Westward Ho 2 or How to ALMOST end a vacation before it starts.

[Grnarrowe]

This Vacation started on June 29th and we returned home on July 13.

Due to the wildfires burning in Colorado this trip was in doubt up until a week before we left. We kept watching the news and going to the CDOT site for updates. Colorado 14 was closed so I had to come up with an alternate route just in case.



Let’s start with the bikes

ME:
2005 Yamaha FJR1300 ABS
Beginning Mileage: 86,268
Ending Mileage: 91,068
                  
Ears
2006 Yamaha FJR1300A
Beginning Mileage: 76,702
Ending Mileage: 81,532


This ride report actually starts and almost ended on June 2, 2012 at Road America in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin.

After arriving at the races Saturday morning June 2 and waiting to get in the main gate both bikes were running HOT! After we got to the access road and parked by the pits. Ears, Vicki, pulled up next to me I looked over and saw coolant leaking out of her bike. Not a good start to a day at the races. Not to be confused with the Marx Brothers movie of the same name.

GREAT!

I got my camera and go to take proof of this but the rechargeable batteries that had been in the charger overnight were dead. Can’t expect much from 5 year old batteries I guess.

GREAT!

Then to top it all off a weather front had moved through the area. The superbike race was pushed back about 45 minutes. While this storm was moving through the winds picked up and ripped the awning off of the Suzuki Teams trailer. It threw several 5 gallon buckets filled with sand 50 to 100 feet away!!

We saw people running AWAY from this but the National Guardsmen were running TWOARDS the scene. Hats off to them. We found out a few minutes later only one person was slightly injured.

If you have Speed TV you may have seen it.

Anyway, what to do about getting home. After the weather had calmed down we went to the bikes to see what the problem was. We knew we needed to get coolant, and then we needed to get it into the overflow tank. We got some coolant from the Suzuki tent, they just happened to have some. One problem down, two to go.
I figured we could try to pour it into the overflow tank but we probably lose as much as went in. I thought if we had a sports bottle with a long flexible straw we could use that. We went in search of one at the souvenir shops. Nope. They didn’t have any.

Then Ears came up with an idea. Using a water bottle we could drill out the cap and put in a straw and transfer the coolant to the tank. We just need a drill or a knife.

We had neither.

Vicki then asked some older gentlemen if they had a knife explaining our dilemma. BOTH offered up a pocket knife. With the knife and a straw from the turn 5 concessions stand we were able to drill out a hole just large enough for the straw to fit in. Two problems down, one to go.

GREAT!!! We are in business!

Back to the bikes we go. I pull the cap off of the over flow tank, put coolant in the water bottle screw on the top and start to transfer coolant into it.

CRAP!!!!

This is when I noticed that the coolant tank has SPLIT DOWN THE SEAM! Well this isn’t going to work. BUT with some duct tape we’d be back in business.

YUP! You guessed it.  We didn’t have that either.

I looked around and saw the KTM tent. I told Ears to call Nielsens, local Yammie shop, to see if they could get a tank. I then went over to the KTM tent and YES they did have the tape. I once again explained our dilemma. They let me borrow the roll, I said I would bring it back, and I did.

I used 3 pieces of duct tape. One to hold it closed towards the bottom, one down the seam and a third towards the top. Of course now I could not see the fill lines but I figured with what I had put in and the rest that was in the water bottle should hold us for the trip home. I then returned the duct tape and went back to the bikes to gear-up. I told Ears to lead when we got back on the interstate. We ran through some rain which was OK by me and we made it home without having to stop for coolant. Last problem solved.


This is our coolant transfer rig


We have 3 caps. One for a Desani water bottle, Aquafina water bottle or a Coke bottle.
We replace the straw with a sports bottle straw. This would come in handy a bit later.


We found out Sunday when we dropped Ears’ bike off that there was ONE coolant recovery tank in the country and it was in Atlanta. But it was on its way to us. So by Wednesday the bike was ready and vacation disaster averted. While they had the bike I had them put new PR3’s on.

Part One can be seen here http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,28756.0.html#.UNouDnf5l8E

AND NOW!!!! After months of planning and having averted a cooling disaster it was time to leave, YEAH!!! But first the night before we ventured out on our journey oil filters and oil must be changed. Bikes checked and it’s time to pack and try to get some sleep.

DAY 1

Today would be mostly all interstate to Lincoln Nebraska. I wanted to leave early, about 7am. We left at 9.

As we neared Rockford Illinois there were some ominous looking clouds ahead. The temperature started to drop; this is when I realized my sweat shirt was still at home, DOH!!

We started heading south on I-39 and it started raining light at first then progressively harder. I figured this was a good time for breakfast. We pull off at IL-72 and head over to the Sunrise restaurant.  Breakfast was good and after finishing I had paid the bill then went back to our table to gather our stuff to leave but first a pit stop. After coming back from the rest room I cannot find my wallet, CRAP! I retrace my steps but nothing.

Well we have enough gas to get home.

I then go back to the table and sit down thinking this is the end and I find my wallet under the table. YEAH!!!

Back into the rain we go, for a little bit anyway. After we started heading west on I-88 the clouds break and the temps rise back into the 90s and it’s time to make some distance!


1940 Ford Deluxe at breakfast


Just a little more rain thataway

As we cross Iowa the heat begins to wear us down. We stop for gas in Coralville IA. After gassing the bikes we move them away from the pumps and go in to use the rest rooms and get more ice & water for our hydration systems. We also got some 5 Hour energy drinks. I have never had one. Ears said that they were bad not terrible tasting but they kept you awake. So I shook one up and downed half of it.

Well this isn’t that bad I said.

I had the rest, Oh yea! There’s the bad. They hide it at the bottom of the bottle. But it did do its job. Back to the road.

After a while maybe about Des Moines the clouds start building. White at first, then gray. I spot a rest area and pull off for a rest room break. As we pull in and BACK the bikes towards the curb there is a gaggle of HDers putting on their rain gear, there was one couple from the Milwaukee area that decided to wait it out and we ended up talking to them for a bit. We were talking under one of the gazebos just watching the light rain coming down. We then saw the darkening skies building to the west and we retreated to the enclosed vending area.  The light of day was then extinguished and replaced by the darkness of a villains or ex’s cold black heart. Yeah, it was that dark. Then the winds hit. This wind made the winds at Road America look like a light summer breeze Newsstands were knocked over and the power went out.

Then the rain came heavy at first then in buckets. The rain drops were about the size of a quarter. The rest area filled up fast. We wondered about the group that left as we pulled in we hoped they were safe.

After about 30 minutes the rained stopped but the winds were still gusting about 30 mph.


The rain at first cooled the road, steamy.


Who turned out the lights??


Good thing we backed into the parking space. Wind was from right to left. If we had pulled in the bikes  would have been on their sides.

We said goodbye to the couple we had been talking to and hiding with and got back on the road. The wind was coming from right to left so we were leaned to the right just to keep going straight. Along the highway we saw at least 2 semis in the ditch and after about 20 minutes the wind let up. But then came the traffic jam. We had seen a sign stating that the road was closed and we should be prepared to exit the highway and follow a detour up ahead.  We then came to a complete stop, no one was moving. We shut down no sense in overheating on the highway.

We sat there for about 15 minutes then traffic started moving, slowly at first then back up to full speed. The detour that they had warned us about never materialized. It was clear sailing from here on to our next gas stop in Avoca IA.

After gassing the bikes we went across the road to a Subway for dinner since it was 8PM. I had Ears call the hotel and let them know we were still 2 hours away.

We then got geared up, mounted up and sped off into the evening. We crossed in Nebraska as the sun was setting. Following I-80 through Omaha we headed to Lincoln. It was now night time and we were still on the road. I do not enjoy being on the interstate at night but luckily this was to last an hour.

We got into Lincoln and to the hotel about 9:45 PM. We unloaded the gear and went in for a good night’s sleep.

Thus ended a long hot wet days ride during the drought of 2012.

We did 535.5 miles and I had gone through 115 songs on my iPod.

DAY 2

Today would start off the usual way, turn on the TV and find the local news channel. Then watch the weather. Today was going to be HOT but to the south of us in Kansas there was a front moving thru ever so slowly right across the route I wanted to take. I decided I did not want to spend the day dodging in and out of rain and nasty weather so it was back onto the interstate, remember, all plans are subject to change. My original route was to take US-77 south to US-36 and head west across Kansas to KS-27 back up into Nebraska to US-34 then west in Colorado to US-385 north to US-6 and west on US-6 to CO-14 and into Fort Collins.

But because of the severe weather alerts they had posted for most of the area I wanted to ride through I thought it best to slab it.

After the continental breakfast we loaded up the bikes and grabbed our gear and set off for Colorado. Jumping onto I-80 we went to Seward Nebraska for our first gas stop which included fuel, ice, water and a 5 hour energy drink, this one also had the bad at the bottom of the bottle, then back to the Interstate we went. The temperature actually wasn’t that bad there were some clouds that kept the sun off of us for most of the morning.

We made our next stop in Cozad Nebraska at 1 in the afternoon, gas, ice, water pit stop for us. Then over to the DQ for lunch then back to I-80 and a long hot ride to I-76 and into Colorado. As we crossed into CO the temp read 104 on Ears bike, she has a 06 FJR which lets you know what temperature you’re roasting at. We made a stop just for more Ice and water. We bought a bag of ice and topped off the hydration systems then put the remaining ice in our jacket pockets to try and keep cool. It worked for a while at least. We then got back on I-76 and headed off to Sterling CO where we stopped for gas, ice, water and a pit stop.

When I opened my gas cap it opened with a whoosh! I forgot about this, no gas geyser but I would remember this and I would from this point on keep my helmet closed while I opened the tank. This happened twice more during the trip.

We then headed west on CO-14 and got into Fort Collins about 5:30 and unloaded the bikes and into a cooling shower, aaaahhhhhh!!!! Now with that done it’s off for diner at a Mexican restaurant next door then back to our room to find the local news & weather then off to sleep.

And thus ended a hot & dry day 2, we did 464 miles and I listened to 81 songs.

Day 3 would be a bit more eventful.


There be the Rockies. This was the view from the back of the hotel.


Put the camera down and lets get unpacked!

DAY 3

Today would be a loop through Rocky Mountain National park then over to the peak to peak highway and back to Fort Collins.


Along US-34 heading to Estes Park.






We left about 8 am and headed west then south to US-34 then west to Estes Park then to the park entrance. When we got to the entrance the temps were in the upper 80’s. As we are waiting Ears taps me and points down, she is losing coolant.

Well CRAP!!

We get into the park and pull over to take a look. At this time Ears thought it just burped an air bubble from the coolant tank being replaced. At least the tank was not split open. This put a damper on the rest of the day.

We got to the visitors center which is higher than I’ve ever been without a plane or some organic stimuli. We went in looked around and had lunch then back to the bikes. I had parked in the firs spot I saw which was a mistake as they had motorcycle parking up front. The long walk to the bikes and the altitude had me feeling a bit light headed. We stood by the bikes and took some photos.


See that SUV on the right? Cop. He followed us from the entrance all the way here. Please go away. Thank you.


Beautiful views from here.


Momma bird.


Momma and offspring. She was feeding the little guy who was a bit hungry.



Visitors center at Rocky Mountain National Park.


We got high.


Vicki made some new friends.


Lunch is served.

We then mounted up and went through the rest of the park. As we got to the back side of the mountain we started going downhill. At this point Vicki would put her bike in neutral shut off the engine and coast. We made one last stop for photos and went in search of some coolant to replace what had been lost.


Back side of the park on US-34.

We got to Grand Lake and found a gas station. They only had RV coolant or auto coolant, 1 gallon only. We bought the auto coolant and with our handy dandy coolant transfer rig started transferring coolant to the recovery tank. I would fill it to the bottom line and it would get sucked back into the radiator. I did this 3 times when someone said “HEY! There’s a bear over here!”

REALLY? Well I think I’ll go over there where the bear isn’t. But Vicki started walking over so I went as well. The bear was walking on the sidewalk, which was odd, I didn’t think bears knew what sidewalks were. Anyway we were above the road where Yogi was at so we were somewhat ok. I figured if Yogi charged us I just needed to faster then the slowest person here. That or I would trip someone but Yogi went about his business and continued walking away from us.


BEAR!!!


Yogi using the sidewalk.


To Yogis credit he did not cross the tape barrier.


Grand Lake Colorado.

I went back to the bike and there is no coolant in the tank. So I add some more about half way between the lines and most of it goes back into the radiator. Add more and it to disappears. One more time and most of it stays in the tank. We put the coolant we bought in my side bag got geared up and headed towards US-40 to I-70 east to the Central City Parkway exit, 10 miles. That’s all we had to slab it for today 10 freaking miles and several miles onto I70 we hit a traffic jam, GREAT!

And what caused this delay??? Well you see there was this recreation are on our right with a zip line so EVERYONE JUST HAD TO slow down and look. Really people?? A zip line? If it broke and someone fell to their demise then yea stop and take photos but come on. Then there’s this one idiot in a Benz who decides that the exit lane is a third lane. Guess again genius. He starts to move left but a long blast from the freeway blasters discourages Captain Klutz from moving over.

Without further incidents we make it to our exit and head up Central City Parkway to CO-119 in Black Hawk Colorado for a MUCH needed bathroom break and fuel. While we were in Black Hawk Vicki texted MacGuyver for some info and possible help. Mac offered up a suggestion that it might be the radiator cap had failed and said if we needed it he had a trailer we could borrow. We hoped that would not be needed the logistics in getting the trailer and Vicki’s bike home then the trailer back then getting me home were a bit much.

I check on the coolant level on Vicki’s bike and there is very little coolant in the tank. Get out the coolant transfer rig and put more coolant in the tank and we wait about 30 minutes before we leave and head back up CO-119 to CO-72 to CO-7 to Estes Park for a bathroom break and to check the coolant level which stayed where it should be then back to US-34 and Fort Collins

As we got closer to Estes Park on CO-7 we run into a traffic jam, 2 cars and a pick up. The first car is slowing for every corner and when there is a passing zone the next car in lin DOES NOT PASS! WTF?!?!?!?!
It's hot out here and if my FJR is running half way up the temp gauge I'm sure Vicki's is as well if not hotter!
MOVE IT PEOPLE!!!!

Finally after an agonizing long 10  minutes or so car #2 and the pick up turn off.  The rolling chicane is a sitting duck now. I'm in 3rd and I open the throttle and FLY by captain backwards and Vicki follows suit.

We stopped to check the coolant level, and it was OK and a bathroom break. We then continue up CO-7 to US-36 and cut across a side road, Mall Rd, and as we come up to US-34 we need to stop, NOW!!
In front of the pick-up, different one and a mini-van in front of us is a male Elk. About a 10 point buck, much larger than the forest rats we have here. We watch as he crosses the road in front of us and he keeps munching on the grass on the side of the road. We pass by him cautiously, did not want to startle him and have him charge us That would be bad.

We then get onto US-34 and head east to Fort Collins. The run back was fun as there was very little traffic in front of us and I wanted to keep moving to keep both bikes as cool as possible.

After getting to the hotel we did a quick search and found 2 motorcycle dealers close by so we got cleaned up and went to dinner then off to bed so we could get an early start and see if we could find help for Vicki’s’ bike before we went any further.

So ended day 3 with 301 miles and my iPod reset so I have no idea how many songs I listened to.

So what will day 4 bring?

Stay tuned.

[Oddball]

Tuning is a little fuzzy, but enjoying this report as much as the first, second, first one I think.

[Skee]

See that SUV on the right? Cop. He followed us from the entrance all the way here. Please go away. Thank you.

At least you knew where he wasn't hiding.  

Good report.   Looking forward to seeing more.

[Grnarrowe]

Day 4

Today there would be no pictures.
Today, Monday, would be an unexpected service day.

After finding 2 motorcycle shops nearby we got up early, had some breakfast noms then headed out to find the Yamaha dealer, Fort Collins Motorsports.
We went over I-76 and down the frontage road and promptly found Interstate Honda. They were kind enough to tell us where the Yamaha dealer was and how to get there. Cool!

Off we go in a hurry trying to keep Vicki's bike running cool. We find Fort Collins Motorsports but no one is there. Do they open later. Why yes they do, like Tuesday.
Seems they are closed on Mondays.

GREAT!

Lets go back to the Honda dealer, says Vicki, and see if they can help out. What have we got to lose, right?

So back to Interstate Honda we go.

We get there and they are just finishing putting out their used bikes out front. We go into the service department and explain what has been happening with the 06 since Road America.
They say they will look at it and see if they can salvage our vacation.

While we are waiting on them to diagnose the problem many alternate plans are running through my mind.

I can;

A) Take the bike to the back woods and shoot it then put Vicki on a plane home.
B) Take MacGyvers offer of the trailer and load up her bike & drive home, drive back then ride home alone.
C) That Black 2013 ST looks  good.
D) There are several used Goldwings out front
E) Oh look! A go-pro!
F) Nothing
G) Leave (I would not suggest this, so I didn't)
H) Wait to see what these guys say then go from there.

Yup, plan H it is.

While talking to one of the service writers we found out he was from LaGrange Illinois. So we wander about the show room talking about the used bikes and the ST's on the floor. Vicki is not to keen on the ST. Then after about an hour maybe less we get the news. The radiator cap has failed just like Jason, MacGyver, had thought. But being a Honda shop they don't have one.

Now here is where Interstate Honda, http://www.interstatehonda.com/, stands above ALL other dealers.

They find out that an import radiator cap will work on the FJR. There is a NAPA dealer in the old section of town and they have the right cap. This cap also fits s Toyota Tercel. At first I was going to go get it but the NAPA guys said they would send it over. This is going to take a while they said as they wanted to test it before they sent it out with us.

 I then told them to flush the system as there was a bathtub mix of coolant in it. They said they could do that and asked if we were going to wait for it. We decided to go back to the hotel and do some laundry. Up until now the service manager thought we were one one bike.

Nay nay I said.

This troublesome 2 wheeled mode of transportation is da wife's bike. Mine is outside waiting on me/us.

Vicki gives them her blackberry number and the hotel room and off we go. We spend the rest of the morning doing what laundry we have and calling motels in Grand Junction & Durango. This little delay means we will not get to the four corners area or Mesa Verde National Park. But we will be able to continue our vacation. YEA!!!

About 2:30 Interstate Honda calls and says the bike is ready. They flushed the system and replaced the cap and ran it through 3 heat cycles. The got it up to temperature then let it get hot. The fan kicked in and brought the temp back down like its supposed to. And with the added benefit of NOT LEAKING!! YEAH!!!

Back to Interstate Honda we go, pay the bill, $210.00 then Vicki asks the guy from IL where can we get some good pizza around here? He said nowhere. Vicki then rephrases the question to where do you go for pizza around here? While at the same time I'm asking the guys in the service department the same question. All said the same thing, BeauJos.

http://www.beaujos.com/pizza-locations/fort-collins-gallery/

We gear up and go to get Vicki's bike and notice that they have washed it. THIS is customer service. We cannot say enough good things about Interstate Honda in Fort Collins.

Then its off to find BeauJos and some pizza. I had a little trouble finding it but we did. Every time we stopped at a light I was looking over at Vicki's bike. Hers has the overflow tank on the left so I can see the coolant level and if its losing coolant, it is not.

Surprisingly the pizza was very good. We enjoyed the variety and the difference in pizza.  Then it was back to the Hotel all the wile keeping an eye on Vicki's coolant level when we came to a stop. Still no Leaks and it was quite warm plus it tried to rain. Just a few drops and nothing more.

Back at the hotel we packed and got ready for our journey to Grand Junction. We also made use of the hotels computer to see that Colorado-14 was open so we could proceed with my original route.

Thus ends day four with no bike shooting, very little miles and no pictures.

Stay tuned for Day 5.

[mcrider007]

What a story about your radiator problems but a word to the wise...........coasting downhill with the engine turned off is not a good idea, you still have a lot of moving parts in the transmission that need oil pressure.

[sagerat]

"Let's go where the bear isn't."    Great line and fabulous ride report.

Oh, and my Dad is from La Grange, graduated from Lyons Township High in 1940.  

[Grnarrowe]

Day 5

Today's plan was to get to Grand Junction.

Today's route was CO-14 to US-40 to CO-13 to I-70 west to Grand Junction.

With the fires that were or had been burning in the area this route was in doubt until we left this morning. We had checked with CDOT and with the front desk at the hotel and found CO-14 open. So after breakfast we finished packing and headed off into the wilderness.

After merging onto US-287/CO-14 we stopped for gas and water. While talking to the clerk in the Schrader station I told him we were from Illinois and we're heading to GJ via CO-14. I asked if he had heard anything about it being closed as we had checked last night and it was open at that time. He said wait a minute and called a sister station that was on CO-14 and they said all was open. This was way cool of him.

Back to the road and before we got to far there was a slight delay. I could see the Police, not Sting & crew, up ahead. As we got thru the intersection we saw a bike down. There was an ambulance nearby but no rider. We never did find out what had happened, this happened July 3, 2012 sometime in the morning. Hope they were OK.

We continued north on 287/14 until CO-14 turned west. As we turned I see this portable sign that reads the road is open but there is no stopping. As we head west I can see they have the pullouts blocked so there will be no stopping as they said, well for the first 29 miles anyway. Then the bite bit comes off my hose for my hydration system, well crap! I find a spot to pull over and fix the hose and snap a few pics.





Close to the river maybe 8 foot of either side it was green after that it was charred.




All pics above were from our first stop on CO-14. This route had been closed until we got into Fort Collins on the 1st.


Vicki had seen some foundations along the way, all the structures had been burnt. It was quite surreal and depressing.

As we continued west on CO-14 the scorched earth receded behind us and it got to looking as if there never had been any wildfires burning.




Rest stop along CO-14

We stopped at the rest area above to relive ourselves and to refill our hydration systems. After we had left the rest area we were moving along quite well when I spot some large black birds with white wingtips in the road. They scatter, all but one. Uh-oh. This bird brain takes flight in the same direction we are going, he then banks hard-a-starbord! and has crossed in front of me with room to spare. Well this wasn't going to do, no sir! Mr Bird then does a 180 and tries, TRIES to get to the other side of the road.

But he is stopped cold by a Michelin PR 3, mine.

All I can see is a cloud of feathers. I'm not sure where I took the bird strike so I slow down to see if I can find a spot to stop and check out my bike. The last thing I want is to have a bird in my radiator and have to try and get that fixed.

I find a spot and pull off. I dismount and much to my relief there is no bird beak poking holes in the radiator. Vicki then tells me his now rotting carcass is in the road where he made his last attempt at crossing the road. Phew! Onward we go.



 
CO-14 out of the fire zone.

We continue until the rest area near the Joe Wright Reservoir for a break and a few more pictures.









As you might be able to tell from the above photos behind us was sunny skies, in front of us were clouds and cooler temps. Which was OK since we were a bit hot.


Still on CO-14

We then pull into Walden and take a bathroom break and get some noms, ice & water.  We started talking to a guy from the area and he was just coming back from Wyoming. They also had a few fires going but they were not close to where we were going so we were good. Then these 2 big trucks pull in and a bunch of firefighters got out. They had some cool rigs and like a knuckle head I did not get any pics of these.

Well we best be going so back to the road we go.

Our next stop would be for lunch in Steamboat springs. We left our pit stop in Walden and headed west on 14 until we got to US-40 and headed west.




Along US-40 heading into Steamboat.


Looking back from where we came.

We pull into Steamboat about 2pm, GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY we're burning daylight!We stop for gas, bathroom, ice & water. As we gear up I look at my right hand, RIGHT mind you , and all I can think of is I have left my watch & wedding ring at the hotel in Fort Collins. Vicki is going to KILL me! SLOWLY!! and  PAINFULLY!!!

She asks whats wrong I show her my naked RIGHT hand an say I forgot my watch & ring at the hotel, she does not look happy, I'm dead.  

Then, THEN IT DAWNS ON ME!!! That's my right hand!! I remove my LEFT glove and the watch & more importantly my wedding ring are RIGHT where they're SUPPOSED to be. DOH!!!
I am such an idiot!!! It was the altitude.... Yea that's it.
Let's eat!!

We stop at Cantina Fresh in downtown Steamboat and enjoy a good lunch.


Noms were nomed here.


US-40 thru Steamboat Springs CO. Ski runs on the mountain.

It is time to leave and we need to make time as it is about 3:30. Time to make haste.

After exiting Steamboat we crank up the speed and start to do some distance. We make a pit stop after about an hour on the road.





Rest stop along US-40 between Steamboat & Craig.

We continue west on US-40, speed limit 65, yea OK fine suggestion. We get into Craig and find CO-13 and turn south. Now before we left I had found out from some region 3 peoples that there was some construction along CO-13, like the road had been REMOVED to replace it. About a mile of gravel and dirt. Not bad but nerve racking, we then continue to Meeker where we make a pit stop, bathroom, ice & water. Then its back to the road and to Rifle CO where we pick up I-70. 75mph speed limit so crank it up to 80 till we get to De Beque, CO. We stop for fuel, bathroom, ice & water. It is now 6:30pm. We must move it!.


Hey! Tomorrow is the 4th of July so this fits.

Back onto I-70 and to Grand Junction. Now I-70 just before you get into GJ is pretty cool, tunnels through the mountains and wide open spaces., cool.  

We exit onto US-6 and follow this to the I-70 Alternate into downtown Grand junction and the Hampton Inn. It is 8pm the sun is going down and we need some more noms to nom. We unload the bikes and drag our gear up to our room. Shower and we head over to a restaurant the front-desk had told us about. The Rockslide Brew Pub.

http://www.rockslidebrewpub.com/

Food and the beer was VERY good after a long day in the saddle. A walk back to the hotel for a good nights sleep then its off to Durango Colorado via Lake City.

Today's miles traveled, 359.3  and 85 songs played through the iPod.

Next time, Day 6 or a ride through the rain laden clouds.

[Grnarrowe]

What a story about your radiator problems but a word to the wise...........coasting downhill with the engine turned off is not a good idea, you still have a lot of moving parts in the transmission that need oil pressure.

After talking  to Vicki she did not have the engine off, just idling. Thanks for the heads up. I will keep this in mind if it happens again.

[Grnarrowe]

Day 6

Today's Original route was to backtrack to I-70 to CO-65 to CO-92 to US-50 to CO-149 to US-160 into Durango. But after talking over the route and looking at a map we decided this may have been to ambitious.
So we made a slight change. We would follow US-50 to CO-149 to US-160 to Durango. Now had we stopped in South Fork or Pagosa Springs the original route would have worked but the next day would have been a lot longer. Oh well, remember, all plans are subject to change.

Now if you're going to Grand Junction I would recommend staying at the Hampton Inn downtown, they have ample parking, are close to restaurants and have very comfy rooms.


Parking for guests under the building.






The view from our room. Just to the west of us is the Colorado National Monument. We'll be there in a few days.

So after breakfast we loaded up our bikes and head south on US-50 towards Montrose CO.  Up to this point I had been feeling apprehensive about this trip. The first two days with the scorching heat and rain storms then the radiator incident I was not feeling it. But after our run to Grand Junction and no rain for two days I started to get into a vacation mind frame.  

So, lets hit the road and go see things and go places we haven't been to or seen. Whatever happens from here on, well we'll just go with the flow.


Freshly paved US-50 south of Grand Junction.






Did you see those clouds? Lets go!!

And southward we continued to Delta Co...


...where we had to wait on a train, then a stop for fuel and east on US-50 where we passed by the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.





I should have stopped here but didn't even think about it. Vicki has a National Park passport and wanted to get as many stamps as possible.



US-50, just before the above photos was a great twisty road. Every time I wanted to stop for a picture there was never anywhere to pull over safely. I should have bought the Go-pro, plan E would have won here.

We continued along US-50 to the Dillon Pinnacles rest stop where we rested and took some photos.








PEACE!!

Then we were on the move again to CO-149 south to Lake City. Up to this point it had been HOT! Hot hot hot hot hot! We start climbing into the mountains and we can see the clouds moving in.


CO-149, the Silver Trail.




Can you guess where we are?

We were north of Lake City still and just around the corner the clouds closed in and started to drizzle. Light off and on drizzle all the way to Lake City.
At one point I stopped to close up our jacket vents but it was a bad spot to be in so I motion to Ears we should keep going. She was in a bad spot as the road was not level and sloped down away from her plus she did not down shift as we rolled to a stop. She had a hell of a time getting out of there as she could not get her bike into a lower gear because of the slope of the road made it almost impossible to get her right foot down as the pavement was further away from her on that side.

I was about to get off and push her back onto the road when she was able to get away from that spot and continue. I made a note to check the pull-outs before I actually committed to going into them.
As it turned out it quit drizzling a few minutes later and we pulled into Lake City, CO.


Gas stop in Lake City to top up. Price for premium $4.609.

The older gentlemen who owns this place also did trips into the back country with ATVs during the summer and snowmobiles during the winter. They are one of the only places open year round in Lake City. He also told us of a few places we could stop for some photos.

But first, time for lunch. Ride to eat, eat to ride! We rode thru town and there was a street fair going on but it was on a road that ran parallel to 149. I turned down a side street intending to go back and ask the old guy about a place to eat and I found this place.


Southern Vittles Restaurant.

Busy place and the food was good though the buffalo burger I had would start talking back to me later.

They also had fishing here...


..just not from the bridge.

It was back to the road and as we left Lake City the rain came back as we started climbing further into the mountains, I thought there was a drought going on??


Vicki takes a picture of me...


...taking a picture of this.


Wet roads await us.

Then back to the road as the rain gets heavier which leads to a pit stop for me this time.



As we continue down CO-149 one of the places the guy at the gas station told us about was coming up and it would be on our left.
I keep looking for signs and I'm about to forget about it when I see the sign and turn in.


North Clear Creek Falls.







I never would have thought there would be this in Colorado. If we were not told of this we may have passed it without knowing it was here.

We get back to the road as it is getting late again and we need to get to Durango. The rain eases up as we get closer to South Fork but the clouds are still heavy and the skies are somewhat dark, and whats that up a head in the middle of the road to my left?

Its a Prairie dog WHO IS DARTING TO RIGHT!!!   I stand up on the pegs fully expecting to hit the varmint, but I don't. Somehow he passes under my bike and lives...

for another 2 seconds as a rear PR3 form an 06 FJR leaves a tread impression on his melon. Vicki did not see the little doggie in the road as she was turning off her heated grips and was having some difficulty in turning it off. She looked up in time to see me standing on my pegs and wonder why when she said it feels like the back tire ran over a tennis ball. This happened just before we got to US-160, about a mile or so.

We then turn onto 160 and Vicki finds a spot and pulls over to check her bike. I do not see this and as I continue on I look in the mirrors and no EARS. Uh-oh! I pull over and watch but no bikes. I hang a quick U-turn and double back.

I find ears in the post office parking lot. I pull in and she is having trouble putting the bike up on the center stand as she has her travel trunk on the bike which makes it a bit heavier than normal and she needs to make a pit stop, as do I now that I'm off the bike.

I put her bike up on the center stand without wetting myself and ask why she stopped. She wanted to check out the rear wheel & tire to make sure it was OK. I asked did it feel squirrely? And she says "I don't know what squirrely feels like".    Um, OK.

The tire and wheel are fine and there is a gas station back the other way so we go there for a bathroom break and some more water and ice. We also started talking to a guy about riding and he asks about out ear buds as Vicki told him they were custom made at the bike show in 2011. We don't remember who made them at the time but he gives Vicki his card and asks that we send him the info as he would like a pair for himself. Now Vicki did not look at the guys card until we got home, it turns out this guy is a VP for a home builder based in California.

Our ear buds are from EAR-ific. At this time his web site is not up and running. The molds are made of soft plastic not the hard shell that others use. These are much more comfortable.

We said adios to the VP and geared up and mounted up and it's starting to rain again. We head west on US-160 which looks like a nice twisty piece of tarmac. But it's raining as we go through Wolf Pass, a nice twisty road and its raining.

BUT WAIT!! THERE'S MORE!!

Under the rain the tar snakes are hiding so its twice as slippery, fun stuff going around a 180 in the rain with tar snakes.

We start descending as we get closer to Durango and the rain stops. This helps us dry out, one more pit stop then we are at our motel for the night about 7:45. There is no place close for food but there is a restaurant  across 160 so I call. They're closed. Its the 4th of July and they closed at 8pm. But there is a Texas BBQ joint across the road but a little further down. So its back on the bikes and we go over, place our order and take it back to the hotel.

As we head back it tries to rain on us. I can hear the rain drops hitting my helmet but it holds off. We go up to our room and enjoy some good BBQ. Watch the news & weather so we know what to expect for tomorrow.

Thus ended a 344.1 mile day and 94 songs.

Now for a good nights sleep and then back to Grand Junction for Day 7.

[Grnarrowe]

Day 7

Today's route would take us back to Grand Junction. Normally this would take about 4 hours just going up US-550/50 but, where's the fun in that? I mean this is Sport-Touring.Net! We take the most convoluted twistiest routes we can find. So the route for today is:

US-550 to CO-62 then to CO-145 then to CO-141 up to US-50 back into Grand Junction. Sit back, this may take a while.

Our routine started the day, wake up, clean up, eat up, pack up, load up, gear up, leave. This morning was overcast but warm our first stop was for fuel then up US-550 we go.


Along US-550, the million Dollar Highway.


Back that way to Durango.


Clouds lurking in the distance along 550.

We continue heading north on US-550 marveling at the views and the way the road bends and twists, I really wish I had that GoPro.


Still on 550


We were just back there.


This way to Grand Junction.



Onward we go till its time for a break. We pull off at the Molas Pass rest area for break.


That's 10,910 feet above sea level.

At this point the clouds had moved in and cooled things off considerably. We spent about 15 minutes here just checking out the views.






We took some time to sniff the flowers.


Clouds rolling in on us, again.






And we got a bit of a history lesson.

As the clouds move in we head back to the road and in just a few minutes we are in Silverton. As we roll into the the town I notice the elevation has dropped to 9300 feet. Usually when you drop in elevation your ears will pop, at least mine will, but not this time. We dropped about 2000 feet and I didn't notice until I saw the sign.

As we go thru Silverton the traffic thins out and we have some clear road ahead of us to Ouray. At this point the road has straightened out and we are moving at a brisk 55MPH, posted anyway, maybe. Then I look in the mirror and see a 911 closing in on us. We are in some of the twisty stuff so the Michael Schumacher wanna be will have to just hang back. As soon as there is a straight bit of road OFF he goes.

But what he didn't see was the traffic up ahead. a pickup and several minivans. Of course we caught them as the road started twisting and turning and there was no place to pass so everyone has to slow down and just enjoy the views from a road WITH NO GARD RAILS!!! And no place to pull over for pics until we were just south of Ouray.




That's not looking friendly.






Some more history.







As we take the last few pictures it starts to drizzle on us, so its time to mount up and head out. As we pull out of the parking area we get behind an SUV then we catch up to the RV in the first photo of the above group of photos. Then the drizzle turns to rain and the RV and SUV slow down. Which is fine by me as I'm not in a hurry, twisty unfamiliar road and rain do not make a good combination. If it was dry I would have been upset.

The rain gets a bit heavier, the RV pulls off.

The rain gets even heavier and the SUV pulls off.

Now I'm leading and the traffic behind me is slowing down. I keep a steady pace and just slow a bit in the corners. Then the rain eases up  and the road starts to dry and I pick up the pace.

We get into Ouray about 1pm and gas up and use the restroom. As we left the gas stop I started looking for a place for lunch but nothing caught my eye. That and the traffic behind us kinda made me move a bit faster. So onward we go to to Ridgway and CO-62. As we near the intersection I see construction signs so I pull over into a gas station and have Vicki pull up next to me so we can discuss our next move. We can go straight up 550 to 50 or we can chance the construction. We chance the construction and it turns out they are replacing a bridge over a river so w wait a few minutes then we are off. By the way I quit looking at Vickis overflow tank by now, I was confident that the repair was done correctly.

We get clear of town and start to move along CO-62 at a brisk pace. Bikes are running cool now that we're moving and traffic is light.


Along CO-62


Some more clouds moving in.

We continue on CO-62 and we catch up to an SUV and an RV in front of him. Not the 2 that were on 550, these two were either traveling together or the SUV was too afraid to pass. Every passing opportunity was passed up by the SUV so I started hanging back a bit so I could get a run at the two of them. A passing area opens up, no traffic time to go to plaid! Down one gear and away we go! SUV, overtaken. RV, meh, done. We continue on CO-62 without anymore rolling road blocks. We pickup CO-145 and we make a pit stop in Norwood for gas and a bathroom break.

But as we get to CO-141 there is road construction and they have traffic stopped.



We wait here about 5 minutes before the RV & SUV finally show up, I take the time to read my directions so I know where I'm going. Well traffic finally starts moving and as we get to the 141/145 junction my instructions say to take a slight right to go onto CO-141, I go left following traffic. I immediately know I'm going the wrong way so I find a place to turn around and head back to wait for traffic going the other way. We did not have to wait long as we get back to the junction I see what they are doing. They are cutting back the mountain to either widen the road or to make sure it doesn't fall on the road.

This time I turn left and we are on CO-141we are now just one hundred and ten miles from Grand Junction and it starts to rain lightly at first then with some conviction. There is no place to pull over so we trudge on through to the other side. When the rain finally stops I find a place to pull over for some photos.




CO-141








Looking into the valley below CO-141.


What's she looking at???


OH!! Stay up there mkay?


Come on!! It's getting late again.

And were off, looking for a rest stop now and we finally find one. Every time I saw a side road or a driveway I would slow down until....






Back off we go and as the road drys we are able to get a move on until we end up behind a pick up, for a little while anyway. He sees us behind him and he picks up the pace and there is no need to pass.

We get to US-50 and turn north and head into Grand Junction. We will be staying at a B&B for the next two days but they are not near any places to eat so we head back downtown to a restaurant I had seen when we were here on day 5. We find a place to park and I have Vicki Call the B&B to let them know where we are and when to expect us.

We walk over to Le Rouge on Main Street.

http://www.lerougepianobar.com/le-rouge-restaurant/

Now I like to go to a nice place at least once during vacation but this I just happened to stumble on. The food was EXCELLENT!! The service also excellent! The price, not so much. I was not expecting $71.00 for dinner for two but the meal was well worth the price. I Highly recommend dinner here.

We then head over to our B&B, also Highly recommended,

http://losaltosgrandjunction.com/

Where we enjoyed a shower and a sunset






Thus ended Day 7 after 258.3 miles, 78 songs thru my iPod and quite a bit of rain.

Stay tuned for day 8

[Grnarrowe]

Day 8

Today would be a quick jaunt to Arches National Park. My original plan was to spend half a day at Arches then go through the Colorado National Monument back to the Los Altos B&B. But like its been said All Plans are subject to change.

We got up early and had a 7:30am breakfast with our hosts and some other guests then we got ready to go.


The view out of our room at Los Altos.




This guy was out back and when we left he started talking about motorcycle insurance. I kicked him to the curb, no time for a sales pitch.


This guy was out front of the parking area.


The view from the parking lot.

Off we went the route would be CO-340 to I-70 then west into Utah to US-191 south to Arches. A quick stop for gas, water and ice then off on the slab we go.

We exit the slab at US-191 and the first stop is to top off the gas. As we exit I notice some road work being done, chip sealing, lovely.
Just going the short distance to the gas station I can hear the rocks or "chips" they use rattling around in the front fender. We gas up then head south into the chips. I notice Vicki hanging back then we came to a stop she told me I was kicking up a lot of chips, not John & Ponch, so she was going to hang back. As we got moving again I was hanging back from the traffic in front of me as well.

We got to Arches and it was HOT! we re filled our hydration systems and stop at the visitors center. Once again I got a National Park Pass good for one year from month of purchase, $80 well spent.


Parking at Arches Visitor Center.




Warm day at Arches.






Statues out front of the visitors center.


Arches inside the visitors center, cool we don't need to go any further, right?  Wrong.


Don't forget to drink lots-o-water. Did I mention it was HOT here?


Arches entrance road.


Entrance road with US-191 in the background.


Above the visitors center, US-191 to the left.

After our first photo stop we went on to Balanced Rock then over to the Windows section. We decided that after windows we would go into Moab for lunch then head for the Colorado National Monument, but time was not on our side. So here are some photos from the rest of our Arches adventure.










Balanced Rock.








From Balanced Rock we went over to the Windows Section. When we got there the parking area was quite full. Someone then left and I motioned for Vicki to follow me over. I got to the spot and went to back in towards the curb as usual. Vicki is normally on my right so I assumed she would be there, wrong. She was behind me and I backed into her right bag almost knocking her over, DOH!!!!


I knocked off the Yamaha badge on the bag.

Vicki said she almost fell over, this would not have been good. But on to the Windows section of Arches.






Trees in Arches are small.












We walked a short ways towards the North Window arch but hot weather and Alpine Star boots are not a good combination for hiking.

At this point we decided to head out and go to Moab for lunch. I had seen a few places but they were not open during the lunch hour so I found the EklectiCafe so out we went.


At the Windows Section. This is where I backed into Vicki's bike. The headlights look like they need cleaning, I'll do it later.


On the way out.









We exited Arches and Head to Moab I spot the cafe and we pull up and park, its about 2:45 in the afternoon.
The sign on the door says they close at 2:30, no lunch today. So its back to Grand Junction we go via UT-128.




Along UT-128


The Colorado River alongside UT-128.

We follow UT-128 back to I-70 and head east. It takes awhile to get back to the Fruita exit due to construction along I-70. We finally get to Fruita about 5:30 gas up the bikes, clean the headlights and stop for some dinner. Seeing how its late we decide to just head back to the B&B. Seems Bomber was right we would not be able to do both parks in one day.

Back at the B&B we were met by this guy.





He did not try to sell us insurance so I left him alone.




Parked for the night.


Los Altos Bed & Breakfast. We Highly recommended this place.

After getting cleaned up we went out on the porch to enjoy another sunset in Grand Junction.








While sitting on the porch I kept hearing this noise turns out it was a Humming Bird in the flowers.




If we get out this way again I'm going to allow 3 days to go to Arches one day, Canyonlands National Park the next day and the third day will be for resting and recreating.

Thus ended the day with 248.7 miles 51 songs thru the iPod and more importantly NO RAIN!!!

Next up Day 9.

[Grnarrowe]

Day 9

Today would be a Monumental Day.  Today's route would take us thru Colorado National Monument, then up to Dinosaur National monument past a Flaming Gorge to Rock Springs Wyoming. The route would be CO-340 to Monument road thru the Monument back to 340 to US-6/50 to CO-139 over the Douglas pass to CO-64 west to US-40 west again into Utah to US-191 north into Wyoming to a frontage road to our hotel in Rock Springs.

Today started out like all days wake up, clean up, eat up, pack up and leave. As I said before the Los Altos Bed & Breakfast is a place to stay. Our host Lee, a retired Army Colonel and his wife Young-Ja had the home built as a B&B.

The evening before Lee told us a story about being in New Zealand while he was the XO of an Infantry battalion(?).

The story goes like this:
The NZ Lt in charge of transportation came to the Col. with a slight problem and he was kind of hesitant to bring it up, Lee told the Lt to speak freely. The Lt stated that his men were ready to pick up a Company at the mess hall every morning at 06:30 but the men would not even be out of the mess until 06:30 and would take their time mounting up. This would take until 06:45 and the Lt's men had been up since 04:30 to get them to where they needed to be on time. The Col asked which Company was the problem? The Lt said it was A Co. The Col stated that this was one of the best Company's and stated he would look into it.

The next morning the Col was watching and sure enough the trucks pull up at 06:15, A Co. is still in the mess. They finally started straggling out about 06:25 and take their time loading up. This did not sit well with the Col. He called the NZ Lt in and told him this is what you do tomorrow morning.

Be at the mess hall at the regular time. At 06:30 if A Co has not loaded up you will close all tail gates in unison and move your trucks 100 meters up the road. The Lt smiled and said YES SIR!

The next morning as the Col was watching the NZ transportation shows up on time, A Co does not. They start straggling out about 06:29. At 06:30 the NZ Lt gives the command, ALL tailgates are slammed shut and the trucks move off down the road 100 meters, with A Co spilling out of the mess hall at a dead run after the trucks.  

The next morning the Col was watching from his vantage point and at 06:15 the First Sargent had the men out of the mess hall at 06:15 in formation. The trucks then pulled up and they were loaded and off by 06:30. They NEVER had another problem with anyone being late again.

The Col. stated that the best job in the world was being a Company commander of Infantry. He is the second person I've heard state this, the other was Maj Dick Winters, 101st Airborne.

Back to the ride, and THANK YOU Col Lee Garrett for your service and the great stay we had at Los Altos B&B.

After we left the B&B we made a stop for batteries for the cameras, water and ice. Then on into the Colorado National Monument.


YES! We like these kind of signs.

Now you'd think that going 50 miles or less would be a breeze, not if you're stopping to take pictures.








I guess looking over the edge is supposed to give you cold shivers.


At the Cold Shivers overlook.

We entered the Monument from the east entrance and started climbing up to the Cold Shivers overlook. After leaving here we made several stops along the way..







..taking some photos and taking in the view. Our next lengthy stop would be at..


Monument Canyon









then it was onto the visitors center to get Vicki's passport stamped and do some merchandising.




At the CNM Visitors center.

It's now about 10:45, we left at 8:30 so its time to head on out and beat feet so we can get to Rock Springs, preferably before it gets dark. But Rim Rock Drive is a fun ride, even at the posted 45mph speed limit.






WEEEEEE!!!!




No Gard rail here folks.


Not much to keep you on the road here. It's a long way down so don't put a wheel wrong here.
I thought this should be larger than the other photos so you can get a sense of road.


Getting closer to the west entrance now and we are descending.


So much fun to be had here.


One of three in the Monument.


Go towards the light! Just be ready to put your shades back down.


One more.




A few more twists and turns then we exit the monument and head into Fruita to top off the gas, take a bathroom break and some more ice & water, it's now 11am. This is gonna be a long day.


From our gas stop in Fruita.

After leaving the gas station we go over the Interstate to pick up US-6/50 which runs alongside I-70 and we see a sign that says CO-139 detour, uh-oh. This is the route I want to take so we pull into a Walgreens and try to find out where the Detour is. After wasting about 20 minutes and not really finding out anything we decided to chance it. If it is closed we can either go west into Utah to US-191 and follow that or go back to CO-13 to US-40 west back to US-191. Some choices we got.

So off we go and when we get to 139 we find..... it is open. The detour was from I-70 to US-50 where we were at, got lucky here so we turn north on CO-139 and start heading to Wyoming and it is HOT! about 98 from what the thermometer on Vicki's bike is reading out. Now CO-139 isn't a twisty road but once you get up towards the top it starts to twist and turn for a bit. But, and this is a BIG BUTT,  the clouds started rolling in and the rain started and the temperature started to drop. I found a spot and pulled over so we could close our jacket & pants vents so we could stay dry. Which is a good thing as the temp dropped to 48 and the rain was coming down by the pool full. The road looked more like a river and I swear I saw frogs wearing life jackets. This was not looking good.

As we got to the top of Douglass Pass the rain eased up and as we started our descent the rain stopped and the road started to dry out as it straightened out, fun. I saw a rest are ahead and pulled in, we could see the storm we had passed thru.




From here we could see lightning, cloud to cloud and cloud to ground.

When I took off my Darien it marked its territory. The open pockets had filled with rain water and when I took it off it emptied both pockets.



We used the facilities and we could here the thunder and decided to get a move on and we continued onto Rangely Colorado where the temps got back up into the 90's and this occurred.


Mileage hit 88,888 at CO-139 and CO-64. Ten months earlier while coming home from Ohio I hit 77,777.

Then it was a short trip up 64 to US-40 where we turned east and stopped at Dinosaur National Monument, where we took no pictures. We got Vicki's passport stamped and we headed back west where we left Colorado for Utah. We made a stop in Vernal Utah for gas after 133.5 miles, it is now 3pm local time. Some more Ice & water, bathroom break and we're off to US-191 where we head north.

After leaving Vernal the wind picks up, left to right. As we pass Red Fleet State park the road starts to climb as well as the wind speed. Another twisty bit of road ruined by the weather. As we pass thru the Ashley National Forest the clouds thicken again. I look at the south bound traffic as most of it is classic cars. Now these guys wouldn't be out in the rain with these right? WRONG, it starts to rain on us again. We get to the US191/UT-44 junction where we continue to follow 191, but first a pit stop.






The sun trying to break out.

But it doesn't we continue on till we get to the Flaming Gorge Rec Area.



Just a couple of shots here and off we go. The rain lets up but not the wind, the road is wet and US-191 not only twists & turns but it changes elevation. The road starts to dry and I notice an 18 wheeler behind us and GAINING!!  

I push the speed up to 65, he's still coming, 70 still closing, 75 I don't dare go any faster as the road is not completely dry. He is still gaining on us. I hope that there is a passing lane ahead so I can move over and let him go but by now he is almost on top of Vicki. Then I look and he is in the left lane and passing us both. I back off and let him go. I see him go over a rise in the road then he disappears on the back side. As we get to that rise he is at the next rise in the road. When we get there he is GONE! He has definitely gone to plaid!

We cross into Wyoming a short time later.




US-191 north of the Utah/Wyoming boarder.

We continue up 191 without any more Spaceballs in 18 wheelers re-living Dennis Wheeler's Duel moments. We get into Purple Sage at I-80 but I take the frontage road that runs along it to Rock Springs and the Holiday Inn Express for the night. The temps have come up and the winds have died down. As I wait to check in there is a couple checking in, they too are on bikes. I think they were from Colorado. As I check in Vicki is off to the restroom. I get our keys and they have us on the ground floor, sweet! I open the door and the room is about the size of our master bedroom & bath room if not bigger. I hang up my jacket and put up my helmet and go to get the rest of gear. It's about 6 pm.

As I leave I meet Vicki in the hall and give her a key and tell her she probably wont like it and go out to get our things. As I get the duffel bag off my bike and some things out of the side case Vicki comes out and says very funny, sometimes I am.

We then go in and empty our bags as we now need to do laundry but first we shower and walk across the street to a Burger King order some food and head back to our room where Vicki grabs a load of laundry and gets it started. we have our meal then get the next load ready. While she is doing laundry I go to the computer to check on one of the routes I have planned on when we leave Ranchester WY in a few days.

The plan was to go to US-212, visit the Little Big Horn then head east to Alzada MT then South to Devils Tower. But there was road work and a wildfire burning in the area so I made yet another change to our route as All Plans are Subject to Change.

Thus ends Day 9 after 273.9 hot, wet, cold, dry hot wet cold windy warm miles and 70 songs thru my iPod.

Next time Day 10. Will we have more rain?

Stay tuned fellow travelers.  

[Grnarrowe]

Day 10

Today's route would take us up US-191 to Grand Teton National Park then into Yellowstone to US-14/20 east into Cody. Sounds quick and easy, right?

This morning we got a late start we left about 9:45 and it's a bright sunny day and warming up. A quick stop for fuel, tire pressure check, ice & waster and we are off. After about an hour we made a stop to refill our hydration systems and get some more ice & water and a 5 hour energy drink, the bad was still at the bottom of the bottle.

After another hour we made another stop but we took some photos this time.




I believe we were near Boulder WY at this point, it was about 1 in the afternoon so we were in a bit of a hurry.

Up until this point, 191, was kinda straight and boring. Then as we got closer to Jackson the road started to twist and turn a bit. I spotted a pull out so I did. It was along a river not sure where though.








Flower sniffing time is over. Time to go

We continue on and get into Jackson about 2 in the afternoon. Its time for fuel, water, ice and a pit stop for us.




WHAT?!?!?!? AGAIN?

We left our pit stop and headed to Grand Teton National Park. The weather was looking a bit dodgy, lots of clouds which held the temps down but I really would like to stay dry.

We got to the Park about 3 and we were still dry.



I see the sign for the visitors center and head towards it. As we are waiting at a crosswalk for some pedestrians to cross, the couple from the hotel in Rock Springs cross in front of us, small world. We find a spot fairly close to the Center and park the bikes and the picture taking begins.




Flowers along the walkway to the Visitors Center.


Vicki made another friend.




Artwork inside the center.






Moving slide show In the floor.

Its getting late so we pick up a few things use the restroom and head back to the bikes, we're burning daylight.



We enter the park proper and find that the road looks to be freshly paved, yea.




Some clouds and sun, lets hope we get more sun.


I don't know....


Time to move.

A newly paved road and the weather seems to be holding so we make a few more stops for photos.


EARS at Grand Teton National Park.




45mph limit, new pavement, curves and no rain.


Just cool your jets there ace.

We continue on thru the park and pick up US-191, the John D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway and start for Yellowstone. The weather still is a concern.



We are now coming up to Jackson Lake. We do not stop for photos but Vicki does a ride-by.




Jackson Lake.


The sun re-appears, for now.






Not looking too promising.

We get to the south entrance of Yellowstone about 4:30, we still need to get to Cody. We stop at the south entrance sign. While Vicki was taking some photos she met some people from Oak Lawn, Illinois.


South entrance, Yellowstone






Me & Vicki at the south entrance. The folks from Oak Lawn took this for us.

After getting the entrance photos we head into the park and get to the gate and there are no Rangers there. The sign said to pay on exit, OK. So in we go and so did the rain, off and on type. Just enough to get the road wet and be annoying.  

The river that was just off the road by the entrance  is now well below us.



Did we climb up or did the river fall down? Or both?




South entrance road going in.


South entrance road heading out, southbound.

Back on the road we go, now going thru a National Park the speed limit is set at 45MPH, lower around the busier spots so I'm keeping it 45, sometime 50 but not often. Then I notice this red tour bus coming up behind us. Look at the road, it's not that wide and it curves around a bit but Mario in the bus thinks he's driving a go-kart. I find a place and pull over to let him go by and he does. We fall in behind him and HE SLOWS DOWN!!! WTF? He ended up turning in somewhere and we continued on to the Grant Village Visitor Center to get Vicki's passport stamped and use the bathroom. The whole way here it had been trying to rain. Still light and annoying, that would change on the way out.

Back to the South Entrance road we go then to the Grand Loop Road and turn right. As we pass West Thumb we pick up some traffic in front of us and they are slowing down, why? Well the car in front of me is now slowing even more and I see a mini van on the right shoulder of the road. The woman with the camera, oh good she needs a picture of an animal, has one foot on the road and one IN the van and she points her camera BEHIND us, WHY?

I look in my left rear view mirror and see what she is shooting....


A FUCKING BROWN BEAR CROSSING THE ROAD BEHIND VICKI!!!!!!

And the car in front of me is now looking for a spot so he can pull over and photograph the cute 600 pound BEAR!!!

HEY, GENIUS!!! I DON'T HAVE DOORS OR A ROOF, MOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I flip my brights on, he gets the hint and moves outta the way and we avoid being a headline. THEN, after this it starts to rain. Not off and on but a steady soaking rain. Our vents are already closed so we trudge on to the East entrance Road and turn east. The rain picks up and is now a downpour, not as bad as Douglas Pass in Colorado but I think I saw a beaver wearing a divers mask & snorkel.

This only lasted about 15 minutes then it quit which was good because the East Entrance Road is fun pretty much all the way to Cody.


Along the east entrance road.

When we stopped for the above photo we were mobbed by bugs. Took some quick shots.






That way back to the rain, East Entrance Road.


This way to the East exit and Cody.

The pictures above I believe we were near Sylvan Pass. Then after fighting off the bugs we headed to the exit.




I was this close to the river, did I put a hand in to see how cold it was? NO, I did not. I had wanted to do this when we were out here in 08 nad four years later I still didn't.


Just inside the east gate.




Looking west from the east gate.


The east gate which was, you guessed it, unmanned. Never did show my park pass to anyone today.

From here we tried to call the B&B we were staying at, Robins Nest, no signal so with empty bladders and somewhat full tanks we head east to Cody, it's now 7:00pm. We did not stop for photos we just ran as fast as we dared to. We got to the B&B and apologized for being late. Got checked in and unloaded the bikes and took a warm shower.

After which we talked to the owners and asked about a place for dinner. They recommended Wyoming's Rib & Chop House, called and made reservations for us and we walked over as it was only 3 blocks away.

The food was very good, I would also recommend this for dinner. For the 2 of us the bill was $45, not bad. I had the Charbroiled Chicken and Vicki had the Jambalaya. Apparently the chef was Cajun.  We left the restaurant about 9:30.

On the walk back we came up to a park like walkway and I grabbed Vicki's arm and stopped and said "that's real". No it wasn't a bear, it was a deer not more than 3 feet from us. She walked by us then across the street. This was on the street the B&B is on and it is a WIDE street. We then went to the B&B went up to our room and settled in for some much needed sleep.


Day 10 now draws to a close after 362.4 miles and only 56 songs thru the iPod as I had it off going thru the Teton's and most of Yellowstone.

Until next time.

[Papa Lazarou]

 

[cyjo]

   

[Ears]

Stay tuned.... Hopefully the next segment will be offered this coming Saturday.  

[Grnarrowe]

Day 11

Today would be a long day. Mileage wise it would be an easy day but we were going across the Beartooth today and I wanted to get photos of the backside as we did not take many the last time we were out this way. So without further ado let us continue.

Today's route would take us up WY-120 to WY-296 to US-212 to Cooke City, then up to US-310 to US-14 into Ranchester, WY.

The usual morning routine started, wake up, clean up, pack up, breakfast and then it came to a screeching halt as we started talking to Bob, Robins husband and we did not leave until 10am  

Seems Bob was running for office in Cody, not sure which, but we got talking about the wolves in Yellowstone, he is not a supporter. We just bit our tounges and tried to get his view on things. But we finally were able to break away and get our things loaded up.


Robins Nest B&B


One of Robin's dogs. This was the youngest of 3, still a pup.


Our room. No a/c but it wasn't needed as the nights were cool.

Off we go, then a quick stop for gas, ice & water and we are off!


WY-296


WY-296, this way to adventure!

And not to far into 296 we see a portable sign stating "Slick road next 6 Miles". Really? Why?

OH! Its all the tar snakes that have INFESTED the Chief Joseph.   Every corner was filled with the dam things. As you would get into a corner you would pick a somewhat clear line and half way through you'd be skating through the rest of the corner and this went on past the Dead Indian Overlook through the best part of the road. They took an exceptional road and F@#!ED it up.








From the overlook.
See all those nice curves in the road? TAR SNAKE CENTRAL! Each and every one of them, had to tip-toe through the curves, no tulips here. No fun here either so we made our way past the snake way and on towards Cooke City, MT. But first a scenic stop at the Sunlight Bridge.






River below the bridge.




Peace, harmony and tranquility. We are one with the land. We are......






WHAT?  


Really? I hope you are sending a photo to whomever saying "We're here, you're not! NA NANA BOO BOO!"

I think she did send a photo to a co-worker but not the taunt.


That way to Cooke City.

We gear up and head out towards Cooke and we're enjoying the road when we catch up to an 18 wheel dump truck. No biggie, I back off a bit and he pulls away, until we get to some twisty stuff then he slows, we catch up and I start looking for a passing zone. But, when I do find one he speeds up again and off he goes. This goes on until we hit US-212, we'll be turning left, so does he,  .

Luckily we are only behind him for a few miles, he turns off into a driveway and off we go riding the Beartooth quickly! But not as quick as the bike coming up behind us, a bagger. He catches up and passes Vicki, I see this and move to the right and wave him through. He passes and waves and is gone, for a bit. I just see him catch up to a couple on an Ultra, we are closing in. He passes the Ultra and that's the last we see of him.

A few minutes later we catch the Ultra but we have also caught up to an SUV and a little further up is another Hardly Ableson. We catch the Ultra and they move over and wave us through, we wave our thanks. We then catch the SUV, after a bit he moves over and we are able to pass, we wave again.

We then catch the Hardly, he is PLANTED in the middle of the lane, we have to slow as there are curves coming up and well THIS Hardly can't corner.

Well I've had enough, I signal to Vicki its passing time. We are in a no passing zone but this is ridiculous! Drop down to 3rd as I was in fourth twist the grip with AUTHORITY and we get around another rolling chicane. We are able to run the rest of the way into Cooke City at or slightly above the speed limit, but not much above.

We get into Cooke and have the bikes parked helmets, gloves & jackets off before the ones we passed start rolling through town.


Cooke City, Montana.


Yellowstone Trading Post where we made a few purchases.

We then headed back up US-212 towards Red Lodge, Montana. We had to go thru Wyoming again to get there. So we head back up 212 and run the bit we just did again at a brisk pace, curves are fun so are curves in the road. We climb up 212, I am looking around for a spot to take some photos and I see one. I look in the mirror and Vicki already has her turn signal on, I guess we're stopping here. Which we do and we are immediately swarmed by bugs. We are nearly at 11,000 feet and we get BUGS?




Helmets stay on, visors down. We then Bug Out for our next stop.





We got bugged here too but not as bad. Then it was up to the top of US-212.




Above the tree line on US-212. We had stopped here back in 2008.


From our 2008 trip, same place as above.




What a fun stretch of road this is and it was repaved in 09 I think. Still in good shape and almost no tar snakes.






Smile for the camera!


You too!

And its time to go as we're burning daylight. We ride further on up and just after we start to descend we find another spot for a picture taking opportunity.










That mountain behind Ears was about a quarter to half a mile away.


Yea, over there. Gotta go down then across then back up. No thanks. Alpine Starts are not hiking boots.

Then we get back on the road and head on out. At one point we are just grooving with the road, enjoying the curves, the view and the time we are here when I spot a bicyclist up ahead. No big deal but I'm gaining on her, yes her and I don't want to catch her in a corner but I do. I slow down as much as possible and go around a corner with her on the inside and me on the outside, DOH!! I did not want to do this, I wanted to give her more room than I did but it could not be helped.

We continue on until we get to the Rock Creek Vista. We pull in, and look for a spot and find one by the curb. As we remove our gear there is a guy on a bicycle in the lot waiting. For who? Well for the lady on the bike that I shared a corner with. So I start over and Ears asks where I'm going and I say to apologize to her for my miscue.

I go over and say hi and then apologize for the corner and she says it wasn't a problem as I gave her more than enough room, whew! For a minute I thought I had messed up and either scared the crap outta her and made her mad but I guess all was good. We then bid each other safe journeys.




From the parking lot at Rock Creek Vista.






One of the residents of the Vista.










There is a road over to the left. It snakes down from here into Red Lodge.


US-212 from the Vista.


Walkway back to the parking lot.




Twisted tress along the walkway. Not sure how they got this way.






Twisted tree trunks.

We really spent to much time here but like I said we did not get any photos from this side back in 08.

It is getting late so we head into Red Lodge and find a place for lunch. We find the Red Lodge Cafe, good service, good food and best of all air conditioned. It was a hot day again.

As we have our lunch we discuss the route. From here the plan is to continue up 212 to US-310 and then back into Wyoming to US-14 to our hotel in Ranchester. One option is to double back to MT-308 east to MT-72 then up to 310 and back on route but we decide to stick with the plan, it's 4:30 in the afternoon. We make a stop for gas,ice & water then we GO!

Now what I should have done was taken 308 to 72 then turned south to pick up WY-120 into Cody THEN picked up US-14. I believe this would have cut 90 minutes off of our time. But we stuck with the original route and headed into the unknown.

From Red Lodge north on 212 in plain no mountains just mostly flat plains. We reach US-310 and head South, as we enter Bridger MT I note the lack of a rest stop then as we leave I see MT-72 and I think well we could have saved 30 minutes going that way. But instead of dwelling on these thoughts I opened the throttle, speed limit is posted at 65 lets do 75 and see if we can make some time.

All goes well, we re-enter Wyoming and continue to follow 310 then we see it. Not a cop but the dreaded road construction signs. Once again the road is reduced to gravel. Not just on one side but the entire road. And oh by the way its only wide enough for traffic to move in one direction or the other.

We got lucky and got on the tail end of traffic that was just waved thru so I hang back from the car in front of me and Vicki hangs back from me. This went on for about 5 miles then the road re-appears and we are back on pavement and entering Cowley, WY.  I see a gas station on the left, Vicki already has her turn signal on, we pull in for a pit stop. We also got some more water and ice.

The sun is getting low as we pull back onto the road and continue or run to Ranchester. We pass thru Lowell at this point we could have taken 14A but we did this route in 2008 and we wanted to do something new so we continued on 310 to US-14/20/310 junction and begin to follow it into Greybull. We then turn east on US-14, I almost missed it. I was looking ahead at a gas station thinking we may want to stop but Vicki was next to me and pointed to the left so we turned east on US-14.

As we exited Greybull I twist the throttle more authority and we are moving. The scenery along this route is quite nice. Then 14 starts to twist & turn and climb. At one point we caught up to an SUV and at each corner this guy would slow to a crawl. Oh no, this is not going to happen. I ride the DY with my lights in his mirror, he don't get it. I find a spot, signal Vicki and off we go around this rolling road block with VIGOR!!!

The road is much to fun to be stuck behind someone who just doesn't get it.

We continue to follow 14 as it twists and turns. We are on US-14 EAST but why in the sun IN MY EYES? Don't the sun set in the WEST? Oh and lets throw in some road construction as well. But that's ok the road turns back east and straightens out and we can once more go to plaid. That is until the road begins to twist & turn again just before we get to Dayton, WY. It's at this point we both need a bathroom break, badly!!

I find a gas station in Dayton, we get gas first. Vick does not get off her bike, said if she did it would be bad. So I go in and there is a line for the bathroom as there is only one. DOH!!!! Back out I go and we take off for the hotel hoping our bladders don't burst. The time is 8:46pm. We get to our hotel about 9. Get the key and head in, Vicki first then me. AAAHAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! relief.

Tonight's stay is at the Ranchester Motel. The lady at the desk said they upgraded us to a different room for the same price. I had booked a king but they gave us a room with 2 queens.

If this was an upgrade I'd hate to see a downgrade. This place was ok but I would not recommend it. Had it not been so late and if I was to take a more direct route I would have gone to Gillette.

But we stayed got a shower and watched the news then turned in after 350.5 miles and 90 songs thru the iPod.


Stay tuned as Day 12 reaches towering heights.

[Grnarrowe]

Day 12

Today would start our trek home. Mileage wise it would be a short day and today we would be on the slab for the first time since we went to Grand Junction on Day 5.

My original plan was to slab it to Crow Agency, MT and stop at the Little Big Horn National Park then head east on US-212 to Alzada, Mt turn south and go to Devils Tower then back to WY-24 into South Dakota to Sturgis via SD-34 to a side road, paved, then to US-85 to US-14 into Sturgis and to our hotel for the night.

But, because of the fires in Montana along 212 and the road construction this plan was changed.

Today's route was US-14 to I-90 back to 14 back to 90 to 14 to WY-24 to the tower. After leaving the Tower we would follow WY-24 to SD-34 back to I-90 to US-14 and our hotel.

The day started as usual, the hotel did have a continental breakfast but it was rather under whelming. We then packed up and took off for Gilllette, WY. After a short jaunt down the slab we exited onto US-14 and turned east. US-14 through here is very scenic but for what ever reason we did not stop. As we continued on I started to notice quite a few road apples all over the road. At the time I thought "They have Amish in Wyoming?"  Well, no, not exactly. We had come up on a cattle drive and we did not get any pics.

As we came up on the drive I slowed way down, don't want to start a stampede ya know. We moved into the opposite lane and pass cautiously then its back to 56 MPH all the way into Gillette.

A quick stop for gas, ice & water we also asked where we could find a place for breakfast as our earlier attempt was lacking. They pointed us to a Perkins that was 2 exits away on I-90 so we headed over that way for some noms. After a better breakfast, it's now 12pm, we jump back on the slab to the US-14 exit which we follow to WY-24. We turn onto 24 and within minutes we are stuck behind a Cavalier who can't make up their mind about how fast or slow they're going to go. So I decide for them, Warp Speed Mr. Sulu!!!

We pass.

We are never bothered by this Tribble again.

Further along 24 there is a store on the right, we slow to impulse and dock for some trinkets.

AND THERE!!! LOW AND BEHOLD!!! THERE IT IS!!!!

 


THE TOWER!!!
Devils Tower.

This is our third trip out west The first 2 trips we were CLOSE to here but never could make it to the tower. But this time WE FINALLY MADE IT HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We then left the store and head in, show my park pass and enter into a 25mph heat sink. It's here that I start to worry about Vicki's bike. Both are running hot but the coolant stays where it should and we find a parking spot right across from the Visitors Center, score!




The Visitors Center.





We then went into the center so Vicki could get her passport stamped and so we could get out of the heat.


Painting over the mantel.

There was no flash allowed inside the Visitors Center.


Outside there was no need for a flash.




A little bit of history.


Vicki with the tower in the background.

With the heat and alpine star boots hiking up was out of the question. So we made our way back to the bikes as we got there 2 other bikes pulled in and Vicki directed them to park next to us as she had parked in front of me leaving half the spot open just in case. The couple that had pulled in were from Colorado, Fort Collins to be exact. We talked a bit and found out from them that the day after we left they had to close CO-14 due to mud slides, not the drinking kind either.

Then it was time to exit the monument and of course we had to stop for a few more photos.





We exit the monument and get some much needed air moving across the radiators so the bikes cool off and get to Hulett, WY and it looks like some fresh pavement has been put down, yea!. Never pass up the opportunity to ride fresh pavement.


Fresh pavement in WY.


Hulett Wyoming.

We continued east on WY-24 and there was not much of anything between here and Belle Fourche, SD. The road was curvy but not twisty, nice scenery but again we did not stop. At one point I see Vicki wants to pull over so we do, she is in need of a pit stop. Problem is we're 25 miles from Belle Fourche, she says she can wait. So its back to the road and in a few minutes we cross into South Dakota. We pull into Belle Fourche and I see a gas station to our left so we mosey on over. Vicki goes in and I gas the bikes, it's now 4 PM. After a pit stop for me some more ice & water we are off.

Back on SD-34 I'm looking for St Onge Oil Rd. This should take me to US-85 and over to US-14 into Sturgis. I never see any signs for this road, which turns out to be in my favor. We continue on 34 which merges with I-90. We get back on the slab for about 10 miles maybe more and we exit at US-14. I see our hotel just off the exit ramp and I also see that US-14 is closed to our right. This is the route that I would have been on. So it was a good thing I did not see the side road.

We pull into the Super 8 Sturgis and park the bikes by the front door, preferred parking for bikes, cool. We check in and ask about a place for dinner. The clerk recommended Pizza Ranch and they deliver. We get checked in and take a shower and call for delivery. We also ordered some dessert Cactus Bread. The pizza was good but the dessert was better. We then watched some tv, the news and then turned in.

This ends a short 271.4 mile day and 56 songs through my iPod.

For day 13 we go full throttle.

Stay tuned.

[Grnarrowe]

Day 13

Today would be a quick if not breezy ride across SD-34 to Mitchell, SD. No Interstate pavement was harmed or abused by the participants today.

After our normal morning routine we took to the road. A quick stop to top off the tanks, ice & waster and we were off.

But first....




Just to prove we have been to Sturgis,SD.


We pass through town and on the way out we spot this guy.


Hawking beer at 9 am in the morning.


Open? Before trailer week starts?



HEY!  HEY!! I'VE SEEN THIS PLACE ON TEEEEEVEEEE!!!
Vicki, aren't you excited??



Try to contain yourself, OK?
Your enthusiasm seems to be lacking. Try to work on that won't ya?


So back onto SD-34 we go heading east to Pierre,SD. But the winds are a howling, right to left and it looks as if there might be some rain in the area.




Last of the mountains.


From here on out it'll be the plains.



Sturgis and the Black Hills are now behind us.



The Plains await.


We fight the wind for several hours then start looking for a rest area after US-14 joins up with SD-34. At the rest area Vicki tells me to keep more to the right of the road as the breezy conditions keep pushing me to the left and into the opposing lane. This is not good on a 2 lane road. And this always seems to happen as we come up on a rise in the road.

I remind Ears I am insured but she states that she would not like her last images of me doing a bug impersonation on the front of an 18-wheeler.
I move more to the right.









At the rest stop along 34/14. Just a bit windy. Vicki's hair points the way.




As we leave the rest area we also noticed some bicyclist heading east also. They seem to be having a tough time with the wind also but they have several chase vans with them. They are on their way back to Minnesota I believe is what they said. After we left the rest area we spot one of their vans about 10 miles up the road. Well, good luck to them and safe travels.

As we get closer to Pierre, SD the clouds break without raining on us. This gives us the bonus of the temperature rising into the low 90's again, oh joy.

We enter Pierre and make a stop at a Shell station on our right. We top off the tanks, 3.5 gallons for me and for Vicki. We also got some more water and also a pit stop. We spend some time inside as it is air conditioned, that and Vicki is looking for a shot glass for one of our neighbors. Vicki has been buying shot glasses from each state that we have been in for her.

With full tanks and hydration systems we stop for food. Now this is a mistake. We should have got lunch first THEN fuel, here's why. My tank was full to the top, Vicki's was not and they were in the sun.

And as you may have guessed the gas in my tank expanded and started to come out the overflow tube leaving a small puddle of gas under my bike.
I got some water from the fountain at the Subway where we stopped for noms and watered it down so it did not burst into flames.
We also got more ice for the hydration systems and reluctantly left the air conditioned coolness of Subway for the heat of South Dakota.

Now traveling SD-34 from Pierre to Mitchell is kinda boring, unless the wind keeps trying to push you into the opposing lane and the road seems to need a re-paving. Then of course we need a bathroom and we aren't going to make it to Mitchell, dry. So we find a place in Wessington Springs off of 34.

With that out of the way we continue east into Woonsocket, SD to fuel up the bikes. It is now 4:30 PM. We pick up SD-37 and follow it and ninety minutes later we are in Mitchell, SD.

We stop at an Arby's before going to the hotel. We stop and talk to a guy on an older bike for a bit. As we are talking to this guy a car pulls in and a woman and her 2 kids, boy & a girl, get out. They meet up with their grand parents and then they start to go in. The boy, about 7 or 8 runs to the door from between the cars and ALMOST gets hit.  

Holy crap! If the car pulling in had been going a little faster that kid would have been clobbered! And dinner would have been ruined. But he got lucky, should have had him but a Lottery ticket after that.

After some Arby's we went to the hotel, showered watched some TV, news & weather then turned in for the night.

That ended a 335.6 mile day with 76 tunes through the iPod.

Tomorrow will be a jolly day.

[Grnarrowe]

Day 14

Today would begin our trip home in earnest. Today we would abuse the Interstate but for only 270 miles, give or take.
Today's route would take us to SD-38 to I-90 then in Minnesota to MN-74 to US-14 to MN-43 across the Mississippi River into Wisconsin picking up WI-54 & US-53 to County road T to WI-108 to WI-16 and into Sparta,WI for the night.

This was the planned route, but sometimes things don't always go as planned.

There was an overcast sky and  had it been raining I would have just jumped onto Interstate but it did not look to bad so off we went into the unknown.

The day started as usual and after a stop for ice water and topping off the tanks, your welcome, we headed up to SD-38 and turned east.

We rode for a bit and I was constantly looking for a place to stop for some pictures.


Found a spot.




SD-38

After our brief stop we continued east, it was a bit cool this morning but after some of the scorching heat this was welcomed.
After running for 50 miles on SD-38 we joined up with I-90 and started slabbing it east and entering Minnesota after 205 miles it was time for fuel and food.

I was looking at the information signs and saw a DQ at one of the exits so I took it. First stop was for gas, ice &water as the clouds were breaking up and it was beginning to heat up again.
We also took the opportunity to pick up some cheese curds for snaking purposes. Then it was over to the DQ for lunch and some ice cream.

After lunch we stopped for one of the local sights.  


The Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN.









The big guy hiding behind a tree.

After I took this pic I went and got on the bike and surprisingly my leg cleared the  bike and the bag, hmmm why is that?

Well if you look closely you can see my bike is leaning quite a bit. This is due to the side stand sinking into the blacktop, well now, isn't that just ducky.

With a mighty heave and no help from the big guy I got the side stand out of the well it was digging and off we went back to the slab.

We drone along the slab until we get to the St Charles, MN exit at MN-74 then we head north to US-14 and turn east. Now US -14 from here to Winona, MN is a nice road. Some twistyness as you get closer to the river. Of course there was some road repair going on so we had to stop for a bit.








Watching the corn grow as we wait for the road to be open to east bound traffic.

We get past the road work and find US-14 to be an OK road, not as much fun as the Beartooth or US-550 but passable. We then pass through Winona and cross over to Wisconsin where we pick up WI-54 then pick up US-53 which turns south, and this is where it all goes wrong.

As we continue down US-53 I see the sign for County T, so I turn. Vicki is flashing her lights as we get onto T so I pull over and she comes up and says we are on the wrong road. I assure her we are not as the map said there is only one County T, Vicki is not sure and states that we haven't gone far enough on 53 but I'm sure that we are where we need to be. So onward we go and this is where my internal GPS system failed me.

At each cross road I am looking for WI-108 which will take us through the Mindoro Cut which is a really nice twisty route. But 108 never comes up I suggest we turn around and head back to 53 to see if we can get back on track but Vicki says to go on.

We get to the end of County T without finding 108, do we turn left or right? Vicki gets her Blackberry out to pull up a map to see if we can find out where we are but there is no signal.

This confirms it.

We are lost.

So we turn right onto an unknown road and head off into some really unknown territory. After what seemed like an hour we spot a gas station and none to soon I may add. We pull up to the pumps and Vicki goes in for a pit stop, I fuel up both bikes. After fueling I to go in for a pit stop. I find a map to try and find our way back.

Turns out we are in Blair, WI about 30 miles NORTH of where we should be. We were right off of US-53,   and we ended up getting directions from someone making a delivery to the station. I was looking for a direct route but they gave us a convoluted route but also said we could take 53 to County Road D to WI-54 to WI-71 then pick up WI-27 into Sparta. So that is what I did.

We finally arrived at our B&B the Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast about 6:45.

http://www.franklinvictorianbb.com/

Highly recommend this place for a weekend getaway. The woman who runs the place is the third owner of the house. When she and her husband bought it they turned it into a B&B but kept the  Victorian charm of the house intact.



I had some flowers and Chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us   .

After a quick shower we went off to Angelinis Pizzeria & Ristorante for dinner. We had gone here once before and it was good then and it was good this time. I would recommend this place for dinner anytime. After dinner and a drink we walked back to the B&B to settle in for the night.


A warm and inviting bed awaits us.

So after 453.3 miles and 97 songs thru the iPod we turned in for the night.

Tomorrow, home awaits us.