Lbz/0/d5da85b0/L/PXL_20210904_191753176-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>After lunch I head up the road to the Mammoth Mountain ski resort and keep going on a fun twisty road until I reach a barricade telling me I can go no further so I turn around and head back. I catch the Mammoth scenic loop back to 395 and am intent on re riding yesterday's loop back around June Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake.</p>
<p>At June Lake Junction, right at 395 and 158, is what used to be a gas station, but is now a small shop and a grill/ice cream station. The Joey sweet tooth hits me hard when I see their banner for milkshakes. I try to order a Chocolate Malt but they are all out of malt so I settle for a Mint Chocolate Chip shake instead.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-tq8zfr3/0/1aef705e/XL/PXL_20210904_204720063-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Back on the road, it's a good day. The winds have shifted and the haze from yesterday has moved elsewhere. My lungs and eyeballs are happy the smoke has moved on.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-JsVdtzf/0/f9895d4c/XL/GH010500_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>The ride around the lakes is beautiful, but the traffic for the holiday weekend has moved into the area and I'm forced to make a couple of double yellow passes around some painfully slow moving RV's.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Qp8895R/0/c5e51369/XL/GH010501_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I get another opportunity to photograph the boat house without all the background haze, what a beautiful little location this is.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Jc58QHr/0/937ea978/XL/DSC01436-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Like many of the lakes, Grant Lake is looking a little low.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-PqKXzHt/0/aa24c873/XL/GH010502_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I finally head back through Lee Vining and top off with that expensive gas to be ready for my departure in the morning. Passing by Mono Lake again.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-f3QBd8R/0/6b3d6d24/XL/GH010504_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I get back and have a relaxing afternoon getting the bike packed back up and ready for the morning. This is technically the last night of the adventure before pointing the bike for home. I have a long three days ahead of me but it'll feel good to be moving back toward my family as this is my longest trip away from them and as much fun as I'm having and all the wonderful things I'm seeing, I'm definitely quite a bit homesick.</p>
<p>The evening is a lot of fun hanging out with friends new and old, the banquet is delicious and I once again got too caught up in the conversation to take a photo, but you'll have to trust me on the details. Then it's time for one last sleep under the heat of the electric blanket inside the cold wagon, a blissful way to sleep for sure.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-12.html">Continue to Day 12</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-10.html">Go back to Day 10</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-91099653293049778952021-09-20T14:13:00.000-05:002021-09-20T14:13:09.243-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 10<p><b>Day 10</b></p>
<p>Friday, September 3, 2021<br />Distance: 173.5 miles<br />Duration: 7 hours, 0 minutes, and 53 seconds<br />Average Speed: 24.7 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 5643 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 8391 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-m2q72hr/0/70f31081/L/2021-09-03-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Today we set out on a group ride led by Tyler. We are riding what she described as a "Lake Loop" which will take us around the local area to several scenic lakes.</p>
<p>We head back south through Lee Vining again where we stop to top off our tanks and I get the biggest sticker shock of the trip.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BgJvQCF/0/c90bd4d0/XL/PXL_20210903_173536901-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>We turn onto 120 headed toward Benton. I've been warned by Doug (Bugnatr on FJRiders) that this road is mostly straight but has some fun roller coaster hill sections. I take some time on straight flat bits with a good view of the road ahead to pull up next to the various riders in our group and film them riding with the GoPro. Just as I do this with Tyler leading the group we hit the first roller coaster sections. I zip ahead and wick up the speed a little and am yelling "Wheeee" inside my helmet.</p>
<p>I let some other riders come by and slip back behind Tyler just as we hit a big one with a steep drop on the other side of the crest. We come over the top fast enough that the drop causes my stomach to drop and spin. Crazy feeling to do that on a motorcycle but lots of fun.</p>
<p>We stop just outside of Benton and while stopped Tyler pulls me aside and lets me know that one of the riders, Robert, will be headed back out and I should follow him if I want to ride a little "Zippy."</p>
<p>We head back out 120 the way we came in and Robert leads on his Super Tenere through the fun curves just outside of Benton and we are having some fun. Then he turns south on Benton Crossing Rd and we are zipping along.</p>
<p>At one point I look far ahead and see one of the largest and most well formed dust devils spinning along the left side of the road. I've seen a lot of these in Texas but this one is easily 3X the largest one I've ever seen. We are zipping along toward it and it's got a lot of dirt in it that it looks pretty amazing. At the last second it moves right into the road ahead of Robert. I watch as Robert punches through it and it's about to be my turn. Because of the spinning wind it's like getting slapped from one side and then immediately slapped from the other side as I go through it. It was a pretty crazy surreal experience and I had the GoPro running for the whole thing!</p>
<p>Robert pulls off at an intersection up ahead so we can wait on the other riders and we are talking about the dust devil. I take off the GoPro and something is wrong. It's locked up on me. I pull the battery out and put it back in and it powers up. There's zero media from the entire morning. No video of the other riders, no video of the roller coaster and especially no video of riding through the dust devil. I'm crushed over this, but at least the GoPro is functioning again.</p>
<p>Here's me and Robert waiting on the other riders to show up.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-hTfWmSK/0/f36b89da/XL/DSC01426-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After the riders show up, we reform back into one group and head out.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-gxd2TLm/0/1a298bef/XL/GH010495_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Tyler takes us around some barricades to Convict Lake. The smoke is blowing our way today and has made a lot of the scenic views today either obscured or very hazy. This lake is supposed to be a beautiful clear view but the haze makes it look kind of gloomy.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-TKBBWwm/0/30daff54/XL/DSC01429-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>We sit and chat for a bit and then we are back on the road, which you can see here how the smoke obscures the views of the distant mountains.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-fbgGDnS/0/b0f6567f/XL/GH010496_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>We ran up the road and into Mammoth Lakes where we stopped at Roberto's Cafe and had lunch out on the patio. I had Chicken Taquitos and some pink lemonade.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-rgVDbjx/0/53b1708c/XL/PXL_20210903_213932369-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After lunch we ran up and hit 158 to pass June Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-84ZT2g3/0/1bfdefc0/XL/GH010497_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-b8f9XXf/0/adca5b39/XL/GH010498_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>We stopped by this boat rental area to view the lake and enjoy the wildlife. There were some friendly ducks there and about 6 deer came walking through the parking lot while we were there.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2bcQvBt/0/40b8b572/XL/DSC01431-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-JjBLnvd/0/a806ad90/XL/DSC01433-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>More tall tales being told in the parking lot.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-ScGq9KT/0/19bf40ca/XL/DSC01434-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that we headed back to Virginia Creek Settlement for a relaxing evening before dinner. We ate at the on site restaurant where I had this crazy huge incredible meatball sandwich. I had to use a fork and knife to eat it, the thing was so huge and messy it was impossible to eat as a sandwich.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-59qNzNj/0/8e1aaf21/XL/PXL_20210904_031600166-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then it was off to bed to get ready for the last day of YFO riding and the banquet tomorrow.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-11.html">Continue to Day 11</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-9.html">Go back to Day 9</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-12211859971070688652021-09-20T14:12:00.001-05:002021-09-20T14:12:47.316-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 9<p><b>Day 9</b></p>
<p>Thursday, September 2, 2021<br />Distance: 248.6 miles<br />Duration: 10 hours, 50 minutes, and 44 seconds<br />Average Speed: 22.9 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 964 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 9978 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Q6qV6Vd/0/06821a0a/M/2021-09-02-M.jpg" /></p>
<p>I think today is the first time I've had a relaxing morning on the trip. I have a nice 2 hour back roads trip to the Starbucks in Oakhurst California where I'm meeting friends for today's ride. We don't meet till 11ish so I have time to leisurely enjoy my coffee and shoot photos of the sunrise over the mountains by my campsite today.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Q5jqrRp/0/2e1e7c97/XL/DSC01398-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>No rush packing up, I get everything done and the ole girl is ready to go early, so we depart to find out what goat paths I have in store for us this morning.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-DMCxvPG/0/591fc760/XL/DSC01399-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-v4GbwFt/0/d2cefcf2/XL/GH010475_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I encountered a strange section of dead forest. The trees are black like there's been a fire, but if there was, it was some time ago because there's green vegetation on the ground. Many of the trees still have dead leaves or pine needles on them that reach all the way to the ground that I would have thought should have burned. It reminds me of seeing the devastation of the pine beetle in Colorado several years ago, but this is a small by comparison and lots of live trees surrounding the area.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Fcrjm8W/0/0d17a4f8/XL/GH010476_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-qzt32h2/0/bba3c8dc/XL/GH010477_Moment2-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-zZHRgDM/0/d13271b8/XL/GH010477_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then back to the regular goat paths. You have to be careful because these cattle guards are signs of open ranging and more than once I've come around the corner to find cows in the road. Not riding in speedy mode today for sure.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-JdvLXkN/0/9bacba7e/XL/GH010478_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I arrive in Oakhurst around 10am, and find out that the others will be getting there a little before 11am. I find the Starbucks and am determined to have a coffee at one of the outside tables relaxing and enjoying the weather. Only thing, the doors are locked. I try to do an online order so I can have it brought out to me but the app says the location is closed. There's chairs stacked across the drive through. Very strange, and I wasn't the only one caught by surprise because many folks were pulling in and circling around to head back out, even one guy walked up all perplexed with his dog and had to leave. </p>
<p>I see that true to Starbucks form, there's another one 1/4 mile up the road and head there. That one is in a grocery store, that's not happening. I make an executive decision for us to eat at Denny's just down the road from the original Starbucks and send a text message to the group. As I am getting off the bike, Craig (CraigRegs on FJRiders) pulls up next to me, so we head inside and get a table to wait on Tyler.</p>
<p>It's always great to see Tyler, she's amazing and always has hugs and smiles for everyone.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-855Gbq8/0/35d17ce2/XL/PXL_20210902_180840317-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Tyler and I each order breakfast (no photos for some reason) and Craig orders an Ice Cream Sundae. Then we are off....to Yosemite!</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-H2fCdf2/0/8027a533/XL/GH010480_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Tyler leads as she's local and been here a zillion times, followed by Craig and myself. The roads wind this way and that and the weather is amazing all contributing to a great motorcycle ride. Craig can't contain himself and tries taking a photo backwards of me, but only gets a very nice shot of the side of his helmet.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BdBgJBM/0/d7a61b34/XL/GH010481_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Because I know the GoPro's wide angle lens always makes it look like I'm so far away from the rider in front of me, I move up and close some of the distance between me and Craig to get better footage for later, and also a better photo. I still look pretty far behind him but in reality I'm probably riding way too close, but I'm being careful and use sections of the road where I can see ahead for a bit.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-svw2Nbt/0/6cf91888/XL/GH010481_Moment2-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>The I move up and do the same for Tyler.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-RzL9xBX/0/e1777168/XL/GH010482_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Tyler, not knowing what I was doing, hit the first pull off and turned on her "Mom Voice" and let me know that all the reasons she's not speeding and if I want to go faster I'm free to go around. I explained I was filming and the GoPro lens and that I was quite content with our pace. We had a chuckle and things went better after that.</p>
<p>I'm the only one who hasn't been here before, so Tyler pulls over for a moment here to let me be hit by the first glimpse of the amazing scenery offered by Yosemite. It hits me about as hard as that first glimpse into the Grand Canyon.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-N6Lzkhs/0/33f2484f/XL/GH010484_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then we head over to Glacier Point to get a better view.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-hqFxvnv/0/d36284d0/XL/DSC01406-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Proof I was actually there was provided by Tyler.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BBnnRps/0/6dfb55ef/XL/IMG_20210916_162103-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-cxGHjGD/0/cd4cc5fc/XL/DSC01407-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Looking down to where we'll be headed later. Craig and I wonder how many phones have been accidentally dropped over this edge.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-SktBhSG/0/f1662432/XL/DSC01412-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Heading down, the view isn't bad from here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-dMj2Rt9/0/0584a3ad/XL/GH010486_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-3S8Nrcv/0/aec29db6/XL/IMG_20210916_162106-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Going through a long tunnel.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Gc9rJHt/0/a3fed75a/XL/GH010487_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>If you've never been here before, this next image will make you go "Wow, such amazing views he's seeing" but if you've been here before your eyes will be drawn elsewhere as you proclaim "Wow, those parking lots are EMPTY!"</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-XK4ZG5K/0/40dd0fd0/XL/GH010487_Moment2-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Seriously, we lucked out today. The weather was phenomenal with zero clouds to be seen anywhere in the sky, perfect temperatures, no smoke haze, and the park practically empty that we could get around and park with ease. I'm informed that such perfect days almost don't exist here so I feel blessed.</p>
<p>Riding a nice loop they have of two lane, one way only roads through the trees with nice views every now and then.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-PpvZWnN/0/3356eafb/XL/GH010488_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-m2SCvG9/0/0ce1503a/XL/GH010489_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And then we are brought to this little viewpoint. I take this photo, but I'm not happy with it, it could be better.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-dRr7hpP/0/f02d6e94/XL/DSC01415-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>With a little bit of movement down to the right and toward the river, I'm able to eliminate a lot of that foreground clutter and get the shot I'm happiest with from this trip.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-98mS3pP/0/6ce19096/XL/DSC01417-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>That's El Capitan on the left, there's climbers but you can't see them. There is supposed to be a waterfall on the right but all the falls are dry from the drought. Still, what an amazing view.</p>
<p>Later we head out toward Tioga Pass to get to our destination for the night. On the way I notice there's a beautiful lake through the trees to our right. I'm thinking "Wow, I hope there's a good place to stop" as I try to see the lake through the trees. It's at that exact moment I get my wish as I realize that Tyler and Craig are hard on the brakes right in front of me. No accident but there's a permanent crease in my undies from that one. We stop and get some photos of the beautiful lake. I bet that water is cold.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-VKCZCrm/0/9a832800/XL/DSC01419-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then the beauty continues as we head over Tioga Pass.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Qsf9rBc/0/2c24c51b/XL/GH010492_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-89pxP3q/0/f880a966/XL/GH010493_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>A quick stop in the town of Lee Vining for folks to grab some adult beverages for the weekend.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Bm5f9tZ/0/cc434ea8/XL/DSC01422-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then we are off to Virginia Creek Settlement to settle in for the weekend as this is the site of the YFO meet. This is a cool little place with lots of options on how you want to stay including a small hotel and individual cabins.</p>
<p><a href="https://virginiacreeksettlement.net/">Virginia Creek Settlement</a></p>
<p>They have an onsite restaurant serving fantastic food so I order up the 10" cheese pizza. I'm super hungry after today's activities and almost eat the whole thing.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-ZgZCNn2/0/80121b6b/XL/PXL_20210903_024751019-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>One of the options they have for you to stay in is one of two covered wagons. There's a bubbling creek running there in front of the chairs and it's a fun way to spend the weekend.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-8Lg2scz/0/e6b8d8c4/XL/DSC01423-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Looking inside you've got more room than you'd think. The bed is a nice bunk with a comfy mattress and about an inch and a half of blankets and covers. In addition, in the bin to the right is another blanket and an electric blanket. I'll need all of that as the temperatures will get into the mid to low 30's overnight. I sleep comfortably and warm in there, but late night trips to the bathhouse are chilly for sure.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-zPhw8Fn/0/231a4269/XL/DSC01424-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I settle into bed extremely happy with today's sights and riding, and eager to see what tomorrow has in store.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-10.html">Continue to Day 10</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-8.html">Go back to Day 8</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-19228978527489588662021-09-20T14:12:00.000-05:002021-09-20T14:12:12.363-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 8<p><b>Day 8</b></p>
<p>Wednesday, September 1, 2021<br />Distance: 258.8 miles<br />Duration: 10 hours, 10 minutes, and 40 seconds<br />Average Speed: 25.4 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 334 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 7600 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-pQxnkjr/0/3424b133/M/2021-09-01-M.jpg" /></p>
<p>This day of the ride report is going to be a little bit picture heavy. This is the first of two days of things I rode halfway across the country to see, so I of course went a little camera crazy. I'm not apologizing, if you've seen this stuff before then hopefully it brings back good memories. If you haven't seen it before, hopefully it spurs you to make plans to go see it yourself.</p>
<p>About four years ago my friends Andrew, Pops and Joey (Redfish, Pops, and HPPants on FJRiders) came out to YFO and I read their ride report and knew I had to make this trip. I translated their ride report into google maps and then into Basecamp with a route titled "Redfish Sequoia" so that I could see all the amazing things they saw. Sadly, I've had to abandon that route thanks to the French fire. Today I've set my GPS destination for Three Rivers, California, in hopes of salvaging as much of that route as possible.</p>
<p>I started off the day headed north out of Bakersfield, but felt a little like I was back in Texas with all the oil pumps.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Xnm9xkC/0/4f644994/XL/GH010447_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>That however very quickly gave way to beautiful farmland. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-4vMxThX/0/d6982492/XL/GH010449_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And then into some beautiful countryside.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-hTGLgh2/0/c2fd913c/XL/GH010451_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>So, I'd like to stop and talk a little bit about my new GPS, the Garmin Zumo XT. The screen is huge and bright, and the CPU is very snappy and responsive. One complaint I've had is having to sift through all my shaping points in the saved list to find what I'm looking for. I've been saying that I wish they'd just hide those from view. It also annoyed me to see all the little flags on the map.</p>
<p>However, as I'm approaching Three Rivers I see a flag nearby. I pull into a gas station and open my routes and choose the "Redfish Sequoia" route and tell it to route using the nearest entry point. Turns out, the nearest entry point is that flag in front of me. I can still use the last half of that route. At this point I'm not so annoyed by the little flags because they might have saved the day here.</p>
<p>Once into the park you embark on the General's Highway. This is a spectacular curvey road that winds it's way up the mountain. You do have to remind yourself that you are in a park and fines would be pretty stiff for having too much fun in here, but the road is phenomenal. I'd say the curves per mile have to be on par or close to the Dragon.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-mBgGbF6/0/d4d83536/XL/GH010452_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-zxrxbgD/0/1bc0cec7/XL/DSC01326-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>A quick stop by balancing rock. There's nobody to take my photo so I snap a quick shot and am on my way.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Bx8mxnw/0/321740cc/XL/DSC01327-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I grin at these signs. They'd be more fun on a supermoto but I'm not riding a supermoto across the country.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-CPTm48M/0/094e495f/XL/GH010456_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Looking back on the twisties that brought me up here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Xc2GLbS/0/bf3dc72e/XL/DSC01328-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>The road gets higher and the scrub gives way to thick forests.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-D5zrnBh/0/64b6f49e/XL/GH010457_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-wd4fk5c/0/f0695bb8/XL/GH010458_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>At one point I saw two deer scramble down the hill in front of me to my left, then dart across the road and I saw the bushes moving as they made their way away from the road. I looked frantically to my left to see if there was a third one but couldn't see any, then turned back to my right and it turns out only one of the deer ran into the bushes. The other one was camouflaged here on the side of the road trying to decide if he should run back in front of me again.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-XkQCfhr/0/9a331c00/XL/GH010460_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I pulled off into one of the parking lots and marveled at the size of these trees. At first you see a bunch of them together and think "They aren't that big" and then you notice a normal sized tree and look back again and they are huge. Trying to capture their size in a photo also doesn't work too well, even when you use someone as short as me for comparison.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-6N7rXnk/0/04a0736d/XL/PXL_20210901_165915868-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-n5KkWnR/0/fa92b05e/XL/DSC01335-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-xhXJbnV/0/78cabad3/XL/DSC01336-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I ran into this guy at the parking lot. He's Kike Castell on advrider and is on a month long trip around the USA starting in Connecticut.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-N22vgW7/0/bcac9f46/XL/PXL_20210901_170234166-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I went and hiked down to see the "General Sherman" tree. Yes, I hiked down. I don't know why all my life I've hiked up first but on this trip all my hikes start with down. General Sherman isn't the tallest, nor the oldest, nor the widest tree in the world. But, by volume of wood, it is the biggest tree in the world. The top is dead so it won't get any taller but continues to grow wider each year.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-n7dXWHz/0/1fe82013/XL/DSC01342-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-KhvFnPb/0/d89d4e37/XL/DSC01343-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-gFBhJX9/0/b2f9750a/XL/DSC01344-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>These bricks are laid out to resemble what the base of General Sherman would look like. Pretty huge.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-fdZztvk/0/222dbdab/XL/DSC01340-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>As I was panting and sweating my way back up the trail I came once again across Kike Castell. He was surprised to see me having already done this and heading back up. That's when he asked if I skipped the tunnel tree. Turns out it was poorly marked and I missed it and had I not run into him I'd have missed it and everything on that road. That was at least about two hours of stuff I really would have wanted to see. So I thanked him and headed back.</p>
<p>The roads are smooth, unmarked and a little narrow. You really have to watch out because those park busses come around corners pretty fast occupying most of the road. But most of the time it's quiet, beautiful and serene.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-ztGMsTB/0/6c55762a/XL/GH010463_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And I found the tunnel tree, or rather, the tunnel log.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-8NnbR7H/0/328c5604/XL/DSC01348-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-RgPGQzB/0/496041f6/XL/GH010461_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I'm riding around and come around a corner and get my second wildlife encounter. That's a bear way up the road. I stopped and waited giving him plenty of room.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-zLKgPhs/0/2c24fea9/XL/GH010462_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I found these clusters of trees and had to stop for some photos here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-dG2QMwS/0/1012d236/XL/DSC01352-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Fdnq56K/0/ae1af2a0/XL/DSC01353-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-v2rHdnS/0/b7da1b2b/XL/DSC01355-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And then it was time for one of those moments. When you are surrounded by such beauty and you turn around and there's your bike, the bike you that has brought you to this place and will get you home, your partner in this adventure. All you can do is smile, think "Damn she's good looking" and snap a few photos.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-6KrWGqC/0/ea768125/XL/DSC01357-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BQj3MBf/0/d4fcca9d/XL/DSC01358-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-GsH2TRx/0/e5e1af92/XL/DSC01359-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I'm off riding and have a second bear encounter. I asked him if he was the same bear or a different bear but he ignored me. As I rode up I saw him scurrying off into the woods. Looks like he was as scared of me as I was of him.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-K59f7g6/0/ba940cf5/XL/GH010464_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Using the bike for comparison really does give credit to the size of those roots.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-xMT7vDZ/0/d832188c/XL/DSC01361-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And then I climbed up Moro Rock Trail. It's a relatively short, but steep hike up a whole bunch of stairs at 6,700 feet elevation. I did this in full motorcycle gear, including boots, while carrying my helmet and tank bag. The trail thoroughly whipped my butt. And I have words for the lady who, when I was about 1/4 of the way up passing her going down told me "You are almost there!"</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-48dqmDC/0/a80c2363/XL/PXL_20210901_190501369-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-JF455qR/0/a376f401/XL/DSC01365-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-zQBdNPw/0/567f1198/XL/DSC01362-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-szdD79D/0/0cef94af/XL/DSC01363-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>There's the fun General's Highway I rode coming up.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-8HWSCkr/0/dc5a4e48/XL/DSC01366-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Here's a few shots of what the climb up looks like. Not for those scared of heights. My wife appreciates the photos I took because she's never going up there.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-nhvkppr/0/d08622dd/XL/DSC01368-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Some places are a tight squeeze.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Jdg5b3n/0/121b865c/XL/DSC01370-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Some places have railings, some places don't.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-v8g9hkx/0/b962b0e3/XL/DSC01372-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Some stairs are steeper than others.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-G8LnNGR/0/08aed2d6/XL/DSC01374-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-SMThRrp/0/3f74e936/XL/DSC01376-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I made my way back to the gift shop to get the required magnet for our refrigerator and it was time for lunch. Thankfully I brought one of my muffins from the grab and go breakfast at the hotel this morning because there's not much around and all that hiking has worked up my appetite. I paired it with a mini Cliff Bar and water from the camelbak and was good to go.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-QLmhvrD/0/c857b8e9/XL/PXL_20210901_194927005-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I was off to see "General Grant" which has an absolutely huge base of the trunk.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-9sFwh8z/0/0ceca42b/XL/DSC01378-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2B2P42g/0/a6ba45c0/XL/DSC01379-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that, I realized I had enough time to do the out and back on the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. It starts out high in the canyon with some very unforgiving turns. No sissy guardrails here! But lots of fun turns, just don't overdo it.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-4QP5D9h/0/a42cd095/XL/GH010468_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-RjfvxFr/0/894713eb/XL/GH010469_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Eventually the road works it's way down the canyon and along the river below.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Csn7zsQ/0/45ff210c/XL/GH010470_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I rode it as far as you could ride it. These guys had the road closed. I think there was a detour but it was time to turn around anyway.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-LFG2qRm/0/e3b19ded/XL/PXL_20210901_221101208-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-zbCssL2/0/878116eb/XL/DSC01382-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-FRQLZbT/0/dee50c60/XL/DSC01383-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>On the way down, a sign on the side of the road caught my eye. It said "CAUTION, ICE cream ahead!" LOL. I passed by and the guy was open in his trailer. Suddenly the Joey (HPPants on FJRiders) was speaking to me. Joey has a sweet tooth that kicks in about mid afternoon and he usually has to have ice cream. Now I need ice cream. I decide to swing by on my way back up. A mint chocolate chip cone really hit the spot.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-CtVRz9V/0/f4031dbf/XL/PXL_20210901_224321026-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Headed out of the forest is a nice high road with a view.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-HX7Rg5t/0/ea829cd5/XL/GH010472_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I caught this guy in the curves and I think that got him angry because he started punching it on the straight portions. I'm cool, I don't have to be the fastest guy on the road so I let him go on up ahead and flush out any police that might be around. There weren't any and I guess he won the race, but I didn't care.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Phk4fWv/0/e16c9f35/XL/GH010473_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that, I'd somehow routed myself down some goat paths. These would have been a lot of fun on a small bike like a supermoto. They were kind of frustrating though because you'd get like three curves linked up and get your flow going and the fourth curve would be a blind downhill decreasing radius turn that resembled a kink. Eventually I made it to the Island Park campground at Pine Flat Lake.</p>
<p>https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233521</p>
<p>Only there's a little bit of a problem. There's no one camping here, the place looks empty. The check in station is shuttered and there's a sign saying it's closed till April. I'm a little worried, did I miss yet ANOTHER cancellation? I have no service here to check my email and determine to find someplace higher. The center of the campground is higher so I head that way thinking if I can't get service there then I'll head back out to the main road. I rounded the corner and hit the top of the hill and there's three occupied camping spots. Two campers and a tent. I've got a little service and can't find any cancellations so I start trying to figure things out. My reservation is on upper loop road. This is the upperest loop in the campgrounds. I have spot number 9 and the spot number 9 up here is currently unoccupied. What the heck, I'm setting up my campsite. </p>
<p>And what a campsite it is!</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-bMS3ZzX/0/bf85e085/XL/DSC01385-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-S6wFKVP/0/8d092ccf/XL/DSC01384-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-fmXxtwg/0/8233b022/XL/DSC01388-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-MHVpvtN/0/296bda9b/XL/DSC01389-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Eventually a white pickup truck came rolling through the campground and I recognized the logo on the side designating it to the park ranger. I pulled out my paperwork hoping I'm not being kicked out for some reason as it's getting late. The lady hops out and asks "Do you have a reservation?" I tell her yes and give her my name. She smiles and says "Oh yes, got you right here, you are all set!" We have a little chat about the campground being empty and she tells me that it's officially closed for the season but they are still honoring any reservations already made. Unlike my Super 8 on day 1, I'm really glad I made reservations in advance.</p>
<p>She goes on her way and I set about dinner. This is the best Mountain House meal of the trip. Perfect amount of water, good flavor and a little spice. It's the Yellow Curry with Chicken and Rice.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BHLdpdV/0/15bc4abc/XL/PXL_20210902_012706514-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I set up and start reading a new book for a while. Tonight I'm not putting the rain fly on as it'll be really nice tonight and I can lay down and watch the stars in the sky and the boats on the lake. Perfect end to a perfect day.</p>
<p>Speaking of perfect days, tomorrow I'll get to see Tyler (Tyler on FJRiders, I know, so original on her name, right?) and Yosemite!</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-9.html">Continue to Day 9</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-7.html">Go back to Day 7</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-17160474477987198362021-09-20T14:11:00.003-05:002021-09-20T14:11:55.941-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 7<p><b>Day 7</b></p>
<p>Tuesday, August 31, 2021<br />Distance: 555.0 miles<br />Duration: 9 hours, 32 minutes, and 23 seconds<br />Average Speed: 58.2 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 328 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 8843 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-F3N7wjs/0/bb051048/L/2021-08-31-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>This day was all about making miles and getting to my destination. I didn't even drag the good camera out one time. My primary mission today is to get a shower, because it's getting bad. Of course, as things go, it'll get worse before it gets better.</p>
<p>Second mission is to fix my bike. The head issue is pretty bad, especially under hard braking or rough roads. Thankfully, which we usually don't say on this kind of trip, today will be a lot of flat smooth slab.</p>
<p>I'd given thought the previous night about going to shoot the canyon at sunset, but after a party sunny afternoon, we had dark clouds move in threatening with thunder. They were so dark that I didn't even see the sun set at all. I'd also given thought to getting up early in the morning and giving sunrise another shot but the sky was still socked in with solid dark clouds worse than the previous morning. Thus I set myself to packing up camp and getting moving.</p>
<p>Headed out of Grand Canyon I met with some heavy early morning traffic.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-rH9tzm4/0/935b4074/XL/GH010424_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>These guys were determined to eat grass and annoy me. They'd stand right in the road, and when I'd move forward the ones in the road would get startled and run to the left side of the road. That's good, except the ones on the right side of the road would also get startled and run onto the road. Eventually I worked my way into the group on a moment with the road clear and once I had my opportunity I punched it away from them.</p>
<p>Coming north out of the Grand Canyon I still got some good views and nice motorcycling roads, all while the clouds started to clear to the north. I could still see solid clouds behind me though.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-nFHhBXX/0/069f01e7/XL/GH010425_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Somewhere I missed coming back into Utah. Not sure if this was Arizona or Utah but I got my first glimpse of fires with this small one up on the mountain.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-GcQ2ZmD/0/6d196fac/XL/GH010426_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>This whole area was not quite done impressing me with it's desert beauty.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-dHc62Rt/0/36db43b1/XL/GH010428_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-3CDrdSJ/0/7a617e4b/XL/GH010430_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Out this way there's different laws around semi trucks. Lots of crazy rolling road block trains along the highways.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-xsTGwH6/0/99f58fd0/XL/GH010430_Moment1-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>They still have longer trains actually on rails too out here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-X2XZd3C/0/afc65a24/XL/GH010433_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And now it's kind of a new state day. I've flown into Las Vegas many times but does that really count? I haven't even driven in this state, just rode around in taxis and stuff. Either way, I've never ridden to here, or ridden a motorcycle here so I consider it a new state day and can now color this one in on my map.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Rd9qQ8s/0/da39cafd/XL/PXL_20210831_160135821-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And then it's "Viva Las Vegas" time. I'm just rolling through here, but this is the first big city I've gone through since leaving Dallas, so that requires a bit of a recalibration of my brain to survive this stretch of the road. I haven't been here in a while but this city always amazes me at it's ability to just throw up new huge buildings. The landscape of casinos and buildings is constantly under change and makes it almost unrecognizable after a short time.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-nxxHFRd/0/48514777/XL/GH010436_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-MHZC6rk/0/45c780bf/XL/GH010438_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>A short time later it's time for another sort of a new state day. I've also flown into California before, but unlike Nevada, I've actually drive here, but it still really doesn't count. I spent several summers here with the Marine Corps Reserves driving huge trucks around the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. This usually meant flying into Ontario California and boarding a bus and then seeing nothing but the base for two weeks before boarding a bus to go fly right out again.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-tBKBzvX/0/109c5314/XL/PXL_20210831_173822491-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>On entering California there's a "California Inspection Facility. I wasn't prepared for this and there was quite a backup of traffic here. I lined up behind cars in the shorter line on the right only to eventually notice the red X above it indicating this lane is closed, but they were processing us anyway. I'm trying to think about where my ID is in case I need to dig it out and present it not knowing what's going on. Eventually I'm just waved through. Looking this up later shows "California Border Protection Stations are 16 checkpoints placed at California's land borders with neighboring states and maintained by the CDFA for the purpose of monitoring vehicle traffic entering the state for the presence of cargo infested with pests." That makes sense as they only seemed to be stopping trucks and RV's for full inspection, most cars and certainly motorcycles were waived through. I didn't video here but grabbed this off of Google, and it seems that Google had a lot less traffic than I did.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2bXZcSc/0/90a5f067/XL/CaliforniaInspectionFacility-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I got my first bit of sticker shock at my first gas stop in California. Little did I know, this would be a good price over the next few days. Also, I notice that California uses the emissions pumps where you have to push a spring loaded disc around the nozzle back up the nozzle before fuel will flow. This is easy with a car as you just shove the nozzle into the filler tube and the disc pushes back up naturally. This doesn't work for a motorcycle and you have to hold the nozzle with one hand and push it back up with the other hand. We used to have these in Dallas and I was happy to see them eventually go away. I'll be happy when I don't have to do this here either.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-zWVKCgB/0/1d5476fe/XL/PXL_20210831_181851920-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I'm going to go ahead and get my complaining out of the way before digging back into the good stuff. One of the dumbest laws I've seen is that in California they have separate speed limits for vehicles towing a trailer. The regular speed limit on I-15 is 70mph, unless you have a trailer and then the speed limit is 55mph. I suppose there's a safety related reason for this but it sets up a situation where the right lane is jammed up with trucks doing 55mph, and a long line of angry cars in the left lane stuck behind some idiot doing 65mph, and a few jerks using any gap in the trucks to haul up the right lane and force their way into the line causing panic braking behind them. I don't have any experience lane splitting and there weren't any motorcycles going my way to follow through, nor did this situation seem like a good place to hone my splitting skills so I hung back and dealt with it until I could get off the interstate.</p>
<p>Free and clear of the crazy traffic on the interstate, there's lots of this kind of terrain.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Nq6JJqp/0/dc6ef9c1/XL/GH010441_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I have to say, when I got out of the Marine Corps Reserves I was quite content to know that I'd never need to experience the Mojave desert ever again in my life. Unfortunately my rerouting today to avoid the fires is running me smack through the middle of it. It's 106F today in the desert. I needed to stop for gas and to refill my my camelbak, and spotting a gas station with sub $4 gas I pulled off.</p>
<p>Often when doing these kinds of trips, you pass memorable vehicles and then stop for gas and then later repass the same vehicles. Back on day 1 in Texas I kept passing this dirty beat up yellow Porsche. It was pretty distinct due to a bunch of dents in the door just below the side view mirror. After filling up my camelbak with ice and fresh water I walked out of the gas station to see this parked next to me.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-dS3Wsj4/0/daa981ec/XL/PXL_20210831_203157198-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Pretty crazy that six days later I'd find that vehicle parked next to me in the lot this far away. I wondered what he's been doing between Texas and now. Again, it was 106F so I didn't hang out waiting on him to come out to chat with him, but I snapped the above photo and got on my way.</p>
<p>Out this way, there's a few natural resources which are extremely plentiful, and California is diligent in capturing them to turn them into energy. First, there's abundant sunshine pretty much year round, so there's a lot of these solar farms out this way.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-kNvwcHk/0/61280e18/XL/GH010440_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Second is the ever present wind. Lots of wind farms out here. The farms don't appear to be as big as the ones going across western Texas, but they are sizable here. One big difference between the Texas wind farms and out here is that Texas has pretty consistently sized turbines, but California has multiple sized turbines all over the place. This made it pretty interesting to see the different approach to the same solution.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-F7j62NP/0/0569c5b6/XL/GH010444_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Eventually the hot desert rocky environment gave way to this hot hilly grassy environment. There's definitely some beauty showing through here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-48w7kcc/0/87f3b65d/XL/GH010445_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>On arriving in Bakersfield California, I first topped off with gas so I'd be ready to go in the morning. Then I sought out auto parts stores. I found a place not too far off the highway with a Pep Boys, O'Reilly and AutoZone all right next to each other. I should be able to find what I need here so I pointed the GPS to the Pep Boys.</p>
<p>First, the PepBoys was undergoing a remodel, so the main store was closed and they only had their service area open. Then I went to O'Reilly and was able to find sockets for both the 17mm and the 36mm I needed to do the job on the FJR. The 36mm is of course a 1/2" socket and they did not have any adapters to use it with my 3/8" ratchet. I bought these two and went next door to AutoZone. By the way, it's now 108F here so moving around slowly is miserable and I'm continuing to sweat profusely, as if my body needed that. AutoZone doesn't have the adapter either so I just buy another ratchet handle.</p>
<p>Finally I find my hotel. The guy at the desk is filling me in on the hurricane that hit Louisiana as I've been disconnected from the news the last few days. On getting to my room I fire off text messages to check in on the Cajun FJR folks to see if they are doing ok, which I later find out that they are fine, just dealing with electricity issues.</p>
<p>After firing off those texts, it's time for that much needed shower. It's Tuesday and it's been a lot of sweaty days since my last shower on Friday. I deposit my underwear and socks directly into the trash can never to be used again. After using up almost all of a hotel bar of soap, I'm feeling better and ready to go back out into the heat and tackle that head bearing issue.</p>
<p>On removing the MV Motorrad riser I'm able to quickly spot my issue. It seems that maybe when replacing my triple tree that maybe I didn't properly torque that big 36mm nut on top as it's spinning freely. Thank goodness for the MV riser because it looks like it kept it from spinning all the way off which would probably have been something on backorder and I'd have to find something to use to get home. For grins, since I'm this deep in I pull the upper triple off and give a little torque to the steering head bearing nut, testing to make sure it's not binding at all. All seems good so I reassemble it and take it for a few runs up and down the parking lot with hard braking and there's not any click or anything. I got lucky there and am happy that all is good for the days to come.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-C5N6Fwz/0/c8523999/XL/PXL_20210831_231812326-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-FdXb9fv/0/80040166/XL/PXL_20210831_231822140-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that was done, I went in and took another shower. Then I laid down and called the family. First thing my wife told me on the phone was "I hope you took two showers!" I informed her that I did in fact take two showers. After catching up with the family it was time for a cooked meal for a change. One thing my wife is good at when looking at hotels is looking at what's around it. I have a Denny's across the street and an IHOP right next door to the hotel. After a long hot day on the bike, not having to suit up and ride to dinner is certainly welcome. I choose IHOP and opt for the "Quick Two Egg Breakfast."</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-K8gVDkD/0/b1cb46c5/XL/PXL_20210901_012645339-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After dinner I tune into the news to watch the reports on the hurricane in Louisiana and eventually drift off to sleep ready for a beautiful day tomorrow as I salvage what I can from my Sequoia Forest route.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-8.html">Continue to Day 8</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-6.html">Go back to Day 6</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-15722374697206489702021-09-20T14:11:00.002-05:002021-09-20T14:11:40.564-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 6<p><b>Day 6</b></p>
<p>Off the bike day.</p>
<p>I'd planned an entire day just hanging out at the Grand Canyon, doing things, relaxing, a little hiking and I got it all done. I started up by waking up early so I could ride over to the lodge parking lot and hike out to Bright Angel Point to watch the sun rise. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/bright-angel-point-trail.htm">Bright Angel Point Trail</a></p>
<p>What a nice little half mile hike, but wow, there were already lots of folks out there to watch the sun rise too, many with some serious camera gear. I found me a nice vantage point on some rocks and got set up to watch the show. Didn't take too long and the sun was peeking over the edge of the canyon.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-BF7gLdD/0/64cd9652/XL/DSC01276-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And then a few minutes later, the show was over. Boo!</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-cWZbPQp/0/a56443c6/XL/DSC01277-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>So I set about to wait and see what I could make of my morning. I wanted a good shot with the early morning sun at the right angle to light up the canyon but it looked like I'd have to wait. So I pulled my stuff out of my camelbak and made some coffee. No finer place to sit and sip a cup o' joe. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-VJXZVMt/0/2d49dd3f/XL/DSC01279-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Occasionally the sun would peek through a hole in the clouds and light up certain areas. Here it is lighting up some folks sitting on the rocks there. The ledge to the left of them was my coffee spot. I moved around a bit trying to find better places to take photos from.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Nchc2Cp/0/a84ea435/XL/DSC01285-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>This is what it looks like viewing out to Bright Angel Point.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-446jFjt/0/30c6710a/XL/DSC01283-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I spent the morning looking at the skies a lot and getting this in return.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-FqWbwRx/0/6643ca98/XL/DSC01316-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Eventually the guy in this photo moved and that became my spot for the rest of the morning.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-pLf4P5B/0/401f2b49/XL/DSC01290-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>This is the rock I sat on from the other side, right by the end of Bright Angel Point Trail.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Sqcdp8x/0/138ce3c6/XL/DSC01319-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>And this is looking down from my rock on Bright Angel Point.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2m52LNW/0/78613122/XL/DSC01313-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I sat for about three hours there. Everybody left right after sunrise so I had the place to myself. It was super quiet and the temperature was perfect, so I got to sit and be introspective staring at one of the most beautiful locations on our planet. In the process I snapped around a hundred photos hoping each time that the clouds might open up a little more, but it takes a big hole in the clouds to illuminate an area as vast as the Grand Canyon. In the end I had to settle for the best I could get, which isn't bad. And even better than the photo was the experience I had sitting there that morning.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-MFQN86p/0/150e7e97/XL/DSC01304-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Eventually I returned to my camp site and started thinking about lunch. I'd brought a bunch of the Mountain House dehydrated meals to eat while I'm camping as they pack small, but cook easily. I had let my wife and son pick them out and my son was very excited to hear my thoughts on the "Creamy Macaroni & Cheese." I sent him this photo which pretty much sums up my thoughts.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Fdrbc2W/0/6fd04e09/XL/PXL_20210830_191302895.MP-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I think they called for too much water because it was very runny. Then the cheese powder didn't dissolve very well, so it made for kind of a nasty sauce. But, beggers can't be choosers and I was starving so I ate the whole thing.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-tnMKrDL/0/e50c64e1/XL/PXL_20210830_191518300-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I walked about a hundred yards over to the edge of the campground and marveled at what I can see so close.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-brJkZH5/0/c9332854/XL/PXL_20210830_212820559-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that I grabbed my camelbak and set out for an afternoon hike. I picked up the Transept Trail where it comes around the campground and followed that to Bridle Trail, which leads to the North Kaibab Trail. You can take this one all the way down into the canyon. The important thing to remember is that every bit you go down, you have to come back up. I was not about to hike down to the bottom of the canyon. First of all, it's too late in the day, second, I'm having to keep an eye on my Achilles tendon that keeps flaring back up from tendinitis, and the altitude is 8.300'. I've decided to hike down to the Coconino Overlook, and no further. Well, it was further than I thought it'd be. Also, the North Kaibab Trail is the one they'll take you down on mules. This meant I had to dodge fly covered piles of pee and poo all the way down the trail. Not ideal. But the view is still worth it.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-zpDZgQS/0/1937dc7f/XL/PXL_20210830_175350184.MP-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-ZqND5Q8/0/607cfac9/XL/PXL_20210830_175430274-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that I hiked back up and back to my camping spot. One thing about being at this altitude, if you are in the shade, the weather is absolutely amazing. But if you are out in the high altitude sun it feels like your skin is sizzling. </p>
<p>My picnic table and the rest of the site were in full sun, but the empty site next to me was in full shade. Thus, I spent my afternoon sitting at the neighbors picnic table finishing off the last 2/3 of a book that I've been nursing for quite some time. Such a nice very relaxing afternoon.</p>
<p>Then it was time for dinner. My wife and son voted and chose the Lasagna with Meat Sauce. This is supposed to be my "Not bad" face but my wife says I look terrified.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-fpDMFXH/0/00d4a93d/XL/PXL_20210831_010820299-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Still too much water but the sauce powder dissolved and it turned into a slightly better than chef boyardee quality lasagna. Not bad actually.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-DpWBSBN/0/5c038d9c/XL/PXL_20210831_010831514-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>As the night drew to a close, I finished off all of my fire stuff in one fell swoop and had a nice last campfire of the trip.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-xmztrnv/0/9dd8e459/XL/PXL_20210831_023414638.MP-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Also, showers are still closed. At this point I can barely stand being in the tent with myself. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea?</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-7.html">Continue to Day 7</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-5.html">Go back to Day 5</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-7446642871481284762021-09-20T14:11:00.001-05:002021-09-20T14:11:26.045-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 5<p><b>Day 5</b></p>
<p>Sunday, August 29, 2021<br />Distance: 582.4 miles<br />Duration: 11 hours, 13 minutes, and 43 seconds<br />Average Speed: 51.9 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 3521 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 8825 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-TgCS6Zh/0/d87f2f1b/L/2021-08-29-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>One pin that's been on my map no matter what my plan has been, has been the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I've never seen the canyon and knew that if I'm passing this direction then I really need to make sure I have a stop here. I've planned ahead and have reservations to camp at the very nice campgrounds there.</p>
<p>So, just like that, NAFO is over, it's early Sunday morning and I'm loaded and ready to go. First thing is tracking along I-70 to Grand Junction again. After that, it's all new stuff for me. First, it' new state day for me. Never been to Utah before but I hear it's beautiful. Where the welcome sign is, well, that's kind of meh.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-fXqN8PS/0/c59a70d7/XL/PXL_20210829_134728442-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I already had it on my route but I'd talked to someone on my trip who found out where I was going and said "When you see the exit for Cisco, take it. That'll take you to where all the car advertisements of the 1980' were filmed, definitely worth it." I was able to easily find the exit and took it.</p>
<p>Side note here. Ugh, steering bearing issue again it seems. As the trip has gone on, when braking I started feeling a light click, that has moved to a bigger clunk. It's getting bad enough that I am getting a slight shimmy today under heavy braking. Not good. Thankfully I brought a decent tool kit and will address this at my camp site.</p>
<p>That said, UT-128 through Cisco is some of the worst maintained pavement I've seen on this trip. My steering is NOT liking this at all. I notice that I have a choice after Cisco to turn south or to stay on the road which will put me back onto the smoother I-70 which I'm currently running parallel to at this point.</p>
<p>Thankfully, the left turn put me onto some seriously beautiful smooth new pavement. They need to continue this back to the Interstate.</p>
<p>Forgot to change my gopro batteries and got absolutely zero footage for the first part of 128, but it's an eerie hazy transition from flat desert to the start of the canyons. Before you know it, you are here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-VTn9ZGJ/0/95b650e5/XL/PXL_20210829_142959719-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm so happy the road smoothed out because this ended up being one of my absolutely favorite roads of the trip. Not so much tight twisties, but the scenery as you turn your head every direction makes it great to be on a motorcycle. Still no gopro in here, missed a lot of great stuff.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-K3ZspNP/0/8ef99b37/XL/DSC01251-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-CjK7WbQ/0/52489c53/XL/DSC01250-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Once I hit Moab I turned south, and even though not as good as 128, the sights along UT-191 were still enjoyable.</p>
<p>At 11:30 I entered Mexican Hat and looking ahead at the map I opted to stop for lunch. I saw a sign that said "Pizza, Beer, Sandwiches" and that seemed like a good idea, well, at least the sandwiches did. I topped off the gas tank and rode across the street. After parking and getting all my gear off I walked toward the front door when a man sitting at the picnic table out front asked if he could help me. I told him I was looking for lunch and he laughed and said there's no lunch. I asked him when he opens and he said he's open for beer and the RV site, but the kitchen doesn't open till 1pm. Seemed strange to me to wait till just after lunch to open your kitchen but whatever, I thanked him and went on my way.</p>
<p>This past spring my parents unknowingly planned out today's route for me. My dad sent me a photo saying they went to where Forrest Gump was filmed for his home and sent me a photo of the street where he started running. I'd seen other folks previously post pictures where he stopped running, so this meant I had to go there. Just south of Mexican Hat as you approach Monument Valley is "Forrest Gump Point." Here he is just before deciding to stop.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-pFN5f5W/0/fb773032/XL/Forrest-Gump-Forrest-Gump-Stops-Running-2-movieworldmap.com_-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>There were quite a few folks getting photos here. I had my camera set up on my little tripod and had to wait on some girl posing for 62K photos her boyfriend was taking for her Instagram account so that I could grab my photo.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-d7msL5R/0/f37a0b40/XL/DSC01253-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.visitutah.com/articles/selfie-at-forrest-gump-point">Forrest Gump Point</a></p>
<p>Of course I had to take a bike photo too.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-LR8M6xP/0/f2c40184/XL/DSC01256-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Right after that, it's another new state day. Arizona.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-mGrXgGd/0/ed8b081b/XL/PXL_20210829_180447780-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Which started off with lots and lots and lots of this.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-7RsVt6S/0/25e356a3/XL/GH010414_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Every once in a while a little bit of this.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-t525J76/0/ee876915/XL/GH010413_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I stopped just outside of Page Arizona to get a photograph of the real horseshoe bend. It was super hot and I saw the lines to get to the pay booth just to get in and park so you can walk a short distance for a photograph. Not doing all that today, so I skipped it and continued riding the boring stuff.</p>
<p><a href="https://horseshoebend.com/">Horseshoe Bend</a></p>
<p>And then all of a sudden I entered this little cut through a mountain.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-qVxZ9bd/0/8839fe34/XL/GH010417_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>At the end of the cut is a left turn and you are now hugging the wall of a cliff and are very high up dropping down in altitude quickly to the floor below.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-w33gT5p/0/5a8adc3c/XL/GH010417_Moment2-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then the scenery started getting interesting. Additionally, the more interesting the scenery got, the higher the air temperature went. I was seeing 104F again running across the valley floor. Thank goodness I bought that new camelbak bladder back in Leadville.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-sxNPfrV/0/d483eac7/XL/GH010420_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>The Vermillion Cliffs were one of many things I'd see on this trip that you might have seen photos or video of, but you don't really grasp the scale of things until it's right there in front of you. The small cliffs in the foreground are seriously big cliffs, but the ones in the background absolutely tower over them. This was definitely a hot and jawdropping ride.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-b682pnK/0/593e0518/XL/GH010421_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-GRWZ9Kd/0/4a979359/XL/DSC01257-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Climbing up out of the valley toward the Grand Canyon you get a last look back toward the cliffs.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-M4dVDdM/0/c1708ec2/XL/DSC01259-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>On arrival at the Grand Canyon gate I noticed it was $30 for a car and $25 for a motorcycle. I've already paid $60 for my camping, so I presented my VA card. I was rewarded with a military park pass that would do me well later on in the trip. </p>
<p>As I approached the canyon, I recalled the advice given to me by Marty (OFace on the FJRider). He said since it's my first time, that you'll get glimpses of the canyon, but don't peek. Don't look. Just keep going. When you get to the parking lot, walk out to one of the overlooks and then just look up and take it in. It was hard, the canyon was flashing through the trees in the corner of my left eye and I wanted to look over so bad, especially at the boring slow speeds of a National Park. I kept focused on the road ahead of me and made it to the parking lot. I put my hat on and pulled it down low so I could only see the walkway right in front of me. Then I made the long walk to the hotel veranda, where I set my gear down on a picnic table, approached the wall and looked up.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2b6Nb72/0/0f7aabc1/XL/PXL_20210829_230921259-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I hate admitting when Marty is right, but that was definitely the way to do it. Once again, photos do not convey the scale of things and when I pulled my head up it definitely took my breath away.</p>
<p>Having done that, I took some notes on signs they had for suggestions and headed back up the road to the campgrounds to get checked in. I got my site all set up pretty quickly.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2J74xZ2/0/6569355e/XL/PXL_20210830_012641783-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I grabbed some clean clothes and my shower stuff and made the trek across the campgrounds to the laundry/shower building. On arrival there's a big sign out front and on each door saying "Closed for the season." Seriously? They still have labor day weekend coming up and the campgrounds are pretty full but no showers. Not good. I sweated my butt off in that 104F heat today and remember that it's Sunday and I haven't showered since Friday.</p>
<p>I wasn't sure what I'd be able to buy in the camp store so I'd brought some Mountain House Adventure dehydrated meals as well as one of the Omeals "MRE" in the Southwest Style Chicken flavor. It was delicious but certainly not enough food. I grabbed a mini chef boyardee and some dessert at the camp store to supplement it. Then I settled down to a nice fire in the firepit, enjoying this as I wouldn't be able to light a match once entering California. The camp store sold some good dry wood, so easy to light and burned really well.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-d7vGDMX/0/19857810/XL/PXL_20210830_025135374.MP-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>As I waited for the coals to burn down, I pulled out my camera to take advantage of the lack of light pollution way out here. I'd heard that my wide angle lens worked really well for some astrophotography so I was determined to give it a try and see what I could figure out. I struggled for a while, upping the ISO and shutter speed and still getting nothing. After four or five of these shots I remembered to take the lens cap off. Hey, it was super dark out there and I couldn't see it was on there. I got a few shots and ended up liking this one.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-mFrtKDw/0/267697e6/XL/DSC01267-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that, it was time to climb into by bedroll. I planned to be up early to watch the sun rise over the canyon.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-6.html">Continue to Day 6</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-4.html">Go back to Day 4</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-72400026157069031802021-09-20T14:11:00.000-05:002021-09-20T14:11:11.716-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 4<p><b>Day 4</b></p>
<p>Off the bike day in Glenwood Springs.</p>
<p>On previous motorcycle trips I never really had a lot of time, so they are always whirlwind trips. This left me disappointed becaues there were always things I wanted to see that didn't involve riding the motorcycle, but with the limited time, I had to rush rush rush to keep to the schedule. I also exhausted myself quite a bit with being on the bike non stop. This trip I decided to build in a few days off the bike to see some things, to give my candy butt a break, and get a little exercise in. I also wanted to ensure that I was back in time for the banquet tonight.</p>
<p>Today would be a day that would test my ability to deal with the frustration of changes and challenge me to be more flexible.</p>
<p>First up, I really wanted to do a little hiking on this trip. I'd done some research and Hanging Lake is supposed to be a really good hike. Due to the popularity of the trail, they limit the number of people per day on the trail by issuing reservations. I had reservations for today made months ago. I chose an early time so I could get up there to see the lake in the early morning light. I did have to ride over to the trailhead, and was possilby one of the first ones out of the gate this morning.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=41225">Hanging Lake Trail</a></p>
<p>Alas, I arrived at the rest area that serves as the trailhead parking lot to find this.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-5xCGHzS/0/d6bc7b55/XL/PXL_20210828_122414616.MP-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I should have checked my email. I'd been staying on top of this one since it had been closed when Glenwood Canyon was closed for the mud slides, but it was reopened before my trip. Apparently though, the rain two days previous had caused a minor slide that damaged the trail and I was issued a cancellation of my reservation and the trail was closed.</p>
<p>I tracked around to another rest area where I confirmed this and looked up some other trails in the area. The first two nearest to the rest area I found to also be closed with gates closed across the trailhead. I rode over to Boy Scout Trail in Glenwood Springs but there wasn't really a place to park except on the very steep sloped street. Thus, I headed back to the Inn to regroup.</p>
<p>I'd planned on seeing Doc Holliday's gravesite today so decided to go ahead and do that. It's walking distance from the Inn so I grabbed my camera and camelbak and started walking. The Inn sits right on CO-82 which is a major thoroughfare and the route to Aspen. It was so busy and noisy I was determined not to walk here and immediately turned right to take some back streets up to the trailhead.</p>
<p>The trail is a very nice, well maintained, walking path. It is a bit steep of a climb, and with Glenwood Springs being at 5,700 altitude, it's a little strenuous but thankfully it's still early and cool enough that I make my way up without too much huffing and puffing and sweating.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2D2GmHM/0/b6fc31ce/XL/PXL_20210828_161143867-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>First up, Doc might be the most famous person buried here, but not the only one. Harvey Logan, aka Kid Curry, who ran with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as a member of "The Wild Bunch" is also buried here. Apparently, after performing a train robbery nearby he was on the run from a posse when his group came upon a rancher. After making demands of the rancher they departed where they were defeated by the latest in technology at the time. The Telephone. Turns out the rancher had a phone and placed a call into the town where the posse was and tipped them off to where Harvey and his group were headed. There was a gunfight and Harvey lost his life and ended up being buried here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-KM59hct/0/7413d82d/XL/PXL_20210828_162252777-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Next was over to Doc Holliday's grave marker.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-m44Ljwq/0/f080093d/XL/DSC01239-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Folks like to come and leave little mementos on his grave.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-nn4pQZQ/0/496b2d08/XL/DSC01240-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Reading the various placards around the cemetery fill in a lot of information. This isn't Doc's actual grave site. There was a nice explanation of what a Potters Field was. Basically they believed at that time that everybody deserved a proper burial, even if you were a criminal or very poor. Thus a section was set aside for these folks. As Doc died alone and destitute, he wouldn't have been able to afford a decent burial and was likely afforded a wooden box, a space in the Potters Field, and a wooden grave marker. That grave marker wouldn't be maintained and would have deteriorated long ago. In the 1930's all the grave records were lost, so we know he's buried in this cemetery, but don't know exactly where.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-43k6PMS/0/cc43cd2d/XL/DSC01241-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potter%27s_field</p>
<p>I took a few photos from some of the overlooks that show how high up you have to hike, the first photo looking off toward the inn.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-rxSJs3b/0/308453d6/XL/DSC01245-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>The second one looking in the direction I intended to walk to find lunch. What an amazing little neighborhood of eclectic houses many with well maintained yards and beautiful flower gardens.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-3RRLwFh/0/deafacc4/XL/DSC01249-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Looking back down the sidewalk through the neighborhood.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-S2ZBgs3/0/8f443f89/XL/PXL_20210828_172021456-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I knew down on 82 toward the main part of Glenwood Springs that there were a lot of restaurants. I was checking my phone looking at what was available and one stood out to my mouth and stomach. I decided to hit up Masala & Curry.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.masalaandcurry.com/">Masala and Curry</a></p>
<p>I ordered up the chicken Masala with some garlic naan bread. That was some of the lightest softest naan bread I've ever had. The first picture shows the order as it came, which doesn't look like a whole lot of food.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-pPnbmnb/0/80cb7509/XL/PXL_20210828_173940558-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>But I managed to fill my plate twice and was definitely full when I left. Delicious food and excellent service here as well.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-wGWvMd6/0/ceb5b56f/XL/PXL_20210828_174723273-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After finishing lunch I headed back to the Inn to do some laundry and confirm my plans and routes for the upcoming days. I would have my flexibility tested once again.</p>
<p>I'd be making my way to and through California over the next week. I was very excited to see the Sequoia National Forest and had planned a couple of camping spots there. Thankfully all the fires are up north so I'm hoping smoke won't be an issue. My first camping in California will be just north of the beautiful Lake Isabella area. As I'm looking at my routes, Google informs me that my route is affected by the French Fire. Google is only too happy to show me a map.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-WjTSwRQ/0/60ac2b27/XL/Screenshot_20210828-131026%20%282%29-XL.png" /></p>
<p>That marker just north of Kernville is my camp site. I go back to my email again and there's an ominous email very recently from recreation.gov. Opening it confirms my dread that my camping reservation is canceled. I start trying to figure out alternate plans that will still be able to include the camping I have planned after this. I'm nervous about taking that 178 because who knows what will happen with the French Fire in the coming days and I could find the road closed and have to backtrack. I need a plan that gets me around the fire on roads likely to be open. The options are slim and I decide I'll have to hotel it in Bakersfield.</p>
<p>I purposely left my laptop behind at home this trip as it's big and bulky and heavy and I didn't want to bring it. However, I don't know how folks deal with only a phone screen because trying to plan and look things up is 10x harder on a tiny touch screen compared to a laptop with a mouse and keyboard. One advantage I have on my side is that my wife absolutely LOVES looking up hotels and comparing and stuff. I decided to "Phone a friend" and call my wife and put her on the case. Within an hour I have a text message from La Quinta in Bakersfield with my reservation information on it.</p>
<p>Laundry completed, I had a lazy afternoon hanging out with folks who had also opted to hang around. Finally we made our way over to the park next door to eat our fantastic banquet put on by the local Kiwanis club. I spent time consuming cheap beer, good food, and conversing that I forgot to take any photos. We moved back to the Inn and spent more time in the parking lot telling even greater lies than previous nights all spending that last evening togther before everyone split up for their various upcoming destinations.</p>
<p>Getting back to my room late, knowing I had to be up early and had a longish day ahead of me, I decided to forgo a shower. I'm going to spend most of tomorrow hot and sweaty alone, so I can get by with one night considering the easy day I had today. By the way, this is what is known as "Foreshadowing."</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-5.html">Continue to Day 5</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-3.html">Go back to Day 3</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-5619405724207928392021-09-20T14:10:00.000-05:002021-09-20T14:10:58.107-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 3<p><b>Day 3</b></p>
<p>Friday, August 27, 2021<br />Distance: 429.1 miles<br />Duration: 10 hours, 5 minutes, and 23 seconds<br />Average Speed: 42.5 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 4538 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 10840 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-x5rB8Vs/0/21d07dcd/M/2021-08-27-M.jpg" /></p>
<p>It's Friday and I have had a plan for my riding today for a while. Each time I've come to Colorado I've wanted to ride CO-141, but for many reasons, I've always had to scratch it off the itinerary. This time I made it the mission instead of an add on. Today I'm finally going to ride it.</p>
<p>I'm up and preparing to go fairly early. A few others beat me out onto the road this morning but most are still sleeping away while their rides wait patiently to be taken out to hit the roads.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-ZrcwzNR/0/56826cf4/XL/DSC01195-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-cCMBg4R/0/7dcb5c80/XL/DSC01197-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Heading out of Glenwood Springs, the sun is hitting the surrounding mountains just right. They really light up under that early morning sun hitting at such a low angle.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-tNvsG7f/0/8daa4fed/XL/GH010390_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-SMr6pJh/0/dbde76f7/XL/GH010391_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>As you approach Grand Junction, I-70 gets fun and scenic with the curves, canyons and the dam.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-3h4CDcM/0/c4a98088/XL/GH010392_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I stopped for gas in Grand Junction to top off, remove some layers and get ready to head up 141. The terrain changes so much along this road, it starts off with these light colored small canyon areas.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-B8nT6cx/0/daa9b37f/XL/DSC01199-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then it moves into these open farming fields with cliffs in the background.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-rQF9TQW/0/bcca4640/XL/DSC01203-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>While taking that photo, another FJR rider came past me. A little down the way he was stopped and I passed him. We did this back and forth for a while and eventually I stopped where he was stopped and we chatted a bit. Eventually we'd ride together for a little while and would catch up with each other back at the hotel.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-W8bLFJk/0/e445383d/XL/GH010394_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-WnwNw6J/0/ab9148ca/XL/GH010396_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Look at that amazing pavement!</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-DZBFNWd/0/3eb1e015/XL/DSC01206-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Eventually the canyon walls start to rise around you and the rocks take on a distinct reddish color.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-GNJBPNd/0/fbe05e6f/XL/GH010400_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-NbXG9kL/0/2b8a2d1c/XL/GH010398_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-PcK79hf/0/cf2787d2/XL/DSC01209-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-3BCNXfG/0/79fa3460/XL/DSC01211-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-QCrJFkH/0/af6c126d/XL/DSC01217-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then you climb up a bit out of the canyon and have some dangerous drop-offs to navigate with the river far below you, but still with cliffs towering above you.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-66R7sSz/0/0b76a87f/XL/GH010403_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Lots of folks rode right past the following viewpoint. To be fair, you can't see much from up on the road to know what you are missing.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-9D83GGh/0/6bdbaade/XL/DSC01221-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Getting that photo, of the full horseshoe, is not for those scared of heights. There's a lot in the way unless you walk all the way up to this edge.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-9XMnMHx/0/957f960d/XL/DSC01222-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Looking down, you can see the toe of my boot as to how close I was willing to get to the edge. Also, note that motorcycle boots are NOT ideal rock scrambling boots. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-sT6TMJv/0/1c707bdb/XL/DSC01224-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I'd like to take a moment and comment on the pavement for much of this road. Maybe it's good that I didn't ride it before because, as you might have noticed from the previous photos, a lot of this road is freshly paved. It's so smooth and beautiful, what a joy to ride on.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-qRtRhKr/0/918d90a6/XL/DSC01225-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Here I've caught up to the other FJR rider, I think he said his name is Dan. I am terrible with names and had to learn so many on this trip, I hope I got it right.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-x8nJwjx/0/7ed0aa18/XL/GH010401_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Finally out of the canyon, you head into the beautiful area around Telluride.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-5g8K3GW/0/22b79f86/XL/DSC01229-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>At this point I'm starting to get really hungry. I'm headed into Ridgway and start scrolling through restaurants on my GPS. I'm really wanting some pizza, and suddenly I see it, laugh and know exactly where I'm headed. My boss from my previous job was named Panny. When traveling through Ridgway with the family a few years ago we noticed "Panny's Pizza" and had a good laugh about him owning a pizza restaurant in Colorado (not really). </p>
<p><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/pannys-place-ridgway">Panny's Place Ridgway</a></p>
<p>Today, I no longer work for Panny, but I'm stopping to have some of "His" pizza.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-FtL2LjJ/0/146f74e8/XL/PXL_20210827_184441206-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I ordered up a personal meat pizza, it was good and I ate every bit of it.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-tQjzHdw/0/c1164333/XL/PXL_20210827_185957185-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that it's a boring slog up to Montrose and dealing with the traffic in that town. While stopped and filling up with gas, a guy comes over to me and points at my bike saying "Gen 2 right?" He's a former FJR rider, used to be on the forums way back and even organized some rides apparently. We had a good chat for a bit before he went his way and I went mine.</p>
<p>I'd read that the ride over Grand Mesa was supposed to be really nice so, I chose that of the three alternate routes I had to get back to Glenwood Springs. I do love running up 133, but I've done that and am trying to see new things on this trip.</p>
<p>Montrose to Delta is a hot slog of a ride. Then you turn and go through Orchard City and Cedaredge and it's all pretty boring, flat, straight with a little bit of traffic. I'm pretty disappointed in this ride so far and thinking I should have hit the black canyon or something else.</p>
<p>Just a few miles north of Cederedge all of that changes when the road shoots up into the sky. In just a bit you are on top of the Mesa with a view that stretches out before you.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-TjM5XhK/0/6d1f1cee/XL/DSC01231-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>On top of the mesa was this beautiful lake. I had to get a photo of this and hopped off the bike and walked about 10 feet to get a better view. Just getting to this point I was out of breath. Cedaredge is at 6,230' elevation but up here you've climbed up to 11,332'. I watched folks boating around in the lake and thought how much fun it'd be to bring my son and our canoe up to this lake. Then I realized that at this elevation we wouldn't be able to paddle and would have to just float around until someone local could rescue us.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-2t8htjx/0/1c5eb7cc/XL/DSC01233-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Coming around the other side of the mesa you get similar views looking out toward I-70. Down below me in this photo is a road that made me wish I had an ADV bike or had brought my land cruiser with me.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-Fqgtsq7/0/7569ea9b/XL/DSC01236-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that you drop off the mesa almost as quickly as you go up it. Then approaching I-70 you hit some of the most fun curvy roads in the area. Then it's a ride back down I-70 to Glenwood Springs.</p>
<p>A group of us walked over to the Mexican restaurant there on the same property as the Inn and enjoyed a fantastic dinner. I thought the prices were a little high, but the food was excellent and so flavorful.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fridasglenwood.com/">Fridas Glenwood</a></p>
<p>Looking back at the menu, I believe this is their Chile Verde Plate. (Tender chicken or pork in a special Mexican green sauce. Served with rice, beans, and choice of tortillas.)</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-vxFHbsb/0/dc657b0c/XL/PXL_20210828_012805750-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that it was back to the parking lot to tell more tall tales of the day's adventures before heading off to bed.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-4.html">Continue to Day 4</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-2.html">Go back to Day 2</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-77145638025371018822021-09-20T13:55:00.000-05:002021-09-20T13:55:34.404-05:00NAFO/YFO - Day 2<p><b>Day 2</b></p>
<p>Thursday, August 26, 2021<br />Distance: 506.2 miles<br />Duration: 9 hours, 27 minutes, and 18 seconds<br />Average Speed: 53.5 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 3665 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 11322 feet</p>
<p>Today is get to NAFO day. It's in Glenwood Springs Colorado, and I'm starting off in Dumas Texas. I get up before the sun is up and hit the road. I tried to stop at McD's down the street for a quick breakfast, but the lobby is closed. This would be a theme throughout the trip, trying to find food I didn't have to eat in the parking lot.</p>
<p>It was a bit brisk at 62F with my Rev'it Tornado 3 mesh suit without my liners but I knew the sun would be up soon to warm me up.</p>
<p>It wasn't long before I was passing familiar landmarks like the Capulin Volcano.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-qCVNWx8/0/7f2d1ba8/XL/GH010371_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/cavo/index.htm">Capulin Volcano</a></p>
<p>Passing long trains. Not sure I'd ever seen one with engines in the middle. This was a long one with two engines at the front, four in the middle, and two at the back.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-MBv2hHL/0/6fd96373/XL/GH010368_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Before you know it, you are getting close to Raton New Mexico and you come over a rise and get your first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. I'm not ever able to ride this stretch of the road without a huge smile on my face.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-qfDCW8v/0/9225516b/XL/GH010373_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Colorado 69 is one of my favorite roads. It's not the best road, but it has some nice sweepers along with amazing scenery as you travel up the valley toward US50. It's always a nice way to start a ride here, I call it the "Colorado appetizer."</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-VnnGznP/0/9f1ba9d0/X2/PXL_20210826_150821779-X2.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-X3mgzbS/0/1002bab7/XL/GH010377_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Riding on US50 usually means at least some of this.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-RNhRvjg/0/539afec1/XL/GH010378_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>But getting stopped near the front of the group means you can usually dispatch that slower truck and trailer and have the road to yourself.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-h4QHmPm/0/ebb47dd7/XL/GH010380_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>As I progressed north through the state, weather started to become a bit of a concern.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-V6jC4K7/0/3b353a81/XL/GH010381_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>So, Julie (FJRFarrier on FJRiders) has long praised the Cuban Sandwiches at Buchi Cafe Cubano in Leadville Colorado as being particularly amazing. I, having grown up in Tampa Florida, know a thing or two about Cuban sandwiches. I know, that outside of Florida, most restaurants just use a regular Deli pork and call it a Cuban. There is so much wrong about that. Now, of course, I'm skeptical when Julie, from Ohio, says a restaurant in Colorado, has the best Cuban sandwiches. I put it in my GPS to check out.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-6P44W7d/0/031833af/X2/PXL_20210826_183016535-X2.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-RpMkSd4/0/213f32b1/XL/PXL_20210826_184501241-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-HrRFHtF/0/ba0bf23f/XL/GH010385_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Ok, so Julie got lucky on her first Cuban sandwich because that was a proper Cuban and it was definitely good. Their Café con Leche was pretty good too. It definitely hit the spot and I enjoyed every bit of that lunch.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.buchicafecubano.com/">Buchi Cafe Cubano</a></p>
<p>While eating lunch I started contemplating the weather. I could go back a little bit and take Independence Pass through Aspen and into Glenwood Springs. However, looking that direction was low level clouds and a lot of rain. Looking at the weather radar confirmed that. I didn't really want to deal with that and I've been over Independence Pass before.</p>
<p>Looking at going north to Interstate 70 and across to Glenwood Springs also showed rain. In addition, there were recently mud slides in Glenwood Canyon on I-70 that had caused various road closures. It's currently back open but only one late each direction causing some traffic and potential closures during the rain like I was seeing on the radar. I decided to tempt fate and head north to I-70.</p>
<p>Before taking off though, I noticed a bicycle store a half block down from the Cuban restaurant. I'd discovered my aging camelbak bladder was leaking and kind of nasty. I popped down and picked up a new one, then put on my rain gear and headed north.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-G2HXGPQ/0/8be996ef/XL/GH010386_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Running I-70 is about as close as you can get to driving in a Nascar road course race. For the most part, the speed limit isn't even considered a suggestion, and the fast moving traffic is pretty insane. I had a car following along behind me at one point and I was approaching a steep downhill section of I70 and moved left to pass a semi truck. Right as I came alongside his trailer wheels there was a slow moving car ahead in the right lane. The semi truck jerked left to pass the slow moving truck not leaving me in a good situation. I was braking hard downhill on soaking wet pavement headed for a narrow shoulder next to a guardrail. That car following me was about to get an up close front row view of a motorcyclist getting squished. Thankfully the truck saw me at the last second, hit the brakes and moved back into his lane. I zipped by and thanked my lucky stars.</p>
<p>The cleanup crew around the mudslide area has been working hard, and I zipped right through without any traffic or issues. There was one section where you could see that the left lane sure did get torn up from the slide though, and will require some work to get that all fixed.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-L89dRkd/0/a523baa7/XL/GH010389_Moment-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Shortly afterwards I was exiting into Glenwood Springs and headed for the Caravan Inn where NAFO was being held. I arrived and was promptly greeted by some folks I've talked to forever online but was never able to put a face with the name until this day. Good times were had, lies were told, and general BSing took place in that parking lot. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-55DjBxC/0/fcb6de0f/XL/PXL_20210826_214944327-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Dinner was next door at the 19th street diner one block over from the hotel. </p>
<p><a href="http://19thstreetdiner.com/">19th Street Diner</a></p>
<p>This was one of the few meals I didn't take a picture of, but it was good and the service was fantastic. My son loves to see what I eat on my trips so if I have the photos. I'll post them.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-3.html">Continue to Day 3</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-1.html">Go back to Day 1</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-20442134854087886692021-09-20T13:48:00.001-05:002021-11-23T13:54:59.149-06:00NAFO/YFO - Day 1<p><b>Day 1</b></p>
<p>Wednesday, August 25, 2021<br />Distance: 434.7 miles<br />Duration: 6 hours, 37 minutes, and 40 seconds<br />Average Speed: 65.6 mph<br />Minimum Elevation: 403 feet<br />Maximum Elevation: 3718 feet</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-bqjkPbw/0/7fd14c08/M/2021-08-25-M.jpg" /></p>
<p>Not a lot to report this day. I got up early and worked through lunch so I could scoot out a little early. I try to start my trips in this way so I don't have to burn a vacation day doing the boring "Get out of Texas" part of the trip. Going west I usually try to make it to the Amarillo area.</p>
<p>I attended some meetings, did some work, got some brake bleeding done and last minute packing taken care of. The bike was already loaded and ready to go so when the time came I suited up, kissed the wife goodbye and hit the road.</p>
<p>The temps were up, and continued to rise as I rode west. I saw a high of 104F and was sucking down the water from my camelbak. I had a dinner destination of JT's Drive In, in Childress Texas.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/j-ts-drive-in-childress">BT's Drive In</a></p>
<p>I found this place on accident last year. The burger and fries were fantastic. Just the right char and flavor on the burger, and the seasoning on the fries was delicious. I had plugged it into my GPS as my dinner destination for this year. I was happy when I arrived because there was a table right under their wall unit air conditioner. I made my order and asked for a large ice water. The lady standing behind the order taker had been eyeballing me in my suit with my red face and sweat running off me, and as soon as I said "Ice water" she ran off to fetch that for me. I was especially thankful for that.</p>
<p>Dinner didn't disappoint, still as good as last year. I'd definitely recommend swinging by if you are passing through.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-b8532Bn/0/27c5c06c/XL/PXL_20210825_222039614-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I'm definitely a planner. Some folks can just ride and stop wherever, but I stress out if there aren't reservations. Last thing I want to do is wander around from town to town after dark, sore and tired, looking for a place to stay. I went cheap and had put in reservations at the Super 8 in Dumas Texas. On arrival, I was really thankful I'd made reservations in advance, was lucky to be able to find a parking space next to my room.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/NAFO-YFO/i-fvrbr57/0/30d9f70c/XL/PXL_20210826_012042062-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>That concluded most of the "Get out of Texas" portion of my ride. I'm within an hour of the border and about 3 hours from being able to see the Rocky Mountains. I go to bed early so I can have a head start in the morning to get the fun started.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-2.html">Continue to Day 2</a></p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-prologue.html">Go back to Prologue</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-77019453058333417772021-09-20T13:47:00.003-05:002021-09-20T13:47:41.840-05:00NAFO/YFO - Prologue<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">GixxerJasen goes to California, and other places...</span></b></p>
<p>Note: This is cross posted so forgive me for specifying things that might be obvious depending on where you are reading this.</p>
<p><b>Prologue:</b></p>
<p>Famous last words: "I will NOT be working on the bike until the last minute this time!"</p>
<p>Earlier this year my wife approached me. We've had a rough year or so dealing with all the COVID related stuff along with my wife and son's medical issues this past year. She told me in no uncertain terms, that I've been busting my butt to take care of them and that I needed to take my motorcycle trip I've been planning for a few years. Bless her.</p>
<p>I planned on attending YFO, the Yosemite FJR Owners meet, in California two years ago. My boss would not allow me to use more than a week of vacation at a time. This made it difficult to get to California, attend a meet, and return home. I had determined to use a holiday weekend to ride to Las Vegas and store my bike there, then fly home. Then fly back, grab the bike and hop up to YFO and take my time riding home. Shortly before the trip was to start, I changed jobs, thankfully so I didn't have that vacation restriction anymore, but changing jobs meant no vacation, so the trip was put on hold.</p>
<p>I had a few weeks to use this time around when my wife told me to go, and I noticed that the NAFO (North American FJR Owners) meet was in Colorado the previous weekend to YFO. If I play my cards right, I can do both, and have some fun seeing stuff in between.</p>
<p>It always seems that before a trip I'm doing work on the bike right up to trip departure. I decided that I will NOT be working on the bike until the last minute this time. I started two months in advance. My forks needed fluid change, they were leaking and the AK20 cartridges probably needed servicing. I pulled them off and shipped them off to Traxxion to get this done. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2007-Yamaha-FJR/i-HHMKXnZ/0/7f07f38e/XL/PXL_20210730_192404345-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>That took a few weeks, but I got them back, even with new stickers!</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2007-Yamaha-FJR/i-vhrvjCX/0/e56c205c/XL/PXL_20210730_192929186-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>On reinstalling the forks, it turns out I had a too short bolt for my upper triple clamp and when I torqued it, the bolt stripped the threads out of the clamp. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2007-Yamaha-FJR/i-qqccpwq/0/dea07b14/XL/PXL_20210814_223706045-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Quickest fix was to get a triple off ebay, which thankfully there were a few. The one I bought had the ignition bolts cut off. This meant I had to drill out the bolts on my busted triple, then drill the bolts out of the new one too. All went without too much drama though.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2007-Yamaha-FJR/i-RCfMTdk/0/53c42964/XL/PXL_20210814_135600681-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I got that done, and put new tires on the bike along with adding a Fobo Bike 2 TPMS set to the wheels. With the wheels off I proactively replaced the front wheel bearings. I changed the pumpkin fluid as well knowing the oil was fresh in the bike. Only problem I ran into, when installing the front wheel back on the bike was that the front brakes were dragging really badly. Like, really bad, enough to explain my poor gas mileage on my Florida trip.</p>
<p>I had two pistons in the front left caliper sticking so I hopped on amazon and ordered a rebuild kit. It was now the Friday before the trip and I'm scheduled to leave the following Wednesday, and the kit will arrive on Monday. Sheesh, cutting it close.</p>
<p>On Monday morning I awoke to an email from Amazon informing me that there was a shipping delay on my kit and it'd arrive mid September. Not acceptable. I jumped onto All Balls Racing site and ordered a kit with overnight shipping praying I'd put the order in early enough that it'd ship today (Monday) for a Tuesday arrival so I can be out on Wednesday.</p>
<p>The kit arrived Tuesday afternoon so I pulled the caliper and split it and started the rebuild process. I found this metal flake from the machining process in the orifice between the two halves. So much for good QC there.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2007-Yamaha-FJR/i-XRZJBsn/0/2d35b39f/XL/PXL_20210825_000939123-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>The brakes primed and bled better than any in my past. I did several bleedings before going to bed, and would do a few more during my work breaks the following day.</p>
<p>I really wanted to spend my last evening at home with my family instead of in the garage, but it is what it is.</p><p><a href="https://www.leanangle.com/2021/09/nafoyfo-day-1.html" style="font-size: 14px;">Continue to Day 1</a></p>
GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-69957288229182364522021-02-24T13:01:00.001-06:002021-02-24T13:01:04.918-06:00Land Cruiser rear hatch won't open - fixed.<p>The other day, when I was messing with the battery, I tried to open the hatch and the handle moved freely. Got inside and popped it open from there and started troubleshooting. Found the plastic clip on the inside was broken and wouldn't stay in when I shut the hatch.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-fCBKgB6/0/c18b938d/XL/PXL_20210224_183152373-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Did some searching and found this thread.</p>
<p><a href="https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/liftgate-wont-open.1221469/">https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/liftgate-wont-open.1221469/</a></p>
<p>CruiserDrew was a life saver linking to this on Amazon.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RWWB12Z/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=ihco-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=&creativeASIN=B07RWWB12Z">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RWWB12Z/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=ihco-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=&creativeASIN=B07RWWB12Z</a></p>
<p>I thought I'd get just one but nope, it's a bag of them for six bucks delivered.
</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-pT6S7Tj/0/d682a522/XL/PXL_20210224_183728431-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Good one on the right, broken tab on the left.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-4BKztRG/0/7090a5e4/XL/PXL_20210224_183309753-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>Slight problem though, if you look at the top part, it's narrower than the Toyota one. Better seen here.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-nJPWCK5/0/68293d7a/XL/PXL_20210224_183653865-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>It snapped on tight, and stayed.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-zS9tqh6/0/29eadf73/XL/PXL_20210224_183427184-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p>I wasn't completely sure it'd hold though so I put a small zip tie around it to hold it tight. Forgot to take a picture of that but you know what a zip tie looks like. Maybe this'll help someone else. Simple fix, two phillips screws, a bunch of push pins that actually DON'T break when you pop them out, and replace the plastic part.</p><p></p>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-74972038393371383092021-01-26T17:48:00.002-06:002021-01-26T17:48:54.661-06:00Gold Begone!So, first up, I went out last night and discovered I hadn't shut my door all the way (Have to shut it hard) and it was open enough to trigger the dome light and drained the battery. This is my first lifted truck and it was a treat figuring out how to get that freaking heavy battery out of the truck with it WAY up there and my itty bitty legs. I got it done, charged back up and back in the truck, all good. <div><br /></div><div>Second is a little side project I've been working on. I hate gold on a vehicle, personal thing, just seems tacky to me. Some people love it, more power to them, not my thing on my truck. So project gold begone is under way. </div><div><br /></div><div> Pulled the rear emblems off, they weren't in great condition anyway, especially the Toyota logo.</div><div>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-gHZKHhC/1/5fab094d/L/PXL_20210108_222628602-XL.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd debadge it if it weren't for the holes. I mean, right there in that spot there's two "Toyotas" and one logo. Seriously, we know it's a Toyota all right.
I found this emblem on ebay, took FOREVER for it to get to me from China. But it wasn't the china part that made it hard, it was USPS sending it back and forth between Grapevine TX and Atlanta Georgia several times. </div><div><br /></div><div> Not quite as big as the original but I like it. I got two in the package, more on that later.</div><div>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-mDTZcFH/0/79863c31/L/PXL_20210108_223551843-XL.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The nastiness behind the logo. I didn't even take a picture of what was behind the 4WD logo because it looked like a moldy chocolate bar.</div><div>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-QvJqZnP/0/eff4edf6/L/PXL_20210108_222657118-XL.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Goo gone wasn't doing anything with that. My first time using an eraser wheel. Cool gadget.</div><div>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-25VkrCh/0/4f6d0a63/L/PXL_20210111_185004447-XL.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Scuffed up the emblems, didn't need much scuffing on the logo as it was already pretty pitted and weather worn, then some coats of Krylon, some sanding out a bubble I got in it, spray some more and not too bad. Painted the 4WD anyway even though it was already black so it'd match. It got a bubble too. grrrrr.</div><div><br /></div><div>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-WR2CJrX/0/75daeacd/L/PXL_20210108_223422221-XL.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div> I thought I had a photo of it, but there was an hour or two of cutting the Sombrero out of a sheet of 3M adhesive. I got it pretty close. The 4WD came with pre-cut adhesive, much easier. </div><div><br /></div><div> Today I did a little paint repair trying to get some of the etching around the edges out but it's not perfect, but let's not pretend the paint job wasn't full of rock chips and stuff anyway so it'll pass muster.
My adhesive cutting wasn't perfect, but as long as you don't look too close it looks pretty good. It's better than the gold anyway.</div><div>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-JK2hfzS/0/270908c6/L/PXL_20210126_230816709-XL.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-3jfvddx/0/abfae2c1/XL/PXL_20210126_230827865-XL.jpg" />
</div><div>The 4WD might be a tad too far to the left, because it's not quite matching the curve and the point of the 4 is pulling a little bit. I got two of them and two adhesive strips so maybe I'll fix that another time. Good enough for now. </div><div><br /></div><div> Now I need to give it a bath so the rest of the truck matches the clean spots I made.</div>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-72377267875037450892020-12-13T23:35:00.002-06:002020-12-13T23:35:20.212-06:00Land Cruiser Drivers Seat<p> Decided to tackle the power seat gears on the drivers side today. I also have a clunk in the seat under acceleration and braking. Not a lot, just enough to be annoying. Did a search on IH8MUD and some folks pointed to the gears. I had ordered a full set from Gamiviti so figured I'd dig in and get it done.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-CQqFrD8/0/6ce46ea1/L/PXL_20201213_204037790-L.jpg" /><br /></p><p>First step was to wait for a break in the rain and yank the seat. Good opportunity to vacuum where the seat was.</p><p>On disassembly I find this little screw.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-XWWX4Kh/0/bf28ca73/L/PXL_20201213_210004591-L.jpg" /></p><p>Somebody has serviced this chair before it appears. And low and behold, thank goodness I watched the Gamiviti youtube video and did the passenger seat first because whoever did the work forgot to put in the back washers. I might have missed that if I hadn't watched the video and done the other seat.</p><p>I grabbed one of the front washers and headed to the hardware store. An hour later I'm home and I find I made a small mistake. Yup, I forgot that the rear washer is slightly larger than the front washer. In fact, it's very precise to be able to fit over the splines but not over the main shaft in the back. I drilled out the washers I bought and installed it all and no more clunk. Going to be much better from here on out.</p>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-43039917613320986202020-12-06T16:39:00.001-06:002020-12-06T16:39:27.786-06:00Land Cruiser Passenger Seat Gear<p> When I bought the Land Cruiser, one of the things the previous owner was completely transparent about was the non functioning passenger seat motor that moves it forwards or backwards. Apparently it's common for the gears in the seats to strip out over time. Thankfully, <a href="http://www.gamiviti.com/seatparts">Gamiviti</a> offers replacement gears for a reasonable price.</p><p>First I had to remove the seat from the truck and tear it apart to get to the gears. Thankfully the weather was splendid today to be out doing this kind of work.</p><p>Here is the bottom of the seat where all the work is being done.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-2JsvXK3/0/5fce9ce1/L/PXL_20201206_180651982-L.jpg" /></p><p>Some of the parts that needed to be removed as well to get the job completed.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-mWG4MV8/0/eea1ea45/L/PXL_20201206_180725551-L.jpg" /></p><p>The gears on both sides were stripped out. Here you can see one of the new gears pressed onto the shaft compared with the two old gears next to it.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-FZpCGSm/0/0bc1fc36/L/PXL_20201206_180747883-L.jpg" /></p><p>One thing also that happens that contributes to the gear stripping out is the below end cap comes out and gets lost. Gamiviti provides those as well. The youtube video Gamiviti published to show how to do this job recommends drilling the piece and putting a set screw in to keep it from coming out again. The screw cap was pretty loose so I followed the directions and installed the set screw as well.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-tfsRCC8/0/5237976c/L/PXL_20201206_182520721-L.jpg" /></p><p>Once back in the truck it works like new again. I'm now able to move the seat forward and give Jakob some more legroom in the back.</p>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-49045865685059398042020-11-25T12:12:00.001-06:002020-11-25T12:12:42.495-06:00Land Cruiser windshield washer issue<p> When I traveled down to Austin to get the canoe, I accumulated a lot of bugs on the windshield. Trying to work the windshield washer I found it to not be working, and just dealt with the bugs collecting.</p><p>When I got home I filled up the washer reservoir and found it still not working. I followed the hoses and they went around to the drivers side where there's an electric valve. I pulled the hose out of the valve on the pump side and fluid would flow, but when I pulled the hose out of the exit of the valve, nothing came out.</p><p>I did a search on the ih8mud forum and found that this is the diverter valve that determines based on your button presses, whether the fluid goes to the windshield or the rear window. Seems that these crud up on the inside after a while and aren't worth trying to repair and should just be replaced. Some folks will just replace them with a T fitting and just let the fluid flow to both. I looked up the part number and found a brand new one on ebay for $40 and ordered it up. Got the new one in and all swapped out.</p>
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-8w5vZJv/0/dd437ee9/L/PXL_20201122_154613002-L.jpg" />
<div><br /></div><div>Checking the system again I now had flow out of the valve, however no flow out of the nozzles. I do have fluid raining out of the bottom of the truck though. I broke the clips holding the insulating blanket on the hood, which apparently is common procedure because you have a better chance of winning the lottery than to pop those out without breaking them. Looking behind the old crumbling blanket, I find the hoses aren't connected to the nozzles. </div><div><br /></div><div>I connect them back up and test and the hoses pop back off again. Seems that the nozzles are so clogged they pop off the hoses when I try to use them. I got the nozzles out, used a safety pin to clean the exit holes from the nozzles and then dropped them in an ultrasonic bath of hot water and dish detergent. They came out looking almost brand new.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-nLZ3VT5/0/d6e5f6cd/L/PXL_20201125_174239068-L.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Got them popped back in and they work great. The little nozzles are ball valves so you can adjust them. During my cleaning they got moved around and two were spraying the hood right in front of them so I realigned them. It's fiddly to get them aligned but I ended up with an odd looking but very effective spray pattern. All good now, ready for Texas bug season.</div>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-51136646310946359672020-11-17T22:32:00.005-06:002020-11-25T12:12:51.232-06:00Trip to get a canoe<p> I found a good deal on a canoe on Two Wheeled Texans. I'd been looking for one for a little while and the deal kept getting better and better, the only thing bad about the deal is that it was about 200 miles away. Finally, I had to go and get it. I decided to make it the first "Adventure" and road trip in the Land Cruiser.</p><p>I took off bright and early with a full cup of coffee, a malfunctioning GPS and some hastily laid plans that involved as little interstate as possible. I intended to find a few dirty unpaved roads and hit those to see if I could get the truck a little dirty. I did manage to hit about 30 miles of this south of Ennis. A few surprises and a little slide, but all good, got the truck dirty, mission accomplished.</p><p>I continued on paved roads from there till I got down near Thorndale where I was to pick up the canoe. Little did I know, it's all dusty dirty roads to the guy's house. Awesome!</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-tw6Jr3B/0/2e7b9cad/L/DSC00925-L.jpg" /></p><p>Made my way over and picked up the canoe. I followed the seller back into town and we found a nice socially distanced table out on the patio and had lunch before I shoved off and headed home. I took this picture on the way back.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-LgGw66p/0/7107a5e2/L/DSC00929-L.jpg" /></p>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-632858765455992422020-11-04T15:07:00.005-06:002020-11-25T12:13:18.181-06:00Minor cosmetic updates<p>Nothing too terribly exciting compared to what else is going on round here. Guess that's what happens when you get a vehicle already in great shape. Not to be deterred though, there were a few cosmetic items I needed to take care of.</p>
<p>First up, getting rid of this thing. It's known in the Land Cruiser community as the "Useless Cubby" because it's pretty useless for storing much of anything in it.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-3h4VDjc/0/62b1d2ed/L/PXL_20201029_205514998-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Fortunately there's a company called "Wits End" that makes a lot of useful items for the Land Cruiser so I picked up this that allows for you to install some RAM ball connectors there. I have a lot of this stuff for the motorcycle so it'll be handy. I'm already testing a phone holder there. He's got a notch in the top of the insert to allow you to run a power cord out of there which I'll likely do in the future.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-pZbbcP9/0/7c1177e7/L/PXL_20201029_205807301-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Next up, I'm missing a lot of the fancy wood trim panels. I'm ok with that as I am most assuredly NOT a fan of wood trim. However, the glue left behind is rather annoying.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-S9RGw9W/0/009f5606/L/PXL_20201025_163602159-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I haven't vinyl wrapped anything in a long time, and wasn't great at it, but it's a nice way to dress things up. I'd previously seen some nice brushed metal black vinyl and wanted to try it. I figured I'd try on the wood around the window/lock switches first.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-MBCzj5Z/0/90c54baf/L/PXL_20201030_214639836-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-nkJJtBV/0/ebc195d3/L/PXL_20201103_231527194-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I'm not overly happy with it. Because of the straight line pattern it really shows where I'm not good at stretching the vinyl uniformly and ends up with some waves in places. Also, when the sun hits it, it's a very annoying bright silver color. I'll likely chalk this up to practice and try something else. Also, I noticed the door trim is wood with black paint over it around the buttons, and some of the paint is worn off. Might have to rectify that as well.</p>
<p>Also, I kinda broke the clock trim. I also need practice on these contours. I went back and watched some more videos and feel I can do better next time. Also, my hand was shaking when cutting and came out badly. Will redo later.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-KmvFCPH/0/a4f8e4fb/L/PXL_20201101_173422032-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>And then there was this annoying thing. </p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-PrBnpTm/0/738ad274/L/PXL_20201103_225945760.MP-L.jpg" /></p><p>Someone did a good job with cutting and trimming the foam stuff but really, the part is cheap. I've done a lot of fiche reading to order parts for my motorcycles but a car fiche is a different animal. This gave me some experience looking up and finding parts I need. I found the part number, checked ebay and found I could get a used one for $17 or I could order a new one for $20. Franklin Toyota had the best price to my door so they got the order.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-BqX3XWh/0/6b446f2d/L/PXL_20201103_231439854-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>That's it for today, I've been making a list of tiny things that need doing. It's going to be a fun truck.</p>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-82436147776897600542020-10-19T20:55:00.000-05:002020-10-19T20:55:05.174-05:001997 Toyota Land Cruiser Purchase<p>Several years ago, we went on a family vacation to Colorado and visited the Great Sand Dunes, which is a destination I'd highly recommend. While there, my wife found information on nearby Zapata Falls and wanted to visit. The description warned of the "Gravel Road" leading to the falls area and that an SUV or truck was strongly recommended. I didn't shy away from most roads in our Honda Accord so we made the attempt. The gravel road was filled with fist and softball sized rocks and we had to turn around in less than 100 feet.</p><p>I didn't like being turned around and vowed to come back one day with something like a Toyota 4Runner and see all the places we couldn't see with the Honda Accord.</p><p>It took a lot longer than I anticipated due to some tough economics in our household. However, recently a member of one of my motorcycle forums was posting about some of his restoration projects and the guy who is a certified mechanic was doing some amazing work. I noticed in one of his photographs an old Toyota Land Cruiser that looked in good condition. We had some conversation about it and I told him to let me know when he wanted to sell it.</p><p>Fast forward several months and he says he's thinking about selling it as he doesn't drive it much, so we start talking. The previous owner had thrown a lot of money at it in genuine Toyota parts, even skipping Safelite when his windshield cracked and taking it to the dealer and paying big money for an OEM windshield. Add on to that, the mechanic that was currently owning and caring for it, I knew this was a good specimen to buy. I went over to check it out.</p><p>Previous Owner's Photo taken the day I looked at it.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-vCKh9xm/0/66068590/L/IMG_1460-L.jpg" /></p><p>We made a deal, I worked with my bank to get an official check FedEx'd to me to exchange. The owner and his wife were nice enough to deliver it to my house as I was having a hard time figuring out how to go over and get it.</p><p>One thing he lamented about owning this truck was that he didn't drive it much and had a lot of trees over his driveway which put sap, sticks and leaves all over the truck, including bird poop. He'd cleaned it up for me to come see it but in the short week the trees had returned it to it's previous state. I got to spend some time with the new truck getting it all cleaned up while I waited for Monday to come so I could get it inspected and take care of the title and registration.</p><p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-Dv6sKKs/0/0174659a/L/DSC00919-L.jpg" /></p><p><br /><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cars-and-Trucks/Present/FZJ80/i-bB2zvc8/0/005004e3/L/DSC00923-L.jpg" /></p><p>With all that taken care of, I was able to take the family out for the first ride. It's a bit tall getting in but my son loves it. He keeps telling me that I bought a "Monster Truck." I've already ordered a few odds and ends to fix a few things. Got some more stuff to fix on it as it's an old truck that's been well cared for but still has a few blemishes for me to take care of. I look forward to taking it out on some adventures. Now to figure out which direction to point the compass and take it somewhere.</p>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718813101961161817.post-58926358619868055632020-08-03T13:37:00.003-05:002020-08-03T13:37:38.140-05:00My Red Lodge Rendezvous<p><b>Disclaimer</b></p>
<p>Holy crap that's a lot of words words words. If you just want to sit back and watch some videos, I got just the thing for you. In fact, please watch the videos, I spent far too many hours digging through footage and putting this together.</p>
<p>Getting to Red Lodge:<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLm4Gy97rqs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLm4Gy97rqs</a></p>
<p>Riding at Red Lodge:<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY2vB-3h8B4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY2vB-3h8B4</a></p>
<p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Prologue</b></p>
<p>I'd been needing another motorcycle trip to the mountains as it had been quite a while. This was especially needed considering all we in the world have been through the last few months as cabin fever had really set in.</p>
<p>Note: For anyone reading this in the future, remember the fun events of 2020? Yea, that's what I'm referring to. With two high risk family members, we've been being very careful and I'll have to be very careful on this trip too.</p>
<p>Big John on the FJR board had posted quite some time ago about another Red Lodge Rendezvous so named for taking place in Red Lodge Montana. I was curious but wasn't sure I could make the logistics work as that is a really long boring two days on the road, or an even longer three days of interesting riding, just to get there. Still, I figured I'd continue to try to find a way to make it work with my limited vacation time.</p>
<p>Big John ended up canceling the event officially because of COVID-19, however many riders posted in the forum that they already had the time off from work and the reservations so they were still going to come and ride, event or not. Things started opening up around the country for the tourism industry and I ended up having the time off from work and things worked out at home for me to slip away for this.</p>
<p>The plan was to take about three days going up, camping along the way, stay for the weekend in Red Lodge and then three days camping on the way home while exploring Colorado and New Mexico as much as possible. Wyoming and Montana were big unknowns as I've never been there before. But it was happening!</p>
<br />
<p>********</p>
<p><b>Day minus 1</b></p>
<p>So much for plans. Things are already changing. I'd found a really good RTIC cooler to go in my side bag to carry food for lunch and my dinner items so I could have things like steak for dinner while camping. In fact, I already had a ribeye ready to marinate in fajita seasoning for my first night of camping. However, I've got way too much crap that I'm taking and I need the extra room in the side bag to make things work. I know I have too much crap but it all seems essential at this point. I know it's not because my friend Josh who I'll ride with later is bring his daughter and camping so he's got less room for bags and still managing it, but he's much more experienced camping off the bike than I am.</p>
<p>I ditch the nice cooler and opt for a smaller lunch cooler that I can make work with other items in the side bag. The bike is packed and ready to go. All I have to do is work my shift tomorrow and then after work I'm off.</p>
<p>***********</p>
<p><b>Day 1</b><br /><b>June 23, 2020</b></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-mm2mZRt/0/7e6459f1/L/Day1-L.jpg" /></p>
<br />
<p>I work through my shift but my mind is in the mountains. I started early and worked through lunch so I can cut out around 2PM and get on the road. I'm done, suited up and rolling by 2:25PM, finally on the road, it feels good. The skies are cloudy threatening rain but I only see sprinkles getting through and out of the DFW Metroplex. About an hour west of Dallas and I'm out from under the clouds and the sun is shining. I see very nice temperatures for this time of the year in the upper 80's and lower 90's throughout the day, so I really can't complain.</p>
<p>My destination for the night is Amarillo and that means crossing Texas and that means a lot of small towns to slow down and ride through. On entering one town, the first "Adventure" happened. As I'm approaching I see smoke coming from one of the vehicles way ahead of me. It isn't long before the cause is revealed to me in a literal smoking carcass of a tire in the middle of the road.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-RPMwSTj/0/aa202c4c/L/SmokingTire-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>There's a lot of trucks on this road so someone has just lost a tire. I speed up and start checking tires on every truck through town. Soon I catch up to this guy, and you can see he's obviously lost a tire from his UHaul trailer.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-f44RbCd/0/94299a7d/L/MissingTire-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I flag him down and get him to pull over and I let him know that he's completely lost a tire off his trailer. He's completely clueless but thanks me Then I'm back on my way.</p>
<p>A bit later I start to think about food. I see that in the upcoming town of Childress TX there's a BBQ restaurant so I figure I'll check that out. As I arrive into town, I see it right away and it must be good because the parking lot is packed. With COVID-19 though, the last thing I want to do is to sit in a packed dining room so I pass it on. I'm glad I did because I spotted this J T's Drive-In, complete with outside dining on picnic tables. I flip a u-turn and pull in. This is the best photo I have that I extracted from my Spotwalla trip.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-fP85jxS/0/400ac564/M/1592955716323-M.jpg" /></p>
<p>One of the best burger's I've ever had and amazing french fries. So much I couldn't eat it all though I wanted to. If you are passing through, I highly recommend it. Excellent service from the staff there, and they are popular with the locals because there were a LOT of drive through pick ups while I ate.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-s9DmmJV/0/5ec9e7c5/L/IMG_20200623_184503-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>After that I'm on my way, one thing west Texas and New Mexico are good for is train spotting. Lots of trains. Last time I've been through this way there was a lot of maintenance going on and the trains weren't running but today I saw a lot of trains on the move.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-mDB5BZw/0/d626a93e/L/TrainSunset-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I'd contemplated camping at Palo Duro Canyon, but it was closed for COVID-19 until right before my trip, and it would have added about an extra hour to each day of riding because of how you have to go through there, so I opted to stay at the Quality Inn for $50. The room was clean but the bed was far from quality, it was the worst mattress I've ever slept on. It felt like they removed all the padding and just re-skinned the springs and frame and let you sleep directly on them. Boot camp beds were more comfortable than this thing.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-gZLmPZ7/0/15ab0ebf/L/IMG_20200623_205049-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>*** </p>
<p><b>Day 2<br /></b><b>June 24, 2020</b></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-hmBtKcf/0/1e5cd961/L/Day2-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I woke up early the next morning as I wanted to get a sunrise photograph at the Cadillac Ranch. I've been there before but not early enough to watch the sunrise. I did get there plenty early though.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-w2jwxjt/0/5af48c0e/L/DSC00725-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>However, photography plans are at the whim of mother nature and those clouds on the horizon decided to block my sunrise, but it was still nice enough.</p>
<p>I head back to the hotel, throw the bags on and start heading northwest.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-mghkKFL/0/b1619549/L/DSC00727-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I work my way through the northeast corner of New Mexico and before long I can see the mountains on the horizon and then I'm in Raton ready to head north on I-25 through Raton Pass. Usually I'll run up to Walsenburg on I25 but today I decided to turn at Trinidad and check out CO-12, the "Highway of Legends."</p>
<p>The first half of CO-12 was highly disappointing. Mediocre views, trashy towns, terrible road conditions, and a little bit of traffic. However, the second half was absolutely beautiful, great pavement and fun turns. I stopped at this lake to enjoy being in the mountains and to take in the view.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-rWhLcqR/0/388642a8/L/DSC00729-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-6f2HfBq/0/4bf32bbe/L/DSC00731-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I finished up CO-12 in La Veta and had planned to take Co Rd 520 north to Badito as a shortcut to CO-69, however it was very much not paved and did not look like a good road for the FJR. I turned around and ran to Walsenburg and then caught 69 north.</p>
<p>As I approached Westcliff I found a small park that was ideal to have my picnic lunch at. There was a guy with a hammock there and we chatted a bit as he used to ride motorcycles and was originally from Dallas when he used to ride. This was my view as I ate my lunch, not bad huh?</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-95rCj4p/0/98be7a41/L/DSC00734-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I ran 69 north and caught Highway 50 back east to catch CO9 north. My goal was to catch Terryall Road north. It's supposed to be a very nice ride, not epic, but certainly better than riding up the very straight CO-9 all the way to Highway 285. Riding interesting roads over to Terryall road is a bit complicated so I had set up a route in my Garmin to get me there. I usually just use way-points instead of routes for this purpose but due to the complication of it, I thought I'd try a route instead. As I'm navigating some very nice roads I'm watching my fuel level and I realize I'm going to have to get gas before my camp site so I should start looking, because I'm not sure what is available near my campsite or after. Fortunately I did this because there was nothing near the campgrounds at all and I wouldn't have made it. I look up on Garmin and find the "Evergreen Station" near the town of Florissant about five miles away so I route there as a Via Point in Garmin. </p><p> I'd managed to miss most of the weather throughout the day really only getting some sprinkles and light rain. However, talking to the lady in the store, she said she had some motorcyclists take shelter during a storm the previous day. While they waited another guys showed up on a cruiser without a helmet. When he came in, his face and head were all bloody. Turns out he'd gotten caught in a hail storm. Check off another box for why to wear a helmet.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-Gx7dWHD/0/06a715ec/L/Rain-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I left and started following directions again on the Garmin and next thing I know, I'm in Hartsel. Somehow, when I rerouted to the Evergreen Station, it recalculated my entire route and found it to be inefficient and I'd completely missed Terryall Road and was now back at C-O9. I was pretty exhausted and frustrated at this point so I chose not to double back and continue on. CO-9 and Highway 285 were as I expected, nice views, but super straight and full of slow moving cars and enough traffic to take away pretty much any passing opportunities. This reroute will play into events of the evening as I continue.</p>
<p>I turned up Guanella Pass Road and what magnificent pavement it had. The road wound it's way up in elevation lined with pine and aspen trees and a creek flowing along the left side of the road. It was a beautiful five miles to my campsite. Burning Bear Campground at over 9000' altitude.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-jBQXfkP/0/6a5aeaae/L/DSC00736-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-kJZMBbq/0/ff4777b5/L/DSC00737-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-q8kqztk/0/48ee5c8e/L/DSC00738-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>You'd think I'd be in my happy place and all is right with the world, right? However, for some reason I got into a bit of a funk that turned into a bad mood. Then things started happening that pushed that bad mood even worse. Looking back, it's all a bit petty but when you are in the mood, it sucks. I had gotten into the funk shortly before the routing issue with Garmin. I got to the campsite and found the bags of ice had leaked all into my lunch cooler, which leaked into the side bag. My blue jeans I was supposed to wear since it would be cool that night were soaked with cold water. There was no firewood in the campground, you had to bring your own. The match light charcoal wouldn't light, so using my new bushcraft grill wasn't going to do anything to my steak. It was sprinkling and obviously had been for a while so all the leaves and sticks around were soaked. I tried to cook the steak over my jetboil on a pan I had but that had terrible results. I managed to get one crappy taco out of it all. I was too angry to heat up the can of soup I'd brought for backup and also because the skies opened up and started raining hard so I had to retreat to my tent. At this point I was tired, frustrated and depressed about my evening. I really needed at least one piece of good news and I was recalling my routing to get me to Red Lodge and was thinking and hoping that my third day would be a shorter one, but Garmin revealed it'd be 50 more miles than I'd ridden this day. My mood was so bad, usually when this happens I can get on the phone with my wife and she'll level set things, give me a pep talk and I'll be better but there's no cell service at the campground whatsoever. I briefly plan to just hit the highway back home the next day till I figure out how far that'll be. I laid down in my sleeping bag pissed off at about 8:30pm with it still being very light outside and listened to the rain. </p>
<p>Next thing I know it's midnight and cold. I'd fallen right asleep. Thanks to my sleeping bag and fleece sleeping bag liner I stayed quite warm all night and my Klyimt mattress kept me comfortable all night long.</p>
<p>Here's a shot of the beautiful campground I'd intended to enjoy but due to the rain, I mostly only saw the inside of my tent.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-TZNtDH3/0/8ba2f32b/L/DSC00740-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-CgFXjm6/0/622873d6/L/DSC00741-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>********</p>
<p><b>Day 3<br /></b><b>June 25, 2020</b></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-8jcKRtm/0/7b000f94/L/Day3-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I woke up and felt much better in the morning. My spirits were higher but my jeans were still just as wet as they were the night before. I packed up camp including stuffing a very wet tent into it's bag, which I'd have to do something about later if I didn't want mildew.</p>
<p>As I rolled out to finish my run over Guanella Pass, it was 41F, but my spirits were much improved from the previous day and I was happy to be on the road again.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-4dbZQTW/0/0342f423/L/BurningBear-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>It was cold and the roads were damp, but the sun was shining and I was enjoying having this road all to myself.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-XMSVjkc/0/25a4a0bf/L/Guanella-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>However, when I reached the summit, I was greeted with this.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-VzGrcdh/0/ce1b75a2/L/GuanellaSummit-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Apparently Guanella pass is a popular hiking area, even during the week. The parking lots were full with folks parking on the street to get that early morning hike in. From here on out, there were lots of vehicles coming the other way as that's the easier way in coming from the Denver area.</p>
<p>Now, I've learned over my times in the mountains to never understimate a driver based on their vehicle. Especially, never underestimate a local who knows the roads and drives them daily and is in a hurry to get somewhere. I pulled over and let this 4Runner get by.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-GCh25ZS/0/a7d76e6d/L/4Runner-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>He was running hot, and wasn't afraid to let his tires howl through the corners. More importantly, quite a few of these corners had drivers cut the inside and the road was covered with gravel, of which he was definitely more confident to fly through than I was.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-dTnVLT7/0/4072c4ab/L/GravelCorner-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Guanella pass ends in Georgetown which I hopped on 70 for a little bit to catch Highway 40 north. I'd been on this road for a family trip once before and was looking forward to it. It's a nice climb with multi lane 15-25 mph U turns all the way up.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-gkqkQ8b/0/9f54b295/L/Hwy40-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>This runs up through Winter Park and into Granby, where we'd stayed before. I got a quick splash and go in Granby before turning north on CO-125.</p>
<p>I had intentions of staying at Denver Creek Campground on the way back, however it's first come first served, no reservations. That kind of winging it might work for others, but I'm the type that prefers to have a plan, and wandering around when I'm tired and frustrated because I didn't properly plan ahead and found my campground to be full, just doesn't work for me. So I'd planned on checking it out this morning and seeing how full it was on a weekday, since I'd be coming back on a weekday. Once again, Garmin failed me as that was a via point and it never showed it to me and I remembered it way after I'd passed, so my recon mission was failed.</p>
<p>Once past Rand colorado it gets pretty flat, but the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is still quite scenic.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-RMrzcxs/0/0ed4007b/L/NorthofRand-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>So, I've been pretty hard on Garmin in this report and not especially happy with it. It doesn't necessarily do the things along the way that I'd like it to do, but it DOES get me where I'm going pretty reliably. You might notice the phone in my photos and videos, well I was running a test using OSMAND on the phone for navigation. Somewhere around this area is where Garmin kicked OSMAND's butt. I looked down at my navigation devices, which had been in agreement for most of the way the past few days, but I noticed a dramatic disagreement between them. Garmin was telling me to turn left in 5 miles, while OSMAND said to turn right in 24 miles. That's interesting, I wonder where they are taking me that is so different, then I noticed something. Garmin had my estimated arrival time in Red Lodge as 5:20PM. OSMAND had my arrival time at 9:15PM. Right then and there I was thankful I was following my Garmin because who knows where OSMAND was taking me. This was pretty much a HUGE failure of the test and I didn't hardly look at the phone apps the rest of the trip.</p>
<p>I don't know what it is about Wyoming, but as I approached the border, the bugs became terrible. I stopped for this picture and had to get going again because I was being swarmed. Never been to Wyoming before, and this welcome was not what I'd expected.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-tKW9MDG/0/ef8a6ca7/L/IMG_20200625_110514-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I can't even begin to tell you how much video is ruined from my GoPro due to it being covered in bugs. Here's what my helmet looked like when I stopped for lunch at a Subway in Rawlins.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-4T9qJ4B/0/0dd1d5c2/L/IMG_20200625_121737-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>In fact, I'd clean my helmet at every gas stop and it'd look like that by the next one. Subway lunch was good, and I had cell service so I phoned the family while I had lunch, it was good to talk to them.</p>
<p>The whole area was pretty flat and kind of boring, but different from what I'm used to at home, so I was enjoying myself.</p>
<p>I turned north on 135 (Sand Draw Road) from 287 following Garmin. At some point I remember seeing a sign warning trucks about a steep slope in 11 miles. I squint and look ahead and its flat for as far as I can see. I think, that's interesting, but shrug my shoulders and continue on. The location they are talking about is the following google maps link about where it says "Wagon Bed Spring":</p>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6953628,-108.1775874,2324m/data=!3m1!1e3">https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6953628,-108.1775874,2324m/data=!3m1!1e3</a></p>
<p>The Google street view doesn't do it justice and I wasn't running video at the time due to the flat boringness. However, the road makes a few turns climbing as it does, but not that dramatically. Now, the land to the west must be falling away faster than I am climbing because I pass a guardrail and I'm quite high up now. Another few turns and you see the road just fall away over the crest of the hill. It's a little unnerving because of all the turns, and there's no turn warning signs as you crest the hill. Once you can see over, the road just drops what looks at the time like straight down for miles. It was quite impressive and very out of place in this area. Soon enough, it was back to flat boringness.</p>
<p>I arrived in Riverton and turned toward Shoshoni. The last several miles into Shoshoni and across the Boysen Reservoir were some of the worst crosswinds I've ever experienced. I've ridden for hours across the pains of Texas with crosswinds so bad I had to slide over onto the side of the bike, but they were continuous cross winds. Annoying, but ridable. The area around the Boysen Reservoir was so turbulent that it kept blowing me this way and that. If I weren't wearing gloves I'd be able to see how white my knuckles were. I was pretty terrified at times.</p>
<p>I stopped in Shoshoni and a guy warned me that the canyon had awful winds that were blowing his truck all over the place. "Great" I think, more of that. I wondered if this was how the Wind River got it's name, but it wasn't bad when I was coming back. I don't know which situation is unusual. The ride from Shoshoni to the North and coming back across the north side of the Boysen Reservoir was just like earlier, and several times the wind tried to blow me into the path of oncoming trucks. Once in the canyon however it was quite nice.</p>
<p>I think it was Joey that told me the ride between Shoshoni and Thermopolis was amazing and I have to agree. Wind River Canyon was fantastic and I enjoyed it all.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-FSMLXh5/0/c0682378/L/WindRiverCanyon-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>The ride up to Greybull and Cody were pretty uneventful. Finally, I get a new state I've never been to, Montana!</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-9FGKnmW/0/fefced18/L/IMG_20200625_180039-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Dear Montana, I thank you for not choosing to welcome me to your state as Wyoming did with the bug welcoming committee, but perhaps you could move the sign to the pullout and make it a little bigger please?</p>
<p>On my way from there to Red Lodge I stopped for some photos. The temperature was dropping and I could see rain on the horizon so I decided to put in the waterproof thermal layers into my Rev'It Tornado 3 suit.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-jvr2PDQ/0/315f3b0f/L/DSC00746-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I was glad I did because two miles later the rain started and three miles further the temperature had dropped almost 30 degrees.</p>
<p>I punched through that and rolled into Red Lodge. Seems like all of the FJR community was walking up the road into town for lunch and I got a lot of waves as I arrived.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-SLXppvM/0/e2bace3e/L/IMG_20200625_183138-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I quickly phoned Josh and they were up in town waiting on a table, so I hurried down there and met up with the group. I had a fantastic pizza of which I ate half and ended up giving the other half to Craig who arrived late and didn't have time for dinner, so it all worked out well. </p>
<p>I laid my towel on the floor of the closet in my room and hung up my jeans and my tent to let them dry, then I went to bed and slept well on a comfortable mattress.</p>
<p>********</p>
<p><b>Day 4<br /></b><b>June 26, 2020</b></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-dRQ4tqf/0/0e27d279/L/Day4-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I woke up happy and refreshed. I made coffee for the cabin and everyone started coming downstairs in a bit. Our group would be me, Josh, his daughter Kenzie, and Craig. Josh has been here before and offered to lead us over Beartooth Highway and though a "Quick" loop of Yellowstone. Big John had arranged for us to have some breakfast burritos supplied by a local restaurant so I heated one of those delicious burritos up and had it with my coffee. Great start to the morning.</p>
<p>We headed out and up Beartooth Highway and it far exceeded my expectations. I thought Colorado was the most beautiful place to ride but this is my new favorite. Josh led us on a spirited ride on some excellent pavement through the turns and scenic drive. It was amazing to see him and his daughter running two up carving the corners ahead of me. We pulled off at Rock Creek Vista for some photos.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-x74FfTq/0/004e4cf2/L/DSC00748-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I commented that only motorcyclists lean over a railing to take a picture of a road.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-gxgdXZW/0/4eb798eb/L/DSC00752-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-QMFPWjV/0/8363aa31/L/DSC00755-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>We hopped back on and road on up to the summit.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-hj5qGnZ/0/385a44a4/L/DSC00756-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>There was a big snow field to play in. Josh kept ribbing me about being from Texas and being inexperience with snow, but these two sure had a hard time walking in a couple inches of snow. Spoiler, I grew up in Vermont and also lived in Ohio for a year. :D</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-TP8pBgV/0/567fa385/L/DSC00757-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-SDr76vQ/0/be53e3c5/L/DSC00759-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I had to lay down in the snow though. We were a couple of days from July, and how often does someone from Texas get to lay in the snow this late in the year?</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-b7Gr437/0/dafd174c/L/DSC00761-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Kenzie must have about a million photos stored in her icloud.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-bmvmNdg/0/fdf5936e/L/DSC00771-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-Qkbkhns/0/0030c467/L/DSC00769-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>We pushed off from there, stopped in the gift shop on the way down the back side where I got a Beartooth sticker for my top box. As we came down, Josh pulled us over to get some photos of the waterfall along the way.</p>
<p>Craig parked opposite us and I had to get a photo of him.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-LLpkmfm/0/3d9f1b0b/L/DSC00773-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>The waterfall was pretty amazing.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-xJLwSvw/0/2f42e82b/L/DSC00774-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-RJ7whVT/0/95ae3219/L/DSC00785-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Josh and Kenzie see rocks and water, and they must go scramble on them.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-nzmVT8Z/0/74160e4b/L/DSC00775-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I spent a good while trying to get this photograph for them with a good splash of the water behind them. Each time, they'd get doused with water. I might or might not have gotten the good shot a while before I let them know I got it. ;)</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-Jg6Q5PR/0/21f8ffa0/L/DSC00778-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I yelled out "Do a Joey!" and they needed no further instructions and immediately did this. (Joey is in the FJR community and loves to do this pose in front of every waterfall he encounters.)</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-KgmQvQt/0/0fa8d853/L/DSC00779-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Craig and I opted for photos from the bridge.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-DPW2BR5/0/6686e32c/L/DSC00782-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-c63WrW5/0/7479f920/L/DSC00783-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Still not sure what these two were doing.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-3K862BF/0/9b014d8a/L/DSC00784-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>We stopped for lunch in Cooke City at I think the Bistro Cafe. We chatted with the owners and it was sad to hear that COVID-19 was really threatening the area. They'd had to lay off their two workers and were struggling to keep the place open just the husband and the wife running the cafe with less than 30% of their usual business. I opted for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with french fries. Lunch was good and got us energized to head into Yellowstone.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-HL2w5vr/0/a335ffdf/L/IMG_20200626_124716-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Happily, I was able to be the second bike in on Craig's National Parks Pass so entry for me was free. Now, I'll say this about Yellowstone. If you were to drop someone into Yellowstone they'd think it was the most beautiful place ever, but having experienced Beartooth that morning, it was beautiful, but it was definitely a step down. I'll also say that I was frustrated with the traffic, and considering the park was only about 30% full, I can say I'd never come back on a motorcycle again, especially when the park is at capacity. If I had a nice big comfy SUV that I could cruise in and chat with my family and enjoy it along the way, it'd be different, but on a motorcycle, hell no.</p>
<p>That said, I did enjoy myself. Kenzie had been talking earlier about wanting to see wildlife and quite soon into the park we saw a juvenile bear on the side of the road. A short time later we saw a herd of bison.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-zV2FNpz/0/eaac8e44/L/DSC00787-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then another herd, then some other animals and another bear. Needless to say Kenzie got her share of wildlife sightings in.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-BmGvzc4/0/573e624c/L/DSC00796-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>The scenery was amazing still.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-GTzDxX6/0/31457773/L/DSC00789-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-N9J8kSG/0/5f013a8d/L/DSC00793-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-cjjdWRP/0/cac3af8f/L/DSC00799-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I'd gotten into the rhythm of Josh's passing maneuvers of slow moving cars in the park. We were coming up on a left hand turn that went up a long hill and there was plenty of clearance to get around the vehicle in front of him. I lined up waiting for Josh to make his move. Well, Josh looked down and realized the right turn we need to make was, oh, RIGHT THERE! He nailed the brakes and dove off the road to the right coming right across the nose of my bike. I had no time to process what he was doing and make the turn though so I had no choice to continue on. Craig was a bit behind me and got a good view of this. I finally got turned around and caught up to them. Craig and Josh were talking on their headsets and Josh had Craig wave me to the front. Josh looked over at me and was pleading "I'M SOOOO SORRY!" to which I have him the finger, laughed and went back to my place in line.</p>
<p>One of the things that really stuck out to me that day though was Yellowstone Lake. I'm not a boater or a fisherman, but I really wanted to grab a boat and go spend a relaxing afternoon fishing on this lake. It was quite spectacular.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-q3h6dbd/0/d8e39dcf/L/YellowstoneLake-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>We headed down to Cody. By the time we arrived, my F had been flashing on my fuel guage for while and I was dying of thirst. I was really regretting not bringing my camelbak. We finally stopped for gas and I guzzled down a Gatorade. We then headed into town to do some souvenir shopping and, Joey would be happy, we stopped for ice cream.</p>
<p>From Cody, we had the option of the boring way back to Red Lodge, which I'd ridden the night before, or Chief Joseph Highway. I was pretty tired and ready for the boring short way, but was intrigued by what I'd heard of Chief Joseph Highway. I was glad we didn't ride the boring way.</p>
<p>Now, the time of day made our spirited ride interesting as we were constantly turning into the setting sun. I couldn't get any video this evening as it would be all washed out and the glare on the face shields made for interesting riding, but we had a good time regardless.</p>
<p>After that run, we stopped for a breather before turning to run back over Beartooth Highway one more time. Kenzie has a good eye for photography because she noticed how our bikes were lined up with Beartooth mountain and the setting sun. I grabbed my camera but had left it on and the battery was dead so had to resort to my phone. I think we all ended up with our own version of this photo.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-gptbgS8/0/33729ff8/L/IMG_20200626_195733-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>We started off at a spirited pace over Beartooth but somewhere past the summit I was starting to feel gassed and started making mistakes in my riding. I finally waved Craig through and figured I'd slow it way down and just meet them at the lodge, I could find my way from here. Craig and Josh discussed it over the intercoms and agreed with my decision and turned down the pace and we all moseyed back to the lodge.</p>
<p>********</p>
<p><b>Day 5<br /></b><b>June 27, 2020</b></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-dSRFWjb/0/d36df329/L/Day5-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>This day we talked about what we wanted to do and came up to some very different conclusions. Josh and Kenzie wanted to go back to Yellowstone and get off the bike a bit and see the sights. I'd seen enough of Yellowstone on the motorcycle and wanted kind of an easy sightseeing day. Craig had been on his bike riding around the country for the past three weeks and wanted a rest day and needed to work on his new trailer hitch for his motorcycle before heading home. He also was planning a BBG Gold the following day (1500 miles in 24 hours) to get home so he wanted to rest. Thus, we'd each be on our own today. Probably good for the whole "Social Distancing" thing anyway.</p>
<p>Before I headed out though, Craig was talking about some place he'd had breakfast at the day before and wanted to go back. Breakfast sounded good to me. He couldn't remember the name of the place or exactly where it was so we went up and down main street in Red Lodge looking for it. Eventually we stopped at a donut shop and went in to inquire about it. Between the lady at the shop, Craig and another customer, we figured it out. However, as we turned to leave, the customer said "But if you want the best breakfast in town, it's not on main street. He gave us directions to the "Cafe Regis."</p>
<p>We arrived and asked about a table and I looked out the back doors and made the command decision that we were eating outside.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-qw8nSg5/0/6e99419a/L/MVIMG_20200627_090945-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>The waitress pointed out that many of the ingredients for the menu come from their garden, including the rhubarb that was harvested that morning for the strawberry rhubarb pancakes that Craig got.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-rWCg9gM/0/dee74814/L/IMG_20200627_092138-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I opted for a more traditional breakfast. Yes, the bacon was as good as it looked.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-Hr8HcHv/0/0c628b8b/L/IMG_20200627_093256-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>The waitress brought the bill to which Craig snatched it insisting on paying for my breakfast. This place was super nice and the food was fantastic, and apparently the bill reflected that. I thought Craig was going to choke, and I offered to pay for my own breakfast but he wouldn't hear of it and insisted to pay and wouldn't give me the bill. Thanks Craig, I did very much enjoy it.</p>
<p>I headed off on my own after breakfast to get some video and photos that I hadn't been able to get the day before. I stopped to set up my selfie stick and realized I left my memory cards sitting on the bed stand. I rode about 10 miles back to the lodge and got them, and noticed I'd also stupidly left behind my camelbak. Remember how thirsty I was yesterday?</p>
<p>I got back and got some good onboard footage with the camera mounted to the nose of the FJR and a good selfie stick run, the way that Itchy Boots gets hers.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-b252fgr/0/d8a6f0d6/L/Selfie-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Once again I took advantage of Kenzie's eye for photography and totally ripped this shot off from her and Josh. I'd seen their version and was jealous so I took my own up by the summit.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-FCkHTRP/0/86c06248/L/DSC00802-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>In the process I was playing with my Mini Tripod and the $7 remote I got for my camera off of ebay.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-6rLT5sm/0/76b60106/L/DSC00806-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-Rgj7hT4/0/ba90cd45/L/DSC00811-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>A few turns later I saw a guy scrambling down off some rocks so I immediately pulled over, not realizing there was about a six inch drop off from the pavement followed by undulating dirt. I kept the bike upright though.</p>
<p>As I walked up the guy coming down told me that the view was definitely worth it. He was right.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-wC9MbcH/0/df86bd3a/L/DSC00818-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>While up there, this guy came out. He kept his distance but was very curious as I guess he'd never seen a human with a giant yellow head.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-PJCMmqL/0/1eee10dd/L/DSC00817-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Today I wanted to get some shots for the Calendar Contest at FJRiders, and I really wanted one of this view with this turn.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-DkRq5mC/0/f2886e2e/L/DSC00823-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I'm not a great photographer but I could see that I needed to get the whole turn in the shot, and to do so, I could do one of two things. Either back up a little bit, or use a wider angle lens. Backing up wouldn't get the shot because I'd be dead at the bottom of the ravine behind me. So I ran down and got my GoPro, and used it.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-SMQQ3NC/0/25b53461/L/GOPR0248-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>That's super wide but I like it.</p>
<p>I also took a selfie that I really liked.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-PTCRb3T/0/7ae95ae4/L/GOPR0250-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>She got a big butt but I think she's sexy so I keep taking pictures of her.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-RxxMP9v/0/6dc7582b/XL/GOPR0262-XL.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-ZDg62tf/0/4c833a03/L/DSC00841-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I stopped off and played with the tripod, timer and remote some more.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-nTm4b5J/0/d6c264ba/L/DSC00855-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Then I started a run down Chief Joseph Highway, stopping to read placards and learn some history. Beautiful ride, and it's amazing how the scenery changes in such short distances.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-LcCggWC/0/c03c01ac/L/DSC00858-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-7WXhgcN/0/f7df7327/L/DSC00862-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-ZJCJsNZ/0/0c35f544/L/DSC00867-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-SJBv7fn/0/860d27cc/L/DSC00870-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-KCpGc6Z/0/8c3dbc48/L/DSC00871-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Took me a little hike</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-gS3Zx9w/0/88bc0a63/L/DSC00873-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-t4SwWVP/0/271dbd73/L/DSC00877-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>Fun little racetrack to get up here. Afterwards I felt a little bad that I was having fun where many ran for their lives. Lots of history down there.</p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-McKB7sZ/0/c289fb02/L/GOPR0263-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-3fQNstt/0/2d3308c2/L/DSC00889-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-XcgXgVx/0/90af2a23/L/DSC00886-L.jpg" /></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-fM2w438/0/851ce9e1/L/DSC00892-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>I ran back to Red Lodge the boring way. A bit later Josh and Kenzie showed up and a bunch of us went across the street to eat some burgers outside on picnic tables at the "Red Box Car." I also had a malt from there and it was quite good.</p>
<p>That evening the usual parking lot antics went on with some social distancing thrown in for good measure. Again, I slept well in the bed through the night.</p>
<p>********</p>
<p><b>Day 6<br /></b><b>June 28, 2020</b></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-9jHXsmJ/0/6b1072ec/L/Day6-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>You might recall that I'd planned on camping my way back to Dallas over three days. I had a reservation in New Mexico and had researched a few places to stay. The previous night I did some mapping and came to a new plan. I'd blast home as quick as possible for me, and have a day to recoup before going back to work, and I could spend it playing video games and watching movies with my kiddo that I hadn't seen in a week. I cancelled my reservation at the camp grounds, thanks to fees I got back $10 of my $30 that it cost me. Halfway was the Best Western in Walsenburg that I've stayed at many times and like because the back rooms open onto the parking lot allowing you to keep an eye on your bike and make loading and unloading easy.</p>
<p>I woke up early and it was raining just as the weather service had predicted. I loaded up, suited up and got on the road. It only took about 30 minutes for me to punch out of the rain headed east. I hear the same was not to be said for those heading other directions.</p>
<p>I had a pleasant ride through Wind River Canyon and no heavy winds around the reservoir. I stopped for gas and caffeine in Shoshoni and an old lady came over to talk to me about my bike. She and her husband used to ride his Goldwing around all over the place, but they are too old to ride now. She asked me if I wanted to buy an old Goldwing and I had to politely decline and let her know that I lived in Dallas.</p>
<p>From Shoshoni I was taking different roads home, instead of cutting back west and south I was headed more east this time. I caught I-25 in Casper and enjoyed some mindless riding being able to cruise, and to ride for as long as possible without worrying about gas because there's gas at every exit every few miles along the interstate. I was feeling really good and had until I think 4PM to cancel my hotel reservation if I wanted to push on further and make the last day a little shorter. However, after a detour through Denver and dealing with traffic all the way through Colorado Springs I decided that calling it a day in Walsenburg was the right choice. Oddly, the Taco Bell next door is one of the few you can't order online so I had to actually go in the restaurant to order.</p>
<p>I talked to my family on the phone, then turned the TV on and had to laugh. It was tuned to Shawshank Redemption. I don't think I've ever seen the whole movie because I always seem to catch it at the part where he starts doign taxes for the guards, which is right where it was on the TV. </p>
<p>Early bedtime for me, and I slept well.</p>
<p>********</p>
<p><b>Day 7<br /></b><b>June 29, 2020</b></p>
<p><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Trips/Red-Lodge-2020/i-gJWZvnb/0/2389941a/L/Day7-L.jpg" /></p>
<p>A pretty uneventful day. I got up early, put in the miles, suffered through many hours of temperatures over a hundred degrees fahrenheit, and made it home in time for dinner.</p>
<p>Numbers:<br />7 days<br />5 states, two of them new<br />3,421 miles</p>
<p></p>GixxerJasenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985451344546855033noreply@blogger.com