Tombstone's Travels

The Road to Salvation p I

2012-01-04T07:06:00.001-08:00

Two years ago Mike, aka Vegashotwheeler set up a New Years Day ride through Death Valley National Park. The ride was such a hoot he decided to make it a tradition. I was able to make it down to Las Vegas for this years New Years Day ride.

I left my work in Salt Lake at 1:00 on Friday December 30 and make the 463 mile super-slab drone to Vegas, arriving around 7:00 that night.

Here's my lodging for the next 4 days (picture was taken the next morning).

Arriving a day early allowed me to take a ride through the Valley of Fire Nevada state park. Fellow Utahns, Jared and David, joined me. This is in the visitors center, about 50 degrees warmer than the temps had been in Utah.

The "Mouse's Tank" road.

Back on the main road.

We stumbled onto a hidden valley and found this indigenous civilization untouched by modern man. They thought we were Gods on "steel horses" and offered us gold and precious jewels, we of course declined and left them as we found them...

Leaving the Valley of Fire we next went to the Hoover Dam, intending on takeing the Dam tour, but with parking fee $7.00 and the tour $11.00 we found it to dam expensive. So we said, "darn" and went on our way.

The original road across the dam connecting Nevada and Arizona was narrow, winding, scenic, and fun. But to save time and increase safety of the dam this bridge was built. This is the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman memorial bridge. It is nearly 2000 feet long and is around 900 feet above the ground in the middle.

We hung out in this parking garage for a few minutes.

After seeing the dam we ended our day, about 193 miles for me

And here is the start of the New Years Day ride. We met at a gas station on a CHILLY Nevada New Years Sunday morning. A varity of bikes attended, from a Hayabusa to KLRs. Lots of good people were there too.

Everywhere you looked there were bikes!

We all went to the Famous Crowbar for breakfast.

Yours truly and Mike, aka Vegashotwheeler, the ride organizer. We are pointing to the M2W logos on our shirts, "My2Wheels" is the forum most of these riders hang out on.

And the day just got better and better...

The Road to Salvation p II

2012-01-04T06:57:00.001-08:00

After a nice breakfast we fueled...

Reluctantly...

And went on our way to Bad Water. Three of the dual sport riders went on a dirt route, the rest followed Mike on the pavement through Death Valley. I'm pointing at the the little white sign that is at sea-level. The parking lot we are in is about 280 feet below sea-level. While we were here the dual sport guys had ridden to the top of that that mountain via their dirt route and were watching us.

The line up.

Leaving Bad Water we head to Furnace Creek.

Kind of steep...

We stop at Furnace Creek for snack and chat.

Some of the best parts of this ride were spent off the bike.

On the road again, this time to Scotty's Castle.

Scotty's Castle. Built by Albert Mussy Johnson Circa 1923. Walter Scott or "Death Valley Scotty" as he was known locally, claimed to have spent millions building the 'castle' but it was Mr. Johnson's money and house. Unfortunately the market crash of 1929 altered his plans and he had to turn the property into a hotel.

The back of the castle.

There is a large pool (never finished) on one side of the castle, this bridge goes across the pool. A nearby natural spring would have filled this pool, had it been finished. The spring did power a pelton wheel to give the castle electric power.

Building behind the castle.

And the day just got better and better..

The Road to Salvation p III

2012-01-04T06:49:00.001-08:00

The unfinished pool.

The stable.

More pool.

Gas station

Construction was halted in 1931 when they found out they were building on the wrong spot, the castle was on government land, Albert's land actually started one mile north. Oops...

The original entrance to the property.

Off we go to Beatty, Nevada for fuel and food.

We weren't the only bikers out that day..

A sandwich at Beatty and a night ride back to Vegas brought an end to a super ride. 370 miles.

The next day, Monday, I ride alone to see Salvation mountain near Niland, California

A building in Niland.

Numerous squatters near Salvation Mt.

And there it is....Salvation Mountain.

Leonard Knight created Salvation Mountain to spread the message, "God is Love" The mountain is 50 feet high and 150 feet across built from, straw, logs, and local adobe.

Salvation Mountain.

More pictures on p IV

The Road to Salvation p IV

2012-01-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

Salvation Mountain, continued;

It could be called the Salvation Mountain Range, as there is another small man built hill to the south...

The inside of the second mountain.

At one time the local county poohbahs threatened to remove this art as it was unathorized and built on government land. In 2002 Senater Barbara Boxer had it entered into the Congressional Record as a National Treasure, thereby protecting this site.

I started the day with my electric gear on and still cold, here at Salvation Mountain I had taken off everything I could and still be legal and was very hot!

It was time to call it a day, I ride back to the condo, a 693 mile ride.

Tuesday I ride the 445 miles home. What a great trip! 2164 miles.

Here are some more pix of Salvation Mountain.

Favorite Five (ahem)*

2011-12-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

Blogger buddy, Roger in New Zealand (All Things Rogey) came up with a super idea of each person choosing their favorite five pictures of the year. There were only a few 'rules' and I managed to break them all, including the deadline. Here are my Fav Five.
*Actually since I'm late getting this done, I'm going to bend the rules slightly and call mine the "Elite Eight". Bending the rules just a wee bit further, number 7 was taken (on my camera) by a tour guide.
Here they are:
My annual Fathers, Sons, & Grandsons ride. One of my favorite rides every year!
On our way the a Vulcan Rally held this year in Torrey, Utah. This is the Mormon Temple in Manti Utah.

Met a buddy, Utah Motorcyclist, in New Mexico and rode home via the Devils tail highway in Arizona, and then on part of Route 66 If you can't tell this picture was taken in Winslow Arizona (using my timer...). Seeing this corner was on my bucket list...that's one down! :)

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

The Goldon Ratio monument in Green River, Utah.

Eureka, Utah.

Good times with good friends. This seven day ride took us over the Chief Joseph hwy in Wyoming, Bear Tooth Pass in Montana, and upper and lower Yellowstone NP. And yes, this picture was taken on my camera, but by the tour guide that took us through this building.

Yes I rode it, and a couple more like it until the snow was too deep to continue. Southern Utah.

There you go, hope you enjoyed them! :)

In the winter you have to take what you can get!

2011-12-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

Todays weather report says it will be around 35 degrees at noon....time to stir the oil and fluff up the battery.

I announce my intentions on a MC forum a few days before the ride - what time I'll leave from where, that type of thing. There was some interest... here is a picture of all the bikes at the start of the ride.
And yes, it WAS a gloomy day. All the bikes lined up in front of the Saltair concert venue.
Brrrrrrr! These ducks were laughing at me for riding on such a cold day.....

My ride will take me past the Great Salt Lake to the small town of Stockton. I'd planned on eating at the Stockton Miners Cafe, but when I arrived I saw they were closed (Sunday), no problem I just went down the road five more miles to Penny's Cafe.

Penny's is located on lonely hwy 36 about halfway between the towns of Stockton (pop 616), and Rush Valley (pop 453). Ten miles separate those two towns and Penny's is right in the middle. The little cafe is able to survive by having a very personable staff and serving excellent food. Today I had the chicken fried steak (breakfast version) and it was delicious, hot, and HUGE. I ate more than I should have and still left a bunch on my plate.

Christmas decor outside of Penny's

I couldn't get the bike any closer to the building due to the ice on the parking lot.

The pennies at Penny's Cafe. There are 12,002 pennies on this counter.

"Pennys"

I wish I had looked at the name of the young gal that helped me, she is a sweetheart! Thanks Penny's for a great meal.

After eating I get back on the bike for the ride home. The temperature had cooled quite a bit, so it was a straight shot home. Only about 100 miles, but.....in the winter you have to take what you can get!

The gift.

2011-12-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

(The following was written by my favorite daughter, Kaybi).

In the spirit of gift giving, Dad and I wanted to share a story. Neither Dad nor I can ever talk about this story and not laugh.

A year and a half ago I was living in Fort Rucker, Alabama. My husband was going to school down there and my kiddos and I tagged along for the ride. For that very reason I was a regular on Amazon.com to send Birthday gifts to the fam back home. Dad’s birthday was coming up and I was on the hunt for the perfect gift. Because shipping on a 2009 Yamaha FJR1300 in black cherry was a smidge out of my price range I decided to find something else. Besides, Dad was pretty happy with his strom.

I was at my friends house and saw the funniest looking whisk I’d ever seen. Instead of the metal strands wrapping around and back into the handle they were straight with little balls on the ends. I asked her what it was for. She said it was the absolute best for making gravy. SOLD!

My Dad likes gravy. When I say my Dad likes gravy, it's not a casual thing. It's not that he merely enjoys gravy with his turkey on Thanksgiving or that an occasional side of mashed potatoes and gravy are served at Sunday dinner. Gravy is a staple in my parents’ home. It's practically a food group. When Dad, Mom, and two of my brothers came to visit in Alabama, one evening I had prepared Rosemary-Dijon pork chops with chopped red potatoes, home made rolls and a salad for dinner. I was proud of my meal. Dad sat down, looked around and asked, “where's the gravy?”

So, when I spotted the whisk at my friend’s house that was supposed to make gravy even better, I knew it was the perfect gift for my Dad. I looked and looked online. I checked all my favorite kitchen supply stores. Nothing. I couldn't find the stupid thing anywhere! Plus, what was I supposed to Google, ball whisk? Go ahead and give that a try and tell me what pops up. I finally found it on Amazon. Sweet! I ordered that bad boy and had it sent right away. I made sure to send it as a gift so Dad would get a little birthday message with his package. I was sure Amazon would print my message on a card and throw it in the box. That's what they do with flowers, so I figured it'd be the same thing.

I waited and waited for that package to get to Dad. I checked the package tracking number every day and sometimes twice a day. I was so excited for Dad to get this gift. I just knew that he'd rip it open and run straight to the kitchen to make some toast and gravy. After he finished his meal I knew he'd call and tell me what a life changing experience it had been and that it was the best gift he'd ever received.

The day finally came! I tracked the package, got confirmation that it had been signed for and waited because I just knew my Dad was about to call.

My phone was silent.

10 minutes.

20 minutes.

30 minutes.

Ok, ok, he just hasn't finished his toast and gravy yet.

45 minutes.

Alright, he's had plenty of time to cook and finish his meal, where was my phone call?!!

Maybe he was busy and hadn't had time to use the whisk yet so I decided to call him and see what he thought. I was SO excited! I called and anxiously waited for him to answer. Dad answered, "Hello?" "Hi Daddy!" I said. "Hi" Dad said flatly. "Did you get my gift?" I asked. "Yes" he replied again flatly. I was beginning to sense some irritation in his tone. What the heck? It took me days to find this gift. The gift of all gifts. The one that I knew he was sure to love.

Well, apparently he had ordered himself a birthday gift from Amazon right about the same time I did. He too had been watching and waiting. When the delivery truck pulled up to deliver the package Dad was equally as excited for what he had ordered. It was a Cobra FI2000 which is a digital fuel processor that he spent approximately $150 on.

You can imagine his shock and subsequent irritation when he ripped open the much anticipated package expecting to find his new digital fuel processor and instead found a funny looking whisk.

What on earth had Amazon sent him? Not only had they sent him the wrong item, they had charged him about $150 for the dumb thing! He checked that the package was indeed his package. He looked for a packing slip. There wasn’t one. Remember I selected gift so of course they wouldn't send one.

Dad was ticked! He went to his office and started looking for a phone number for Amazon. Someone was going to hear about this and it was going to be fixed today! Again, no packing slip to snag a number from. He looked the box over trying to find a number. He started getting even madder because not only had they sent the wrong item and charged him for it but they made it impossible for him to report it. Was this someone's idea of a joke? Because it wasn't funny!

About that time my Mom came home. Dad showed her what came and she was equally irritated. Dad told Mom exactly what he was going to say once he got a hold of someone. It wasn’t going to be pretty. Mom started helping Dad look for a number. She grabbed her glasses and picked up the box. After a few minutes she started to laugh. Mom handed some glasses to Dad and showed him the bottom corner of the shipping label. Dad chuckled.

In the bottom corner of the shipping label in tiny font it said, "Happy Birthday Dad. I love you!"

The Festival of Trees.

2011-12-01T20:33:00.001-08:00

Hey Ladies and Gents, I'm Tombstones daughter, Kaybi. I had the opportunity to go to the Festival of Trees today with my rug rats, my Mother and Sister in law and her kids. After my kids cried through another year of pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause we started walking up and down the many many rows of Christmas trees. We found Dad's tree and I couldn't find my phone fast enough when I saw the sold sign. I had to tell my Dad the good news right then!

The Festival of Trees is such an amazing fundraiser. More than $29.3 million has been raised since 1973. Of that, $1.9 million was raised in 2010 with 95,000 people attending the week long festival. All of the funds raised go to the Primary Children's Hospital.

I'm so proud of my Dad for participating in such a wonderful fundraiser. I'm proud of him for his creative idea and seeing it through till it was finished. I'm proud of my Mom for supporting him through all of this work. A big thank you to all those who helped him along his way and donated items for the tree.

One last thing, the company who bought the tree was Struck Axiom. Dad and I were curious so we looked them up and it all made sense. They are a creative company that thinks outside the box. An especially big thank you to them!

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Festival of Trees

2011-11-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

As I blogged awhile back, we have a "Festival of Trees" every year in our valley. This is a fundraiser for the Primary Childrens Hospital. The PCH is considered one of the top childrens hospitals in the nation.

At the Festival of Trees, a person decorates a tree or other Christmas decoration, and displays it at the Festival. The Festival people auction the decorations and all proceeds go the the hospital. There are many trees dedicated to the memory of a loved one, or some are themed around an important event of a person's life. There are many unique and beautiful trees at this event. My tree is, welllll.....unique.

No such cherished memory for me, I simply like motorcycles so that's my theme.

Gathering some of the items needed for the tree.

I would cut these tires to be the 'branches' of the tree.

The 'trunk' is three abs pipes with some expando insulation between the two small pipes and the largest one. I hoped this would give the strength needed to hold up the tire/branches.
Three neighborhood cuties come over to offer some advice.

Finally the decoration day is here. On November 28, all trees must be put up before 7:00 pm. The doors open at 7am. We got to the South Town Expo center just after 7 Sunrise found us, (wife Beverly, son Fenton, and I) toting our supplies into the building.
I can't believe how much sssch...tuf we took.

Starting to put together the tree.

It's going together... I can't tell you how hard it was to put this Benelli on the tree. I wanted it for myself!

A salute to our riding brothers and sisters 'down under'......(get it? down under the tree...)

A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this project!

And.....here it is my unique tree! We received numerous compliments and positive remarks about the tree and almost all of them were said with a straight face.........

Some more pics

It was a good experience, The huge Expo center is filled with beautiful trees, ginger bread houses, quilts, etc, etc. But more importantly it is filled with a giving spirit, and the true meaning of Christmas. This might be the most Christmasy Christmas I've ever had, but, there is no sense going overboard. I'm done. At least until next years Festival of Trees!

Seven bikes in seven days!

2011-11-10T21:46:00.000-08:00

Somebody, one of my blogging buddies (Sonja maybe?), started the "seven day challenge" - outfit your stable of bikes by choosing a bike for each day of the week; a fantasy motorcycle collection. Money is no object....sounds like fun, lets play! You might notice that I prefer Adventure Touring machines.

For a nice relaxed Sunday ride what could be better than a Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Electra Deluxe? The Bullet inspires images of jacket, tie, and beret clad riders off on a Sunday ride out to the country side, stopping at a green meadow for a picnic and tea.
Monday's ride; start the work day week off right on a sassy Triumph Scrambler.

Tuesday take a ride on a sexy looking, very sexy sounding Benelli Tre - K. The Benelli has a triple, if you search you tube, "Benelli TreK test" you will hear and see what I mean......

Wednesday, another beautiful Italian with a LoveLy set of twins, the Multistrada 1200 S

Wednesday yet another sweet Italian is in store for the spoiled rider. Can you see the pattern here? The Moto Guzzi Norge, a good looking bike, with a sweet sounding V but the Goose has the engine mounted cross-ways with its jugs sticking out on each side.

Friday has to be the V-Strom, a bike that is actually in my garage. Since I've owned two Suzuki V-Stroms, and I absolutely love the Strom I would be remiss to not include it in my stable. The V-TWIN engine, and the comfortable ride make this bike a winner! I've put a combined 98,000 miles on the stroms and have no real complaints. It will be a sad day when this bike leaves me...........

Saturday is for the Triumph Speedmaster. I have no idea if I would enjoy riding this bike, I've never even touched one, but I've always loved the drop dead sexy look of the Trumpet Speedmaster.

There you have it, one thumper, one triple and 5 twins. Sounds like party time in Tombstone's garage!

Thanks for reading! :)

Burger Run - October 2011

2011-10-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

What's a burger run? Mike, aka Vegashotwheeler (and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada) me (West Valley City, Utah) and any friends who want to join us, meet at Hoovers Grill (Marysvale, Utah) for a burger and BS session. We've been doing this for quite a while now; a burger run combines three of our favorite things; a nice ride, a nice burger, and a nice visit with good people.

Mike suggested October 8th for the last burger run of 2011. He and I had been trying to line up our schedules for some time and finally hit a day we were both free. We knew we might have some weather problems, but pushed forward anyway. Sure enough it was a rainy day...at least in Utah, in Vegas it was 73 and sunny!

The Vegas guys have to start on the ride at 5:30am. I can start around 9:00 and make it in time. Adrian from Layton is coming on this ride, he and I meet at a gas station near Lehi and hit the road.

We saw these near the Big Rock Candy Mountain. I'm not really a railroad train guy, I never had a train set or railroad collection, but I have to say I do enjoy seeing a well built caboose! I'm endlessly facinated by the caboose, and can spend a lot of time checking out the different sizes and shapes, so it was fun to see this place.

This project is still under construction. I don't know who is doing it, what their plan is or how it will look when finished, butt I'll be checking it out next time I'm in the area! I didn't get any closer or take a lot of pictures as some people get a little edgy when you spend too much time admiring their caboose.

A few miles down the road is our goal, Hoovers grill.

Adrian and I get here first so we patiently wait for the others, we were only about half way through our burgers when the Vegas guys arrived....

My lunch, a 'Shroom-Bacon burger with the house fries. It's not on the menu, you have to ask for it.

The bike line up.

Meet Mike (left) and Jerry (black shirt). They may look like a couple of hairy old bikers, but they are actually two of Santa's elves...yes you read that right! Mike and Jerry carried a bunch of Hotwheel motorcycles on this burger run and gave them to me for my "Festival of Trees" tree. You can see the motorcycles in the last picture. What a couple of Steller guys!

Thanks Mike, Jerry and Adrian for donating items for the tree! And thanks for another great burger run.

Festival of Trees

2011-09-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

Each year during the Christmas season the "Festival of Trees" is held in the Salt Lake Valley. This is a fund-raiser for the Primary Childrens Medical Center which is located in Salt Lake City proper. To participate one needs to create a Christmas tree and donate it to the Festival of Trees, they then display it and somehow auction the trees off to people who like them enough to buy. If you enjoy Christmas, Christmas Trees, and ALL things Christmas the Festival is for you! They display over 1000 trees along with all kinds of other Christmasy stuff.

This year I registered to enter a tree in the Festival. My tree will be motorcycle themed (*GASP* "NO WAY!"). I have a basic design in mind which has not been warmly received by those with good taste, but I'm pressing forward regardless; aesthetics be dammed.

Check back here at the end of November (I have to have it done by November 28th). You might want to check in before you have supper, and maybe wear some welding goggles....
This could be interesting.

Hmmmmm.....I've been asked for "teaser info"...I can only assume this is info as to how the tree will be made? The trunk will be a metal pipe, branches will be cut MC tires, decorations will be small motorcycles (matchbox, hotwheels, etc), and other MC type stuff. Having said that, the only thing I currently have enough of is the tires. If anyone wants to donate any of the other items please contact me. I hope to have the tree finished by mid November.

Thanks for reading!

Great day - Bad ending - Good news.

2011-09-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Great day.
My annual Daddy - Daughter ride was this Saturday, September 17. I REALLY enjoy this tradition and the time spent with my daughter Kaybi. It's also fun having friends and family come along with us, Stan and two of his daughters, Christy, and Becky, my daughter-in -law Tiffany brought her dad, Roy, and my grand-daughter Alyssa. Tiffany is heavy with child so she, her dad, and Alyssa rode in a car.

So three bikes, five motorcyclists, and three cage riders set out on a chilly, rain threatening day. The Saturday before, while on another ride I saw a lonely, beckoning, back-country road that seemed anxious for me to ride it. That night I had a dream about that road, so the next day, (last Sunday) Beverly and I returned and followed that lonely road to it's end which happened to be a Utah State Park; Lost Creek. This isn't the first time I've had this experience, here is a poem I penned a few years ago about the same thing;

The Road

I saw a lonely road today, it seemed to call my name.

I've heard that voice a thousand times, it always sounds the same.

It matters not what kind of road it is, street, highway, or dusty ole trail.

They bid the same each one to me; "come see my sights, come on and smell my smells."

They speak with a quiet seductive tone, that pierces straight to my heart.Their siren voice whispers in my ear; "to go round the world you first have to start!"

I gazed down that road,...I heard the call....yet, felt an emptiness deep inside.

For me the choice was made long ago, I have duties from which I can't hide.

I take a long, last look down that lonely road ignore the call turn and go on my way.

But I mark that road on the map in my mind and think, maybe, just maybe, another day.

I chose this route for the Daddy-Daughter ride.

And it WAS a chilly day! We rode up Emigration Canyon, to Hennefer, then on to Croyden where the road to Lost Creek begins. Following it to the State Park, we stopped at the reservior and tried to rub some feeling back into our hands - then we rode the few miles back to Taggart Grill for some wonderful lunch. If you are interested, Taggart has a very excellent Portobello Mushroom burger, with or without the meat patty - get the patty and fries, go in hungry, clean your plate, waddle out fat and happy!

Looking off the patio at Taggarts.

This guy and his girlfriend were hanging out by our table.

During lunch we decided on our route home. Stan has the best knowledge of how to get on our chosen road so he led this part of the ride.

Bad ending.

We were on the East Canyon road, SR 66, when it happened. Stan is a safe rider, and cognizant that his daughters are still learning, so he was leading at or below speed limits on this curvy road, but for reasons still unknown Becky lost control of her bike and ended up in a shallow ditch on the side of the road. She was face up in ankle deep water, she was concious, but hurting! She had bounced and tumbled over boulders and down the embankment into the water.

There is a camp ground a few hundred yards away from the crash site, but other than that we had the area to ourselves. As my daughter ran uphill to get cell service and call 911 I went to Becky to talk to, and try to reassure her. Within seconds (maybe 30 or so..) there were two men behind me, one stated they were medical professionals of some sort (I think he said they were EMTs, but can't be certain) when he said that I immediately stepped back and let them take over. I can't express how relieved I was that someone who knew what they were doing was there to help! As I stepped back I saw that they had their SUV parked on the road to protect the crash site.

Within a couple of minutes three other medical pros were there. They all three were Doctors and had well stocked first aid bags. Becky was in excellent hands! (I believe the bicycle riding Drs were from the east coast, and on vacation here) additionally some people from the campground came with blankets to cover Becky. Surprisingly soon, considering our somewhat remote location, the police, then the ambulance arrived. They all acted competently and Becky was transported to the nearest hospital.

You can see where the path of the bike is, the bike, and the responders working on Becky.

I didn't get the names of any of the Good Samaritans, I wouldn't recognize them if I saw them, but I thank them from the bottom of my heart for the care they so freely gave when needed!

Good news.

Becky will spend the next few days in the hospital. Luckily tests on her head and spine came back as good news. Her wrist was operated on, and her elbow was re-located, and she has numerous bumps and bruises. Her full face helmet is scratched and dinged, her jacket and jeans were cut off at the scene.

Right now I'm certain she doesn't think so, but I saw the entire incident; the mileage marker pole she narrowly missed, the barbed wire fence she came within a couple of feet of grating along, the bowling ball sized boulders she tumbled over and through and having seen all that I think she is very, very lucky. Part of that luck is that she didn't give up on trying to ride the bike, she stayed with it and very nearly regained control..but it was not to be.

As for the Daddy-Daughter ride? It was a lot of fun up to that point. Next year? Probably not.

ps. Just got home from a visiting Becky at the hospital. She is in good spirits and seems to be doing as well as can be expected.

pps. can anyone tell me how to keep the random spaces out of my blog posts? I edit over and over and yet they are still there.

Mine...all mine!

2011-09-05T08:18:00.001-07:00

It's only a short ride from my house to Butterfield Canyon (18 miles or so), then a few miles up the canyon the road turns to dirt (8 miles or so), a few more miles of dirt (another 3 miles or so) and knowing which turn off to take and you can see this. The Kennecott Copper mine. This is the third largest open pit mine in the world, and quite a site to behold!
It's a hazy day, but looking north you can see the Salt Lake Valley, and if you squint hard enough you can see Salt Lake City...kind of.

This is a 24/7 operation, you can see the worker bees doing their thing.

The road back down. I turn the engine off and coast all the way just to enjoy the peace and quiet.

The switch backs are very tight, steep, and loose dirt.

You can see a parking area, I'll take a right turn there and go home via Tooele.

Looking back up at the hill I was just on.

Then I went home to a birthday party for my son (a guitar player) and grand-daughter.

My daughter made this cake which means it will be good, but - it also has a lot of suger. I don't want to fret too much so I try to tune into my thoughts and determine if eating some of that cake is in harmony with my diet....

A little ride, a little cake, life is good!

Northwest romp part 1

2011-08-26T14:55:00.001-07:00

The Northwest Nomad rally was to be held in Crecent City, California. I was going, then not going...back and forth. Then I was able to get the time off....but found out a wedding was happening that weekend that I didn't want to miss! So my plans were in a constant state of flux, but really...I didn't care where I was riding to, as long as I was riding.

So, Saturday morning I met Jared, Quin, Jason and David in Salt Lake and we set out for Pendleton Oregon. What, you say?!? Pendleton is not on the way to Crecent City? And you are right, we are taking the 'Biker's shortcut'! David had Saturday obligations so he would only ride with us for a short time. I had decided I would only stay with the group for two days and then go on my own way to my obligations.

At a gas stop near Pendleton.

Rest stop just a few miles out of Pendleton.

L to R: Jared, Quin, Jason, Me. Where was Jared hurrying off to you ask?

Looking out from our hotel's (second level, very shaky) parking lot.

Pendleton streets.

The next morning, on our way to visit Mt Saint Helens.

We need to cross this bridge, and go into Washington.

Carson, Washinton, We'll go north from here, make a stop in Randle for lunch, then to the Mt Saint Helens site.

On the road to the site. The devastion from the May 18, 1980 eruption is incredible!

Logs blown here from the blast cover a good part of this lake.

Mt Saint Helens.

The steps leading to the view area...I lost count at 320 and we estimated at least 100 steps remained. I was slightly out of breath at the top.

This tells of two very lucky people who were in a plane over the volcano when it erupted, they survived and the photos they took aided in the study of the event. We go to Portland for the night.

Northwest romp part 2

2011-08-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

I rode in this area about 10 years ago, and saw the signs advertising the Spruce Goose, but didn't go to it then. I've kicked myself ever since, so when I saw it this time I HAD to go see it. I stopped and told Jared to go on I was going to spend some time here. We were going to part ways in about a 100 miles anyway so it was not a big deal.
They have more than just airplanes on exhibit, but almost everything is aero-themed. Even the bathrooms have a bombers seat and sight glass. (jk).

It's pretty hard to get the whole Spruce Goose in one picture.

Here is a model that was used in a movie.

Showing the Goose's reletive size compared to modern planes.

Luxurious accomodations inside the Ford Tri-Motor.

See the control cables outside the plane?

A DC 3 nestled all comfy under the Goose's wing.

Take a guess at what this is....yep, you're Wright!

Eye candy!

No introduction needed.

The driveway/landing strip leading in....

and leading out.

After a few hours at the museum I get back on SR 18 and head for the coast

There it is! Like so many people I love to watch and hear the ocean.

This guy came by and wanted to chat, but I had miles to go before I sleep.

I stopped to eat here, but they had no clam chowder on the menu! What?!? So I went down the road to Jack's place for some wonderful chowder...no pics. :(

I stopped again to watch the ocean. I was considering where I would spend the night, I really didn't want to get a room on the coast as they are so expensive. So would I go inland here, or go farther down 101 then go inland?

As I was mulling over my options, in the park came two bikers; meet Nina and Tea. They live near Eugene, and were out for a ride. We talked for a while, and they invited me to spend the night at their house! How could I say no?

Plus...they were having a oyster bake that night with Nina's Godmother and her friend, and I was invited to that as well. Again....how could I refuse? So off we went to the oyster farm.

Oysters bought and iced, we then left for Tea and Nina's house.

This isn't it....just a place I saw on the way. You'll have to go to part three to see their house.

Northwest romp part 3

2011-08-26T14:02:00.001-07:00

Almost there...
And we arrive at a Shangri-La in the deep Oregon woods, I don't know if they have named their home, but that's what I would call it. Tea and Nina have a wonderful place that is like the Spruce Goose in that you can't take just one picture and get the whole thing. Besides, one picture just wouldn't do it justice.

One of the first things I saw as I stopped my bike was this sign, I asked about it and Tea showed me the Dragon.

This is the Dragon. The Dragon is a Japanese pottery kiln. Tea tells me there are about 48 of these in the US. When they fire up the Dragon it gets to 2,600 degrees, takes 12 cords of wood for five days, and takes 2 to 3 weeks to cool down.

Inside the Dragon. To get the shape he built an upside down boat, then put bricks and dirt and some type of liner over it.

I'm looking down on Tea and their home from the 'barn' where I will spend the night.

Their home is a living museum, everywhere you look is more art. I think I could have spent days just wandering around.

Some of the cute fish that Nina makes.

The oyster bake. A first for me, I like them and had several with different things added to spice them up...

The oyster chef, sculpter, artist, and potter, Tea.

The barn, my lodging for the night. After we finished the excellent oyster bake and chatting I walked in the dark up the dirt path to the barn. I paused on the barn's deck in the absolute silence, not seeing any light that was powered by electricity, not hearing any human caused sound and had this thought; this stillness is so complete it soothes my battered ears, the stars are so vibrant they soothe my tired eyes, the Peace of this home is so encompassing it soothes my weary soul. For me at least, this truly is a Shangri-La.

After a refreshing nights sleep, it was fun to watch the animals as they started moving around.

This hen has a secret......

What could it be......?

And there it is........

More of Tea's work.

Getting ready to leave. During the oyster bake Nina had told me, "the first time I came here it felt like home, and I just never left." I now know exactly what she meant, but sadly I had to leave. I say good-bye to my wonderful hosts, give them both a heart felt hug and was missing the Shangri-La of Oregon before I got to the end of the driveway.

I ride the 10 miles down to the nearest town, Junction. Another 15 miles gets me to the nearest I-5 entrance.

I exit the freeway at Roseburg and take SR 138 to Crater Lake, after passing through several miles road construction that is....

I didn't want to pay for a permit, so I had to walk normal while I was in the park.

Late August and still lots of snow.

Crater Lake.

My lodging in Bend, Oregon.

Prineville. They guy at the chevron station told me how to get the cool pic of the whole city, unfortunatly it was a bit hazy that day.

Mitchell Oregon mainstreet.

Shoe tree west of John Day about 40 miles.

My favorite lunch, this time in John Day.

Several of these flying around, this one liked my pen.

On my way to Baker City.

Lodging in Baker City. Very inexpensive and clean, but the best part is the guy that runs the place. I parked my bike and carried some gear up to my room, when I came back out he had put a small bucket with cleaning rags and some windex by the bike so I could clean it off. Wow! I've never had that happen before, I wondered if my bike was just very dirty, but later some other bikes came in and he did the same thing for them. Knights Inn, Baker City, recommended.

The next morning I'm on my way to Hell's Canyon recreation area. After 4 days on the road, and the oyster bake I feel a certain kinship with this monument.

Going south from the dam to Cambridge. Possibly the curviest 25 miles of road I've ever been on....Sweet!

My last stop on the way home in Tremonton Ut...no worries, I still had .258 gallons left!

This might be the best trip I've ever had. Hard to say why, but it was 2300 miles of good times, great people, and good food!

I Was able to check off 4 things from my bucket list.

1. Mt. Saint Helens

2. Spruce Goose

3. Crater Lake

4. Hell's Canyon Recreation area

If you are interested in seeing more of Tea's and Nina's work you can go here:

(edit) this address should work better. Thanks Fenton!

http://www.tealartistcoop.com/ThanhNina.html

My Darkside tire is about done....20,000 care free miles.

Bear Tooth and back 2011. Day 3 of 6

2011-08-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, August 10
What a great way to start the day. We left our hotel in Cody, made a quick gas stop and then started up Chief Joseph Highway. Can't beat that!

Dead Indian Summit, looking down on the road we're going to ride next.

Still haven't adjusted the timer to old man speed.

Alls well that ends well.....

To get a better angle I asked "Holt" from Tennessee if I could use his truck bed for a better shot. He indulged me and moved his truck so I could take the pic. Then I took one of him and his dog so he could send it to his girlfriend. Thanks Holt!

The junction for Chief Joseph, and Bear Tooth highways. You can see the Bear Tooth peak in the background. The Bear Tooth highway is a spectacular 67 mile ride. The road reaches elevations of just under 11,000 feet (the highest is 10,977). We will ride the Bear Tooth to Red Lodge, Montana, have lunch and ride it again the other directon to Cooke City, Montana where we will stay overnight.

Can you see the watery ghost?

Red Lodge, Montana. We had lunch at Bogarts.

They have neat old signs hanging everywhere...

Lots of bikes in Red Lodge, a well preserved Goldwing above and the back half of a BMW below.

Back on the Bear Tooth. Do you think there have been any glaciers here?

The Bear Tooth peak again.

They do get some snow up here.....

We got some rain and a little hail.

Off the Bear Tooth and on to our lodging in Cooke City.

Bear Tooth and back 2011 Day 2 of 6

2011-08-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Day two August 9th

We're looking out our hotel deck window at the Palisades reservoir at the sunrise.
Loading the bikes and getting ready to go. We'll ride the Swan Valley highway past Palisades reservoir, then to Victor Idaho for brunch, over the Teton pass, we'll skirt the town of Jackson by taking a seldom used shortcut (the reason it's a seldom used shortcut is because it takes longer..) then north to Yellowstone and on to Cody Wyoming where we'll spend the night.

Rooster wants to tryout my Darkside tire. A "Darkside" tire is a car tire on the rear wheel of a motorcycle. The reason one would do that is to get more miles per $.

We stop for a group pic at a pull out...ten seconds used to be paw-lenty of time! On my next birthday I'll have to reset my timer. It's a good thing I have it set to take more than one picture!

Victor Idaho. Lots of fun shops here.

We ate here.....very very good!

The old train station, a good man who is without a doubt doing something very important in Heaven right now, grew up here. Rest (or work, he didn't sit still much) in peace Ted, you are missed.

Teton pass. 10% grades on the way down to Jackson...hmmmm, I wonder if we will see a truck with hot brakes?

Hot brakes.....

Our first good view of the Tetons.

Stop in the Teton NP visitors center and we see this cool car.

Into Yellowstone NP

Apparently this sign in necessary....

Some hotpots.

Another cool car at the hotpots.

Back when the big fires raged through Yellowstone, the handwringers said it would never recover...the park is looking great, recovery and all!

Out the east gate on our way to Cody.

We get wet.

Our stop for the night. NOT recommended.

We met and had a super conversation with the two Canadian couples riding these bikes. Dinner in Cody...pretty good.

1/4 of the Canadian group.

End of day two. Tomorrow we'll ride to Cooke City Montana via Chief Joseph highway and Bear Tooth Highway.

Bear tooth and back 2011 Day 1 of 6

2011-08-14T11:05:00.001-07:00

Time for our annual couples ride. This year we will go north with overnight stops at Alpine Wyoming, Cody Wyoming, Cooke City Montana, Rigby Idaho and, Lava Hot Springs Idaho.

We get ready to leave Monday morning August 8th.

Kenny and Jan on the black HD (Jan injured her back the week before the trip so she will be following in their SUV), Rooster and Wendy on the Wing, Brent and Julie on the gold and black HD, and Beverly and I on our Nomad.
North on the Legacy Highway to get out of town.

We make one of my favorite northbound stops, the Trappist Monestary in Huntsville. I've mentioned before in this blog how the Trappists numbers are declining as they are not getting new members and the current ones are slowly dying off. It seems like there are fewer each time I visit. The Trappists don't talk unless communication is necessary (a good habit to be in..), and I wonder if they ever recognize me and think to themselves how much 'that biker guy is aging..' Time goes on for all of us.

Wendy and Jan on the peaceful Monestary grounds.

Photo op at a gas stop in Randolph Utah.

Then past Bear Lake and into Idaho where we stop in Fish Haven Idaho for a delicious sandwich at Gladys Place.

Looking across a hayfield to Bear Lake.

No...not THAT Paris, Paris Idaho. This Tabernacle was built in 1888, we stop for the free tour.

The Tabernacle is not for the faint of heart, gimpy knee'd, or weak ankled.

Our tour guide tells us this is still an active meeting house. Weddings, funerals, and some church meetings are held in this Latter-day Saint building.

The back of the Tabernacle.

Brent and Julie have been married for over 30 years and they still act like a couple of kids in love....how weird is that?

The local rag is right across the street.

We arrive in Montepeiler Idaho.

We quickly get our Bear-ings..... (click on the pic) and head across town where we will go north on U.S. 89

I think I'd rather sit on a bench held up by a cowgirl than one held up by bears...better yet, one held up by a bare cowgirl...

If you look close you can see a cabin/house on the middle ridge.... I can't imagine how beautiful their view must be everyday!

We arrive at Alpine Wyoming where we will stop for the night. Palisades reservoir is next to Alpine.

More bears and a direction pole at our hotel.

Our room was spacious and pretty nice. I'd be happy to stay here again.

At the gas station.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

And the end of the first day...tomorrow we'll ride to Cody Wyoming.

Bear tooth and back 2011, day 4, 5, and 6

2011-08-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

We leave our cabin in Cooke City and enter Yellowstone via the northeast gate. We're on the road early and have a great relaxing ride through the north end of the park.
Saw lots of sign warning of animals, but we were all surprised at how few animals we saw....much less than what we've seen in the past.

Cool old car cruising the park.

Yellow bird.

A photo op for an Oriental group, they must have been having fun 'cause they were all smiles!

More bison, they were tieing up traffic by sauntering down the side of the road. They act as if they own the place!

The "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone" waterfall and river.

We exit Yellowstone out the west gate and stop in here for a great sandwich and needed rest."

We ride south on U.S. 20 for about 25 miles and take a left towards Mesa Falls. Mesa Falls might be Idaho's best kept secret. It's a beautiful place with an upper and lower falls. The upper falls are in a state park and you have to pay one whole dollar to get a motorcycle in....sweet! The lower falls are a very short ride south (probably less than a mile) and are free.

This is the upper falls. About 200 feet across and 130 foot drop. The constant moisture from the mist has created a 'micro-climate' across the river with flora that is not found anywhere else in the surrounding area.

We met a nice couple from Texas celebrating ten years of wedded bliss, the Mrs. took this pic for us...no timer needed.

This building was originally an Inn and built between 1907 - 1912. It was closed in the '30s then restored and reopened years later as the park visitors center.

The lower Mesa Falls. It's just a short hike to see this eagles eye view of these beautiful falls! It is, however, a loooooong hike to get down next to the falls. The eagles eye view is the only one I have...

A little farther down U.S. 20 the Warm River passes underneath the road. There is a fish food dispenser and for $.25 you can feed the fishies some cat food. They are BIG fish and it was fun tossing the food and seeing them dart after it.

The Warm River is actually cold, and is so named because of the steam that rises off it in the winter.

Continuing on this is just before the town of Ashton.

After Ashton U.S. 20 changes from a scenic, calm backcountry lane to a 4 lane arrow straight highway. It's all good as we need to get to our lodging for the night.
We've spent a lot of time site-seeing and it's getting late, but I can't resist a pic of this imaginatively painted building outside the town of Rigby.

And we're there. This was a nice place to stay, probably the cleanest room we had all week.

Opportunity knocks. It's not very often you see any dirt on Kenny's good looking HD so I snapped this quick pic during a short stop in the tiny town of Ucon.

The US Farmer; feeding America.

Bald eagles in a pole nest. There are numerous of these nests for various raptors including eagle, osprey, hawks, ravens, and kingbirds. The Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) leads the electic utility industry in saving birds while delivering power to their customers. Some of these nests are built by boy scouts as an Eagle Scout Project.

Nearing the east end of Palisades Reservior

The Palisade dam and power plant.

Back onto U.S. 89 on our way to Thayne Wyoming and the Star Valley Cheese store for some squeaky cheese! They also have excellent fudge, burgers, ice cream....

There are uncountable varitations of this type of property entrance. Some are quite fancy, others are plain. It's fun seeing them along the road.

We make it to the Star Valley Cheese factory. I didn't get a pic of the store as I was distracted by these..... We did get some squeaky cheese for us and some fudge as a thank-you to our next door neighbors for picking up our mail.

Dad's bar...never been there but I hear the burgers are good.

We backtrack on 89 about 3 miles to Freedom Wyoming, home of Freedom Arms - manufacturer of custom revolvers. They don't give tours, but they did show us a video about their operation, some guns, and some of their incredble mounted trophies.

On the road again this time on Idaho SR 34 to Soda Springs

Downtown Soda Springs.

Take a right at Soda Springs onto SR 30 and on to Lava Hot Springs where we will spend our final night of this trip.

Our lodging for the night. What a great place! Yes it's old (built circa 1915), yes it smells a little but funny, but the character of the building and the wonderful staff that makes it run more than makes up for any shortcomings! This place has more timbre than any other we stayed at on this trip, maybe more than any place I've ever stayed! I had a great time just wandering through the building and looking at the interesting art, decor, and trophies.

The lobby.

The basement housed three private spas, and a pricy, but very good restuarant. We had breakfast there; buffalo steak and eggs is now my favorite breakfast!

Some fellow lodgers, two couples from Ogden area, one two up the other rode two Suzuki Intruders. All three bikes were obviously well taken care of in loving homes. :) You sure meet some great people on the road!

Our group decided to float the river.... Hooooo boy..

Brent, Julie, and Jillian here on a four man raft.

The current is swft and strong, on our first trip down Beverly hit a particularly rough rapid and was 'de-rafted'. She was tumbling down the river out of control, and mostly underwater. Kenny was the hero of the day, he was able to reach her first and somehow in the swift current, and despite losing his own tube, got her to the bank. By that time her knee was cut, one of her fingernails was bent all the way over backwards, and they both had many other bumps, scrapes and bruises.

Kenny helped her out of the river, and Bev asked him to pull the bentover nail back to the correct position, he didn't want to but it was just him and her there so true to the way Kenny is, he did what had to be done.

Not long after that the rest of the group was able to get out and get back to where Kenny and Beverly were at. We all excitedly told our own versions of what happened, and related how greatful we were that this didn't end any worse than it did, all the while Bev stood there bleeding and shivering.

It was at that point we realized we had another half hour rental time on the tubes, and if we hurried we could get in another trip down the river. I looked at Beverly's condition and knew I had to stay and take care of her. She read my look and said, "I'll be alright, you go ahead". "Ok" I said and off we went.

Bev walked (limped?) back to the hotel got our camera returned to the scene of the crime and was able to snap these pics of the second run.

The second run was good until the same rapid where I tried to break a rock with my head, lost my sunglasses, and had blurred vision for the next hour or so. All's well that ends well, and we had a great time!

Back at the hotel, here is Bev's swelling knee

Rooster pointing to the place Beverly climbed up and out after her wild ride.

We had dinner at the Wagon Wheel, always a good meal there. Again I got distracted (this time by the moped) and forgot to take a pic of the restaurant...

A last pic of Lava as we leave for home in the morning.

Heliocopter rides were availible...we didn't.

And on the freeway for a fast ride home. 1256 miles of good times, super roads, excellent food, fun bikes, and great company!

Vulcans do Torrey

2011-07-18T21:53:00.001-07:00

The Utah VROC (Vulcan Riders Owners Club) threw a rally in Torrey Utah last weekend (July 15 - 17). It sounded like a good excuse for a ride, so Beverly and I attended.

On our way we get a photo of the Manti LDS Temple.
Just south of Manti: a lake, a beautiful sky, and a four wheeler on the highway! Life is good!

Drilling for something.

The hills just outside of Torrey.

On the main road through Torrey.

Torrey's big store.

.......and we make it to the rally.

There wasn't a huge number of attendees at the first annual UT VROC Rally, but the organizers, Jason (Mellow) and Dave (Hazy) did a bang up job! When the word gets out how much fun we had I expect next years rally numbers to at least double.

Some of the bikes...

Hazy (L) and Mellow (R) demonstrating why responsible drinking means not having a permanant marker in your possession.

Camera play time.

Special lighting on two of the bikes (Troy and Sonya's)

More camera play time.

"The moon is high and so am I, the stars are out and so will I be pretty soon......."

Saturday morning, and not one of the bikes had a hangover, but somebodies rum ended up in the wrong pannier....how did THAT happen?

On our way for the Saturday ride. We will go east on SR 24, then south on SR 95 to Halls crossing, take the ferry across Lake Powell, then reverse our route back to Torrey.

There was a bicycle race on SR 24.

Sonya's Nomad 1700

Some peoples kids!

A huge rock alcove just down the road from that last group pic.

Rest stop/photo op.

Bottle opener.......

Ride leader, Troy, knows this road well and shows us some native american ruins.

The ferry.

They always let bikes go on first for some reason.

Waiting to get underway.

One couple rode two bikes and brought their young son, he used the waiting time to cool off.

A houseboat hauler and two escort trucks join us on the ferry. They barely fit!

House boats galore!

Water fun!

We see lots of cool little 'islands' on our way.

Nearing the other side......

Back at the hotel the group decides to go out to dinner, so we ride to the restuarant.

When will I ever learn?!? The Officer had a very bland personality, he didn't talk at all and it seemed as if he had been in this spot for a loooong time!

Salad...*yawn*.

Main course......VERY good!

After dinner somehow I got lucky enough to have this gorgeous young lady ride back with me.

Sunday we leave for home. On our way out of town we see these beauties!

Two Ducs, a Norton, and a BSA.

Fremont, Utah.

Some old guy...

The skies threatened, but we didn't get any rain.

The land that time forgot.

Curvy roads plus...

Steep hills equal...

GOOD TIMES!

Lunch stop in Helper, Utah.

Helper main street.

I doubt anyone picks on this librarian.... Helper Library.

Great weekend ride. Just under 800 miles and lots of fun! Thanks to Jason, Dave and all the other slightly out of control VROCers for a good time!

Father and sons ride 2011

2011-06-18T17:54:00.001-07:00

Every year I host a "Fathers and sons" ride, leaving the Friday before Fathers day, and riding back home on Saturday. You don't have to be a father, but you do need to be a son to go on this ride. Having said that we are happy to make exceptions!

Seven bikes gather at my house. We do like to have a chase vehicle as in the years past we've had one accident and... ahem... a few breakdowns. Jacob wants to bring his two year old son, Ryker so he drives the sag wagon this year.

The bikes;
My Nomad and Will's Strom.
Jake's Yamaha.

Tito's Victory.

Brent's Harley Davidson.

Kenny's Harley Davidson.

Code's Victory.

The Utah group. We will meet four riders from Idaho who will ride to Freedom Wyoming where we will meet them.

We make a rest stop on the way.

What's this? Is there a beauty pagent going on? Nope, but there is a Ragnar Relay going on nearby. What is a Ragnar? In the 9th century Ragnar was one of the greatest Viking Heros to live. He made a very good fortune and name for himself by attacking and raiding anyone who had money, which they would usually pay him to ward off the attack.

The adventurous spirit of Ragnar lives on today in the Ragnar Relay. 12 runners team up to run the relay, usually around 200 miles and lasts a couple of days. Individual members run around 18 miles each....WOW! These gorgeous ladies were part of the "Lava Girls" team, and they were at the same gas station we were at. I thought since their team name was "Lava Girls" and we were riding to Lava Hot Springs, it would be fun to get their picture in front of our bikes. I asked and they agreed!

The line up. Good luck Lava Girls! Thanks to Kenny for providing some HD attire! :)

And we're off again. We are riding on US 89 just north of Ogden, this part of 89 is called "Fruit way"...why? Because of the numerous fruit stands along these few miles. In season they have fresh fruits and veggies, it's a great place to go for a nice ride and buy fresh produce. But we are still too early in the season for them to be open.

It's been a record precipitation year in Utah, you can tell by the bright colors everywhere.

Another Ragnar team van driving to Logan.

But it's not the Lava Girls so we leave them behind.

More evidence of the heavy water year we've had. This is called Sardine Pass, and is usually being farmed on both sides of the road. But this year it is too flooded to farm.

Will. A car had just turned left in front of me and I had been able to avoid hitting it when Will pulled up beside and did this, I thought he was congratulating me for doing a fine job of defensive riding, turns out he just wanted a new picture for his profile.....

Entering Logan. We will turn here and go up Logan Canyon.

There was an arts festival going on at the Tabernacle grounds.Hmmm....

Still in Logan. Suddenly I'm nervous and not hungry...

In Logan Canyon now, the water levels are VERY high!

Rest stop at the scenic lookout above Bear Lake.

Ryker the biker is having fun! Back on the bikes and 10 minutes later we are in Garden City on the shores of Bear Lake. We stop for lunch.

Riding through Afton, Wyoming.

A closer view. We never found out why the flags were at half staff. Some quick 'Bird' watching...

We've met up with the Idaho riders and are going from Freedom, Wyoming to Soda Springs, Idaho when we hit some road construction.

Finally on our way, they let us go first. The new pavement is amazingly smooooooooth!

We wait for a train in Soda Springs, we're all thinking...nice doggie, nice doggie.... Crappy pic at dinner. That's Brad at the end of the table with his "son" "Joe"...hmmmmmm. I've heard alot about "Joe" so I was happy to finally meet her...I mean HIM!

The chase truck and our lodging for the night..the "Blue house."

The group. L to R. Me, Brad, Valerie (Joe), Ryker, Jacob, Will, Code, Jake, Tito, Brent, Bruce, Kenny, Tobin. Good times!

After breakfast we head home.

It was fun, I'm already looking forward to next year! Thanks to everyone who came along.

We will be making some changes for next year by bringing along a BBQer and having dinner in the park. That will make the visiting, bench racing, and BSing a lot easier. Hope to see you then!

Tag you're it! (and misc.)

2011-06-14T14:10:00.001-07:00

Here is the "misc" part. I went for a ride Sunday into Nevada. Here is the Utah tree near the Utah/Nevada border.

On US 93 south of Wendover someone has started a "Hat Tree".

It must be true love when you say it on the Hat Tree!

Now the "Tag" part. My good buddy Jared has a page on FaceBook called Utah Motorcyclist. We're playing a game of tag there. Another guy posted this tag so I went and got it today.

On my way to get a new tag, I pass a Kaw pasture....

And other scenic places.

I'm reminded I haven't eaten lunch.

The Trappist's bees.

At the Trappist Monestary near Huntsville.

...And the new tag pic posted on FB

This would have made a good tag....

This one too, but I liked the Abbey one better.

Waterfall in Ogden canyon. We're expecting flooding this summer.

On my way home.

Nice ride!

A sunny weekend ride.

2011-06-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Every year in SLC there is a MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Awareness) ride from SLC to Wendover Nevada. It is a great cause and a worthy fundraiser; but upwards of 5000 bikes participate each year and it can get a little crowded.

Cruiser buddies, Kenny and Brent set up a ride for this weekend that takes the long way to Wendover where we will watch the bikes come in on Sunday.

Time for a ride!

We leave Saturday morning and meet in Stansbury, then motor another few miles down the road for breakfast at the Stocton Miners Cafe. You can tell it's a "Minors" cafe by the brews they serve...
Interesting decor.

On our way again, Kenny and Jan.

Scott and Melanie.

Brent and Julie. Julie is waving, that's her thumb you see....

We get onto westbound Highway 50, billed as the "Loneliest Highway in America" and go on our way to Great Basin National Park. We ride through Delta Ut and into Nevada.

At a fuel stop in Nevada we meet this friendly couple who are from North Carolina and on a four week wandering ride to Alaska.

Just after entering Nevada my odo says this...

And we make it...none of us have been here before so all of us are excited to see the park.

We have lunch in the park, the big chip is pointing at where we are, the little chip is pointing to where we are going next - the Wheeler Peak Lookout at 9886 feet. The actual Wheeler Peak is 13,063 feet. There are 13 peaks in this NP that are above 11,000 feet.

At the Wheeler Peak Lookout...still plenty of snow.

The group.

An old car with what appears to be a ghost at the wheel.

Back onto the Loneliest Highway and on our way to Ely where we will spend the night. There is a good reason this is called the "Loneliest Highway"!

Dinner in Ely at the Jail.

Six more riders meet us in Ely and have dinner with us.

Jan and Beverly in front of a cool mural. The man in the image is a Basque and the father of the man who owns this building.

The next morning we leave Ely and ride North passing through McGill, Nevada.

Entering McGill.

About midway through town.

Leaving McGill.

Wendover is about 110 miles to the North. We had eaten a big breakfast with lots of orange juice and coffee, so on the way we pull into at a rest stop to use the bathrooms...but the bathrooms are locked up! What?! There is nothing between McGill and Wendover but sand, short sagebrush, and this one rest stop with closed bathrooms. No wonder this guy was in a hurry! We jumped on our bikes and followed him to Wendover and to open/working bathrooms!

Phew! We make it! Even though the MDA ride has not arrived there are lots of bikes already in Wendover. The stage in the background where the band will play.

Lots of different types of bikes, and a lot of people showing off their inner rebel and what makes them unique.

Some cool, unique cars too.

Trikes..

Choppers..

Custom paint jobs..

Something for everyone.

We have obligations at home so we leave before the party really gets going. Wendover sits on the Utah/Nevada border. Here is a Utah State Trooper talking to a Nevada State Po while they wait for the main group to arrive. We jump on I-80 east bound for home. We can look across to the other side of the freeway and see the riders coming to Wendover.

Here comes some of them.

Here is another chopper....but you have to look close, and by the furthest street light. It is the Utah Highway Patrol helicopter flying escort with the lead bikes of the MDA ride.

After we pass the main group they start to get strung out some....it can get lonely here too!

Somebody is having a bad day. A UHP motor cop and some riders.

Yet another chopper, this one a two blade job hovering above I-80. Sorry for the lousy pic, but we didn't want to stop on the freeway and snapped it on the fly. ("fly"....) :)

The Utah tree.

And we make it home just as our guests start to arrive. Good timing eh?

It was a nice weekend ride - 570 miles, some new roads, new sights, good folks, and really a good time!

Utah Freedom Ride 2011

2011-05-24T19:14:00.001-07:00

FreedomRide May 21st 2011

The National Armed Forces FreedomRide was started last year by a lady named Gypsy aka Cathy Hopper. Every state has their own ride, but are part of the National Event celebrating Armed Forces Day. I am the Utah Chairman, so it is my Honor to organize the ride for Utah.

I'll spare you the planning details, besides it all just fell into place...

My brother-in-law and three friends rode down from Idaho the Friday before the ride to join us on the FreedomRide. My garage has never looked so good!

My family had a pre-ride party Friday night at Liquid Joes to watch Gam e'on play. My son Fenton is in the band, and we all had a good time being groupies for a night. Some groupies had a better time than others, I'll just say that what happens at Liquid Joes STAYS at Liquid Joes!

The Utah FreedomRide started with registration at the Fort Douglas Museum, the museum was arranged for by the American Legion Riders. We then rode from Fort Douglas to three military monuments across the valley, and then to Miller Motorsports Park where we took a lap on the race track, followed by lunch while listening to a great oldies band.

Registration Saturday morning.

A car on display. I didn't verify this, but I believe the man in the back did this car as a tribute to his son.

In case someone gets...MASHed....

A good variety of bikes showed up; much more interesting than a bike specific event.

Some classics.

A few of my favorite bikes were there!Umm....

Leaving Fort Douglas. A Spyder is in our midst!

We had a flyover...of sorts. The Pentagon has a moratorium on flyovers so we had to take what we could get. Good thing the Tooele airport is nearby.

Lots of single headlights!

Lining up to take a lap on the Miller Motorsports Park track.

The pace car.

Excitment builds.

Filing out to the track behind the pace car.

I'm in good company, an Aprila, Victory, and a BMW K 1200 are in front of me.

Painted Desert, an AWESOME band put on a great show donating their time and talent for a super cause.

All proceeds will be donated to the Homeless Veterans Fellowship.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped it be a great day!

It was a great ride, I have to thank those who supported the FreedomRide;

Miller Motorsports Park

Arrow 103.5 Oldies Rock

Timpanogas Harley Davidson

South Valley Motorsports

Painted Desert (The Band)

But the biggest thanks of all goes to my family, they are the ones who made this ride work,

Will & Debbie - How did we ever survive without you?

Tiffany - In charge of registration and had multiple family emergencies Friday night but still took care of her part. THANKS TIFFANY!!!!!

Jacob - Worlds best Wingman!

Fenton - Much needed and always there Tech Support.

Kaybi - Has ever been and always will be my Favorite Daughter!

Mike - Certified Bad A$$

Theron & Callie Rose - Spiritual help

Camille - Who jumped in at the last moment and helped a ton!

Beverly - My most ardent supporter.

Hope to see you next year!

Spring has sprung!

2011-04-30T18:23:00.001-07:00

It's a beautiful spring day. My son Fenton and I had planned on a ride to Grantsville to another son's house where Fenton would install new sprockets and chain on his bike. Time for a ride!

I wake up to this - nothing like a crisp morning to go on a ride!

On the way to Fenton's house.

Dexter and Roxie are sad because they can't go with us. At least they will be warm in the house.

Fenton (dressed for a cool day).

Going past the 1,215 foot tall Kennecott Copper Mine stack. It is the tallest U.S. freestanding structure west of the Mississippi, and fourth tallest stack in the world. Since the building of this stack in 1974, and an upgrade in 1995 the mountains to the south have made an amazing rebound. It's great to see them green and alive!

Were this stack here 25,000 years ago, all but the top 100 feet or so would have been under the water of massive Lake Bonneville.

Some clouds as we go around the mountain and west to Grantsville.

Great Salt Lake, the remnant of Lake Bonneville.

We make it to Grantsville.

I get to visit with one of my favorite buddies, Ryker the biker. We jump on his Dad's 'wheeler' and go for a spin.

'The biker' can be a ham sometimes.

Time to go, and lucky too as a storm chases me back home.

We have had a steller precipitation year. In the Grantsville area there is a lot of standing water, Deet will be a popular item this summer.
Wasn't much of a ride, but the good company and visits make up for the lack of miles.

Devil's Highway Day 1

2011-03-19T17:18:00.001-07:00

Nomad buddy, Jared, has bought a new to him nomad and has to fly to El Paso, Tx to pick it up and ride home. He invites me to meet him as he rides home and ride together a bit. Sounds like a plan, time for a ride!

Looking at routes I see I can check two places off my bucket list; Winslow Az (becuase of the Eagles song, Take it Easy), and the Devil's highway (route 191) in Az

I was going to take my nomad, but the morning as I go out to leave I find a glitch. A new farkle I had recently installed on the nomad needs some adjustments....I have to choose, work on the nomad, and leave in a while, or move my gear to the strom and leave now. Leaving now sounds good to me so I unload the kaw and load up the strom. I'm on my way in minutes.

A theme that will keep repeating itself the first two days of this ride is; "that's a road that I've always wanted to ride..."

As I pass Helper, Ut, I notice a road that I've always wondered what was down it, and I find this. I'm glad I followed it.

Back on the main road, I enter Price and have to re-route around the St. Patricks day parade. I stop and watch part of the parade. These young parents were part of the parade, you just have to love small town celebrations!

Back on SR 6 I see another road I've always wanted to ride....what the heck, I have time. Well, I did have time, but I got sidetracked on yet another road a few miles up the canyon, so Nine Mile Canyon will have to wait till another day.

The day before I left for this ride Strom buddy, Tom, tells me about a road in this area that I didn't even know existed....what the heck I have time...

So I've seen two new towns today, already this is a great ride. Next stop is Green River, Ut. I need to get a pic of the Strom in front of the Golden Ratio.

And what's a trip to Green River without a watermelon?

Leaving Green River my only option is I-70 so off I go heading for Moab. But I stay on 70 past Moab (Exit 204) so I can ride SR 128, a very scenic road that follows the Colorado River back to Moab.

It's getting late....

Day one miles - 320

Devil's Highway Day 2

2011-03-19T17:01:00.001-07:00

I leave Moab and ride south on 191

Wilsons Arch.

And then I see.....you guessed it another road I've always wanted to ride. SR 211 that goes to Canyonlands NP. What the heck, I have time...

The end of the road, turn around and head out.

A road off SR 211 is a "shortcut" to Monticello. One of the rangers at the visitors station tells me she thinks it is still impassable due to snow. But I try it anyway. I get 10 miles from Monticello and run into this but I keep going by using my feet as outriggers. After two more such places, my arms are tired and my feet are getting cold so I decide to take the long way around.

Still on US 191 in Az now.

Devil's Highway Day 3

2011-03-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've stayed overnight in Chambers Az. I'm anxious to leave Chambers behind and I'm off early in the morning. I'll meet Jared near Lordsburg, New Mexico tonight.

Couldn't resist a pic of this old firetruck in Sanders, Az.

For a long time the scenery is somewhat limited.

Finally I get to Alpine, Az the north end of the Devil's highway. I'm a little hungry so I get me some manly health food to snack on.

Blue Vista outlook. I'll stop here again on my way back tomorrow.

The next three pictures are of the same corner. Notice the dark spot.

It's gravel....

Now, note the reflector pole bent over...other than the trees, this is a several hundred foot drop-off. Somebody had a bad day here. Not knowing how long ago it happened I stopped across the way and scanned the drop-off for...but didn't see anything that looked out of place.

At the south end you ride several miles through a mine, the next two (crappy and taken from a distance) pictures show the mine and if you look close the road that goes through it.

Some switchbacks.

Closer view of the mine.

Duncan, Az.

Day 3 miles - 303

Devil's Highway Day 4

2011-03-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

We have to backtrack to Lordsburg before we can go north.

Jared's new bike.

The south end of the Devil's Highway is Clifton Az. Clifton has to be the most funky town I've ever seen, at least here in America. It has a very "Third World" feel about it. The locals are friendly and the town is charming, but if you want to feel like your out of the U.S. without actually leaving, go to Clifton. I wish we had had more time to spend there.

An old train in Clifton. Within a few feet of this train was an old underground jail, reportedly to have held Geronimo at one time.

One of Clifton's more nefarious, and desperate jail birds.

The old train station.

Leaving Clifton.

Mountain sheep, aka Bighorn.

Another display train, just before we enter the Devil's highway.

Some pretty tight turns on the Devil's highway.

Jared flogging his Nomad.

The speed limit varies from 40 down to 10mph I pretty much just stayed at 40 except in the tighest corners, that was fast enough for me.

Some sweet friends gave me a shirt for Christmas with a picture like this on it, the caption is: "The Best Gears of Your Life!"

Blue Vista Lookout.

Speaking of Lookout! Someone shot holes in the Blue Vista restroom's door. I think guns and restrooms don't mix. Maybe I'll start a movement, and raise a big stink trying to get this kind of shhh....tuff outlawed!

Someone else left these roses at a rock outcropping at Blue Vista. Lovers leap maybe?

On our way. We stop for gas at Alpine, the other end of the Devil's Highway.

Day 4 miles - 263

Devil's Highway Day 5

2011-03-18T22:44:00.001-07:00

Jared leaves for home this morning, but I've got the condo for two days so I'll just take a short ride today.

While munching on a bagel this morning, this little guy says he wants to join me for a meal...no way! I love bagels and don't want to share, so he soon leaves.
To bad I'm on a Suzuki.

Wild horses everywhere, I tried to get closer to this guy for a pic, but he wouldn't have it.

Show Low, Az

LDS church building in Show Low, very different design for an LDS chapel.

And a Show Low statue and park near the church.

Home sweet home, back to the condo.

Day 5 miles - 95

Devil's Highway Day 6

2011-03-18T22:17:00.001-07:00

Leaving the condo (Pinetop Az)

I want to visit my ole buddy Al on the way home, but he is 500 miles down the road, so I need to burn some miles today. I jump on I-40 which goes past Winslow Az. Winslow has been on my bucket list for years because of the Eagles song. Route 66 Thru Winslow is awesome! They have done a super job of making it fun, and interesting.

And here it is: Standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona... It's a busy place, and the other folks there were very friendly! I guess everyone was as excited to see this spot of the world as I was and just wanted to talk about it.

The flatbed ford, and Gen.

Across the street.

Down 66 a few blocks in Winslow.

And back on the super slab for a spirited mile burning ride. I stop in Flagstaff for gas and happened to spin the rear tire while it was up on the center stand. About 90% of the tire looked acceptable, but on one spot the tire was very nearly bald. Not only that, but little chunks were coming out of the tire....like someone had picked at it with a knife or cheese grater! Thinking about the speeds I had just done made me a little queezy. I decide I need a new tire, and after a couple of hours on the phone find an Anakee in Flagstaff. I would rather have a matching tire, but my options are limited to say the least. So off I go to Northland Motorsports in Flagstaff for my new Anakee. It wasn't cheap, but they did give me a rush job and I was soon back on the road. Thanks Northland for installing my tire so quickly.

I could have bought this Yamaha while there...

I arrive in Mesquite about 7:30, three hours later than planned.

Day 6 miles - 508

Devil's Highway Day 7

2011-03-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

I sleep great, and I'm anxious to get home. But first, Al has a fountain running the width of his backyard. It needs a new liner and he askes if I can help move a the bigger rocks so he can put the liner in Monday. Sure!

Looking off his back porch.
An cormorant drying out.

The garage..

Here are the rocks. The biggest one we just lifted and he'll slide the liner underneath. The wood beam is about 6 feet long, that gives you an idea of the rock's size.

Taking some backroads home, I decide if I have an Anakee on I should take a spin in the dirt...good times!

It was a great trip 2223 total miles.

The Golden Ratio

2011-02-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

Andrew Rogers, famous sculptor and resident of Austrailia, picked Green River, Utah for one of his lastest works, The Golden Ratio. This is one of three GR sculptures in the world. It is based on ...the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci sequence.

My daughter called a couple of days ago and told me about this recently finished project. She suggested we ride over and see it when the weather gets warmer, and we will. In the meantime I wanted to go see it and find out exactly where it is.

Lots of time on Google finally produced these directions, "Southwest of the Amtrack station, between the station and I - 70". So off I go, Google also tells me that the Amtrack station is 181 miles from my home.

Since I lack an exact address of the sculpture, I hope there are signs, or arrows, or even an "X marks the spot" that I can follow....

Going over Soldier Summit was the coldest part of the ride but it's over (until I return home) as I descend into Helper, Utah.

Past Helper, just as I'm entering Price City, my odometer reads this number....strange...

It turns out I didn't need directions after all. As soon as I get within a mile or two of the town I can see the Golden Ratio Sculpture standing guard over Green River. Here it is from the Chevron station.

Standing in the same place, with the lens poking out a little farther..
I wander through town looking for the arrows, signs, or X marks the spots that will lead me closer to the site. But alas, no such luck.

I get a little closer shot, but still can't find the elusive access road.

I've stopped and asked two locals for directions, but neither can help telling me they haven't been to see it yet.

I ask a third person, a railroad employee, and he gives me clear instructions on how to get there!
Looking up at the top block.

Ok, mission accomplished, I'm on my way home. But on my way out of town I see this; Who you gonna call?

On the road again...

Other than going over Solider Summit, the day was pretty warm, I didn't even put on my electric gear.

361 miles total, 223 miles on secondary roads, 137 miles in canyons, 85 miles in the Diamond lane, 52 super slab miles (each way) $32 for gas, $20.00 for snacks and lunch, 12 pictures of the Golden Ratio, 7.25 hours to make the trip, 5 U turns to find the site, 2 legs of the trip, there and back, and 1 great day on the bike!

Eureka!

2011-02-05T17:10:00.001-08:00

Today is a balmy 38 degrees, no sense wasting warm weather...time for a ride! I had planned to ride to Nephi, Utah and have lunch at Lisa's Cafe (great chicken fried steak!) but half way there I change my mind and opt instead to take the loop through Eureka, Tooele and back to West Valley City.

Tiny Elberta, this is where I have to decide, turn left and go to Nephi, or right and go to Eureka. I go right.

Eureka, where I stop for a hot chocolate. While sipping the tasty hot cocoa I walk around town and take some photos of a few of the old buildings there. Today Eureka has around 800 residents down from a high in 1920 when the population was 3908. Frank Zamboni jr inventer of the "Zamboni ice machine" was born there in 1901.

I think this is an old power plant building..looked like a lot of electrical do-dads around the building.

Main street, lots of abandoned buildings, when the mining left, so did most of the economy.

I couldn't help but think, "don't let the screen door hit your butt on the way out".....

Sun roof. The cabin on the right was moved to this location, it was Porter Rockwell's old cabin. Portor (June 28 1813 - June 9 1878) was known as the "Destroying Angel of Mormondom." He also served as personal bodyguard to Joseph Smith jr, and Brigham Young.

I've been here several times, but have never seen the museum open...

Leaving Eureka and riding west.

I think I'll do a little exploring, but then I find out my darkside tires are not conducive to rutted dirt road riding. After about 300 yards my arms are tired.... I turn Elsa the 750 lb Kaw around and gingerly mosey back to the paved road.

The temps were not that bad...comparatively anyway, a 2oo mile day of good riding!

And back home in time to play with a grandson.

Life IS good!