Well, tomorrow morning I start on my 4000+ mile trek on the new DL. I can't believe it's finally here......Heading out west to Colorado, going to do a few days of touring there, then to Hoover Dam, then down to Arizona to visit a old high school buddy, then taking the long way back home......Weather looks like all will be good until I hit the major heat in Phoenix......I'll post up some pics as I go. All packed and ready. Going to need to take some Nyquil to sleep tonight.........Come on Saturday!!
I am sure you will enjoy your ride and have lots of memorable experiences. My Wee-Strom is named Colorado for various reasons, and has carried me to that state three times, once from Ontario and twice from Florida. It has carried me across Wisconsin too, but mainly in the dark.
I am no expert on routes, but I found that wherever I went in New Mexico I saw sandstone cliffs. Erosion had somehow made the cliffs look like the faces of Statler and Waldorf, the crusty and crabby old muppets that hurled criticism from the balcony during The Muppet Show.
Here they are:
Perhaps you will see the same effects when you cross New Mexico.
If you are coming through Colorado Springs, shoot me a PM if you want to grab a lunch or discuss routes through the state, etc. Weather wise, late April can be dicey. I hope it is not for you and you have smooth sailing.
I plan on staying in the Springs area, I'm going to make a Pikes Peak run....Should be there Monday, Monday night. Looking at the weather there, will be getting 'iffy' by Wednesday, but I plan on being out of the area by then.....
:thumbup:I did a long trip last summer from California to Iowa & back. Around 3800 miles. I had a ball. I am 64 and I have always wanted to take a long trip on the bike & had the chance. Going to my 45th high school reunion & the wife didn't want to go. I took I 80 from Iowa to Colorado, I think 25 down to I 70 across Colorado & Utah and across to I 15 in Utah and down through Las Vegas and back home. I 70 through Colorado & Utah is really great scenery and twisties. It was kind of a problem planning gas through Utah as I had to gas early sometimes to be on the safe side. Have fun it is a great ride. I will admit that after about 500 mile the butt got sore and needed moved. I put a set of highway pegs and a Sargent seat on on that helped with the comfort.
Put on 550 miles yesterday. Stayed in Lincoln Nebraska for the night. Weather is nice, no pics yet.......next stop Golden Colorado, only about 450 miles.....Gotta get movin', can't wait to get to the mountains......AND, Thanks to all you well-wishers. I appreciate the support...
Dress warm if you do head up the peak tue, will likely be cold up there, and windy. Can be deceptively nice in town, much different than whats goin on up there...
Safe travels! :thumbup:
Made it Golden Colorado today, Then went for a ride down some road that went into the mountains.......A great day. Another 530 no problem miles.....The old man is tired, but the bike did great.......Off to Pikes Peak tomorrow.....I think I'll have as much fun just getting there as it will be to go up it.....can't wait. Added a few pics below. The first two were in Lincoln when I met my buddy for breakfast in town. The last two were on that road I was on.......What a great day.......
Still Alive!! Sorry for not posting more updates but I found out the hard way that my midwestern phone company does not have service in a lot of the western states......so that means the internet card I plug into my computer for service would not work, until now. So............The Journey continues......
I stayed close to Golden Colorado for my second night,
Lots of this
And this
Then went down to Colorado Springs to get to pikes peak.....
Stripped her down for the run, temp is 82deg.....
At 8500ft. Yes, there are cars on the road below..
Snow covered mountain off to the left in the clouds is where I'm headed. Pic is at 9200ft
Still have to go to the top of the snow covered guy in front of me, 10,200ft.....
The road I just came up.....12,800ft
And there it is......and it's 37deg.....
Top of the world.......
Another view......
So from Pikes Peak I met with John Vstrom Jr for dinner. We talked a lot of bike stuff and about what way to take to my next destination. Had a great time John, thanks for your time......
Next day I was off to Durango Co. by way of hwy 50 west to hwy 550 south. If any of you have the chance to get on these roads, please do...They were both fantastic. 550 south through the mountains was probably the best road Ive ever ridden. The temps up there were only in the upper 30's lower 40's, but that is just because of the time of year it is.......
some from 50 west.....
Starting 550 south.....
Just Awesome......
Common sight on this road......
Then I went to Cedar City, Ut........
From there.....I went to Boulder City, Nv..... but it's getting late and I am on my way to Phoenix, Az in the morning. I'll get back as soon as I can.....Hope you all enjoy.....I am having a blast............later...........jim
Power loss not really. If I was climing higher elevations for a long period of time, I did notice some, but not too bad. Now, if the wind was coming at me while climbing.....then yes, major power loss. I would have to downshift just to try to maintain speed.........But all in all, bike is awesome. I have just rolled 3000 miles just for this trip so far. I'm in Phoenix visiting a friend until Monday when I will head out. Still will have another 1500 or so miles to go. Just had the oil changed and ready for the long trip home.....
Sounds like your having a great time. I am planning a solo trip in July this year through BC Canada and up to the Yukon. Just starting my preparations.
Don't forget to check your tire pressure and especially your oil every morning. Oil tends to burn a lot more on the highway and over extended trips and it helps cool your engine, which is very important.
Well, everything going very well. No issues with the Vee, running like a champ. I left Phoenix yesterday and stayed in Albuquerque, Nm for the night. Beautiful country through there....Recorded my best gas milage on that run so far, 49.5 for that stint of 438 miles.......Today I made it to Clinton, Ok. Very windy today with the wind coming from the south no less.....Only 38.2 for these 463 miles. I am really enjoying the highway pegs, what a great addition for this bike. I just have to slide up to the tank to make the reach perfect.....Tomorrow going to stay in Springdale, Ar and ride the Arkansas Pig trail (thank you John for the tip).......Should be home Friday but I am going to take my time, wish I had another week......By the way just turned 4000 miles for this trip, got about a thousand to go..........later...............jim
Sounds like you're having a blast still. Let us know how you like the Pig Trail, especially a comparison to the CO roads. It would be good to know since I'm considering a trip out that way soon.
It sounds like you're having a great trip, God how I envy you..Every year as I get older it gets harder, but you never lose the desire.........Do it while you can.....TD :thumbup:
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