Into the Palouse

[1Arm]

Recently finished a book that describes the biggest forest fire in U.S history, the "Big Burn" in WA, ID, MT.  Very interesting material to me as I grew up in western MT and have travelled most of the areas described in the book, with the exception of the Palouse region of WA, the source of the high winds that stoked the huge fire of 1910.
Nothing left to do but pack up the Versys and have a look-see. Off to an early start on Memorial Day, traffic may pose a problem for a little while, then bust out into “nobody here but me” zone.

A 30% chance of rain in Portland means you’re gonna get wet.  Occasional sprinkles on the wet side of the Cascades.  Found myself singing in my best Elvis voice “on a cold and grey Chicago morn”…


Weather generally improves on the “dry side”.  Most riders head up the Klikitat river at Lyle, I went up another block to the Centerville highway.


I have done a little light dual sporting on the Versys in the past, but this trip is all Sport-Touring.  Well, 90% anyway.  On the road from Goldendale to Bickleton.




Supposedly yummy burgers served here, but closed for the holiday.  That’s ok, nobody on the road either, and I’m making good time.  Loving on the versatility of the Versatile System alright.


Overlooking the Tri-cities, checkerboard here I come.




Seriously?  Who can pass up  Whoopemup road?


Suspected this might happen.


I love this kind of country, feels like riding in a Japanese tranquility garden.




I think I see where tonight’s rain is coming from.  Thas aight, if you waited for bluebird days around here, you’d never go anywhere.


Well lookee here, amazing what you find when bumble around a few dirt roads.


Hiking trail looks a little exposed from a distance, but those are surely hikers.




Calm, quiet, and serene for now.





Sunset at Palouse Falls.


Glad I upgraded my tent this year.  Wind, rain, and a little lightning are forecast.

[motormike]

Great photos!

...but they're missing your RWB VFR.

[1Arm]

Great photos!

...but they're missing your RWB VFR.

Thanks MM, the VFR isn't seeing much action these days due to my PAP (People Avoidance Plan).  My other bikes allow for wandering more into the middle of nowhere

(I'll make you a heck of a deal if you are in the market)

[1Arm]

Between the gentle pitter patter of light rain and the comfy glory of Big Agnes and Exped, a more pleasant sleep was never had (the Sazerac rye didn’t hurt either).  Did, however, forget to cover the sheepskin and it soaked up more moisture than is usually considered ideal.  Turned out not to be an issue thanks to the brisk wind that kicked up, dry by the time packing was complete.

Palouse prairie, very interesting geology created by enormous basalt flows followed by huge glacial ice dams failing and massive floods.


Junction of the Palouse and Snake rivers.


More left right left mixed with some up down around and the occasional snow capped peak.

[BIWOZ]

More, more, more ... pretty please! Magnificent photos and even better countryside! I'm absolutely hooked!  

[Mastros2]

More, more, more ... pretty please! Magnificent photos and even better countryside! I'm absolutely hooked!  

Same here.  Excellent ride report so far.  

[UHOH]

hometown to me, but great to see it through the eyes of a newcomer.
...so keep going please.

[JimWilliamson]

Wonderful photos - thanks.

[1Arm]

Thanks for the comments and compliments, it's great having new country to explore that doesn't require a weeks vacation. Just a tent, whisky, and willingness to turn up a dirt road

[coho]

hometown to me, but great to see it through the eyes of a newcomer.
...so keep going please.

Good shootin'.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Thanks for the comments and compliments, it's great having new country to explore that doesn't require a weeks vacation. Just a tent, whisky, and willingness to turn up a dirt road

Ah, I miss the PNW! Thank you for reminding me how much I miss it  

I always wanted to explore the Palouse more, but the call of the mountains was stronger  

[Rincewind]

Gorgeous pics.  The green Versys looks right at home amongst the green countryside.  

[1Arm]

Ah, I miss the PNW! Thank you for reminding me how much I miss it  

I always wanted to explore the Palouse more, but the call of the mountains was stronger  

Most welcome for the reminder

Mountain riding will come soon enough, there's still plenty of snow in the shade and the prospect of riding alone in the mud makes me squirm

[roc66]

Very nice pics. Looks like a great place to ride.
 

[sagerat]

Ahh, the Palouse in the spring is gorgeous.  I've always been on paved roads, so I'm enjoying your unpaved wayfaring.  

Reminds, me I need to ride to Grand Coulee, yet, as well as the Dry Falls.  

Keep up the good work!

[kyzrex]

In the report I read just before this, we have someone riding his FZ6R from Texas into the SE states for a weeklong trip in the OLD green mountains, then along the coastal states back home.  In this report, we have someone exploring the PCW on his 650 Verseys.  Rolling hills, great meadows, wide open spaces and great scenery.  

2 Observations...

1st......people that are afraid to get out and explore this great country don't know what they are missing!  We are truly the lucky ones that understand this and choose to venture out the door and down the road again.  You can find it all here in the good 'ol USA.

2nd.....mid-sized bikes rock!   I am seeing more and more people get rid of the liter and up touring bikes and head out on 600-650 sized bikes.  Personally, I am loving my FZ6 and KLR 650.  Can't ever see myself going back to a big bike.

Great report!  

[1Arm]

2nd.....mid-sized bikes rock!   I am seeing more and more people get rid of the liter and up touring bikes and head out on 600-650 sized bikes.  Personally, I am loving my FZ6 and KLR 650.  Can't ever see myself going back to a big bike.

Definitely the path I find myself on.  I have downsized from 1500cc to 1200 to 800 to finally a 650 and a 250.  

After fixing the seat with DIY mods and adding some Rox risers and peg lowering blocks, the Versys is the most comfortable touring bike I have ever owned.  Bonus of great in the turns and rough roads, not afraid to take it on some gravel if the mood strikes

[sagerat]

/threadjack on
600s and 650s are great if you are solo, but two-up not so much, although gf did log time on the back of my KLR.  She much prefers the GSA.  But, yeah, I've looked at middleweight or an 800GS as solo tourer.  Wee Stroms in particular rock.
/threadjack off

[sammyseaman]

In the report I read just before this, we have someone riding his FZ6R from Texas into the SE states for a weeklong trip in the OLD green mountains, then along the coastal states back home.  In this report, we have someone exploring the PCW on his 650 Verseys.  Rolling hills, great meadows, wide open spaces and great scenery.  

2 Observations...

1st......people that are afraid to get out and explore this great country don't know what they are missing!  We are truly the lucky ones that understand this and choose to venture out the door and down the road again.  You can find it all here in the good 'ol USA.

2nd.....mid-sized bikes rock!   I am seeing more and more people get rid of the liter and up touring bikes and head out on 600-650 sized bikes.  Personally, I am loving my FZ6 and KLR 650.  Can't ever see myself going back to a big bike.

Great report!  

All of this ^^^^^^^^