A Quickie Day Run Through the Desert

[nodaclu]

Hi all,

Just wanted to share a quick day trip I took today with paxman1 (Mark).

Sorry I only have a few pictures, but I'm still pretty green (as you'll read about at the end) and my mind was more on riding properly this trip then it was about taking pictures.

I met up with Mark at the Boulder City A&W at 11am. We had planned a ride a few weeks back and this was the first time we'd had a chance to meet in person.

Riding with Mark was fantastic. He's a really great guy, and unbelievably patient in dealing with the slow newbie.

We rolled out of Boulder City onto US 95 South. This is pretty much a super-slab stretch for about 35 miles to Searchlight, NV. Mark set a very reasonable pace, and we rolled into the Golden Nugget for what turned out to be a really good burger and fries.

Mark was gracious enough to cover the lunch bill (I've got the next one!) and we rolled down NV Hwy 164 to Cottonwood Creek and Lake Mojave. The ride down from the top of the crest was an incredible contrast in color. Neither of us could believe that we stumbled into such a beautiful day in early January.

(Did I mention it was sunny and 66 degrees for our ride?)

Attachment 16468
A quick shot of the boat ramp at Lake Mojave


Attachment 16469
Watching a rather large boat being prepped for the water


Attachment 16470
My ST and Mark on his absolutely beautiful Sportster


From here we returned the 14 miles back to Searchlight, stopped for gas, and continued West on Hwy 164 toward the small watering-hole of Nipton. A quick stop there, and all too quickly, we were back at I-15.

This was my first real run on a freeway, and though 80mph felt pretty "white knuckle" at first, I eventually settled in for the 25 miles or so to Jean, NV.

Off the freeway again (thankfully), we followed Las Vegas Blvd. (I'm guessing it was once part of old US 91) to Hwy. 146, and worked our way back into Henderson. After getting caught in a decent sized line of cars from kids getting out of school, and a few drivers who had obviously shut their brains off for the weekend, we finally landed at a point in south Henderson, where we would each head for our respecitve houses.

We said our good-byes and I headed home, which was only a few miles away at that point.

Now before today, I only had about 300 miles of total seat time, and my total distance for this trip was 163 miles, so I was a little fatigued, and perhaps because of this, I made a huge mistake in my own driveway!!!

I have a pretty steep driveway, so I thought I would ride the bike up to the walkway of the house, then open the garage door. I did this without a hitch, and went to put my left foot down.

However, I failed to realize two things. (1) I was closer to the edge of the walkway then I thought I was, which meant my left foot was going down in the grass, instead of the walkway, and (2) As I mentioned, my driveway is a little steep, which meant the grass was a little steep, and at an angle that was falling away from me.

You can probably guess what happened next.

(I can grin now because I didn't hurt myself...)

I put my foot down thinking it would be on flat concrete, but instead, it ended up on the sloped grass. Since it was further down then I'd planned, it caused the bike to lean too far to the left. As I tried to catch it, my left foot slipped in the grass.

WHAM!!

Over the bike went. Once I knew it was gone, I pushed clear and did a backwards barrel-roll away from it. I jumped up without a scratch, and then had to figure out how to get a nearly 700lb. bike upright and off my front yard with no traction.

Still not sure how I did it, but I got the bike upright by myself and surveyed the damage. The left mirror had pulled off, but it was designed to at least partially break away. I put that right back on, but then noticed that I had broken off a small (about 2" square) piece of plastic under the mirror.

The "wings" they put on the ST's sure do their job of protecting the engine and everything else. The small broken piece can be glued back in, and no one (except you guys of course) will be any the wiser.

As long as I keep making these stupid rookie mistakes without hurting myself, then I suppose I'll be alright.

In any event, I had an absolute blast riding with Mark. He gave me a lot of confidence in my riding abilities, and I'm looking forward to our next opportunity to ride together.

~Mike

[G8ESCAP]

So, looks like a good ride and a lot learned. Glad you had a good and safe ride.

[2on2off]

Originally Posted by nodaclu

The ride down from the top of the crest was an incredible contrast in color.

I have never ridden that particular road but have ridden a dirt road just south of that and the views down into the Colorado River are just like you say.

I created a Map of your ride based on your descriptions because I have ridden just south of where you were and stayed in Laughlin. I would like to ride more in that area.
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Attachment 16472

[G8ESCAP]

Say Jim, Don't know if you're aware of it, but there is some nice riding in the Mojave National Preserve just below your mapped route.

[nodaclu]

Thanks Jim!

I have the DeLorme Street Atlas USA software, but I'm still learning how to use it.

There weren't a whole lot of twisties on this route, but it was great fun nonetheless and allowed me to gain additional experience in a variety of road types and conditions.

If you get out this way again, let me know! I'd be happy to ride with you and show you around the areas that I know and the ones I'm learning.

~Mike

[Papa-Ken]

Could have been dumber Mike. I have been riding bikes since 1954 and just a few short months back, I got so excited about taking a picture I stepped off the bike without putting down the kickstand.

After a few longer rides and you become more comfortable with your bike, you won't get quite so tired as you learn to relax more.........Ken

[MyLife on TwoWheels]

Don't worry Mike, it happens to the best of us!
Glad to hear that you had a nice ride.

[Invisigoth]

If you HAVE to drop your bike, best to do it in the privacy of your own home, and somewhere soft on your lawn.

[nodaclu]

Thanks guys...I appreciate it.

It was a bummer, because it kind of cracked the confidence I had built up over the course of the day. I kept wondering if maybe the bike was just too big for me. I don't think it is (I'm 6'0" 180lbs.) but it does make you question yourself a bit.

I'll try to keep remembering that it happens to everyone sooner or later.

Thanks again,
~Mike

[Invisigoth]

Putting your feet down seems so simple. But between gravel, uneven pavement, potholes, and oil etc. in the road, this simple task has led to many a motorcycle drops. A good pair of motorcycle boots helps, but sometimes it just happens.