Oh, I'd rather go and journey
Where the diamond crests are glowin'
And run across the valley
Beneath the sacred mountain
And wander through the forest
Where the trees have leaves of prisms
And break the light in colours
That no one knows the names of
King/Geffen
It really is about the journey.
Sat at breakfast this morning and it just didn't feel right. Quickly realized what it was, we hadn't pulled out a road map to discuss the days route and no one had turned the tv to the weather channel. That really made it hit home that the trip was just about over.
18 days, 5000+ miles, 4,500+ miles designated scenic drives, under 300 miles on interstates. We missed some things but thanks to paper maps and friendly people along the way we found the most incredible roads.
A thanks to the friends who ride with me, and those that want to. A very special thanks to my family for putting up with my absence.
Last a thanks to my best friend, lover, and wife who encourages me to never stop "Runnin Against The Wind".
Chuck
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
DAY 17
Pulled out of Page at a decent time and we had planned a route to Show Low that was on scenic roads for everything but about 23 miles of I-40. Of course this was about 140 miles farther than the gps suggested route.
We could see the San Francisco Peaks outside of Flagstaff and could have headed straight south to make it home today but everyone indulged me with a last day together.
Drove across the reservations of Arizona from the Navajo to the Hopi homeland, Second Mesa. The scenery constantly changing from flat high (6000) foot desert to canyons and the fringes of Monument Valley type of scenery. Drove through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Parks on our way.
A good day about 400 miles or so before parking for the night. Found a Native New Yorker across the street and made our last meal together pizza, wings, and several pitchers of beer. Toasted another great trip with good roads, good
bikes, and most important good friends. Before we finished the conversation had turned to what we are going to do next year, a clear indication of a good trip.
Will do one last post tomorrow to recap the journey and offer some final thoughts on this trip.
We could see the San Francisco Peaks outside of Flagstaff and could have headed straight south to make it home today but everyone indulged me with a last day together.
Drove across the reservations of Arizona from the Navajo to the Hopi homeland, Second Mesa. The scenery constantly changing from flat high (6000) foot desert to canyons and the fringes of Monument Valley type of scenery. Drove through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Parks on our way.
A good day about 400 miles or so before parking for the night. Found a Native New Yorker across the street and made our last meal together pizza, wings, and several pitchers of beer. Toasted another great trip with good roads, good
bikes, and most important good friends. Before we finished the conversation had turned to what we are going to do next year, a clear indication of a good trip.
Will do one last post tomorrow to recap the journey and offer some final thoughts on this trip.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
DAY16 ZION
Left the motel this morning and headed south towards Zion National Park. After about 45 miles stopped to get a water bottle and noticed that I had forgotten my cold weather/rain gear bag at the motel. This is really Al's fault since I roomed with him last night and he knows the rules. Whoever rooms with me has to check for the stuff I forget, last year it was a rain coat and a swim suit.
I rode back and got my bag then we headed towards Zion stopping just outside the park for lunch. After lunch we went into the park stopped at the visitors center to check the map and then drove on. The road in Zion runs all the way through the park and out the other side with several places to stop along the way. There is also a narrow 1.1 mile tunnel built in 1930 with several openings for ventilation out the cliff face, good ride.
The ranger at the visitors center had the perfect description of the differences between Bryce and Zion. At Bryce you look down, at Zion you look up. Each park has an assortment of hiking trails of varying difficulty, I wish we had more time at each park and it is a reason to return.
We are stopped for the night in Page and plan on heading east in the morning then south towards Show Low for the night this will put us home on Thursday. Talking at lunch today if we had been able to get to the Black Hills and Yellowstone we would have hit three weeks exactly. Not bad planning for not planning, just luck I guess.
While riding today I was thinking about the large number of road signs I've seen on this trip. I think the most frequent was "FALLING ROCKS" with the sign for curving roads coming in a close second. There were also signs for deer, elk, antelope, cows, and the least favorite "ROUGH ROAD AHEAD" at times the had so many of these for one stretch of pavement it would have been cheaper to just fix the road. Another sign that we saw many times was "ALL VEHICLES MUST CARRY SNOW CHAINS BEYOND THIS POINT" don't care if I ever see that one again.
We had our picture taken several times today by bus loads of german and french tourists who were intrigued by the bikes. Wanted to introduce myself as Bronson, old tv show reference.
Sixteen days and other than a light sprinkle and some light snow we have stayed dry, never even put rain gear on. A very good ride as we did what we said we would and "followed the weather".
I rode back and got my bag then we headed towards Zion stopping just outside the park for lunch. After lunch we went into the park stopped at the visitors center to check the map and then drove on. The road in Zion runs all the way through the park and out the other side with several places to stop along the way. There is also a narrow 1.1 mile tunnel built in 1930 with several openings for ventilation out the cliff face, good ride.
The ranger at the visitors center had the perfect description of the differences between Bryce and Zion. At Bryce you look down, at Zion you look up. Each park has an assortment of hiking trails of varying difficulty, I wish we had more time at each park and it is a reason to return.
We are stopped for the night in Page and plan on heading east in the morning then south towards Show Low for the night this will put us home on Thursday. Talking at lunch today if we had been able to get to the Black Hills and Yellowstone we would have hit three weeks exactly. Not bad planning for not planning, just luck I guess.
While riding today I was thinking about the large number of road signs I've seen on this trip. I think the most frequent was "FALLING ROCKS" with the sign for curving roads coming in a close second. There were also signs for deer, elk, antelope, cows, and the least favorite "ROUGH ROAD AHEAD" at times the had so many of these for one stretch of pavement it would have been cheaper to just fix the road. Another sign that we saw many times was "ALL VEHICLES MUST CARRY SNOW CHAINS BEYOND THIS POINT" don't care if I ever see that one again.
We had our picture taken several times today by bus loads of german and french tourists who were intrigued by the bikes. Wanted to introduce myself as Bronson, old tv show reference.
Sixteen days and other than a light sprinkle and some light snow we have stayed dry, never even put rain gear on. A very good ride as we did what we said we would and "followed the weather".
Monday, April 27, 2009
DAY 15 BRYCE CANYON
Woke up to temps in the teens with snow on the bike and decided a long breakfast was in order. The temperature rapidly climbed and soon we were on our way into Bryce. We decided to ride clear to the end of the road climbing up to about 9000 feet then head back down stopping at the viewpoints along the way.
The park is indescribable in it's beauty and it's varied scenery. The colors of the rock with pines and some snow was breathtaking. I would love to return and take some of the hikes available in the park that wind among the tall spires known as hoodoos that rise as silent sentrys from the canyon floor.
After stopping for lunch it was almost three o'clock before we headed on down the road on another "Scenic Byway". Headed into the mountain pass towards Cedar City and Zion National Park. Stopping for a quick break we found a group of German tourists on Harleys also touring around southern Utah. We then headed up a 9900 foot pass and from the top you could look down on snow covered meadows with campgrounds closed for the season. This road had just recently reopened with evidence of numerous winter rocks slides.
Pulled into Cedar City found a Best Western and called it day. Not a lot of miles but still a great day finished it it off with a good dinner.
At one point today we were on a road and saw a sign that said Phoenix 450 miles. I realized that I was only an easy days ride from home geographically but I'm still several days away mentally.
The park is indescribable in it's beauty and it's varied scenery. The colors of the rock with pines and some snow was breathtaking. I would love to return and take some of the hikes available in the park that wind among the tall spires known as hoodoos that rise as silent sentrys from the canyon floor.
After stopping for lunch it was almost three o'clock before we headed on down the road on another "Scenic Byway". Headed into the mountain pass towards Cedar City and Zion National Park. Stopping for a quick break we found a group of German tourists on Harleys also touring around southern Utah. We then headed up a 9900 foot pass and from the top you could look down on snow covered meadows with campgrounds closed for the season. This road had just recently reopened with evidence of numerous winter rocks slides.
Pulled into Cedar City found a Best Western and called it day. Not a lot of miles but still a great day finished it it off with a good dinner.
At one point today we were on a road and saw a sign that said Phoenix 450 miles. I realized that I was only an easy days ride from home geographically but I'm still several days away mentally.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
DAY 14
Woke up to a cold clear morning decided not to try for to early a start. We had plans to head for Bryce Canyon National Park, checking the GPS and mapquest they both wanted us to get there via interstate, by now you know that's not going to work.
Checking the map we found another route about the same distance but longer driving time. The good part, all two lane all designated scenic byway, the problem "ROADS MAY BE SEASONALLY CLOSED". Don't know if you don't try.
Headed out and soon passed over a 7000 foot summit of scrub cedar and oak then into the red rocks north of Lake Powell. This turned into some incredible winding roads amongst red high cliffs and canyons then on to vistas over looking the Colorado River and the northeast end of Lake Powell. Turned south after leaving the area of the lake and began to climb going up and up into one of the darkest looking skies we have seen. We were soon over 9000 feet in tall snow covered pines and aspens that hadn't heard it was spring.
As we headed down we came upon a stretch of road called the "Hogs Back" this is a narrow road following a high ridge with a drop off on either side very exhilarating riding. One more 7000 foot summit and it was on to Bryce.
Beautiful scenery with scary looking weather made for an absolutely awesome riding day, but only because we avoided most of the weather. The bike gulping cool air while we enjoy great roads and sights with only a slight bit of snow and a little drizzle to dampen spirits.
At one point today I was listening to the radio and a Jerry Jeff Walker song came on. For some unknown reason I didn't immediately change the channel and heard the following for the first time.
Well he's eight years old he's got a flour sack cape tied all around his neck
He's climbing up on top the garage figurin’ what the heck
He screws his courage up so darn tight, that the whole thing come unwound
He got a runnin’ start and bless his heart, he headed for the ground
Chorus
'Cause he’s one of those who knows his life
Is just a leap of faith
Gotta' spread your arms and hold your breath
And always trust your cape
Well he's all grown up, he's got a flour sack cape, tied all around his dream
He’s full of piss and vinegar, ah, he’s bustin’ at the seams
He licks his finger and checks the wind, it’s gonna be do or die
He wasn’t scared of nothin’, boys, he was pretty sure he could fly
Chorus
Now he's old and grey with a flour sack cape, tied all around his head
And he’s still jumpin’ off the garage and will be til he’s dead
All these years the people said the fool was actin’ like a kid
And since he didn't know he couldn't fly, well of course he did
Chorus
O Yea kids it all sort of makes sense.
Finished the day with a good meal and a beer in a beautiful lodge at the entrance to Bryce. Followed up with a trip to the jacuzzi while watching it snow out the window. Explore Bryce tomorrow.
Checking the map we found another route about the same distance but longer driving time. The good part, all two lane all designated scenic byway, the problem "ROADS MAY BE SEASONALLY CLOSED". Don't know if you don't try.
Headed out and soon passed over a 7000 foot summit of scrub cedar and oak then into the red rocks north of Lake Powell. This turned into some incredible winding roads amongst red high cliffs and canyons then on to vistas over looking the Colorado River and the northeast end of Lake Powell. Turned south after leaving the area of the lake and began to climb going up and up into one of the darkest looking skies we have seen. We were soon over 9000 feet in tall snow covered pines and aspens that hadn't heard it was spring.
As we headed down we came upon a stretch of road called the "Hogs Back" this is a narrow road following a high ridge with a drop off on either side very exhilarating riding. One more 7000 foot summit and it was on to Bryce.
Beautiful scenery with scary looking weather made for an absolutely awesome riding day, but only because we avoided most of the weather. The bike gulping cool air while we enjoy great roads and sights with only a slight bit of snow and a little drizzle to dampen spirits.
At one point today I was listening to the radio and a Jerry Jeff Walker song came on. For some unknown reason I didn't immediately change the channel and heard the following for the first time.
Well he's eight years old he's got a flour sack cape tied all around his neck
He's climbing up on top the garage figurin’ what the heck
He screws his courage up so darn tight, that the whole thing come unwound
He got a runnin’ start and bless his heart, he headed for the ground
Chorus
'Cause he’s one of those who knows his life
Is just a leap of faith
Gotta' spread your arms and hold your breath
And always trust your cape
Well he's all grown up, he's got a flour sack cape, tied all around his dream
He’s full of piss and vinegar, ah, he’s bustin’ at the seams
He licks his finger and checks the wind, it’s gonna be do or die
He wasn’t scared of nothin’, boys, he was pretty sure he could fly
Chorus
Now he's old and grey with a flour sack cape, tied all around his head
And he’s still jumpin’ off the garage and will be til he’s dead
All these years the people said the fool was actin’ like a kid
And since he didn't know he couldn't fly, well of course he did
Chorus
O Yea kids it all sort of makes sense.
Finished the day with a good meal and a beer in a beautiful lodge at the entrance to Bryce. Followed up with a trip to the jacuzzi while watching it snow out the window. Explore Bryce tomorrow.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
DAY 13 ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Jumped on the interstate after breakfast and headed east towards the Colorado border past the off ramp for Moab. Forty miles down the road came to the back way down to Moab Utah. This was a great two lane road along side the Colorado River and on into Moab. Once we got there found out it was one of the busiest days of the year with custom cars and hot rods in town for the weekend.
We drove to Arches Park and took the 36 mile loop into the park marveling at the rock formations and the one arch we could see without a hike. Stopped at the visitor center on the way out and debated putting on rain gear as it was starting to look very threatening.
Took a what the heck lets drive attitude and immediately found ourselves in bumper to bumper with the regular traffic and show cars. Left town south to Montecello Utah for the night with very scary dark skies and a dropping temperature. Got into town and the sky started to clear, walked next door for a good home cooked style meal and good conversation.
With today's good roads and great vistas it was a great day but could have used less wind on the final leg we'll see what tomorrow brings.
We drove to Arches Park and took the 36 mile loop into the park marveling at the rock formations and the one arch we could see without a hike. Stopped at the visitor center on the way out and debated putting on rain gear as it was starting to look very threatening.
Took a what the heck lets drive attitude and immediately found ourselves in bumper to bumper with the regular traffic and show cars. Left town south to Montecello Utah for the night with very scary dark skies and a dropping temperature. Got into town and the sky started to clear, walked next door for a good home cooked style meal and good conversation.
With today's good roads and great vistas it was a great day but could have used less wind on the final leg we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Friday, April 24, 2009
DAY 12
Left Pocotello this morning under threatening skies and temps hovering at 40. Headed down I-25 for a few miles then off onto the old two lane following the Oregon Trail across southern Idaho. The road started to climb towards Bear Lake turning into a twisty mountain road, I don't envy the early settlers trying to cross in wagons. As we headed up it began to snow lightly then it stopped as we entered the clouds themselves. Bear Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by snow covered hills this time of the year.
As we continued up into the clouds towards Logans Pass the air turned extremely cold maybe mid to low 30's. Over high pass and down into Logan in a light rain, doesn't sound like fun but it was a day to be remembered. Incredible vistas combined with incredible riding conditions make for good conversations and remembered experiences.
South by Great Salt Lake then onto more two lane, state route 6, following the railroad turn for turn over more (lower) mountains to our stop for the night in Price UT. The railroad here was built to haul coal from Grand Junction to Salt Lake City and there is a railroad town called Helper where the trains stop to get a pusher engine over the grade, saw one today with his "helper"
Good day, scenic roads, challenging conditions, finally warming up.
As we continued up into the clouds towards Logans Pass the air turned extremely cold maybe mid to low 30's. Over high pass and down into Logan in a light rain, doesn't sound like fun but it was a day to be remembered. Incredible vistas combined with incredible riding conditions make for good conversations and remembered experiences.
South by Great Salt Lake then onto more two lane, state route 6, following the railroad turn for turn over more (lower) mountains to our stop for the night in Price UT. The railroad here was built to haul coal from Grand Junction to Salt Lake City and there is a railroad town called Helper where the trains stop to get a pusher engine over the grade, saw one today with his "helper"
Good day, scenic roads, challenging conditions, finally warming up.
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