Go west young man

[Ritten]

The day before we had just finished loading up the truck with gear, ramps, and a slightly used 1200GS during the tech day I sponsored at the house. The weather wasn't looking promising on radar, so I was sure to wrap up the bags that Juice and Nick had given me to carry to Nevada. Albuquerque, New Mexico is one hell of a long drive so I knew I'd need a good night's sleep, but 6 hours would have to do.

Driving out through Dallas and north Texas was the same ole highways I was used to and the thunderstorms that I'd roll in and out of along the way helped to keep my attention focused on the road. My first big diversion from the long road came thanks to a liter of water I had downed in 30 minutes since my last gas stop. Everything was turning yellow, and my ears were beginning to ring, so I found a country road that turned off the highway and started my way down it. Unfortunately I didn't realize that it was as soft as it was and with no room to turn around, I'd have to back out. The truck slid sideways and I ended up half in the ditch and half on the "turtle-backed" dirt road. After much rocking, praying, cursing and tire spinning, the truck managed to gain ground and work it's way back up to the highway. Wheww....first potential disaster thwarted! I was dropping clumps of mud and dirt from the frame and undercarrage for days...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1825.jpg

I couldn't make it all the way to New Mexico however so I got a room in Amarillo for the night. The setup I had in the truck was perfect for a one man traveling adventure.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1831.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1834.jpg

The next night I drove west on through New Mexico with the intention of seeing as much as I could of the Four Corners area. Now, I know that this forum is usually reserved for bike ride reports, which there will be, but I have to mention how glad this trip made me to have bought the truck that I did. 443 miles on 18 gallons of gas and I still had 4 more gallons in the tank I could have used. All the while with 700lbs worth of bike and gear in the back.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1836.jpg

The Navajo reservation is some of the most beautiful country that I've yet to experience and riding through it was inspiring and relaxing. Windows down, and the music up.....there's no better way to travel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1837-2.jpg

I finally made it to this 4" plate that I had been looking forward to for so long.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1846.jpg

Between the shirt, and my white legs, I figured I'd be representing all of us Sowt Lewseeaneeans pretty well...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1847.jpg

The sun was starting to get low and I had no idea where I was going to stop for the night, but when there's a road that turns off of the highway and leads into the country like this......it has to be taken.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1850.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1851.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1854.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1857.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1859.jpg

I pulled back onto the highway and came upon a small town called Bluff, UT that is right outside of the reservation.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1863.jpg

It's an interesting little place with their own set of landmarks....the Navajo twins.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1866.jpg

I asked the owner of the small motel that I was staying at for his recomendation for dinner for the evening and he directed me to the cafe down the road a bit. It was good food, but an even better sleep. 1500 miles in two days will do that to you.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1871.jpg

[Ritten]

I awoke with a vigor that I hadn't known in a while and when I walked outside I found out why. It was in the mid 50's and the shorts that I had on just weren't cutting it. The dry, high-desert air felt great and I walked around a bit to get some pictures of the new morning.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1872.jpg

Skulls, rocks, and cactus were the chosen decor for the motel and amidst the flower gardens everything seemed to fit well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1877.jpg

The owner of the motel was a bike rider himself and had done alot of traveling in his time. He recommended riding out of town and doing the offroad loop to see the Valley of the Gods. It sounded like it was right up my alley and I thanked him as I packed the truck up. The entrance to the loop was only a few miles down the road so I knew it would be a treat to see the rising sunlight on the rock faces. I certainly wasn't disappointed!

There were many creek crossings, but even with the recent rains, all were dried up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1881.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1883.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1886.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1887.jpg

There were many campsites and hiking trails through out the area. Looks like the perfect place to come back with just the bike and gear.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1888.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1889-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1891.jpg

Here I saw a small fox that had his foot caught under a rock, so I decided to be a help and lift it off of him.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1894.jpg

The light of the morning and the cool breeze were almost too perfect in this place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1897.jpg

I rode on and made my way to the western entrance.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1899.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1900.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1901.jpg

Even the Gods know what the shocker is and they put up this rock formation to prove it!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1907.jpg

The trail out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1917.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1920.jpg

Next on the list was to ride a few miles north and visit Glen Canyon....how could this place get more beautiful?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1921.jpg

The road up is not for the faint of heart...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1926.jpg

But it does have it's rewards...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1928.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1924.jpg

This poor bastard looked liked he was going a bit to fast for the corner some 300' up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1932.jpg

Up on top I found another gravel road that stretched out to the edge of the Park and overlook Glen Canyon itself.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1931.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1934.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1936.jpg

I backtracked down the mountain the way I had came and went south on 261 till I came upon the Goosenecks. It's a section overlooking the San Juan river where it's carved out huge canyons that gooseneck their way along the banks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1937.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1938.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1939.jpg

Mexican hat rock...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1947.jpg

On my way south to Monument Valley I caught a couple of wild horses just leasurly walking along side the highway. These things are all over up here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1952.jpg

[JayD]

Man, I tried to find an ole "Paint" horse to shoot, with Monument valley in the background when Lisa and I were there last winter but all I could find were cattle :(

Great shots of an AWESOME place Ted

[Ritten]

I hit the state line between Utah and Arizona just before lunch, so I figured I would try to find somewhere in the park to grab a bite. My appetite vanished from my mind as I rolled up to the gates and paid my fees.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1954.jpg

The offroad self-guided loop is simply worn sand/rock/dirt roads through the Valley and everything from minivans to Lexus' were out crawling around while the passengers rocked side to side from open windows. The washboard that was created on the straight stretches were the only thing I had to slow down for, but when it comes to rocks and bumps.......the faster....the smoother.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1956.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1960.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1962.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1965.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1969.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1977.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1982.jpg

And of course, the most famous shot... As JayD pointed out, you can get a small idea of the vastness of the area from the cars on the trail.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1988-2.jpg

I ate lunch at the restaurant in the visitors center at Monument Valley which really wasn't anything too special. The temperature was climbing with the onset of afternoon though and lowered windows was no longer sufficient. With the valley behind me I decided to head on to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. By the time I got to Lee's Ferry it was 4 or 5 and I knew I might have to wait around a bit to catch the setting sun.

The Navajo bridge that crosses on the north end.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1993.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1991.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1996.jpg

Some of the old rocks along Cliff Dwellers.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1997.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1998.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1999.jpg

[Ritten]

The whole morning I had been looking for a place that I might be able to get a good picture of the canyon where the setting sunlight lit up the eastern walls and looking at the map I saw a road that curved off the highway and went right up to the rim almost 20 miles south. Watching the GPS and looking for the road, I passed it up and then knew it wasn't meant for major public use. I turned the truck around and stopped when I got to it on the screen......there it was. I took this picture as I closed the gate behind me.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2001.jpg

It was obviously a public road, but not one that too much of the public knows about.....or could travel down. I took pictures mostly in the easy sections, but with washed out gullys, hill climbs, and rock slide crossings, I knew it would be an extremely challenging ride to do if I was on the GS.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2003-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2006.jpg

Rolling along in 4Lo for 80% of the trail, I was losing time with the setting sun and still wasn't halfway to the canyon. Each turn or hill I came to required a first gear crawl to get over the lip of rock shelves or to keep the truck from bottoming out too much in creek crossings. Right where the trail split, I came to a drop that took me into a major washout.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2009.jpg

Heavy rains had washed out the trail and I rode around for 20 minutes trying to find a way up the other side and back to the trail. At one point, the riverbed narrows to only a few feet aross and the bare bushes on each side sounded like nails on a chaulk board as they left me reminders of the excursion in the paint on the right side of the truck. Along the river banks I found an abandoned mine shaft..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2007.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2008.jpg

Finally, I back tracked and got out to walk and find the trail. I came across it about 150ft north of where I entered the river bed and the only way to get to it was straight up the other side. Thank God it was soft sand, cause with the momentum I hit the side at, if it was rock, I'd still be trying to ride the GS out of there.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2011.jpg

Once up the other side, things got a bit smoother until I came to a pretty deep gully. The trail became rocky and very narrow and often I was pointed towards the sky, or almost straight down.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2014.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2013-2.jpg

This was the apex of a switchback...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2016.jpg

And finally, I reached this. The picture doesn't show it well, but the trail goes up at such a sharp incline that I was scared to do it in the truck. I got out to walk it and feel how bad it was and could only make it up halfway without sliding down. Street tires, by-myself, with a bike in the back.....I was turning around.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2015.jpg

I was bummed that there was no other access than these trails for a few hundred miles until I saw a faint two track that led off to the north to intersect another trail.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2017.jpg

It disappeared before long, but I was getting close to the northern trail according to GPS.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2018.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2019.jpg

And then I found it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2020.jpg

It was smooth riding from there on and I could barely see the canyon on the horizon. According to the maps, I was about half a mile away running parallel and I decided to hike the rest.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2022.jpg

There's a feeling of awe and almost an adrenalline induced breath that you take when you come upon something bigger than you expect. I was flat out dizzy when I peared over the edge of those rocks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2024.jpg

I stopped for a minute and let my breathing return to normal while I listened to the breeze flowing up from the HUGE void before me. Very faintly I could hear the river below and I suddenly got the chills as I cooled off from the walk. The sun felt good on my back, and I stepped onto an outcropping of rock to get a view down into the canyon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2026.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2030.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2031.jpg

I looked around to survey the miles of desert around me and could find nothing except the tiny black dot sitting on the horizon. My truck.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2034.jpg

I sat down on a rock and just listened. It felt like I was there for hours and probably could have just as easily stayed. It was, what I call, an overwhelming moment. It's a point in life when time stops, and nothing matters except the previous and following seconds. It's the climb to the top of the mountain and the realization that the only reason you are here is cause you decided to be. And it never fails that the one thing that always completes the moment is the thought of home and those who wait for your return.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2045.jpg
I sat there and thanked God for every blessing He's given me. I thanked Him for the wisdom to realize that I couldn't have experienced all I have without His grace. And I even thanked Him for the challenges of my past, which without them, I would still fear the unknown and would never have ventured past my own backyard.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2046.jpg

I sat for a while longer and took some video that I'll have to try and figure out how to post eventually. There was no way anyone could be at the bottom of the canyon here so I took amusement in tossing a few rocks over the side and counting off 15 seconds before ever hearing them hit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2041.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2042.jpg

The sun was starting to get low and I knew I might be sleeping out here, but I at least wanted to be in the truck if I were. Getting back to the truck before nightfall was my next priority. The hike back was straight into the setting sun, so it wasn't that hard to stay on track and I even met an old enemy along the way.
Bayou Boy......remember this??
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2048.jpg

Once I was back at the truck, I climbed upon the bike and caught some pictures looking back at the canyon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2050.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2055.jpg

I then took a movie showing the trails that lead in, and the blazing red rock that now appeared on fire. The setting sun at the end of the Nevada experience was actually taken right then, in Arizona, overlooking the mountains of the Grand Canyon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2053.jpg

With light failing I ripped across that desert trail in half the time it took me to navigate it earlier. I was EXTREMELY thankful that I still had some light left when I got back to the river......I crossed with no problems.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2057.jpg

The last 5 miles of trail I took in the dark and it was almost 9pm when I rolled onto the highway. I went back over the northrim and headed south to try and find somewhere I could sleep. There is NOTHING down there and I ended up pulling into a casino parking lot, cracked the windows, fluffing the pillow, and sleeping like a baby... I didn't even care if I woke up in time to catch sunrise.

[JayD]

Now that's adventure
Ted, you ARE the man Cool12



When I did the 4 corners in the cage last year It was killing me not to have the KLR to go explore

This report almost satisfied that urge ;)

[Ritten]

I woke up after what I thought was only an hour or so, looked at my watch and was amazed to see that I had slept for 7 hours!! There was only a slight chill in the air which made for a perfect temperature to sleep without a blanket in the truck. I left the back glass open and was easily put to sleep by the occasional whoosh of cars on the highway. It was still dark and only 5am so I warmed up the truck and crossed the road to a gas station just opening up. It would be a few hours before daylight so I decided to drive to the canyon park entrance and watch a movie while waiting for sunrise.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2062.jpg

With daylight starting to highlight the sky, I grabbed my tripod and walked the couple hundred yards to the canyon rim.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2064.jpg

Over looking the Grand Canyon is impressive, but it's so completely overwhelming that it's like staring at a great picture. You just can't quite comprehend the grandeur of what you're seeing with your own eyes. I was there for sunrise though...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2066.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2073.jpg

The morning was turning out to be on the hazy side, so I knew I wasn't going to see the extreme coloring of the canyon walls that are usually so impressive at this time. Still, it was a sight to see.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2076.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2077.jpg

This is the tower that doesn't open until later on in the morning there at Desert View.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2084.jpg

I kept driving along 64 to some of the other lookouts and got a few more shots of the canyon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2089.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2090.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2091.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2093.jpg

Now I was headed south again to continue my tour of Arizona. I searched the map for the meteor crater site and couldn't really find it, but after a searched yielded "Sunset crater" I headed towards that......it was only a few more miles away. The directions on the map led me towards this...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2095.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2094.jpg

No problem.....I went back to the truck and started searching the GPS directory and found it. Meteor Crater happened to be right off of I-40 to the southeast of where I was. I could fill up along the way and in 75 miles be there for mid-day. Nooooo problem right??




WRONG...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2096.jpg

This is the road that the damn Garmin software decided to route me down to get back to the highway the quickest. I still had 1/8th of a tank, and it CAN'T be too much offroad right???
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2097.jpg

The ground was the consistancy of a sandbox but at least it was dry. For over an hour I tried to find my way around these trails which turned into an offroad recreation area!! Whoops, washboard, and all...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2100.jpg

My low fuel light came on sometime during the excursion but I did have a 5 gallon can in the back just in case of this. I now know that if the sand wasn't as soft as it was, I would NOT have made it out. The truck would bottom out every 3-5 seconds while going over those whoops and it was only the momentum that pushed me through as the sand gave way under the frame. I also now know that due to the side loads the GS was getting in the bed, the entire truck could have been lifted up by the bike......those straps held through one serious beating!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2102.jpg

After a while I finally crossed the gate and pulled up onto fresh blacktop. When I arrived at the first gas station I actually crawled under the truck to inspect the frame and make sure I still had some simblance of primer or paint on it. There will be a lift kit and full skid plate ordered shortly!!

The real crater wasn't but another 40 miles and it was nice to be rolling along at highway speeds again. $15 entry fee, but looking back I'd say it was worth it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2104.jpg

I took the hiking tour along the rim of the crater and found it quite interesting. Definately make this a stop if you're ever driving along I-40.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2105.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2106.jpg

NASA engineers were there getting equipment set up for tests that they perform every year in October.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2111.jpg

The skys were clouding up and it appeared that I would be lucky enough to get rained on in a place that has an annual rainfall of 8-10" a year.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2112.jpg

By the time I finished looking around in the gift shop and headed out the door, the rain had stopped, the ground was dry, and you couldn't tell in the slightest. I rolled into Kingman, Arizona to get a room for the night and so I wouldn't have to drive too much in the morning to Vegas.

[Shakey75]

Yet another amazing ride report Ted!!

I remember the area from going on vacation there when I was younger, but would love to see all that again now!

[Ritten]

Thusday morning finally rolled around and it was time to head up to meet everyone. I honestly had no idea that I would be crossing over Hoover Dam, but I was glad that I got to see it. The damn would be closed on the way home due to a construction accident.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2114.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2113.jpg

I arrived at the Stratosphere early that morning and got some breakfast before looking around and waiting for everyone else. The pictures that follow may or may not have been posted in other threads, but I'll do my best not to have too many doubles.

Thursday evening we went out to walk down part of the strip to MGM where Julia had reserved us a table at one of the nice restaurants.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2116.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2123.jpg

Our very own elvis...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2127.jpg

We hit Centerfuge before dinner to enjoy a few cocktails, jack&cokes, and to meet Nikki...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2128.jpg

A little bling in front of alot of bling...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2134.jpg

Going on 18 hours without sleep.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2138.jpg

...and what's a ride report without mentioning the food. A $40 steak and $18 ice cream....when in vegas!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2139.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2145.jpg

This is the look of relief.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2144.jpg

Elvis and Nicole
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2149.jpg

Nikki showing off her moves in between catering to us.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2152.jpg

I don't think I've slept so soundly in months as I did that night.

[Ritten]

Friday morning came and we all slept in for the most part. Once we did meet for breakfast we ate like kings. Where else are you going to get prime rib and doughnuts?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2158.jpg

We headed up to the top of the Stratosphere where 40knot winds were whipping around.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2168.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2167.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2170.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2166.jpg

Later on that afternoon, Nick, Juice and I went by BMW Las Vegas and ended up picking up the rental bikes early. So, why not go pick up the women and go for a ride.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2181.jpg

You can see the wind blowing the sand off of the beach onto lake meade. Trying to ride in it was hell.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2183.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2184.jpg

That evening was another wonderful meal.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2187.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2188.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2191.jpg

[Doug]

Bravo!
I've never seen sights like that.
Some of your pics look like they belong in National Geographic magazine.

[Ritten]

Saturday came the big ride and the weather couldn't have been nicer. We headed west and on into Red Rock Canyon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2196.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2195-2.jpg

As we were taking pictures at the sign, a silver Bandit pulled up and a round jolly character stepped up to introduce himself. Lee was originally from Chalmette and has lived up here for the past 30 years. He told us of the sights along the canyon ahead and even outlined a good route to take with the limited time we had for the day. His descriptions of ancient indian settlements, turn of the century bar rooms, and single room school houses that we would find along the way would give one the impression that he was a first rate tour guide.

We rolled along the canyon road where alot of the footage you can see in Juice's "The Nevada Experience" video.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2217.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2219.jpg

This is the bar room that Lee described most vividly as being shot up during the gold rush. Since the bullet holes in the sheet metal have never been repaired, one can sit inside while enjoying a beer and see the rods of light moving along the room as the sun glides across the sky.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2220.jpg

The ride was cool, dry, and thankfully the wind had died down from the previous day enough so that one could ride upright. I do believe the rented R1200RTs made for a perfect bike for cruising two up and the GS would have been even more perfect if I could have taken it further up the gravel pass on into Cali. HOWEVER, riding with friends on the slab is still better than riding by yourself anywhere. We stopped at the point in the middle of the valley where the GPS said we were on the Nevada/California line.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2231.jpg

We were in the middle of NOWHERE with nothing around except.......well, read the sign...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2230.jpg

Riding back to the interstate, we turned the bikes west and just gunned it to the state line for the 50 state pictures.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_2238.jpg

Tired and dusty from a long day of riding, we headed back towards the rooms for showers and to unwind. The rest of the evening we took a cab down to the strip to see the fountains in front of the Belagio and some of the glamour of Las Vegas. Although the famous buffets were the order for dinner, we would have been waiting for hours just to sit down and ended up eating Chinese at one of the restaurants along the strip.

Pai-gow (Pakow) poker had become the staple game for the trip and Juice managed to corrupt me with some serious hot chocolate served by the casino. Thanks alot man...

[Ritten]

With the bike loaded up the night before, I awoke Sunday morning and finished packing my stuff. Nick and Jules had already left to catch their early flight and Brian and Nicole were sleeping in due to a late flight. 7am saw me on the road and I had to take 93 south to Laughlin because of the damn....err....I mean dam closure.

36 hours from Vegas to my front door of which two were loss in time zone crossings, and five were used to sleep in the truck in Amarillo, Tx. There were no offroad excursions this time, and no big sights other than eating at the Road Kill Cafe along route 66. There are a few pictures of the place that I forgot to download from the camera before coming offshore. Either way, the ride was nice, but the time spent with friends in Vegas is what made this trip special. Next year is gonna rock!!

[weave]

Ted rolls again!! Adventure travel at its finest,the perfect mix of pucker factor
and gourmet living.

[minig0d]

sweeet

[Fitty]

Ted man, that was amazing. What an adventure! Is there anywhere you won't go? Great pics. You went to some of the places that I just went "by". I didn't have time to stop unfortunately. Guess I'll just have to go back sometime. Thanks for posting this.

[Ritten]

Ted man, that was amazing. What an adventure! Is there anywhere you won't go?


A gay bar......even then I MIGHT if I've got a woman under each arm and I don't have to stay long. Gay

[Rocky]

Brilliant........I hope to make it out with you guys next year... I looked like a blast......

[Flying Low]

yet another great report Ted! thanks for taking us along with you again. man, i am so impressed by your willingness and determination to go down "the road less travelled". this is truly an inspiration.

[Bacon]

Hey Ted,
You did it again traveled all the way to California and did not find one good photo opportunity.
Latter Dude

[Theo]

Another great ride report of an awesome trip, Ted!! Excellent captures and presentation throughout, looks to have been much fun. I enjoyed touring the beautiful scenic views and the exciting adventures with you...well done!

As always, appreciate the invite..See you in 15 days!

[Ritten]

Another great ride report of an awesome trip, Ted!! Excellent captures and presentation throughout, looks to have been much fun. I enjoyed touring the beautiful scenic views and the exciting adventures with you...well done!

As always, appreciate the invite..See you in 15 days!


Whoa, now there's a post I didn't expect. Cool12

Thanks Dad. Welcome to the site!!



Bacon, you just don't know how frustrating it is, but don't worry... I'll keep looking!!

[JayD]

Excellent captures and presentation
Thanks Dad. Welcome to the site!!


Welcome aboard Theo
We enjoyed your pics as well Cool12
(Ted had posted a link)

[MSUbravesfan]

Ted,

Great report, as always. I have to say that I get jealous after I read them.

Later, Country

edited to say....Now get back to work!!!

[Dusty]

Very well played out. Dude those pictures are amazing. I miss riding out west.

[iridefar]

The trail out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Vegas%202006/IMG_1917.jpg


These are great pictures, but there is just something wrong with a 1200GS being carried in the back of a truck; especially with this kind of road available.

qwer

[Ritten]

These are great pictures, but there is just something wrong with a 1200GS being carried in the back of a truck; especially with this kind of road available.

qwer


Yea, I agree. But the method used to travel was determined based on the weekend in Vegas and not really the possibility of those side adventures. Consider this report just a "scouting run" for some of my future ride reports...Cool12

[iridefar]

Consider this report just a "scouting run" for some of my future ride reports...Cool12

This is one area that I haven't been on a bike. Looking at your pictures makes me want to go tomorrow. I am close to talking myself into getting a 1200GS for just such a trip. Got any recomendations for a dealer? I bought my F650GS from BR, but that was just because they were the closest to me.

[Ritten]

North Houston treated me well, and Nick and JayD both have had great luck with Little Rock. If Heberts doesn't work with you on the price, I'd try those other dealers. Little Rock is a drive, but we can always use excuses for road trips to Arkansas right?

[Rocky]

Boom Head Shot.



These are great pictures, but there is just something wrong with a 1200GS being carried in the back of a truck; especially with this kind of road available.

qwer

[JayD]

I hauled my GS in the back of my Tundra 4280 miles last week as I detest boring,
highway droning on a bike,
BUT I won't denigrate those that like that type of riding
(and the folks who buy those 850lbs touring rigs that do it so well, Goldwings etc)

I wanna get to the good stuff as fast a possible,
driving 12-16 hours a day if I have to, and get to those sweet curves or offroad
and leave the boring stuff for my truck with it's climate control and high output sound system to rawk out on :)

Alas, we all ride for different reasons or motives,
is one better than the other?

[weave]

I'm with you brother J

[Trent7]

i like the o' natural "SHOCKA" PIX

[iridefar]

I hauled my GS in the back of my Tundra 4280 miles last week as I detest boring,
highway droning on a bike,
BUT I won't denigrate those that like that type of riding
(and the folks who buy those 850lbs touring rigs that do it so well, Goldwings etc)

I wanna get to the good stuff as fast a possible,
driving 12-16 hours a day if I have to, and get to those sweet curves or offroad
and leave the boring stuff for my truck with it's climate control and high output sound system to rawk out on :)

Alas, we all ride for different reasons or motives,
is one better than the other?

Agreed that we ride for different reasons. I enjoy riding no matter what the rode looks like. I own 4 different bikes because I will ride on anything from single-track dirt to miles of interstate. I would never trailer a bike because it takes no longer to get to the good roads on a bike than it does in a truck (time/speed doesn't change when in a truck) and because I just enjoy riding a bike. But I know everyone is different.

My point was, the R1200GS was DESIGNED for that long dirt/gravel road. If you could be bored riding a GS on that stuff, you are on the wrong bike. That would be like driving around Laguna Seca in a truck with a Ducati in the back!

I've got a feeling that Ted understood what I was saying. Based on his posts & pictures, I believe he is the kind of guy that knows what a GS is for.

[iridefar]

I hauled my GS in the back of my Tundra 4280 miles last week as I detest boring,
highway droning on a bike,
BUT I won't denigrate those that like that type of riding
(and the folks who buy those 850lbs touring rigs that do it so well, Goldwings etc)

BTW: I was not putting Ted down. In the crowd that I ride with, we call each other on things like that. There is nothing meant by it and I hope that Ted is not so sensitive that my comment offended him (or anyone else). If so, I apologize.

[Juice]

Its cool Steve. They can take it just as well as they dish it out.......




BTW: I was not putting Ted down. In the crowd that I ride with, we call each other on things like that. There is nothing meant by it and I hope that Ted is not so sensitive that my comment offended him (or anyone else). If so, I apologize.

[JayD]

You should add a GS to your stable of bikes Mr Far
It prolly would end up your favorite ride of all

[nickatnite]

If you ridden multiple 800 to 1000 mile days (on a GS) and arrived refreshed at your destination
(to strafe curves at peg draggin speeds or ride remote offroad trails alone in the middle of nowhere) you're obviously a better man than I, Mr Far Cool12
I'm just not the man nor the elite rider you are................
A tip 'o the hat to ya sir

Agreed, Ted knows what to do with a GS
and is a true ADV rider, thru and thru

+1..

Also to note, if you are riding 2 up you HAVE to take into consideration your spouse..

If momma ain't happy, NO ONE is happy....

Me and Jules already talked about what you did Jay. Putting the bike in the truck and then day excursions.. Momma wants to be happy on the road trip and refreshed....

[Ritten]

Its cool Steve. They can take it just as well as they dish it out.......



Steve....it's all good. I certainly knew what you meant in your original post. Believe me, if I could have left the truck somewhere I trusted and took a few more days off to ride around the area on the GS I would have. In my travels I don't see "missed opportunities", but rather plans to come back and enjoy, now that I know it's there.

Let's ride...:D

[iridefar]

Steve....it's all good. I certainly knew what you meant in your original post. Believe me, if I could have left the truck somewhere I trusted and took a few more days off to ride around the area on the GS I would have. In my travels I don't see "missed opportunities", but rather plans to come back and enjoy, now that I know it's there.

Let's ride...:D

Cool. I figured you knew what I meant. We probably have similar riding styles and I would like to ride together sometime. I will either have to get the mods finished on my F650GS (extra gas tanks to extend range) or get the 1200GS I really want. Right now I am just riding the Goldwing.

[Zutopong]

very cool, i will see what i can do about next September.