Jim and Rich ride to Rockies Gold 2008

[JimmieS]

Rich and Jim ride to Rockies Gold 2008

I've been reading this forum ever since it was first brought on board, and have contributed to it several times. This year my buddy Rich and I spent about a week getting back to Montrose Colorado for a large Goldwing gathering held in early June. Here's the story.

May 31st had Rich and Jim (and Lynda too) were up very early for a breakfast meeting at the IHOP in Dublin before heading off the next 14 days for parts unknown and unexplored in route to the Second annual Rockies Gold gathering in Montrose Colorado. After feasting on French toast, eggs and sausage and downing water , coffee and Orange juice I was ready to go. I gave Lynda a kiss good bye telling her I’d be on my cell phone and that I had my laptop with me so we should be able to pretty much stay in touch. She went home and crawled back into bed. Rich and I crawled on our bikes and headed out 580 and picked up I-5 South. We spotted about 6 hot air balloons floating along on the early morning air currents in the central valley south of Patterson. We rode all of the way down to Ca-58 where we turned toward Bakersfield, where we proceeded across the Tehachapi Pass for the third time so far this year. We stopped briefly in Mojave for gas and water before continuing on to Barstow and the I-15 toward Las Vegas. It was a warm, beautiful late spring day and we really enjoyed the ride across the desert. We stopped just across the border in Nevada for gas. While there another Goldwing from Las Vegas pulled up and started chatting with us – seems the rider was a gambler and felt sure he knew the winning numbers for the Super Lotto, but needed to get to Barstow to buy the tickets – so he wanted to know how far away it was – the two hours didn’t deter him at all, and he was off!

We stopped just North of Las Vegas at Peggy Sue’s Diner for a late lunch. The bike, trailer and trike all attracted a lot of interest and photos.

AftAfter lunch we got back on I-15 and headed East to Mesquite where we found our Best Western waiting for us. The ride into Mesquite was quite warm and by the time we were to pull off we were more than ready too1. Mileage for the day was 616 miles. No Pictures for Day one - it was all freeway and desert.

On June 1st we got up early and checked out of the motel. Where yesterday we were just hauling a** to get out of Ca. today was going to be quite a bit more laid back with another ride through the beautiful Virgin River Gorge then a slow tour of Zion National Park a ride up US-89 where we would pick up Ut-14 for a quick stop in Cedars Break National Monument before heading through the canyon and into Cedar City for the night. I told Rich as we were turning off of I-15 onto UT-19 that I was taking bets that by the time we were through with this tour he’d be real real tired of seeing red rocks! His response was that for the moment at least he sure was impressed! Here’s a couple of shots we took along the way. Total miles for the day were about 215. Dinner on Sunday was at the Sizzler attached to the Motel Parking – everything else was closed!

The next shot is of the beautiful Virgin River gorge along I-70.



We're no sooner into Utah than we turn off of I-70 and head into the hills toward Zion Nat'l. Park.




Two of the Zion three Sisters (I guess one was on a date or something).


The cactus everywhere was in bloom-- really beautiful.


Some of the reasons Zion is such a beautiful Park.










Tired of looking at Zion yet? - Let me show you what 11,000 feet in Utah looks like -- Cedar Breaks - Beautiful, and lightly travelled.





Monday was going to be a long day in that we wanted to spend time touring Bryce Canyon National Park as well as The Capitol Reefs National Park both of which were a goodly distance apart and our ultimate goal of getting into Moab, Ut. for the night was at the top of our priority list. We departed Cedar City after a typical Best Western Continental Breakfast. We headed back over UT-14, picked up US-89 for a short while and then landed on UT-12 till the turnoff to Bryce. Last year Lynda and I toured Bryce for the first time and I really loved the beauty of this park – it just doesn’t disappoint.



Your's truly riding through the tunnel in Red Rock Park.






After leaving Bryce we turned right back onto UT-12, and I led Rich into unknow territory. I told him that I’d never ridden beyond the entrance to Bryce on this road before so I didn’t know what to expect, but that is was the most direct route between Bryce and Capitol Reefs. What I didn’t know is that UT-12 is one of the TOP Ranked motorcycle roads in Utah. As we tooled along heading East I though t “Well, this has been a nice, kinda quiet country road, not too much going on”. Was I ever in for a surprise! What a stunning road this turned out to be – with twists and turns, and ‘up and overs’, and everything in between. The only problem with the road was that it was technical enough I couldn’t take pictures while in motion, and not wide enough to pull off on the shoulder to take them . We had to make do with the rare vista points and turnouts. It’s definitely on my “Must ride” list for traveling through Utah.







Capitol Reefs National Park was named so because the Indians called the peaks “Capitols” and the first non Native Americans to see the area were sailors who call all impediments to forward movement a “Reef”.We finally made it into Capitol Reefs National Park around 3:00 in the afternoon, and decided that we didn’t have enough time to spend touring it, although the ‘recommended’ tour would have only taken about an hour to do the last mile of it was on dirt and I didn’t want to risk it.



This is the "Capital" of "Capitol Reefs".


We pressed on and finally picked up I-15 again for the short ride down to the Moab turnoff. We aarrived in Moab at 5:30, got checked into yet another Best Western where we would spend the next two nights. Dinner on Monday was at the little Italian Restaurant attached to the motel. The Pizza was um-um Good!




Tuesday was yet another plan to execute – two more National Parks and perhaps another National Monument. Ahhhh the best laid plans J . I had discovered a huge flat spot on one of the trailers tires. I’d just put a new set of tires on it before we left on the trip. So I knew something was wrong for sure. We decided to head up to Arch’s National Park early, then, after seeing the park we’d stop back in town at the tire store and get it replaced again while we had lunch. Rich and I first stopped at the visitor center so we could buy a postcard and I wanted to get a new pin for my cap. While standing there I heard a familiar voice saying “Jim Smith, what are you doing here?” It was my old boss! He and his wife were on a cross country car ride and had spent the last day or so in Canyonlands National Park (Where he got lost, and blew a tire out before finding someone who could direct him) . So he had story’s to tell, and highly recommended the tire shop in town. Here’s a couple of shots of Arch’s.

If your wondering what Rich is taking a Picture of ...


It's this ---


and These.


Delecate Arch - You can hike up to this arch -- across bare rock and in temps exceeding 100 degrees. ummm not in riding gear thank you.








After spending several hours in the Arches we headed back into town and pulled into “Chips Tires” on North Main Street and he took a look at the tire on the trailer and said it looked like it was out of balance, and that it definitely should be replaced. So, he replaced it an balanced it and we proceeded to ride the rest of ride with no other problems with it. Later that afternoon we decided to take a ride down to the Canyonlands National Park. What we didn’t realize is that the Canyonlands covers a huge area and the area we chose was intended for four wheel off road driving and lots of backpacking. So after an hour and a half ride through some pretty country we arrived to find that the best we could do is basically turn around and ride back. A couple of interesting stops were made – perhaps the most interesting one was at “The Newspaper Rock”. Ancient Indian Hieroglyphics -- The best Rich and I could figure out was that they were complaining about the heat and the lack of hunting.





As I was going through my pictures I came across this one and the only caption I could think of was "Over the hill and into the Canyonlands."


Wednesday morning we were on the road pretty early and headed north to UT-128 after checking out of our Best Western. Highway 128 follows the Colorado River through more red rock cliffs and bluffs as it meanders it’s way up to I-70. We got on I-70 and rode east about 58 miles crossing into Colorado to the little town of Fruita for a ride through the Colorado National Monument before heading south and east into Montrose, Co. for the actual Rockies Gold Gathering. The Colorado Natl. Monument is a stunning 1 hour diversion from the boredom of I-70, extending from Fruita to Grand Junction. Some of the sights along the way.

This is UT-128. A very scenic route between Colorado and Moab. The Colorado on the right and red cliffs on the right -- what could be better?


We arrived in Fruita and the Colorado National Monument. Beautiful.













After departing the National Monument in Grand Junction we headed South on US-50 arriving in the little town of Delta just in time for a late lunch. Very hospitable little town and quite biker friendly. We continued south another 30 miles before arriving in Montrose and this years Rockies Gold. We got checked into our respective hotels and promised to meet a little later in the evening to walk around and kick some tires and tell some lies with the rest of the attendees. This year we were very lucky to have in attendance several couples from France as well as our long distance champ that came all of the way from Durban South Africa.





This is Edmond from Duban South Africa on the Left and Dave Tarley (the organizer of the event) on the right.


We also had two French Couples come over for the event.

Don't forget -- when you're travelling any distance - to always either bring, or collect a "Travelling Gnome".


One of the huge benefits to travelling on two wheels is the automatic comaradarie found among those that you meet along the way. Or "Hangin' at the Arrow' event was great fun, and I'm humbled by the riders, experience, and miles some of these folks have.


– Rich asked a lot of folks about their 1800 Trikes ---Hummm wonder if he’s trying to tell us something! J

Thursday it rained all day, so about all we were able to do is make a quick ride up to the “Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park” where it was so fogged in we went back into town and found a nice Italian Place to have some lunch.

Friday dawned clear and warmer than it had been the previous two days so we decided that today would be the day to ride the San Juan Skyway over 550 from Montrose into Durango and then back via the San Juan River Gorge. What a great ride! I won’t share pictures of the ride because they’ve been posted a number of times before. The town of Silverton is still just as pretty as can be although on this particular Saturday it was very quiet and uninspiring. By the time we got to Durango for gas and some lunch we were both ready for a break. I will say that over the last 5 years US-550 has gotten more well known and much more heavily travelled, and as such has lost a lot of it’s appeal and charm as a Motorcycle road. We followed 18 wheelers, Winnebeago’s, and family van’s full to the rafters of vacationers. Oh well.













Saturday we decided to ride back up to Grand Junction and take “The Grand Mesa Loop” Scenic Byway. A road that climbs above 11,000 feet and includes a ski resort, several snow parks, many many lakes and some stunning views of the valley far below. The road eventually brought us back to Delta where we returned to Montrose for Lunch. Saturday afternoon we rode the Deloris River Gorge through some stunning canyon scenery. A few more pics of the day.







This one just so looks like a huge rock citadel - it can be defended from any where!






We both left Montrose on Sunday and headed north toward Salt Lake City. When we got into town Rich headed East on I-80 and I continued North on I-15 to Pocatllo, Id. Rich decided to head for home, and I wanted to make a quick pass through Yellowstone and Tetons before I headed for home. My ride So on Monday I rode through Yellowstone and encountered Snow and rain at South Yellowstone that lasted all of the way to Jackson Hole, Wy. Where I spend the night in the most expensive lodging to date, but it was at least comfortable and dry. Tuesday I headed to Elko, Nv. and was home on Wed. All in all this was a very fun trip. I love riding in Colorado, and Utah. Both beautiful states and full of scenic wonders.

Till Next – get out there and ride – Safe!

[199q_cr]

cool ride pics!! I really like Zion, need to get out there one day!


The trailer is classic! did you make it? how much does it hold?

[motorrad]

Jim, what an awesome ride and report. I never tire of seeing Zion and Hwy 12 pics. Utah has some really incredible motorcycling roads and scenic landscapes. I have not made it into Colorado on my motorcycle yet, but hope to during my next summer vacation ride. Thanks for sharing your trip.

I'm curious to know thoughts on what the typical best months are for riding in western Colorado mountains up through the Tetons and Glacier N.P. June through August would be pretty hot for the ride over. September should be nice. Is October to late in the season?

[Loki]

Originally Posted by motorrad

Jim, what an awesome ride and report. I never tire of seeing Zion and Hwy 12 pics. Utah has some really incredible motorcycling roads and scenic landscapes. I have not made it into Colorado on my motorcycle yet, but hope to during my next summer vacation ride. Thanks for sharing your trip.

I'm curious to know thoughts on what the typical best months are for riding in western Colorado mountains up through the Tetons and Glacier N.P. June through August would be pretty hot for the ride over. September should be nice. Is October to late in the season?

I have to agree with Tom. Great photos and write up. Tom, from my experience with those areas, it can snow as early as late August. One year, I rode through the Tetons in the 3rd week of August. We got hail and a light dusting of snow. This is just my opinion, probably the best time to go is late June before it gets to hot and most of the roads should be cleared of snow. I met a guy who worked for the district attorneys office while in Jackson Hole Wy. In the first week of September, he called me. I asked about the weather. He told me it had been snowing heavily for the past week. I asked if that was normal. He just replied that it wasn't unusual. I hope that answers your question.

[JimmieS]

Originally Posted by Loki

I have to agree with Tom. Great photos and write up. Tom, from my experience with those areas, it can snow as early as late August. One year, I rode through the Tetons in the 3rd week of August. We got hail and a light dusting of snow. This is just my opinion, probably the best time to go is late June before it gets to hot and most of the roads should be cleared of snow. I met a guy who worked for the district attorneys office while in Jackson Hole Wy. In the first week of September, he called me. I asked about the weather. He told me it had been snowing heavily for the past week. I asked if that was normal. He just replied that it wasn't unusual. I hope that answers your question.

Hi --
First thanks for the kind words. It's always nice to hear that someone appreciates the sharing of a road trip!

Second - Montana and Wyoming get a lot more precipitation than we do here in Ca., and they get it all year long. So thinking of our Sierra Passes and the periods of time when they are open you can just about imagine how narrow the 'summer' is in Yellowstone and the tetons, as they are about the same elevation as the highest Sierra Passes are. Late June, July and August are good travel months. The first time I went to Yellowstone was an August trip -- Dusted snow around Yellowstone Lake and rained all of the way into Cody....

Love to ride in Canada also, but like they say - If you like Rain, Canada doesn't disapoint!! :-)

Oh, yeah, the trailer holds 19 Cubic feet of camping gear, photography gear, tools, etc. -- you can own one by contacting Donnie Mardis at http://www.carreplicatrailers.com .. Hope that answered all of the questions!

Cheers!

[MountainMajesty]

great report and photos. just got done taking a ride over in western colorado. beautiful country

[an old mans eyes]

Jim, great report and pics. In June seven of us guys did a 7 state run which one stop included the Archs National Park. This was my favorite part of the trip, very cool. We did the hike into Delecate Arch well worth every step. Didn't get a chance to make it to Bryce and Zion but there is always next year....Rick

[Orson]

I really miss the American southwest.

Thanks for the great pictures

[stephenwc]

Great photos. Looks like you had a good time.

I wish I was in Utah right now - that Highway 128 looks like I could ride up and down it all day and never get bored...

Stephen