My POA Tour Route [Archive]

PacWestGS

05-30-2006, 10:32 PM

Here is much of the plan, if you locals could give me a push here and there, or tell me a road is closed it would be much appreciated. These are loosly made and we are not on a daily schedule to be somewhere for each night.

Peaks of America Tour Route (July 6 – 30, 2006)

Day 1 (Thursday July 6, 2006)
WA 7 South (w/ alternate plan through Mount Rainier NP depending on whether Hwy 706 is open to WA 123 South to Hwy 12)
WA 12 East (Yakima, WA) to I-82 South to I-182 (Richland, WA)
WA 124 East (Burbank to Waitsburg, WA)
US 12 North and East to Lewiston,WA

Camp in Hells Gate SP (Maybe)

Day 2 (Friday July 7) (Two Options Depending Local Advice) (Might be days 2 and 3)
Snake River Road South (This may be an Improved Dirt Road?) or,
WA 129 South to OR 3 South to (Enterprise, OR) then OR 82 East to Imnaha (Hell’s Canyon NRA)
Most of the day will be spent exploring Hell’s Canyon with planned trip to Hat Point and POIs in the Park.
Ultimately exiting the Park on Hess Road South, Idaho Power Road to Oxbow, OR
OR 71 South (Along Oxbow Reservoir) Cross in to Idaho and continue on Hwy 71 to (Cambridge, ID)
US 95 East to Indian Valley Road (Near Messa) then South becoming Four Mile Road and finally Van Duessen Road to ID 52 (Emmett, ID)
ID 16 South to Beacon Light Road East a right and a left and a few more turns until of State Street into Boise, ID

Day 3-4 (BMW RA Rally Sat-Sun July 8-9)

Day 5 (High-speed Day Time vs Distance)
I-84 Southeast to I-15 South (Via Twin Falls, ID)
I-15 South to near St. George

Long day motel with a hot bath and a comfy bed

Day 6-7-8 (Tuesday - Thursday July 11 - 13)
UT 9 East (POIs Zion NP) to Mt. Carmel Junction
US 89 North (Hillsdale, UT)
UT 12 East (Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon NP, Escalante, Bolder UT and North to Torrey, UT)
UT 24 East (Capital Reef NP) to Hanksville
UT 95 South (Glen Canyon NAR / Lake Powell, Natural Bridges Nat’l Monument)
US 191 North to Monticello, UT

No plans for stops, Camp, Motel, visual stimulation will dictate pace.

Day 9-10-11 (Top of the Rockies BMW Rally) (Friday – Sunday July 14 - 16)
CO 141 North (Egnar, CO) to (Naturita, CO)
CO 90 North to Montrose, CO
US 50 East to Blue Mesa Reservoir
CO 92 North to Hotchkiss, CO
Cr.-J. 75 North to Paonia, CO

Camp/Motel? (Saturday Night Only (When we get there? When we leave?)

CO 133 North to Carbondale, CO
CO 82 South to Balltown, CO
US 24 East to Florissant Fossil Beds Nat’l Monument

(Maybe a detour up Cripple Creek Road to Victor and back around CO 67 to US 24)

US 24 East to Pikes Peak Highway and up the Mountain.

Day 11 (I plan to be in/around Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak)

Plan to spend the night at Fort Carson, my second US Duty Station BEQ

Day 12 (High-speed day #2)
CO 94 East to (Aroya, KS)
US 40 West (Kit Carson, KS and onward to Oakley, KS)
I-70 East to (Fort Riley, KS my first Duty Station in the Army)

Plan on spending the night here in BEQ

Day 13 (High-speed day #3)
KS 18 and US 24 East to Lawrence, KS (Doesn’t somebody live in Lawrence?)
I-70 East to Saint Louis and the BMW MOA Headquarters’ (and the Arch of course)

East until we get tired Motel time for sure. (Maybe Effingham, IN)

Day 14 (Wednesday, July 19) (Memorial Detour YB in IN)
I-70 East to Terre Haute
IN 46 South to Bloomington, IN
IN 37 North through Indianapolis, IN to IN 13 North to Wabash, IN

(Anybody home?)

Stop by Garth’s Grave (Because after all this tour is in his memory)

Day 15 (Needs to be a quick day it’ll be long for sure)
US 24 East and North up through Fort Wayne
I-69 North to I-80 to I-90 (Cleveland, OH) to I-190 (Buffalo, NY)

Maybe detour to Niagara Falls (Depends on a lot of things, time being one of them)

Day 16 (Friday, July 21)
I-90 East to (Utica, NY) (MapQuest is routing me south to NY Hwy 5 East from Canastota to Utica?)
NY 12 North to NY 8 (Chester Township, VT)
US 9 North to VT 74 East to Corduroy Road North to Crown Point Township
VT 9N to Lake Road
Lake Road to VT 903 to VT 17 North (Still Lake Road)
Right on Panton Road to Monkton
Monkton Road North to Silver Road North (VT 116)
2A North to Essex Junction

There I plan get a hot meal, a shower, and have a darned cold beer with someone or two or more.

Day 17-18 (Saturday-Sunday July 22 – 23, BMW MOA Rally)

After that I’ve got one week to get home, wife will probably be on an airplane, so I don’t know yet what I’ll have left.

PacWestGS

05-30-2006, 11:04 PM

That was long post I wasn't sure it would all fit.

As I sat down and went road by road and day be day, I realized there was no way I was turning Southeast In Kansas City and going to Graceland and over to Tellico and up the BRP/SLD and so forth to VT. Desire was writing checks my arse (and surly my wife's arse) can't cash.

It will be long enough.

I'll try and get some maps posted soon so you can visualize this better, but I thought I'd get it out there and the more local 'State' guys/gals can provide some road tips.

There will be long two-up days, but I've tried to keep the hard days to less than 600 miles, and the more scenic days to about 250-300. We're still pushing alot so that we can see a lot along the way.

It should be interesting!!! :lurk

Doc

RTRandy

05-30-2006, 11:07 PM

UT 12 East (Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon NP, Escalante, Bolder UT and North to Torrey, UT)
UT 24 East (Capital Reef NP) to Hanksville
UT 95 South (Glen Canyon NAR / Lake Powell, Natural Bridges Nat’l Monument)
US 191 North to Monticello, UT

No plans for stops, Camp, Motel, visual stimulation will dictate pace.

Couple of things for this area: There is a very new Comfort Inn at Torrey that is perfect for motorcycles in that the parking is right outside your room door. Super clean and quite if you're in Torrey for the evening.

For breakfast or lunch in Boulder, just south the main restaurant there on Route 12, there is a tiny sign that says "Restaurant" with an arrow pointing east on a small road. Turn there and it's like a 100 yards from route 12. Family owned and super nice people with good food and low prices called the Boulder Mesa. Keep in mind the town of Boulder is like one block long so you can find it for sure. Also ran into a bunch of cows just wandering and hanging out on Route 12 just south of Torrey. Not literally "ran into the cows", but had to slow to a crawl to avoid cow problems.

Good luck on your trip. Those are great roads you're taking.

PacWestGS

05-31-2006, 09:15 PM

Thanks Randy, that's the kind of BTDT local or familiar advise I'm looking for. :eat

Everything is subject to change on a daily basis, "No Plan Survives First Contact", but I have a plan to change from! :D

The one thing I don't want this trip to be is a 'Dead Line' or must get there becuase of a 'reservation'.

The Rally's will be fun, but (we) don't need to hang around just to be hangin' around. Wrist band, meet a few new people and on our way to MOA Rally.

What is it they say, it's not the destination, but the journey getting there. Well, this is going to be quite a 'Journey'. :nod

I haven't even got to the 'Packing List' yet? :doh

At least there is going to be a one-week shake-down trip two-up, in British Columbia with the ADVrider guys/gals. B.C. Big Trailie Ride (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119376) That should be a lot of fun, and give us (me) an idea of what the Mrs. can tolerate. So far her longest day has been 13-hours of which over nine of those were in the saddle. She does seven-hours pretty well, but I don't know how back to back to back days are going to go? :lurk

Doc

RTRandy

05-31-2006, 10:39 PM

Just remember Randy's Rule for riding in southern Utah or Nevada and that is:
If you see gas, buy it. If you're on Hwy 95 in Hanksville, put on fuel cause you won't see any all the way to Blanding. That road is just awesome!! Great surface, wide, and you may not see a car in either direction for 30 minutes at a time.

kbasa

06-01-2006, 01:22 AM

PacWestGS

06-01-2006, 05:19 AM

Jeez. My long trip itineraries are usually something like:

1 - wake up
2 - get on bike
3 - go <insert directional variant here>
4 - repeat until destination is reached in x days
5 - disassembly is the reverse of assembly

:ha

You silly rabbit, trix are for kids!

Sorry, I'm a plus or minus 2-minute guy, anything earlier than two-minutes may compromise the pick-up location, anything later than two-minutes means they've been there and left without you.

This was allot easier than planning a 10-day operation in the woods with specific target data to collect or destroy, an infil plan, movement plan, exfil plan, and all the minute details that lay in-between. Plus a communications plan, medical evacuation plan, plan to deal with unexpected encounters of every type, who does what, who carries what, who's carrying back-up to who's carrying what. Oh, and then there's the alternate plan, the contingency plan, and the emergency plan for each of those should everthing change once boots hit the ground and everything goes to hell.

MapQuest made planning the route easy, I selected stay off highways for some of it, and said start here - end there.

Other than that I'm doing exactly what you are suggesting... :D

Wake up, go, stop, repeat.

Dave when disassemble and reassemble, do you ever have extra parts left over in the nut and bolt bin? :stick

kbasa

06-01-2006, 09:48 AM

Dave when disassemble and reassemble, do you ever have extra parts left over in the nut and bolt bin? :stick

Never. :D

PacWestGS

06-02-2006, 07:57 PM

I don't know if this will help or you guys/gals will think I'm a little too detailed, but this is a big trip and Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. But here is my initial packing list for the POA Tour, four-weeks of going ocean to ocean and back again. This is summer planning, but going through planned Highs of 100+ to Lows of ~50 (High Mountains very high mountains)

POA Packing list:

Necessary Items:

Tools: Tire Plugger Kit, Pump, Tire-gauge, Valve adjustment tools, Spark-plugs, Gaskets, Duct Tape, Vinyl Tape, JB-Weld, Zip-Ties, Hand Tools as required, Extra Headlight Bulb H-1, Tail-light Bulb 1157, Turn-Signal Bulb 11?? , Fuses, PIAA Light x1, Safety Wire, Multi-meter,

His/Her Clothes: 1-pr Cargo-Pants/Jeans, 2-pr socks, 2-ea T-Shirts, 1-ea Button-Shirt, 2-pr Shorts, 1-pr Shower-shoes, 1-pr Walking-shoes, Belt, Ball Cap, Lightweight Jacket/Vest (Female items as needed)

His/Her Riding Gear: Helmet, Gloves (light/heavy/waterproof), Mesh Pants w/ liner, Mesh Jacket w/liner, Boots, 2-pr Poly-Boot socks, 2-pr Synthetic Shorts, 2-ea Synthetic Undershirt, Electric Jacket w/controller, Sun Glasses, Ear Plugs

Shared Personal Hygiene Items: Shampoo, Tooth-Paste/Brush-each, Hair Brush, Bath Towel x2, (Female items as needed)

First Aid Kit, Registration, Road Flares, Flashlight, Head-Light, Camel-Back, Mosquito Repellent

Electronics: Camera Digital and Video (Extra Batteries, Extra Tape, Extra Memory Cards), Chargers, Binoculars, Mini-Tripod, Cell Phone w/extra battery (in pocket) Charger, Communications Equipment w/extra battery and Charger, Hand-held, GPS (Quest mounted, E-Trex in pocket) Lap Top Computer w/charger and GPS USB cable

Sleeping Stuff: Tent, Sleeping Mats x2, Camo Tarp w/bungies, Poncho liner x2, Stuff-Sacks as needed. Jungle Hammocks x2

Identification: Passports/Green Card, Credit/Gas Cards, Drivers License, Cash $500.00 (separate and stored on bike w/extra credit card)

Extra Complete Set of keys in wife’s Jacket (extra ignition/pannier keys on bike)
Cable Lock, Wheel Lock
Gas Bottles x2
Engine Oil 1-qt
Plexus Cleaner, Clean Microfiber-Towel
Map Book/Log Book
CycleFoot
Waterproof Bags
Bungies, Bungy Net, Straps
Fire Starters, Lighter
Hatchet/Knife
Extra ‘AA’ Batteries
Parachute Cord (Rope)

1st Optional List:

Sleeping bag x1
MSR Cook Stove w/gas bottle
Cook Wear, Steel cups, Spoon
Coffee, Tea,
Nalgene Water Bottles
Dry Food
Camp Food

Bike Cover

2nd Optional List:

Lantern w/extra mantle
Sleeping bag x1
Mini Cooler or Foldable Cool pack
35mm Film Camera (Waterproof)
Folding Chairs

We'll see what works during the shake-down ride to BC in June

dataman

06-03-2006, 10:10 AM

WOW. Nice list - but it looks like you will be about 1,000# over when you leave home. There is a good thread about what to bring with you on a trip over in the clubhouse section. Maybe some good ideas there.

PacWestGS

06-03-2006, 10:56 AM

I'm gonna be real close to gross 1014# (Bike included) but it's nothing more than I've been through before. Except adding the wife. TG she only weighs 105#

During this trip last year I got on a digital truck scale after filling up with gas 440kg (968lb). That was a planned for solo Fall/Wet weather trip so I had some bulkier heavier items on board.

http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/33523820-M.jpg

That list isn't that 'heavy'

This 'Fungal Ride' trip was quite light even though it looks heavy. Coolers make a perfect waterproof crash resistant container if you have the space.

http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/73077509-M.jpg

This was us in two-up configuartion coming back from the Spokane Rally (No camping gear)

http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/73141199-M.jpg

Bike ~ 570#
Me ~ 200#
Wife ~ 110#

Gives me 134# to work with for everything else. And no I'm not trying to max it out, as it gets loaded and everything gets weighed the list will change to suit.

Doc

Mika

06-03-2006, 11:11 AM

Mika

06-03-2006, 11:13 AM

Never. :D

Extra parts are safely stored in the oil pan therefore they are not leftover.
Poobah Garage Logic

:lurk

dataman

06-03-2006, 03:35 PM

Doc - I'm impressed. You are the master of planning. An extra 105 lbs is no problem. I may have some route recommendations once you pass through Syracuse. It will depend on road construction in the Adirondaks. I'll let you know as we get closer to your departure date.

RTRandy

06-03-2006, 05:32 PM

We'll see what works during the shake-down ride to BC in June

Add a Camelback for sure. If riding two up you can keep it on your back and the bite tube can easily be reached and used by your wife as well. No matter what, you'll both have ice cold water the whole trip. The constant wind will dehydrate you out there. This might even help you leave the big cooler at home and free up room and weight.

Bring the bike cover for sure. Even on a dry night you typically end up with morning dew all over the bike and saddles by morning. Then there's those times when you go to sleep on a clear night and it's raining when you wake up.

Just my 2¢

PacWestGS

06-03-2006, 07:01 PM

CamelBack is on there at the end of First Aid Kit and other Emergency Items.

I'm not bringing the big cooler on this one, takes up too much space. I have a little Igloo (lunchbox size) and a collapsible 6-pack cooler, either or none.

Bike cover or just use my lightweight tarp.

The items on Optional Lists are optional items if space and weight are not issues, it's not like I pack Optional List #1 it's just those items have a higher priority than list number #2

I think in the end there will be less is more as result of the BC trip and weather predictions for the month of July. If it looks like we'll be chasing and running from rain storms the whole way, my clothing list for ride gear will dictate.

Dataman, planning yeah, that's what I do or at least did. I am master of 'Understanding Chaos' and developing a plan to counter it.

Signed, "Ultimate Boy Scout"
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/73217958-S.jpg

PacWestGS

06-09-2006, 09:20 PM

Here is the maps that go along with the itinerary:

The big picture
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/74479630-M.jpg

Western Half
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/74479815-M.jpg

Eastern Half
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/74479556-M.jpg

Western Detail
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/74479724-M.jpg

Central Detail
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/74479269-M.jpg

Eastern Detail
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/74479416-M.jpg

knary

06-10-2006, 12:40 AM

With some room for fudging and pleasantly getting lost, yes? :D

dataman

06-10-2006, 07:56 AM

Doc - how do you find the GS for 2-up riding? Specifically is your wife comofrtable as a passenger? Does she use/need a backrest? Do you use an intercom, etc.

PacWestGS

06-10-2006, 09:06 AM

Doc - how do you find the GS for 2-up riding? Specifically is your wife comofrtable as a passenger? Does she use/need a backrest? Do you use an intercom, etc.

Jim, I find it to be very comfortable, it's the biggest bike I've ever had, so there is plenty of room. We had to make changes from stock but all of them have been for the better. Rocky Mayer hand crafted a saddle for her and I bought a BestRest (Sport) Backrest that make her more comfy and secure feeling.

She always went to sleep on me (not that she'd fall sideways or anything but,) I'd have to make sure she was awake if the need to pass someone in a hurry came up. She sleeps less often with the new seat (like almost never now), and says her legs feel better during and after a ride together. So the stock pillion seat was a narcolepsy button.

I've used the backrest myself on a long solo ride (you can move it forward on the bike) it's nice. But on my short commute days it's more of a pain to swing a leg over and beats your back up on the bumps.

We have a ChatterBox GRMS-X1 (helmet mounted) that keeps us connected and listening to music. It's not used all the time, but we'll have it for this trip.

We're probably going shopping for her to get some hot weather riding gear, pants at least, her HT-Overpants came with a fixed-in liner, she won't let me spend to much money on her, because it's not one of the things we do together all that much, but maybe that will change as time goes on.

Hope that answered your questions

Doc

dataman

06-10-2006, 02:35 PM

Jim, I find it to be very comfortable, it's the biggest bike I've ever had, so there is plenty of room. We had to make changes from stock but all of them have been for the better. Rocky Mayer hand crafted a saddle for her and I bought a BestRest (Sport) Backrest that make her more comfy and secure feeling.

She always went to sleep on me (not that she'd fall sideways or anything but,) I'd have to make sure she was awake if the need to pass someone in a hurry came up. She sleeps less often with the new seat (like almost never now), and says her legs feel better during and after a ride together. So the stock pillion seat was a narcolepsy button.

I've used the backrest myself on a long solo ride (you can move it forward on the bike) it's nice. But on my short commute days it's more of a pain to swing a leg over and beats your back up on the bumps.

We have a ChatterBox GRMS-X1 (helmet mounted) that keeps us connected and listening to music. It's not used all the time, but we'll have it for this trip.

We're probably going shopping for her to get some hot weather riding gear, pants at least, her HT-Overpants came with a fixed-in liner, she won't let me spend to much money on her, because it's not one of the things we do together all that much, but maybe that will change as time goes on.

Hope that answered your questions

Doc

Doc - thank you. Your input is very helpful. I had a 2001 R1150GS with stock seats that neither of us could endure. I sold that bike and kept my 87 K100LT. We're thinking about a different bike for 2-Up riding. The GS had some advantages over a straight touring bike and I'm considering another. I wish this forum had existed in 2001.

PacWestGS

06-19-2006, 02:48 PM

OK, Well we're off to British Columbia by way of the Columbia River from the mouth at Astoria, OR. east to Kennewick, WA. and north to the border.

Then we are going to hook-up with a bunch of ADVriders and go hopping back and forth across the Okanagan Valley.

Will post a ride report when we get back next Monday.

Bye now, gone ridin'

http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/76459945-M.jpg
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/76459991-M.jpg
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/76460756-M.jpg
http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/76459900-S.jpg

P.S. This is 115lbs of light-weight stuff. I've got 95% of the POA Packing List on here. So we'll see how long the bike lasts. :brow
And, yes, I have two sleeping bags, which at least one is not going to Vermont.

Later, Doc

PacWestGS

06-21-2006, 10:52 PM

Wednesday 21 June, we have made it to Castlegar B.C. The wife now has her first 1000-miles on a bike over three days.

Everything is going pretty good but I hear final drive, transmission and other strange noises that I'm sure are normal but likewise keeping an eye on. I thought I blew the rear shock after yesterdays hot, bumpy ride, but I think that the trace of oil residue on the shock lower and swing-arm is from something benign like the airbox.

Been getting about 45-mpg at a steady rate of 60-75 mph over hilly terrain.

The Dam(n)-Bridges tour of the Columbia River was breath taking , will post a ride report soon.

The bike is maxed out for comfortable weight and the Ohlins are still fabulous.

Edit: Sorry got side tracked by a human encounter.

Anyway, the bike is solid and the Mrs. has told me she'll decide if she's going on the big one after the little ones over?

We're having a great time and the roads, scenery, and foods have been great!

I'll be back on a real computer soon.

Doc

Unregistered

06-22-2006, 09:56 AM

Ride Reports forum

jwhite518

06-22-2006, 11:19 AM

Hey Doc,

That looks like a really, really fun trip. I'm jealous!

The only thing I can add is you should try to get out and walk around in those national parks. The Queens Garden trail in Bryce is well worth the hour or two it takes. You're not doing the place justice if you just pull into an overlook and snap a photo.

Have a great ride. :bikes

PacWestGS

06-23-2006, 07:01 PM

:wave We're home.

I'll post the shake-up tour over on Ride Reports when I have some more time to get all the pictures downloaded.

The next day after posting the update, we were about 160 miles west of Castlegar when the rear-end went south.

Everything was fine and I had just got done passing a log-truck and a car up a fairly steep grade when a vibration crept into the foot-pegs about a mile or two later. We stopped and I checked everything, unloaded the bike and took off up and down the road, (I knew something was amiss, but couldn't nail it down. a funny tire wear started and I thought that might be the problem). Loaded everything back up and we took-off down the road again. The vibration got worse, a warbling noise started emiting from the rear-end and although I kept checking things we were out in the middle of nowhere and so we kept going looking for a phone or cell-phone service.

I stopped at a tow service and asked how much to Vancouver and he said, "Oh, about 600 to 700 dollars 'ey". I said we'll keep getting closer...

About 50 miles later and several stops for checking 'play' and rotation (which are still fine at low speeds) the last stop revealed its last hooraaah.

Oil was pouring out of the rear-main seal.

I happened to breakdown right in front of Bill and Ted MacKensies 12' trailer and the two of them cleaned out their car and drove me into the nearest town.

Make a long story short, they had to (did) take me to the next town another 20-miles away but I got a 17' U-Haul and did a self-recovery in about 3 and half hours.

We went on to Princeton B.C., drank some beers with the ADVrider group and spent the night.

Drove home today and dropped the bike off at South Sound BMW. They are going to try and get me back on the road for the POA Tour. So keep your fingers crossed.

See you on the road, just as soon as I can get 'er back together... :thumb

Doc

robdogg

07-03-2006, 01:33 PM

hope you get it running in time SF. Me and a friend are leaving Seattle (Renton actually) on Thursday the 6th and heading to the RA rally as well. We're going to try and make it to the rally by Friday though; since the rally is actually over on Saturday. We are also then heading for Colorado but by a different route then in your nicely laid out plan. We are doing a beeline for Steamboat Springs; then going to spend 2-3 days doin the "Ride the Divide" - which is a route the Colorado Concours (COG) guys have documented. We'll end up in Durango on around Wednesday then head back to Seattle via southern Utah, Nevada, central Oregon etc.

if your still able to do the ride as planned, maybe we can share the roads with ya a bit

good luck

PacWestGS

07-03-2006, 03:06 PM

Robdog, it's fixed i'm leaving thursday too (solo) for lewiston.

which way are you going over the mountains?

what time are leaving seattle?

russ

robdogg

07-03-2006, 03:33 PM

we arn't leaving till the afternoon unfortuantely; I need to work a half day; so probably around 3:00 or so

we'll probably go up and over Chinook Pass then down I-82 to the tri-cities and then cross the Columbia; we'll probably try to make it at least to La Grande where we'll grab a hotel room then on Friday we plan on heading up to Enterprise, Joseph then down to the Snake River and then south down in to Boise; hopefully arrive mid-dayish on Friday

PacWestGS

07-06-2006, 02:57 PM

OK, I'm gonna try this again.

I'm leaving the house within the hour. Yeah I know it's late, but better late than never.

I'll post updates along the way. And, see a handful of you along the way too.

I'm at least 120lbs lighter (Wifes' staying home), and this load is only 150lbs of light-weight shtuff...

See ya' on the road, and at the Rallies...

Russ

BubbaZanetti

07-06-2006, 03:39 PM

good luck, and see you in vermont!!!

SIBUD

07-06-2006, 06:53 PM

Live in Nashville, 50 miles east of the River on I64.

70 Miles from Effingham.

Let me know if you are interested.

PacWestGS

07-07-2006, 01:15 AM

You know how no plan survives first contact? Well moments after I sent the post today, Robdogg calls me and says he's leaving in 15-min. Cut to the chase... I met up with Rob and a friend on hwy 410 (Chinook Pass was still covered in snow but open) and we have been riding some good roads Southeast to Oregon.

Lots of wind, been fun...

Bikes running good, no problems.

Russ

Boise tomorrow...

silk100, yes, maybe see where I'm at at the time, thanks

PacWestGS

07-07-2006, 09:11 PM

In Boise, all is well.

Hwy 71 out of Hells Canyon ROCKS

Talk later.

Doc

BradfordBenn

07-07-2006, 09:29 PM

You documenting this route, some award and tally guy might want to see it....

PacWestGS

07-08-2006, 12:43 AM

Brad,

Are GPS 'tracks/routes' and gas receipts enough?

Doc

BradfordBenn

07-08-2006, 02:48 PM

I think I can go with that. The key being is that you need to prove to the Awards and Tally people the route you took.

PacWestGS

07-09-2006, 12:17 AM

The RA Rally is done, the three of us are still together and on our way south. Motel in Mountain Home. Then south on Hwy 51/225 tomorrow.

We may get wet and will keep an eye on the thunderstorms, but at 100d who cares about wet.

Should be in/near St. George, UT at the end of the day.

Had great ride today north of Boise. Can't wait to post pictures.

Doc

PUDGYPAINTGUY

07-09-2006, 06:46 AM

Hey Russ ride safe out there, glad the rear end fixed up fine and all is well.

PacWestGS

07-10-2006, 12:25 AM

Whew, 600-mile day. And only about 30 of that was on I-80. There were lots of arrow straight roads but, appropriately spaced with very fun twisties. We had, cows in the road, dodging Jack Rabbits at 80-mph, and now thanks to a story by Dave Hough, keeping an eye peered for eagles while dodging rabbits. We rode the "Cricket Highway" and now smell like One-Trillion dead crickets. We also got to dodge antelope, birds, vultures and ground squirrels. It was all fun, I don't think we hit any of them, except the crickets. That kill count is incalcululable.

We got rained on once and half, it felt good. Stopped and tried to help a family with a flat tire on their pickup, no luck getting the bead to seal, but they were impressed none the less that a BMW bike on its way to Vermont actually had the tools to try.

I can't wait to post a ride report. Have many pictures.

The next three/four days are going to be spent in Southwest Utah as planned.

It's 105 degrees outside during the day.

See Ya'

Doc

PS, Got to practice a couple hundred miles of "Crosswind" riding through the "Great Basin" and all kinds of techiques. Now, just have to figure out how to explain it. Another thread another time...

PacWestGS

07-10-2006, 08:26 PM

Man is it hot. 110d HOT, but you know what they say? It's a different kind of hot. Yeah, it's only hot when you're going slower than 60. Hehehe

Held back solo this morning. The other two are on a tighter schedule. Shipped some stuff home, that I won't be needing.

Took a ride ride out to Zion NP. and video taped the ride up. Must get helmet-cam. Shot stills on the way back down.

Rode out to Grafton as per instructed; neat. Got lost (on purpose) and took a seven mile dirt road back over the mountains to civilization. Yeah, Utah "Big Trailie Ride", it was fun, and had great views of Zion.

Someday I'll get to the internet and attach some pictues.

And, Oh yeah, I ran into John Brase at the park entrance; he was just getting there and I was just leaving.

Back at the motel, did I mention that it's HOT...

Doc

PacWestGS

07-12-2006, 08:12 AM

Gooooood Morning Utah,,,,

I had a great day yesterday, I was going to get up at 05:00 but the folks in the room over me decided to get up at 04:15. But I'm glad they did, I got some great morning pictures of Zion NP on my way through.

Rode out Hwy 9 until getting on Hwy 12 (What a great road this is). Rode through Bryce NP to the ends of each of roads and snapped up lots of pictures.

After getting to Escalante, I was getting gas when, after passing a sign that read [Hell's Backbone], I asked some local guys what the road was like and how far. They said pavement for a while then dirt/gravel. They looked at the 'Pig' and said you should go, you'll have a great time and it's worth seeing. I had said 25-miles up into the mountains and back, I have enough gas so I'd better wait until I return to fill up before going to Boulder. Then they said "Come Back, why, you can keep going and you will come out just south of Boulder. Well, that was that, a full tank of gas and heading out into nowhere.

So I'm haulin' butt up this very nice dirt/gravel road, probably faster than I should be going on a 950lb bike, when a deer jumps out onto the road and starts running parallel down the side for only a second. Big sharp left-turn ahead, but when I hit the brakes I started going straight, straight for the edge of the road. Swap right, swap left, “OH-SHEET” swap right again, come to an “ALMOST” stop, and promptly fell over. Can’t believe I didn’t take a picture of the ‘Pig’ laying on its side, to busy picking it up, with a full tank of gas and all my stuff. Sorry, Skerts method just wasn’t getting it; my feet kept digging big holes in the soft dirt on the shoulder. Turned around, pulled the handle bar into the tank grabbed the front brake lever and picked it up (Dead Lift). Once back on the side stand I took a break and took pictures. I saw one more deer run across the road later but there was less urgency and more room. Deer whistles do not work below 35-mph, if they work above that well, the jury is still out.

Anyway, this isn’t the “Ride Report”, you will have to wait longer for that…

Got to Torrey, UT just after catching up to the thunderstorms and got a room, dinner and a few drinks. I was beat, 12-hours of riding 300-miles and promptly fell asleep.

I’ll be in Colorado tonight, maybe even Paonia.

And, I know what the oil on my rear shock was from last month when I noticed it. It’s the “Pre-Load Adjuster” its shot. The shock works fine; I’m just a little low in the backend, low enough to drag the Jesse bags through a few tight corners.

Doc

PS. I’ve run across seven riders going to Vermont, five are riding the POA. I’m sure I’ll see more along the way…

PacWestGS

07-13-2006, 12:43 AM

I'm in Paonia, major stop number 2.

It sure is nice to get out of the desert but, mang does Utah have some nice MC roads.

So does Southwest Colorado, and I'm just getting started.

Do deer whistles work, I don't know, but I didn't run into any of 20-25 I saw tonight, they all stood there until I was about 200-100 feet away, then walked or ran away from me.

Well, looking forward to a couple days here then on the road again.

Doc

I sure picked some nice roads for getting here.

wjhanna

07-13-2006, 01:28 AM

I'm envious of this trip.

Day 16 - No need to take Rt 5 Canastota to Utica. Stay on I-90. As a matter of fact, NY365 from Rome to NY12 is a shorter route and a nice ride, as well. You'll come down into Barneveld and if it's lunch time, Sweet Basil (next to Deuces Wild Tavern) at the 4 corners is a great lunch/breakfast stop. Either way gives you a great entrance to the foothills of the Adirondacks. Pretty good roads, too. Rt5, while a good road, is a waste on this trip, plenty of stop and go traffic.

PacWestGS

07-13-2006, 09:38 AM

Thanks for the tips, Bill.

It's a very nice day Paonia. looking forward to some great riding.

Doc

PacWestGS

07-14-2006, 10:02 PM

Still in Paonia, still having a great time. The Colorado Beemers put on a pretty great rally. Lot's of people here, lot's of bikes.

Today Motard and I went out dual-sportin', of a 234-mile day trip; about 100-miles or thereabout were on dirt/gravel roads going up and over the "Grand Mesa" to 'Lands End' and all points connecting.

Just another great day.

Doc

Now, the band is playing "Sweet Home Alabama"

PacWestGS

07-15-2006, 01:28 AM

Yeah, Motard has explained that many times over to lots of people about the gas situation. I got some too once, but I was able to run it through the tank in an almost wide open desert run, then get some new gas.

The shock is fine, it's the pre-load adjuster piston on top of the spring that no longer works, so the bike rides a bit low when packed. No problems though I'll get through the trip as is if I can't get it fixed in Vermont.

Thanks for asking. Myrle is leaving for home in the morning.

Doc

PacWestGS

07-15-2006, 05:09 PM

Another day, another ride. Today, Motard, a guy we met (John) at the rally from Denver and myself rode out Hwy 92 to Gunnison. Where Motard headed for home and John and I headed over "Ohio Pass" and down to Crested Butte. After riding through town we turned around and went over "Keebler Pass", both are over 10,000 feet.

Another 200+ miles another 80+ miles of dirt roads.

I'm becoming "ONE" with the GS on Fire/Improved dirt roads.

I guess since I'm drinking beer right now, I'll be leaving in the morning...

Doc

PacWestGS

07-17-2006, 11:13 PM

Hey everone, I'm still plugin' along. Everything is fine, just got away from civilization for a couple of days. Absolute "Reader's Digest" version:

Sunday, left the Colorado Beemer's Rally in the AM and rode through Aspen and over Independance Pass. Got a driver's award near Twin Lakes (It says I was passing in a "No Passing Zone", I beg to differ but do not argue with the law. It was much better than the 75 in 55 that he could have attached to the first infraction, oh well. I promise you the lines were broken when I started... :D

Did the "Gold Rush" loop down and around Hwy 67 to Victor and Cripple Creek, very cool to go back after 20-years, things have changed...

Drove the bike up to Pikes Peak (14,121 feet) ye ha... :D

Spent the night with friends out side of Colorado Springs (limited cell, no internet)

Got up this morning and headed east into the furnace... All the way across Kansas, it was 105 climbing to 112 degrees, I am "well done" right now. The air temperature behind the oil cooler was a scorching 122 degrees. I had to stop more for me to drink water and submerge my cool-vest than to buy gas...

Got dark, got a room, got a drink, got off the road before killing "Bambi"... :drink

Tomorrow, I'm going by the MOA HQ's and then on to La Fountain, IN. Should be there about 8:00 PM depending on how long I am at the Headquarter's for our beloved organization...

Well, on time, on schedule see you all Thursday... :D

Doc

Burnszilla

07-18-2006, 02:00 AM

Go Russ Go!

Bokrijder

07-18-2006, 07:06 PM

I'm in Maryland for the night. The trip from Denver to St Louis was brutal. The temp. wavered between 108-110-112 all the way. Leaving St Louis, I swung South through Kentucky and West Virginia. Good choice, 95 degrees actually felt cool (only for a little while) and the roads and scenery were beautiful. The downside was rush hour Baltimore traffic coming at the end of a 650 mile day.
I just spoke with SFDoc. We agreed that never had the prospect of rain seemed so appealing.

Motard

Bokrijder

07-18-2006, 08:43 PM

It's raining in Maryland, a thunder shower just passed through. Tomorrow it's off to Lake George and I hope, lower ambient temps.

Motard

PacWestGS

07-18-2006, 11:51 PM

Not much to speak of today, just a long day in the saddle. I'm in Marion, Indiana.

Right after I spoke with Motard on the phone I finished dinner and got on the road north, got maybe 20-miles and rode right into a torential down pour myself. with small bits of hail thrown in for good measure. Got off the road becuase of lightening overhead and found a dry gas station cover while it passed over. (I had heard of a severe weather warning for the greater Indianaplois area while eating, it was true)

And, oh yeah, I stopped by the MOA HQ's and took some pictures. Mary said everyone was gone to some rally in Vermont, the nerve of our hired staff gone off having fun...

Saw some more deer tonight on Hwy 37 N in IN. They just run away from me, that's my experience... But, it sure nice to SEE them with the Xenon lights blazing a trail through the night.

Doc

PUDGYPAINTGUY

07-19-2006, 12:37 AM

Glad to hear you are progressing Russ, how many miles to date? Safe travels out there

PacWestGS

07-19-2006, 09:37 AM

Talk about sleeping in. I lost another hour on this trip. I thought I was getting a pretty regular start to the day and now it turns out I'm getting ready to leave Marion at 11:00 AM. (No wonder everything was closed up last night and there were so few cars on the road).

Andy, I'm somewhere around 4,500 miles so far on the trip.

Well, I'd better get crackin' times a wastin'... :wave

PacWestGS

07-19-2006, 11:15 PM

Last night before the destination, I'm (we're) in Erie, PA. I'm riding with BE in IN. Long nice story but there will be time around the camp fire.

See you tomorrow in Vermont...

Doc

PUDGYPAINTGUY

07-20-2006, 12:37 AM

4500 miles....dang Russ! Take care and keep the bugs out of ya teeth from all that grining...hehehehe

PacWestGS

07-21-2006, 12:51 AM

I've made it. For those of you following this thread; I've made to the rally. 5,400 miles of fun. I still have over 3,500 miles to get home again but, that will be less interesting I'm sure.

I'll post more later about the last two day's, quite a story to tell, I'll tell ya'

Good night Vermont

Doc

Visian

07-21-2006, 06:11 AM

Russ - sorry for my dumbfounded look when we met in person last night. I got a ways to go with this whole forum handle/real name thing.

Please get thee over to the Cyber Cafe and upload a few pics! :D

Ian

PacWestGS

07-23-2006, 04:48 PM

I'm sorry I missed some goodbye's, it was great to meet so many of you. The weather hurried my decision to leave.

Long way to go...

Well, got south of Buffalo last night with Gene Merrit, (aka GeneMerrit) wet most of the way. Passed or was passed by a dozen riders along the way south and west.

Got started at around 9:00 and I currently eating Southside Chicago "Sicillian Style" pizza in Frankfort, Illinois.

I don't know how much farther west I'll get tonight but I'm punching through as far as I can everyday.

Had fun, but all things must go on, and on, and on...

Doc

Belg

07-23-2006, 05:46 PM

Russ, had a blast up there. I pushed through late last night and got in about 4am ater nearly doing a reversal of my route up.

Stay safe, and I hope you hit the outside edge of it as fast as I did!

Belg

07-23-2006, 06:43 PM

Thanks for camping with us,had a great time. Sorry it went so fast. Thanks for bringing Garth's father and friends with you. I will never forget the moument's.Be safe. :usa

Yet another safe return.. glad we got to meet up, Statdawg! I went back down 88 there and had a better look around the detour this time :=) Nice little place!

Bokrijder

07-23-2006, 09:03 PM

I arrived home last night after a very wet and cold ride. Trip total 8,227 miles with approximately 400 miles on dirt/gravel roads and 95 miles on ATV trails. Nice ride, my thanks to the three clubs hosting the events.

Motard

Belg

07-23-2006, 09:06 PM

Bokrijder

07-23-2006, 09:52 PM

Yet another safe arrival! How's the fuel system?

Finally repaired. A new filter and complete flushing of the system was the answer. Considering the amount of water and dirt which I removed, it is a wonder that the engine ran.

Motard

PacWestGS

07-23-2006, 10:19 PM

Long a$$ day, I'm motelling it in Williamsburg, IA. A tad bit over 850 miles of mostly slab (and getting around Chicago what a PITA that is). Rained once hard enough to get on the liners near Cleveland. Been nice the rest of the day.

Last night I was riding with the electrics plugged in and turned on; wet, warm, and comfy... :laugh

Glad you other's are home safe and [on another thread] I am glad to have done the POA, wasn't around for the 'recognition' ceremony so didn't miss anything, hehehe... Got my "PIN" and the T-Shirt

I have had a great time and it will only be better once I get back home and sit my “Hot Tub” for an hour.

But that is still a few days away… :cry

Russ

PacWestGS

07-23-2006, 11:44 PM

I said I had quite a story to tell. Some of you have heard it in the flesh and other weren’t lucky enough to be at the rally.

Some of you knew that I was going to go by Garth's (aka "YB in IN") grave and pay my respects on this trip. Well I did do that, and I left him a Peaks of America Tour T-Shirt from all of us.

Now the interesting parts of the story:

I got in very late the night before and got a room in Marion (only seven miles from La Fountain) I had called a few numbers in the Anon but struck out on finding Bill {whom I was calling Ben} anyway I wasn't there to impose, just passing through…

I rode into town the next morning around eleven AM and based on the size of the town [Pop. 800] I figured I could track down all the investigative leads I needed to at the corner Stop and Rob (Gas/Mart).

Gas station/shop person "Omitted" answers all my questions about where to go. I walk back outside to my bike. As I'm getting my helmet back on at the bike she comes out and says "You know, his grandparents live just at the end of these houses, the last one on the right, you should go say hello since you are here".

I did, I pulled into the driveway and stopped, and waited for Mr. Epply (SR) to stop mowing the weeds and I had seen Mrs. Epply (SR) working in the back. I waited until I was noticed and then greeting were exchanged and I introduced myself and why I was there.

Long story short: I got fed lunch, had some ice-tea and we were talking about lots of stuff. (Apparently their other son and I have the same military background and retired about the same time). We might even know each other or crossed paths somewhere along the way?

Then Mom (grandma), calls Bill (aka "BE in IN") and says there is a fellow here from Washington state that wants to see where Garth is and that he's riding his motorcycle from Washington to Vermont.

I talk with Bill and he tells me this story about how he was all ready to go to the rally but about two hours ago his buddy had to cancel on the count of a leaky roof. Bill was very distraught and started to feel depressed about not going, he wasn't up for doing it alone and just succumbed to not going...

I said, well, I'm here and I'm going to Vermont, are you still packed? About how long do you need to get ready? (Omit some stuff for length)... I can wait all day for you…

Bill says a few more things and we have a plan (omit some more stuff for length).

Next thing I know I'm getting fed lunch and bill says, "I'll just come down there, we're leaving from there anyways and I would like to show you where Garth is... I need to stop by there myself before going…

Done...

Bill shows up about 40-min later we rode over to the cemetery and paid respects had a few manly hugs and wiped away some tears and then in good old fashion, we hit the road with Bill leading the way to the rally...

(Insert: for the second time on this trip, I filled my GS to the brim with gas and parked it in the hot sun. Not good, it fills the ‘Charcoal Canister with raw gas and the bike just does not want to run below about 3,000 rpm for a while. But I managed to get over to the cemetery and park under a shade tree, then we hauled butt for the first fifty miles).

Was it a "Miracle", "Devine Intervention" or just "fate"? I don't know, but Bill got to the rally and met some people that mean a lot to him.

As it turned out his friend “Carl” was able to fix the roof that day and leave for the rally later in the day. We were there to help get him into the camp area and set up in the middle of the night. At least he was going fast when he hit the skunk because we could only take his word for it, Carl smelt fine...

Well, that’s it...

Glad I happen'd along at the right place (almost nowhere), at the right time (close enough to being on time), and heading the right direction (Vermont where else)?

Doc

Bill, I am so pleased to meet you and your parents. Tell them thanks for me next time you see them...

Garth Epply (YB in IN) Rest In Peace, you are not forgotten!!!

Russ :wave

PacWestGS

07-24-2006, 09:05 AM

I awoke to boom, boom and other unwelcome sounds. Looked out the window and it was raining, not just a little, a lot.

High western winds, blowing rain, and lightning. I'm staying put until 11:00 AM check-out.

Watching the Weather Channel and waiting... The bad cell is right over head; I could go west as fast as north or south to get out from under it...

Pinned down in Iowa for awhile... :violin

PS. I'm not a wuss (well maybe) it's not the rain, it is the "LIGHTNING" that has me sitting here in my nice dry room...

soffiler

07-25-2006, 08:26 AM

Finally repaired. A new filter and complete flushing of the system was the answer. Considering the amount of water and dirt which I removed, it is a wonder that the engine ran.

Motard

I've been real busy since I left the rally site early Saturday AM. (Wife's birthday; work Monday was a bear)

I just wanted to jump into this conversation to say what a pleasure it was to meet Belg, SFDOC, Motard, and several others.

(Hey Motard... you were right; Disco's Viatcheslav Ekimov is 40 years old!)

My piddly 300-mile trip home on Saturday reminded me, on occasion, of riding straight at a firehose.

BEinIN

07-25-2006, 02:01 PM

I said I had quite a story to tell. Some of you have heard it in the flesh and other weren’t lucky enough to be at the rally.

Garth Epply (YB in IN) Rest In Peace, you are not forgotten!!!

Russ :wave

Well Russ, you tell the story better then I can. I am truely glad you stopped at mom & dads' place. They are amazed that people who only knew Garth from the forums he was on, were so affected by his death. :cry

In retrospect I am happy I went to the rally. I was able to put some faces with names (you know who you are) :) and met up with folks that Garth and I both know from past rallys. Heard a lot of stories, and had a lot of hugs, and condolences from forum regulars, rounders, and YBs. All and all it was good therapy for the state of mind I was in. I am looking forward to next year and have convinced Laura to go. Now I gotta find a nice hotel. She is not a camper. Her idea of roughing it is a Holiday Inn without a hot tub! :dunno

Anyway for those of you who want to continue remembering Garth. :deal There is a new "internet" club sanctioned by the BMWMOA. Here is a link:

www.fogriders.org

It has just opened this past weekend and I have not been home to post much on it yet. So everyone, have a look and feel free to post at will and I will add content as I am able.

Russ I don't mean to hijack your thread! Sorry!

BradfordBenn

07-25-2006, 02:10 PM

My favorite moment of the Rally was sitting at a dinner with SFDoc when my cell phone rings and it is Bill on the other side saying he has arrived. What a great day.

kbasa

07-25-2006, 02:19 PM

Sorry I missed you, Bill. I saw Russ on Thursday night at the ON contributors' dinner and he told me the story. I think Tina and I were almost in tears, we were so happy to hear you'd come on out.

We'll be looking for you guys in WI next summer and I'd love to share a brew with you.

Dave

merrittgene

07-25-2006, 08:14 PM

Well, got south of Buffalo last night with Gene Merritt.

Russ, thanks for the company and the beers! I broke my clutch cable in Hammond, IN, got it fixed "Anonymously" and spent the night in Moline, IL...so you made it further than I did on Sunday.

Bill, it was great to see you again, and *now* I understand why you introduced me to Russ on Thursday. I didn't get the connection at the time because I didn't know the story, but once Russ told me of the letter, it all made sense.

Passed or was passed by a dozen riders along the way south and west.
I passed you a couple of times myself, but we managed to get hooked up eventually. :-)

PacWestGS

07-26-2006, 02:11 AM

Visited some relatives in Norfolk, NE last night. Departed late this AM.

Was following Hwy 275/20 NW but ran into lots of De-contruction so I took a right turn on Hwy 281 in Oneill, NE. That hooked me up Hwy 18 West and then Hwy 44 West. Hwy 44 west "ROCKS". Went through the "Bad Lands" and into Rapid City. Then took a wrong turn and went to Mount Rushmore and Custer. (Wrong turn becuase I should have stayed on course and followed Hwy 212 West. Then I wouldn't be where I am now). Continued west on various two-lane roads (Hwy 16) until getting to I-90. Was doing fine on I-90 West until I kept reading the signs for Grand Teton's and Yellowstone NP.

So, I'm sitting in Greybull, WY by way of a hell of good "Some times SCAARY" ride over hwy 14 West from Sheridan. Why was it "SCARY" becuase I did in total blackness. Almost hit a cow, saw a couple hundred hoved field rats (deer) and had to play pass the A$$hat up a twisty hill. (Everytime we were at a striaght passing zone, MR A$$ would punch it and I no desire to run wide open to get around, when I did finally do it, I rounded the bend and there was a herd of cows on the road. EEK :eek (EDIT: I should clarify; I stopped from 50-mph or so to about five and swerved around the black cow. The deer were no problem; they either stood there looking at me, did nothing, or walked away slowly from the edge of the road. I was going no faster than maybe 60 sometimes but would slow to around 45 when I saw them and sometimes even slower if they looked spooky)

Well the saving grace and what did make the trip safer and easier was being able to run the Xenon (HID) lights almost the whole way.

I had the road to myself with the exception of about seven cars going in the opposite direction. Turn off the lights and slow to about 40-mph. Otherwise I was having a blast in 20-35 mph twisties. :thumb

Hwy 14 from Dayton to Greybull is a really nice MC road, I just have no idea what the view was except for the daylight conditions in front of me...

Tomorrow, "Yellowstone" then home on Thursday...

Doc

EDIT: Good morning all, time to go home... :)