Rolling on down the highway

[Rider1405]

Well it's just about time to do the final practice load and ride. The long trip was the main reason to get the DL650AK7, it has been maybe 15 years since any road riding. Weather is of course a key factor in the route, but my main goal is to go down the Oregon and Califorania coasts and then zig-zag thru the southwest. Then I get to park the bike for 6 weeks in Arlington, Texas while I get some training done. My training now is still finding out what works together to make this trip worth the effort and hardship. I feel mostly ready because I've been reading many of the posts here and the V-Strom forum and there is so much education to be gleaned about the subject. I'm not a writer or even much of an emailer but will try to post something other than pictures (which I love to do, so beware). This is a picture of my ride, I got it late November from Ramsey-Waite here in Eugene, Oregon and rode it first on December 21 after installing a few well known farkles.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/V-StromDL650AK71.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/V-StromDL650AK72.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/V-StromDL650AK73.jpg

[Mr. Fisherman]

You sure have been busy.
Every time I see a new pic of your bike I spot 2 or 3 new farkles.
How do you like the Fastway pegs?
Where did you get that OR sticker on the wind screen?

I was hoping to get to meet you before your departure.
Looking forward to your pics and posts.
Ride safe and have fun.

[Rider1405]

The footpegs are for comfort and safety, the sticker I got back in Baltimore flag shop back in 9/11 days.

[Berserker]

the Oregon oval stickers! I only need 2 so I'll have a couple extras.

http://www.flagline.com/id42B37

[mirage]

the Oregon oval stickers! I only need 2 so I'll have a couple extras.

http://www.flagline.com/id42B37

What is the minimun order count (IOW, how many more than 2 will be in your order)?

I am interested.

Mirage...

[Berserker]

What is the minimun order count (IOW, how many more than 2 will be in your order)?

I am interested.

Mirage...

and will have 3 extra.

Incentive to come to a breakfast club meeting! :)

[mirage]

Incentive to come to a breakfast club meeting! :)

Cool, but won't be making this Sat. Strom still being fixed and in-laws in town, so we are likely going skiing on Sat.

I will make it someday though, real soon now I hope. If you have takers for these OR stickers on hand on Sat., they get dibs...

Mirage...

[Rider1405]

I thought I might show myself, something that's rare for me to do. This is me just after lunch to at Subway, which is right next door to Cycle Gear in Springfield. http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/Rider1405.jpg


It was just a little damp this morning before light but around 2 P.M. the sunshine sure made me wish I was somewhere else.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/Rider140513Feb07.jpg

[Rider1405]

I shorted out one of the Trail Tech MR11 ballasts a few days ago while rain riding to work. The problem was I had mounted the lamps upside down and the power line that run into the housing is not sealed from weather. Water ran right down into the unit and shorted out the highvoltage ballast. I tried to heat and dry it, thinking maybe that would work, nope. Called Trail Tech people and ordered a new ballast, installed it yesterday and gooped sealed the unit. I like those lights because they draw so very little watts (13 each) for the amount of light they throw. They are daytime and "Outback" night time wide beam flood lights.

[Rider1405]

Well now, looking at the weather report for this coming week I think I should renew the outer coating on the old Gore-Tex wear. I ran into a little hail going home yesterday, and wasn't surprised to see snow in the surrounding hills. I made one last purchase, I got a set of Widder heated gloves for the colder mornings coming up in the southwest. I notice that even with all the lights on and the heated gloves burning my hands up the battery still maintains it's level, so I guess it would be possible to add a vest someday.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Skip the vest and get a heated jacket liner.
I got the Warm and Safe with the heated collar and the sleeves... Mmm mmm mmm toasty. It makes a HUGE difference.

[Rider1405]

Thanks for the info, I really do like toast.

[Rider1405]

Hello everyone, I'm posting the first day ride on my third night because the first two nights were without a connection of any kind.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/Settotravel.jpg
OK I'm packed and ready to travel.

The first day I had was an Oregon coast theme, wet. I went down to Drain and over to Reedsport, where I got a strong crosswind over the Coos Bay bridge.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/CoosBayBridge.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/CoosBayBridgedarkraincoming.jpg

I wanted to get a picture of Cape Blanco lighthouse, and almost got blown over doing it. I could not stay any longer than two pictures, wow.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/CapeBlancoLighthouse.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/theoldtimerstandsguard.jpg
the old timer stands guard

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/JedediahSmithRedwoodsbackroad.jpg
Jedediah Smith Redwoods backroad

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/Hail2milesfromcomfort.jpg
I was 2 miles from the motel at Eureka, Ca. when it started to hail for about the 10th time that day. This time the road was turning white, so I pulled over to wait it out. Thank you kids for the heated vest, it did the job without any problems. After 20 minutes there was a wide enough path to ride with. Little did I know that the next day would be a motorcycle ride through the real winter wonderland. There was no escape. Yoda once told Luke "There is no try, do, or do not" That is how it seemed to me, go or stay.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Wow, what a start to an adventure.
Looking forward to updates.
Be safe and have a great time!

[Berserker]

Great shot's...keep us posted!!

Hey, what bag is that on the back seat?

[Nighthawk22]

Being a Nor'wester doesn't mean we don't mind getting wet, it means we prepare for it. Sofar, it looks like you're a good Nor'wester. Let us know how things go and if you find anything that you would do different next time. Good luck.

[mrltt]

Thanks for the updates - keep 'em coming. Great pictures! Safe and happy trails -

[Raevyn]

Great shots. Looks like alot of fun and interesting times out there. Keep the updates coming.

[Rider1405]

The day started out like it ended, wet and cold. Wind and cold rain, but other than that and nice day for a ride on the backroads of America. First leg was from Eureka to Ferndale, then climb the old Mattole Rd. for about 7 miles until the snow was starting to cover the little road. I found a good place to turn around and headed back down. Just my luck, it would have to snow today, and this place was under 2,000 feet and very close to the ocean. Oh well, a nice day for a ride in the Redwood groves on the Avenue of the Giants. After that I got back on 101 but near Riverdale it started to snow on 101. I had a state trooper follow me until I turned off onto Highway 1 at Leggett. More snow and it was bad, I didn't get one mile, at the first switchback there were a line of cars and RVs parked. Great, here I am on a 790 lbs. (me included) bike, and now I'm going to turn this thing around again. I just watched a little pickup truck do it, but his backend almost went over the bank. The road was getting slick fast. I don't know how, but the bike with those stock tires didn't slip and I made it back to 101. I guess this snow storm was a little bit of a supprise for the highway crew, because still no snow plows. I was following in the tracks of a RV and at one point when we were at a stop because of a jeep spin out ahead, I put my left foot down and almost fell. The road was unrideable, and the road ahead was going to get higher in elevation. I was at a town called Laytonville and there I found the last room in town, and the guy behind the counter had me right were he wanted me. Traffic was stopped on the highway, only chains were working at this point. I put my $65 down on a smelly room, that on any other day would have gone for $20. At that point I would have paid $50 for a dry barn floor. I parked it about 1 P.M. and watched it snow some more, while I thought about the 133 miles that I had just went through. Wow, I didn't think that I was able to do something like that. Around about 6 P.M. I hear the snow plows run down the road, to late for me to leave. I was just waiting to see if it was going to freeze overnight.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/goodmorningFeb27.jpg
Time to wake up bike

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/readytorollondownintherainagain.jpg
Loaded and ready to roll on down

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/MattoleRdatFerndale.jpg
Mattole Rd. at Ferndale, goes up fast and steep

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/thestartofthesnowonMattoleRd.jpg
The first snow on Mattole Rd. after this point no pictures on this road

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/AvenueoftheGiants.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/nowheretogo.jpg
No place to go.
Oh yes, the bag in the back, that is from my bicycle trailer, it's a BOB Dry SAK that fits their nice one wheel trailer. http://www.bobgear.com/acsories/accessory.php?accessories_id=16

[Rider1405]

Day 3 started out like I knew it would. It was hard getting out of the parking lot and slow rolling on down the highway. The snowplows did a great job last night and they didn't use anykind of sand on the road. I tried again to get to Hwy 1 at Willits by way of Hwy 20. A big snow shower greeted me about 5 miles outside of town, same story as before, be careful but turn around. I took it slow until I got out of the snow zone, continued on 101 then made a breakfast stop about 9:00 in Ukiah. At Fulton I did a right turn to get to Hwy 116 which comes out about 10 miles north of Bodega Bay. I made it to the coast just as more wind driven rain hit, but this time it was a tailwind, YES! I got in front of the rain and found dry roads at last, and enjoyed the road and the sunshine.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/Yesitisstillwinterhere.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/WeeImadeittothecoast.jpg
I made it to Hwy 1 just in time to get rained on again.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/canyousmelltheeucalyptus.jpg
Can you smell the eucalyptus trees?

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/RidgecrestBlvdnearMtTamalpais.jpg
Ridgecrest Blvd. near Mt. Tamalpais
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/Wefoundsomesunuphere.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/OverlookingtheGoldenGate.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/GoldenGate2007Feb28.jpg
Marin Headlands State Parks views

I made it to the Santa Cruz area and found a room in a Watsonville Comfort Inn at sunset. I thought the hard stiff was overwith, boy was I wrong.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Very nice... That ridge road looks fantastic.
Thanks for taking us along... looking forward to more...

[Rider1405]

Big Sur and Highway 1

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/justsouthofCarmel.jpg
the pictures start just south of Carmel
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1238_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1245_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1263_small.jpg
this is the spot where I did a chain lub

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1273_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1281_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1276_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1279_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1307_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1327_small.jpg
got off Hwy 1 at Cambria to check out this little road
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1343_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1365_small.jpg
then found my way over to Hwy 58

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1395_small.jpg
I have to go thru those mountains, Tahachapi Pass.

Tahachapi Pass has hundreds of giant windmills, and the wind was still crazy as I rolled into Mojave at sunset. I was thinking before I got there that if the winds were lite I was going to get to Needles that night. The winds should be better in the morning right?

[Rider1405]

I tried, I left at first light, but the wind blasted up about an hour after I rolled out. The interstate was fast but not very fun, so I took in a little bit of 66, but it was so torn up I couldn't take but about 30 miles of that. After Needles I got back on 66 to go thru Oatman which was fun and I escaped a lot of the wind. Mainstreet Oatman had a jackass traffic jam but I managed to get around it. The winding road east of Oatman was a good E-ticket of fun. At Kingman I stopped at the vistors center to check out the Route 66 information they had. Then followed 66 until it ran into 40 again then leaned into the wind until Holbrook. Sundown found me at the teepee-style village, called Wigwam Village Motel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigwam_Motel
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1396_small.jpg
shelter from the wind
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1405_small.jpg
old Route 66
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1414_small.jpg
coming into Oatman
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1415_small.jpg
downtown traffic jam
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1420_small.jpg
east of Oatman
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1425_small.jpg
vistor center in Kingman
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1438_small.jpg
near Flagstaff
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1447_small.jpg
time to get off this road
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1450_small.jpg
nice rooms
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1454_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1457_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1459_small.jpg
It turned out to be a very cold night, 15 degrees but the room heaters were first rate, I'm glad I slept here.

[mrltt]

Once again - this is a great travelogue! Thank you. Now, two questions -

First, do you always eat at a seperate table from your jacket and helmet (and do you always buy them an iced tea or other drink)?

Second, what's with all the old jalopies at the Wigwam? Period setting? Jalopy convention?

Keep having a great trip and keep posting!

[Mr. Fisherman]

This is good stuff. Wish I were riding along.
Thanks for taking us there in pictures... You are doin great, keep it coming.

[Rider1405]

What can you do, he didn't want to be left on the bike, and I don't need an incessant whining jacket on my back this trip.
Yes about the old autos, plus it draws auto buffs to stay there.

[tkervin]

Really interesting and clear photos. Thanks much for making my Sunday morning........but it's time to fire up the bike!

[Rider1405]

Time to put on the neck turtle fur, man was it cold this morning. I left Holbrook on Hwy 180 headed for Alpine and Hwy 191 which was renamed from 666 for some reason or other. Along the way I found a subway shop and got a lunch to eat later when I found warmer weather lower down. It took until 1:00 to make it to 40 degrees, and that took only 10 minutes to go from 32 degrees. Most of the road was OK, but there was some chip-coat with loose gravel all over. The last few miles where the best, and I think it would have been more fun going South to North, but this way the views where better.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1461_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1463_small.jpg
Holbrook yard sale
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1474_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1477_small.jpg
painted desert for real
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1479_small.jpg
one of those hard wood trees
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1490_small-1.jpg
Alpine the start of 191 for me
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1491_small.jpg

[Rider1405]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1506_small.jpg
the only tip-over on this trip so far, the stand found a sink hole
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1507_small.jpg
I'm getting fast at picking this thing up
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1509_small.jpg
one of the views that the tip-over paided for
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1528_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1532_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1535_small.jpg
looking south
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1543_small.jpg
40 degrees and time for lunch break
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1556_small.jpg
just a few miles from Morenci and Clifton
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1558_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1593_small.jpg
Sunset and Silver City

[Mr. Fisherman]

Wow! That place on RT66 looks like it came right out of the animated movie Cars.
The wife surprised me with more farkles for my Birthday... An Oregon Scientific camera (waterproof and very portable) and a Rapid Transit Recon 19 tank bag with a bladder.
How are you liking yours so far? Did your hydration bladder leak? Mine does around the cap... no bother, New enough will stand behind it.

Keep it coming and stay warm. I wish I had been able to plant the seeds to get you the Warm and Safe heated jacket liner with the heated collar and sleeves... At least the weather kept your sandwich fresh :mrgreen: .

Ride safe out there and keep the reports coming.

[Mountaintime]

Thanks for the pics rider. Snow on the coast, whodathunkit.
The blue skies pics are refreshing for us stuck here at home.

[Packa-strom]

I'm also really enjoying your travels. Thanks for the terrific pix. This is why I got my Vstrom -- and though I'm on the East Coast, I have a feeling I could muster up a pretty compelling trip... sans Tee Pee's, of course.

Do you have an equipment list posted somewhere here?

Thanks, Patrick

[Rider1405]

I stayed in the room until checkout time to wait for a little warmer riding temperature. That's much better, I could work with 37 degrees better than 15. It would have been a small problem to travel on the little road 15 to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Natl. Mon. because of the streams that flow across the road. Most of the ice was melted by the time I got there. That was a real fun road, very little traffic and up and down twisty. I turned around on Road 15 then took a left at Road 35 to get over to Hwy 152. Going west to cross the last big set of mountains and snow before falling down into the valley of the Rio Grande and interstate 25. Took the exit at Hatch to get something to eat at the DQ and liked the looks of the 185 Hwy, so followed it until a road closure at Radium put me back on 25. I flew through El Paso and went out on Hwy 180 where I watched my shadow grow long and the sky get dark. Made it to Carlsbad and found a bed.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1596_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1606_small.jpg
Road 15 to Gila Cliff Dwelling Natl. Mon.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1610_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1611_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1612_small.jpg
Gila River
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1619_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1620_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1627_small.jpg
Hwy 152 starts to climb again
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1629_small.jpg
starting down and watch the corners for little extras
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1637_small.jpg
just a few more miles before I-25

[Rider1405]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1639_small.jpg
Rio Grande and I-25
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1645_small.jpg
Hwy 180 east of El Pasohttp://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1652_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1655_small.jpg
Guadulupe Mountains Natl Park ahead
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1674_small.jpg
the last picture of the day

[Rider1405]

Do you have an equipment list posted somewhere here?
I'll try to get a list together, it will take a while, give me a few days.

[Berserker]

Looks like you're having a great trip!! Your chronicle of your trip is cool!

[Rider1405]

A 500 mile day starts early at sun up as I wind my way out of Carlsbad on Hwy 180. I like this road and would have taken it all the way across but just needed to get there just a little faster. Not much to see around here but that's what XM radio is for. I took 180 to Snyder, then down 84 to Sweetwater and I-20. I peeled off onto I-30 to end in Arlington. Thanks for coming along and in 4 weeks the return will happen I hope. I think I'll be camping more if the weather turns nice, so there will be less updates on the road.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1675_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1685_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1693_small.jpg
nothing else to take a picture of I guess
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1694_small.jpg
found a place to lub chain and snack
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1700_small.jpg
home for 4 weeks

[Mr. Fisherman]

You made it!
Crap, now all we get are living room pics :D

Glad you made it in one piece. Do well, we are looking forward to the return chronicle.

[Nighthawk22]

Rider:
A question on your tip-over during the trip. What would you say saved the bike more, the bags or the bars? I've been thinking of soft bags, but that might be an argument for hard (Pelican hard) bags. From these last pics, it looks like the bag made out pretty well. No odvious damage.

[BWeeks]

Thank you for letting me live through your camara. I am stuck in my office for a few more weeks and it was wonderful to take the trip with you! Enjoy your stay and I can't wait for your return trip!

[Raevyn]

Thanks for showing us all what fun you had out there on the road. I wish I could have ridden with you. But the daily pic's where almost as good. Thank you.

[Rider1405]

Rider:
A question on your tip-over during the trip. What would you say saved the bike more, the bags or the bars? I've been thinking of soft bags, but that might be an argument for hard (Pelican hard) bags. From these last pics, it looks like the bag made out pretty well. No odvious damage.

This was my second tip-over while the cases where on, the first was in the garage on smooth concret and this last one was on blacktop that had gravel. The sidestand was off the blacktop, that's why it went over. You can see for yourself in this picture.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1710_small.jpg

[Rider1405]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1711_small.jpg
HYPER-LITES and BackOFF brake light modulator
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1715_small.jpg
Pat Walsh Radar Shelf and Digital 5 function volt meter and Madstad Bracket
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1717_small.jpg
Kisan PathBlazer headlight modulator, this is the light sensor showing
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1718_small.jpg
Acerbis Handguards and Crampbuster (rightside wide style)
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1719_small.jpg
Trail Tech HID MR11 with Adventure MotoStuff Aux light bracket. If you mount the light upside down like I did make sure you seal up the hole that the power cable runs into because even though the front lens is sealed water gets into the high voltage ballast. I had to replace one after a rainy day. (I later turned the lamps over to avoid any more water in the ballast problems, that can let the smoke out and then it wouldn't work anymore)
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1720_small.jpg
Fastway EVO II F3 footpegs, which had to be filed just a bit to fit
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1721_small.jpg
Battery Tender Jr. cable outlet, Widder Lectric-Gloves and Vest, Hepco & Becker Centerstand and Crashbars, Adventure MotoStuff Engine Protector, Fenda Extenda
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1722_small.jpg
Powerlet front panel kit, switchs for HID lights and future use, flush mount turn signals
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1724_small.jpg
Genie GMI-3BL garage door remote wiretied to large bundle under leftside of dash that is triggered by passing light switch
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1726_small.jpg
rear trunk with brakelight, I got from ebay for $115 and will hold 2 full helmets, and Caribou luggage plus racks, Ventura headlight guard
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1727_small.jpg
Laminar Lip, also not shown are a Blue Sea ST fuse block, and Xena Disc lock alarm XR1, 30 foot KryptoFlex steel cable with LARGE Master lock


http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/CreswelltoSixFlagsTx.jpg
Sorry for the dirty bike, we just came thru a 2850 mile trek and am just waiting for the weekend to roll on down the highway

[mrltt]

Rider -
Thanks again for taking us along on this journey. You're a great reporter. And thanks for the accessory list/pix - I really like your wiring your garage door openner to the passing lights. Have a safe stay and keep us posted on the return trip when able -

[Mr. Fisherman]

Good stuff.
I bet you are able to find some good BBQ down there.
I hope you are able to have a little fun and that your trip pays off.
You might want to check in with the ADVriders in that area as well as with the guys from this board.
Thanks agan for such a great report.

[Rider1405]

Thanks everyone and Fisherman, yes as a matter of fact there is a Memphis style BBQ place called "Red Hot & Blue" almost right across I-30 from where I'm staying. http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/RedHotBlue.jpg
I know trees are blooming back home also, but this warm weather is just like our summers back in Oregon and it feels so nice to get it early. I just hope a cold front doesn't come rolling over us with those famous thunderstorms, I would rather just keep on with the cooler days than that.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1729_small.jpg

[Beth_]

:D Thank you for taking us with you on your trip Dad!! Even though we don't get to actually be there with you, this is such a wonderful way to see what you saw. You take the best pictures!! I have enjoyed all the pictures and all the comments from you and the other posts on the thread. Send some more pictures from your sites around town and then your road trip to Oklahoma!! :lol: (your daughter) Beth

[Mr. Fisherman]

Now that last post was way cool!
Welcome aboard Beth!

We are all looking forward to more pictures :mrgreen:

[Rider1405]

I got out of my training class about 11:00 A.M. Friday the 16th and the bike was already packed to take me to see my folks in western Tennessee. The trip is 500 miles the shorted route and that would be I-30 to Little Rock then I-40 to Memphis. All interstates are know as truck routes and these are super truck routes. The weather forcast was for a stronge north wind but no rain. I just took my tools just in case and some dirty cloths for me washed at Moms. I got to the house just after sunset and ready to sleep but had some coffee over a warm and welcome visit. I had to get some BBQ, and that was pretty easy in that part of the nation. I had breakfast with my Mom and Dad, went to a movie with my brother. Sunday was the return trip and I wanted to get a short motorcycle ride in with my brother-in-law. We meet at an I-40 gas station on exit 25, went south to get onto Mississippi road 309. 309 south ends with Rd 4 east-west and west it ends at Rd 3 north-south. This far west in Mississippi your in the rich bottom river farmland, very flat. I went through BB King's home town of Indianola and stopped to have lunch at a Wendy's and to take off a layer because it's now 75 degrees. This is the turn where I get on US highway 82 to cross the big river just west of Greenville where they are building a new cable stayed bridge. http://www.greenvillebridge.com/2b_2006.htm I had to motor over the old two lane steel through-truss bridge. I had a very nice ride on Hwy 82, I just wished I had a little more time to finish off the ride on two lanes after Texarkana but time was not with me by then. So for the last 170 miles of a 620 mile day, it was truck clogged I-30 with darkness only a hour away. I made good time until I got to east Dallas where road construction put a stop to most forward movement. I dislike doing the stop and go thing for miles, and that made me get back to the Marriott about 8:30 P.M. It took a while for the buzz to subside, but all was well this morning.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1790_small.jpg
Memphis up ahead as seen from East I-40, Pyramid on the left
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1795_small.jpg
Downtown Memphis on the bluffs of the Mississippi River
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1796_small.jpg
Tennessee I-40
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1798_small.jpg
The Pyramid of Memphis and the Wee
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1833_small.jpg
The required meal when I visit my folks, BBQ
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1839_small.jpg
Don, my brother-in-law for 33 years, meets me for a cool morning ride before I turn west.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1864_small.jpg
Don and I say goodbye somewhere in Mississippi on Rd 309.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1869_small.jpg
Mississippi Rd 4 west bound through the pines
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1878_small.jpg
On Rd 3 south with the little town of Rome ahead, very flat farmlands.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1908_small.jpg
Hwy 82 bridge over the Mississippi River, two lane and high.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1909_small.jpg
The new bridge looking good but not finished.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1961_small.jpg
Good to stop, and I had to strech the 30 foot cable to reach the bike from the light post, but I locked it up.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Glad you made it to your parents and that you are enjoying yourself.
Are you happy with your bike? How did your brother in law like it?

Keep those great pics comming...

[Rider1405]

The first thing he said when we started to talk was "man, I like your bike", but I think all his friends ride the same type bike as he does. The biggest reason I got this bike was price and function. I really like this bike, I just wish things like tires and oil costs were at least as low as an auto. I think I'll get out this weekend to search out some of those Texas Bluebonnets that are planted along the highways, if the big dark thunderheads stay away.

[Rider1405]

I had set out early Saturday morning March 24th to do a rather big loop down south of here. I went through Cleburne at sunrise and turned south onto 174, 6, 182, to Gatesville then around Ft. Hood Mil. Res. on 116, 580 to Lampasas. Out Lampasas on 580, 501 to Cherokee then 16 down to Llano, the deer hunting capital of Texas. South on 16, turn onto 965 to look at the Enchanted Rock State Park and then out the tourest town of Fredericksburg. Rolling east on 290 to the LBJ homestead and visitor center. Again on the roll going north at Johnson City on 281 then 29 east to Georgetown to visit my sister's house. I took a deep breath or two and got onto 35 north, not very fun. I've had enough of 35 just after Waco and got off to find my way back on two lane roads or even dirt one lane. I really hate the way this state is going towards crazy insane roads. They don't seem to follow any past set of rules and every single interchange is different, so God help you in being in the correct lane when the split happens. Up to date maps, no way that could happen in the Dallas-Ft.Worth area. Oh well, Sunday the 25th I wanted to go see Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas. The weather looked as if it was going to wet, but it had been looking that way for days.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_1974_small.jpg
Meridian town hall on Hwy 6
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2004_small.jpg
the first showing of the Bluebonnets
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2008_small.jpg
nice little view on Farm 182
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2049_small.jpg
a little past Cherokee Creek on 501
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2093_small.jpg
on 965 looking at Enchanted Rock St. Nat. Area
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2098_small.jpg
a closer look at the magic money rock, they wanted $6 just to park the bike, no thanks
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2131_small.jpg
stopped at the LBJ vistors center to use the restroom
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2146_small.jpg
on Texas Park Rd 1 to roll past the LBJ ranch from across the small river
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2178_small.jpg
a small pack of HOGs going my way, I wanted to go the speed limit at least, so later people
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2179_small.jpg
Bertram Texas is OK with this?
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2199_small.jpg
My sister, Brenda's house in Georgetown, nice
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2217_small.jpg
my short cut dirt road with kind of large gravel
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2261_small.jpg
crazy roads of Texas, a great many of these monsters everywhere and still the traffic is a pain

[Rider1405]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2270_small.jpg
March 25, Sunday morning downtown Dallas
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2271_small.jpg
coming from north, you can just see the 7th floor of the book storage buliding over the MAIN
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2282_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2281_small.jpg
the grassy noll
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2279_small.jpg
I wished I where going on a ride like this right now, so after this picture I went up to see the new Superdrome Velodrome in Frisco, the gates where locked, oh well at least the ride was nice

[Mr. Fisherman]

You sure are setting the bar high for trip reports. Great pics and dialog as we have come to expect. Keep the good stuff coming...

[water warrior]

Great pics. The green makes it look like summer, which is something we are still waiting for. Keep up the good ride reports and pics.

[Nighthawk22]

Rider:
What kind of camera setup do you use? Looks like some of your pics are rolling shots, do you use the "throttlelock quick shot" method or do you have something holding the camera? I'm trying to come up with something safer than the throttlelock method.

PS: Ever notice that you never see a left-handed camera?

[Rider1405]

The camera is the Canon SD550 with a long lanyard, but the left hand has had years of training on a bicycle with me before being certified to work on a motorcycle. Your correct about righthand cameras, but that shouldn't stop you. I don't even have to look at the camera now to get a shot, but not all shot are worth posting. That's the best thing about getting a large size storage media, take the shot and pick out the ones that make the story. I have been posting some other pictures not seen here on the monthly contests, why not, everyone should.
It looks like Colorado is warming up for quick start on spring, might have to route a leg through it on the return next month. The Grand Staircase Escalante in Utah should be real nice the middle of April, the wait is a bit too much.

[Rider1405]

I was lucky to have not been on the road yesterday, man was it nasty. Today was the pleasant kind of day after the big storm clouds clear out, and the air is washed clean. I needed to move up to Norman, Ok. for 10 more days of training before I get to return home. I got to leave at 8 A.M. and went up 360 to connect to 114 Northwest Pkwy. Rolled by the Texas Motor Speedway and got a picture of the pond out front, they had some race cars in it, strange. Right after the race track I got on a two lane 156 and almost got lost getting to Decatur Texas, they had a cool looking town hall. I kept off the big roads and had a good time rolling over the hills near the Red River at Illinois Bend on 677. I turned west onto 32 toward Ryan and Waurika on 81. Right turn on 5, which took me over I-44 and onto Frederick. North on fourlane 183 to Mountain Park then east on a tiny road to get to 49. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a very nice ride, speed limit is 45 MPH and that's just right, because you are going to want to stop a few times to watch a few sites. The refuge is on the north side of Ft. Sill near Lawton, or about a hour and twenty minutes ride time from Norman. The ride to Norman was nice because I kept to the farm roads going thru Rush Springs, Maysville, Purcell, Lexington, Slaughterville and found the Training Center on the east end of Norman on Hwy 9. Yes, I wished I had someone to ride with, but I wonder if I would have taken the same road if I had.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2330_small.jpg
8 A.M. time to hit the road again, up the road to Norman right, yes and no
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2337_small.jpg
The Texas Motor Speedway with the race cars in the pond?
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2356_small.jpg
Town Hall of Decatur, TX
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2370_small.jpg
My kind of road to roll on down the highway.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2417_small.jpg
main street of Waurika, OK, like many towns in Oklahoma, brick paved
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2484_small.jpg
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2485_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2497_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2516_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2518_small.jpg
Oh yes I see some bikes and there's Mt. Scott
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2519_small.jpg

[Rider1405]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2509_small.jpg
An old homestead in the park.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2520_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2583_small.jpg
The corkscrew road to the top of Mt. Scott is about a 8-9 % grade climb.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2586_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2590_small.jpg
just a little more to go
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2596_small.jpg
rock climbers in Oklahoma?
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2600_small.jpg
The last time I came up here was also on two wheels, only leg powered.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2604_small.jpg
wind mills of OK
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2614_small.jpg
It's a nice ride down also, great views.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2637_small.jpg
This big rig was asleep just now.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2659_small.jpg
The approach from the east on 9 looking at the Hotel on the hill.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2669_small.jpg
I went by it and u-turned to get a pictue of the training center on the left.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2670_small.jpg
View from my room window overlooking the parking lot south and Hwy 9.

[PonchoV]

Have you kept track of your fuel milage?
I love your back rest:D
Wolfgang

[Rider1405]

You know I have not been taken any notes but I'm getting around 50 MPG plus or minus 7 MPG depending on the kind of conditions. The very fast interstate with head-cross winds the worst, the two lane 50 mph farm roads the best and most pleasant. I've got just over 8,000 miles on the OEM trailwings and I ordered a new one from Tires Unlimited http://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Bridgestone/Bridgestone%20MC/bridgestone_trail_wing.htm and it could be in Norman when I get there.
It's a shame to only get so few miles out of the tire, but I guess it's OK because I can only get about 2,000 miles out of my bicycle tire and pay about half as much for them. The B.O.B. dry sack does make a very nice back rest, and it takes all the overflow items as well. I wish the trip out here was with nicer weather, because I really have not used it except for the above reasons, it hold my camping gear. I got early this morning to get some breakfast at the local Cracker Barrel Restaurant and did a return through the U of O campus. The pictures are from there, over the past 25 years I've spent many months here.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2675_small.jpg
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2676_small.jpg
Sooners Owen Field
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2682_small.jpg
Years ago I've used up many weeks in old Couch Towers, glad we don't stay there now. We shared the same bath and the walls were so paper thin, smoke would come through them. http://www.housing.ou.edu/content/view/25/26/

[Rider1405]

OK, this is my first rear tire change on the DL650, does this look like the normal tire wear for 8,000 miles for tour load and running the posted air pressure?
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2722_small.jpg
Disregard the red rust looking stuff, it's just the Oklahoma red dirt.

[Berserker]

OK, this is my first rear tire change on the DL650, does this look like the normal tire wear for 8,000 miles for tour load and running the posted air pressure?

Disregard the red rust looking stuff, it's just the Oklahoma red dirt.

Looks like there's plenty of tread left! :)

[Rider1405]

That's just the thing I wanted to hear, thanks. I was thinking that I could do the 3,000 miles back home, but looking at the wear I was not so sure. I'm already set to change it soon just because I don't want to carry the new tire back home with me. It does seems that the more flat the tire shape gets the worse it handles on dirt roads. It's real hard to stay calm and loose when your loaded bike is dancing all over the road, as long as you can stay upright ABS works just fine on gravel.

[Berserker]

on a bike is that you keep the pressure checked daily. Riding with a loaded down bike will make the tread wear quicker than normal, but I think you'd be ok until you got home. Playing it safe and making the change before you head home is the smart choice.

As bike tires wear everything starts to suck as that flat v shape occurs, long flat stretcheds of road tend to do that. When you put a new tire on you'll be amazed at the difference.

Couple of years ago riding back from a rally, I was 1000 miles from home and the steel belts started to show on my back tire. It was a long 1000 miles, but I made it. :D

[Rider1405]

Glad I got the tire change out of the way, now I should start to plan the route back home. The guys at the Oklahoma Suzuki shop got the job done in about 45 minutes, including the picture taking to be posted on their web site. http://www.okhonda-suzuki.com/pix.html I had them install a simple throttle lock and that should help on those long flat roads, and Mark the service guy behind the counter is a Stromtrooper also. I liked the real cruise control that he had on his red DL650K6, very clean install that matchs his clean bike and a few smart farkles. http://www.murphskits.com/avc.htm?id=198 I would like to get the same thing done myself, maybe on the next filter change. I'm looking forward to the trip home, more than the trip down here in fact.

[okiest]

Glad I got the tire change out of the way, now I should start to plan the route back home. The guys at the Oklahoma Suzuki shop got the job done in about 45 minutes, including the picture taking to be posted on their web site. http://www.okhonda-suzuki.com/pix.html I had them install a simple throttle lock and that should help on those long flat roads, and Mark the service guy behind the counter is a Stromtrooper also. I liked the real cruise control that he had on his red DL650K6, very clean install that matchs his clean bike and a few smart farkles. http://www.murphskits.com/avc.htm?id=198 I would like to get the same thing done myself, maybe on the next filter change. I'm looking forward to the trip home, more than the trip down here in fact.
:-D It was a pleasure to meet Rider1405 and get a chance to see how he has his wee-strom set up for travel,I wish him a safe and comfortable trip on his return home. Mark PS thanks for the wonderful pics and ride reports!:D

[Rider1405]

The forecast for snow landed in Texas, and I feel sorry for them, it's too late in the year for that. Two weeks ago it was 85 degrees when I was there. I got up this morning to sunny blue sky and 34 degrees with a north wind of 20 mph. I still had my headed gloves and vest, so off I went for a 210 mile loop ride to take in some of Oklahoma route 66. I took two lane roads over and up to Bristow where I started the ride back to OKC and then Norman. Wow, just 5 more days until I start part 2: the return.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2753_small.jpg
This picture was taken just a few miles west of Bristow, OK.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2755_small.jpg
There are a few old gas stations left that are restored by those who care.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2756_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2757_small.jpg
The town of Chandler had some projects in the works.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2758_small.jpg
A round barn
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_2760_small.jpg
It's hard to think that those clouds are dumping snow on Texas.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Soon you will be back....
Wanna ride to Reno with us? :mrgreen:

[Rider1405]

When I get home, I'll be able to tell just what's on my plate a little better. I think I would like to do Reno, but that time of the year is kind of full. I have to still try to get back into bicycle racing shape, OK Bruce stop laughing. I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike.

[mrltt]

Rider - are you using a stock seat or after-market? You're spending so much time in the saddle that I'm wondering if the stock seat is up to the comfort levels needed. thanks

[ratspike]

I have to still try to get back into bicycle racing shape, OK Bruce stop laughing. I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike.

I hate having to choose between the motorcycle and the bicycle, and I know which of those two needs to be getting more of my attention than the other right now. I really want to do some Cross Crusade races this year but the Wee keeps calling to me... :mrgreen:

[Mr. Fisherman]

I think that answer is different for everyone. My answer was no way. I even tried a OEM Gel Seat. After a couple hundres miles I would have hot spots at my tail bone. I have broken my tail bone a couple of times but it had never been an issue.
I finally broke down and had a custom seat made at Mr. Ed's Moto in Albany Oregon. I can not say enough good things about the new seat or my visit to have it done. If I had any idea how comfortable the ride would be or how mych better my bike would handle I would have just went and had it done from the begining. It is fantastic and worth every penny.
On the short ride down to have it done I was struggeling to find comfort. On the ride back with the new seat I just could not get over the difference in handleing and the comfort. I have a short inseam and used to have to tippy toe the bike which was pretty entertaining at stops on crowns... not any more. Now I have an entire flat foot or at least both balls of my feet firmly planted in addition to having a VERY comfortable seat because it was made just for my backside.
If you are uncomfortable in any way you owe it to yourself to have a seat made at Mr. Ed's Moto... Just do it.

[Rider1405]

So it has not been a problem until I get near the 500 mile mark, but you must understand that I am not in the habit of stopping for anything but gas and to use their can. I would like to try another seat, maybe the gel. Tomorrow is the day to dodge the thunderstorms in the Texas panhandle as I leave Norman Oklahoma maybe around 5 P.M. Say a prayer for me as I work my way back home please. They say I should have a tail wind, and I'll take that anyday.

[mrltt]

I think that answer is different for everyone. My answer was no way. I even tried a OEM Gel Seat. After a couple hundres miles I would have hot spots at my tail bone. I have broken my tail bone a couple of times but it had never been an issue.
I finally broke down and had a custom seat made at Mr. Ed's Moto in Albany Oregon. I can not say enough good things about the new seat or my visit to have it done. If I had any idea how comfortable the ride would be or how mych better my bike would handle I would have just went and had it done from the begining. It is fantastic and worth every penny.
On the short ride down to have it done I was struggeling to find comfort. On the ride back with the new seat I just could not get over the difference in handleing and the comfort. I have a short inseam and used to have to tippy toe the bike which was pretty entertaining at stops on crowns... not any more. Now I have an entire flat foot or at least both balls of my feet firmly planted in addition to having a VERY comfortable seat because it was made just for my backside.
If you are uncomfortable in any way you owe it to yourself to have a seat made at Mr. Ed's Moto... Just do it.

That's sure an endoresment! I find I'm a little squirmy on the stock seat after a couple of hours. I have a cabin about 3 hours away and hope for many rides there and might just have to stop in Albany to check it out. I also have a short inseam (30) so a little more foot/road contact would be a nice benefit (though I love sitting high on the strom in traffic).

[Beth_]

Hi Dad!! We (all the family) can't wait until you get home. But I hope you enjoy your ride home. I will pray for good weather the whole way home for you! Have fun!! :D Love - Beth...

[Mr. Fisherman]

Rider, we are sendnig you warm wishes and praying for a sae return.
You might want to drag your heels just a little as a pretty good storm system has kined up thanks to the Pinapple Express. Strong winds here and snow above 2000 feet for teh next coupe of days.
Keep a weather eye out and plan your mountan pass crossings accordingly.
Looking forward to meeting you...

[Rider1405]

Thanks Beth, it will be good to be home for sure. I hear you Fisherman, timing is almost everything. I hope to get some pictures of the whole event as it plays out, but I might have to do a few miles in the dark just to get out of tornado alley, so no pictures there. I enjoy reading and looking at other ride reports so I will try to fill these pages with memories, good or bad for all to share.

[Rider1405]

As it seems to be the theme of the whole trip at the start of each leg, the weather takes the headline on the news. Wild is all I can say about it. If we leave Thursday we get a real good tailwind but run right into the front that has everyone talking. If we wait and try to leave in the morning the storm may stay around long enough to call the day a wash, and they say the tailwind turns into a strong crosswind +30 MPH. So we leave on the 12th around 4 P.M. and hope for the best. Started out great, better than great with the 30MPH tailwind and sunshine on Hwy 9 west. As we got closer to the Texas border the sky darkened because it was that time day and closer to the dark clouds. The cloud to cloud light show that night was out of this world. We only heard one boom and that was as we were passing through Memphis Texas and all the city lights went out. Everytime we had to turn north or south we had to fight to keep our line in the wind. We found a motel about 10 P.M. in the little town of Dimmitt Texas because it seemed that we were past the real nasty stuff. The next morning saw fog and wind, no sun for most of the day was the rule. Clovis was the first big town of the day and a four lane for a while, not much traffic. We went under many black clouds and a couple of them gave us a prize of many little white ice balls. It's good to have a thick jacket. Roswell was lunch stop at Subway (my pick) and the point to head west again on Hwy 380. Some where along that road that day we came across more snow. When we got to Socorro we both called it a wrap. Snow was ahead of us and a very long section of empty road as well. We'll get up at first light and take it from there. Thanks everyone.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2787_small.jpg
Jon from Utah is heading home also, so we'll ride together for a couple of days
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2804_small.jpg
view of westbound Hwy 9 Oklahoma with some strange clouds ahead
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2811_small.jpg
the last picture before dark, bad clouds ahead
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2813_small.jpg
Good morning from Dimmitt Texas
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2846_small.jpg
Jon is happy to have a tailwind again as we leave Roswell New Mexico
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2881_small.jpg
at last some roads that twist and climb
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2916_small.jpg
what can I say, it's snow again
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2927_small.jpg
Going the other way
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2934_small.jpg
Early stop because of the weather, we're so sorry to be stopping so soon
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2941_small.jpg
OK, we're not that sorry about it
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2951_small.jpg
Jon has a very good burger even after seeing all those huge cattle feed lots, looks good to me also
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2952_small.jpg
mountain snow as seen from our parking lot

[Mr. Fisherman]

Be safe out there.
Here are a few weather links I use.

http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/satelliteusnational/westcoastussatellite_large_animated.html?

http://www.weather.com/wxgold/modules/goldflashmap.html?from=wxcenter_news

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?minlon=-125&maxlon=-120.8&minlat=43.39&maxlat=46.91&mapwidth=354&site=pqr&map.x=180&map.y=167


As an offshore fisherman I have a pretty talented weather eye. There is a strong system headed this way... hopefully it will stay to the North of you an you will hit the hole between systems as you travel further North. As for your friend headed to Utah, hopefully he has the right gear and the ability to weather it out in a nice dry room?
In any case, thanks for the updates. Looking forward to meeting you.

I hope this helps...

[WifeRider1405]

I have so enjoyed the messages and pictures while you have been away. I am so proud of you for doing such a great job. It has kept your family and friends close to you, and it seems you have given so many people who read of your travels a good time.
I laughed so much when one person asked about taking pictures while you are moving! You have taken "rolling pictures" for years, on very curvey roads, and scared me many times.
As encouragement to others who have posted messages here, sometimes marriages do work. God has blessed us.
Love you,
Me

[Nighthawk22]

32 years and counting, yea, marriage can work, but it is work, too. You can go a long way with the right person.

[Rider1405]

Socorro was a nice little town to stay the night in, but the sunshine was calling or so I thought. The bike covers were frozen still and we both skipped breakfast thinking the Pie Town stop would provide some coffee and pie at least. We took Hwy 60 and climbed beside the Magdalena mountains with the clear blue skies over head. The mountains where white with new snow from last night but the roads where clear, only the one bridge we crossed at 65 MPH had ice. As you can see from the picture, I saw it well enough ahead to get ready to do nothing but roll over it straight and level. As Jon and I climbed higher I kept my eye on the temperature and it was going down slowly but still not a problem since the sky as a nice blue color. Both Jon and I where wanting to get a few pictures of the Radio Astronomy VLA telescope that was about 40 miles out of town and it was looking like a wonderful day in the early morning light for just what we had in mind. The closer we got the VLA sight I saw a few low clouds just over the next rise, I pulled over to talk to Jon about it. We thought it should be OK, but I kept a watchful eye still on the temperature and rolled on knowing a go around would only mean going south. You know frozen fog is not all that bad if the road is OK, because I could see well enough just fine. Looking back at Jon I saw he was slowing down, so I slowed down also, it was because his windscreen was not blowing the fog out of his face like mine and it was coating his faceshield with ice. The straight road we where on ran through a valley that had captured the 26 degree cold air we were enjoying now, again I'm thankful for the heated gloves and vest. Out the fog and stop into the sun to chip the ice off ourself was the first order. The next step was to get pie as we kept heading up to the continental divide. We found a cafe open and enjoyed a sweet plate of pie with icecream and a cup of joe. It's all down hill from here, or so they say. We kept to Hwy 60 until Show Low and I said "be safe" to Jon as he headed to the Grand Canyon and then home near Provo. He got home just fine about 2 A.M. the next morning, wow. As for me I was planning to make it to California somewhere and then camp maybe. It didn't work out that way, but that's just fine. I turned onto 260 just east of Show Low, then 87 to 260. There is a lot of new growth around Cottonwood and Clarkdale as I headed to Alt 89 to catch Jerome the little old mining town high on a mountain side. I did find more twisty rodes to enjoy but the joy has a price, time. I enjoyed the ride and didn't mine the price. After 89 came 71 over to 60 then jump onto I-10 to ride it to the end at Santa Monica Pier which was very much alive even at midnight that Saturday. I was going to find a place to stay near by but the local nightlife was just a little to wild for me, so I rolled north on Hwy 1 until I came to Oxnard and found a motel. Goodnight for now.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2961_small.jpg
Socorro motel morning April 14
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2975_small.jpg
the bridge was a little cold from last night
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2993_small.jpg
just before we entered the fog
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_2994_small.jpg
Jon begins to slow just a little
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3005_small.jpg
yes that's ice on the windshield and the temp is about 26 degrees
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3011_small.jpg
Jon and I leave the fog behind
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3013_small.jpg
Jon is ice covered but the sun feels good again
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/P4140869_small.jpg
Pie Town cafe and two bikes
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3043_small.jpg
my pie and coffee
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/BillonUS60NMpicturebyJon.jpg
Rider1405 AKA"Bill" thanks to Jon for the pictures
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3066_small.jpg
Jon from Utah heads home on US 60
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3061_small.jpg
ride Jon ride
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3108_small.jpg
Show Low, the town to part ways, one north the other west
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3146_small.jpg
on Arizona 87 plenty of hogs
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3189_small.jpg
Jerome was kind of nice, the problem was I couldn't stay

[Rider1405]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3253_small.jpg
I found the heat again as I ride the downgrade to the desert floor
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/IMG_3298_small.jpg
the price is paid as the sun goes down on the California border as I ride on until 1 A.M., at times with a nasty wild cross wind near Palm Springs
can you say 840 mile day starting with 26 degrees and passing 85 degrees, I'm ready for bed

[Rider1405]

The ride up the coast was almost as sweet as the ride down, just a little too much wind at times. I try to enjoy what is given me, and I'll take sunshine anyday thank you. The four lane ended at Atascadero and the real nice ocean views started to take up room in the camera and my mind. I just enjoyed the ride and took a few pictures until I got to my camp site up near Ft. Ross St. Hist. Park about 30 miles north of Bodega Bay. A 530 mile day toward home.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3344_small.jpg
Sunday morning is such a nice time to get through the little cities along the coast
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3366_small.jpg
it's still 4 lane, but almost empty with ocean views a plenty
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3410_small.jpg
surfs up
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3420_small.jpg
I took a break to call home here before I get out of cell range
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3421_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3426_small.jpg
the end of the four lane until Carmel-by-the-Sea
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3445_small.jpg
I think San Simeon State Park would be a great camping site next time
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3503_small.jpg
oh yes the rode is good, just watch out going around the bend next to the cliff faces, a blast of wind might move you a lane or so over
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3507_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3551_small.jpg
The traffic wasn't that bad, my timing was good to get past San Francisco
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3554_small.jpg
since I paided my toll going south it was smooth sailing past the booth
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3563_small.jpg
back on the 1 again going down to the sea near Mt. Tamalpais Park
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3663_small.jpg
home for the last night on the ride, I had to put ear plugs in because of some wild little animals screaming off and on thru the night
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3701_small.jpg
at sunset looking south back to camp, this trail leads to Ft. Ross park 1/2 mile away

[Mr. Fisherman]

Great report as usual. Glad to see the weather cooperated for the most part.

[mrltt]

Rider - I can't believe you're almost home and my vicarious life is going to disappear! Thanks again for the great reports.

[Rider1405]

Sweet, that's how nice it feels to be home. I got up before dawn and packed up the damp tent and gear. Hit the road with a smile knowing I would be home in a matter of hours. California was sunny and dry that day for me, and I took the time to go see Pt. Arena Lighthouse for a morning pictue shoot. Oregon welcomed me like it has many times in the past, less than a mile over the border it started to rain. All the way up the coast it rained, but when I turned inland it stopped after 10 miles and the road was dry until I got on I-5, then more rain for the last twenty-five miles. I stopped the Strom in the garage about 6:30 to finish the trip. The math says it was another 550 mile day. I'm happy and thankfull to be home, be well everyone, the good weather is coming I'm sure of it, I think. I would like to do the breakfast club next, it's just a little 250 miles roundtrip for me, not a problem you see I'm ready.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3705_small.jpg
the very first picture after getting back on the road, just out the gate of the campground
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3732_small.jpg
Pt. Arena Lighthouse
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3738_small.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3741_small.jpg
Strom in the morning on the west coast
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3763_small.jpg
very near the point where Hwy 1 turns east back to Hwy 101
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3820_small.jpg
in the redwoods there are giants of all kinds
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r294/Rider1405/Suzuki%20DL650AK7/IMG_3832_small.jpg
just a little gift shop

[Mr. Fisherman]

Welcome back. Hope to see you at Breakfast Club next Saturday.

[BC-Bruce]

I've really enjoyed this thread from the very beginning... Great photos, very good dialog!

I'm glad you made it round trip with no major dramas.

- BCB.

[Rider1405]

No snow for Ray, and maybe very little rain as he brings home a new pony, starting from Oxnard, California. She looks nice, check her out.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293008