Ride Pictures

Well, I'm back on the road. This time heading from California to Aridzona for a gathering of like minded Goldwing riders. Plan to be gone about 10 days or so.

Your invited to come along.

This morning my buddy Rich and I met at the park and ride in San Ramon at 7:00 for our morning departure. Today's goal was to get out of California. The plan to accomplish that was to ride from San Ramon to Sonora, then over Sonora Pass (just opened again yesterday!!! ), then down the 395 to 126 and 190 into and through Death Valley and into Beatty Nevada. We made it! Although I am in a smoking room and I don't smoke I'm ok with it -- Heck the Stagecoah Hotel and Casino has been welcoming visitors for years and who am I not to put up with a bit of stale tobacco smell .

I'll likely change the title of this posting as the days wander by - till I wind up with the rightful title of "Rich and Jim ride to Sedona - the long way".

Like I say we left at 07:00 and were all too soon making the transition from the 205 onto the 5, only today it was in the fog. Indeed we stayed in the fog from Tracy all of the way to Oakdale - No acceptable pics of the fog -- darn lens got 'fogged up'.

First stop was in Jamestown for Gas -- Rich's new trike, man is he proud of it -- Runs like a champ, and keeps up too!

We proceeded through the 'foothills' and eventually got to the bottom of the pass, where we prudently put on some added clothing.

The ride over the pass was really spectacular - not only because there was still snow on the sides of the road, but because the air was reaaly brisk and clean, and the fall colors were in eveidence everywhere.

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Jim
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When you find yourself in a ditch the first thing to do is ease off the throttle.

Sorry for not getting any more posted last night. Let's say that my connection at the Stagecoach Inn was dodgy at best I finally had to give it up at 10:30 and turn in. So -- I'll continue a with much better connection here in my comfy Best Western.

Here's a few more of the Ice part of the ride. Fall colors were everywhere!

The snow actually seemed deeper on the Eastern Side. Go figure.
But the pass was sure decked out in all of it's finery!

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Jim

The Snow finally petered out at about 8000 feet. The temps warmed dramtically from the 39 degrees at the summit to a downright balmy 67 at the 108 and 395 intersection. We stopped and dumped our heated gear .

Just a couple more shots of the 2009 Sonora Fall.

We turned South on the 395 and made a beeline for Tioga Tommy's. We were both very hungry. I had the steak cesar salad and Rich had a calamari Steak. Too much food!

As we got closer to Bishop the fall scenery really started popping.

We thought about taking the June Lake Loop, but decided that with the nearly 500 mile day it would be pushing it. So instead we headed for the desert. A left onto 136 soon had us Joining 190 at Panamint Springs.

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Jim

We turned left on 190 and rode hard through Death Valley. We were both pretty pooped and by the time we got to Stovepipe Wells the thermometer was reading 102. By body was saying - loudly - Stop! So rather than spend any time sightseeing in the valley we simply rode through it. We're planning on another DV Trip this coming February, so the sightseeing will have to wait till then.

I did take a few pictures of the ride in. - But of course neglected to take any at the 'Hotel Casino'. We shared the facility with a very large group of riders out of Southern California that were heading into the valley today.

We ate in "Rita's" Restaurant last night. I had a chili size (don't) and Rich had a steak. We decided that we were going to call this the "Fire and Ice ride of 2009" because of the extreems we encountered today. Works for me.

When we left town this morning I had to comment to Rich about how quiet the town felt. 5-6 years ago the town had traffic in it an several booming casinos. Now, about the only game in town is the Stagecoach. Then, I saw the billboard. Looks like Beatty has had some hard times and was hoping the Bank of America would help them out -- Nope! The exchange club is now a hardware store!

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Jim

This morning we gassed up and headed South out of Beatty toward Las Vegas on US-95. We had no desire or intention of spending any time in Sin Ciity; it was simply the most direct route to the fabulous I-15 .
I mean, if you 'have' to ride on a freeway at least let it be one tha has some beauty to it. We eventually navigated our way around the City vua their nifty 215 by-pass -- what a great help that roadway is!

There are no pictures of the ride down 95 -- staring at a test pattern will give you the exact same results as any photos I might have included here.

There are no pictures of the ride down I-15. The only excitement we had was nearly running out of gas before making it into Mesquite, Nv. I had about .8 of a gallon left and Rich had about 1 gallong even (his trike has a huge gas tank).

I, as well as others have documented the beauty that can be found on The I-15 super slab - besides we we only on it for about 90 miles. We did ride through the Virgin River Gourge. But exited the freeway at the Utah State Route 9. Better known as the Zion National Park Highway. I did take some pictures here.

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Jim

Lest any of you think that Fall doesn't occur in rocky Ol'e Zion - Let me assure you - it does and you don't have to look very far to find it either, even on a quick ride through like we did today.

Once after we turned right onto US-89 and headed South toward Kanab we were treated to about 20 more miles of stunning Utah Fall color.

After navigating our way through Kanab we headed East on 89 eventyally crossing the Glen Canyon Dam and checking into our Best Western for the night. I can see Lake Powell from my window!

Till Next.

Attached Images

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Jim

Page, Az. was incorporated in 1957 during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam and the resulting Lake Powell. The 'city' originally housed about 300 workers. Today the city has a population of nealy 9000. It's quite a nice little town, and Rich and I spent the night there last night, and a good part of the day today in its environ's.

The first order of business today was to take the Antelope Canyon tour. We we able to get on the 10:15 AM tour which is touted to be the best time to visit the canyon because the lighting is the best at that time. Well, we weren't disapointed. First things first. The canyon is what is known as a "Slot Canyon" meaning that the Sandstone rock is split from floor to roof and is accessable via that slot. Imagine a 4 mile treck through deep sand to arrive at a sheer wall with a crack in it. This is the first impression of the canyon.

Once inside you start taking pictures and don't stop till you are out the other side.

Your's truly-->

And a couple more -->

We learned all kinds of very interesting facts about this canyon and others like it. For example, the floor the the canyon is sand. The sand accumulates over time and the depth of the sand grows. We were walking on sand that was estimanted to be 50 feet deep. If the naturally occuring flash floods didn't happen the canyon would eventually fill up and disappear. The flash floods literally wash all of the sand out of the canyon leaving a new floor that is significantly lower than before the flood. Our guide was able to experience the 2001 flood from above the canyon - and gave us vivid descriptions of the terror he felt when mother nature unleashed.

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Jim

A few more pics from the canyon and then I'll move on.

If your curious about how the canyon walls got to looking the way they do - well it's caused by the same flooding that cleans the floor -- the water crashes into the walls and scoures them with all of the sand, and floating debries. Mother Nature at its finest .

More --->

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Jim

The Page area has a lot of things to see and do. Most of which requires a skilled desert scout and driver and the ability to flat out HIKE. There are a number of other slot canyons as well as 'The Wave'. Most of these activities take at least 4 hours to get to, experience and return from. We couldn't take any more time so all I can do is share a picture of the owner of the tour company and a client he took to the wave:

We got back into our riding gear and were heading out of town about 1:00. The next stop was to be Monument Valley -- Highway 161 and 163 in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah.

A few shots from along the way.

We decided to stop in Kayenta for the night and actually do the Monument Valley loop in the morning. Hoping for some early morning lighting for the camera and besides we both could use a bit of rest.

We just finished dinner - Navajo, beef on Navajo Fry Bread .

Till next!

Jim

Well today was another 'Ice' Day. We planned on being awake and breakfasted and ready to ride by 08:00. We were. The clouds and the cold front however, were'nt!

But we decided to press on.

This, being my first time in Monument Valley, thought I would have 'more than ample' time to photograph the monumnets. Well I wasn't quite right, but I don't thing I was completely wrong either.

I admit there is some different perspectives here, but still, it's Monument Valley.

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Jim

Now, being at 5000 ft. in elevation at the tail end of October can be quite chilly when there is no sun to warm the air - OR - to beat down upon the weary bones. There were however ample opportunities to spot a photo op in the mirrior and stop. Well, OK -- it was really to plug in the heated gear .

But we did get to see this first.....

If anyone ever tells you that this area of Aridzona isn't interesting you can call them out.

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Jim

The weather North and East out of Kayenta remained cloudy and overcast for much of the ride. Our hope was such that we would be able to catch an early morning tour through the Park but that -- well, it wasn't going to happen.

Instead we proceeded on -

Even though the sun and the lighting was very unpredictable there were many opportunities to say "Hey -- look at that!"

The road however led forever onward.

For a fresh perspective.

This, being my first time riding through Mounment Valley -- well, I have to say I'm Impressed!!

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Jim

Sorry -- a couple more...

Yes!!! There is a Fall in Arizona.

And Great roads.

A final Fall Shot before we get to the 4 corners

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Jim

SO Rich - Ya wanna go to the 4 corners?

Sure - where are they?

Dunno -- let's follow the signs.

The signs put us on no less than three Navajo Nation Higways. Please bear in mind - just because we were in the Navajo Nation - we were still subjected to the same weather we've been experiencing the last several hours - (intermittent showers - cold - and spotty sunshine.). The highways were fun and interesting - we eventually wound up in Manzanita Creek (heck of a name for a town).

Here's some of the ride.

Yes!! We dd see more fall colors today!

Great roads and great scenery too.

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Jim

YES!! Today was a busy day,

Kayenta,

Monument Valley,

4 Corners,

Grand Canyon.

The 4 Corners is where we are here. Both Rich and I got to experience the amazing decadence of being in 4 states all at the same time.

Rich --->

Me ---->

Ok -- doing a 4 corners IS fun. There are several to chose from. Try it sometime.

More

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Jim

Ok -- it's after 23:00. Even though Rich and I rode through to the South Rim today - I'm not going to be able to document it all tonight -- Tomorrow!!! Morning sun at the canyon -- hope to have great luck and some good shots.

For now ---

Till Next!

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Jim

Thanks Alli! I really do appreciate the encouragement.

Donna - This was my second trip to Antelope Canyon - I have to admit that the whole adventure is well worth the time spent doing the tour and the time spent digging the sand out of my shoes, my shirt, my hair, my ears -- Ok - I had sand in places I didn't know I had places. But still so worth while. I'm seriously thinking of spending a week down here and having Charlie take me on one of his back country tours. The photography and art in his shop are simply amazing.

Shirley - Thanks!! You and Alan HAVE to come back to Aridzona. Try it like Rich and I did today (meaning late October) -- There will be pics a bit later of this mornings Ice.

For now -- what follows is the rest of yesterday's ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Cheers!

Jim

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Ok, as I mentioned last night when I finally had to toddle off to bed. My buddy Rich and I did navigate our way from Desert View all of the way down Az-64 to the South Rim.

We hit intermittent rain, and fog along the way, right along with spotty sunshine. We stopped at pretty much all of the views and took a ton of pics -- I've got 10 to share with you.

As many times as I've been to the Grand Canyon I've never before witnessed rain while there -- I think it's quite a treat to be able to stand at the edge of the canyon and view rain storms moving through the canyon along with some pretty spectacular rainbows. Very fun! And, even though it was chilly, something I want to do again!

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Jim

Some more pictures of the Canyon. I don't know how many of these Pasnit has on site, but I'm willing to bet there duplicates of these. Rich and I were talking this morning about how the memory needs to be refreshed from time to time, so I'm guessing a bit of duplication isn't all that bad .

I've seen this sign at least 8 times and never did get a picture of it. There are Mountain Lions - beware!

Now this one -- well -- that's rain out there.

Rainbow.

Moon Man....

Close to Mather Point.

For those that haven't been to the Grand Canyon recently - be aware -- the South Rim roads are ALL Changed around. Parking still sucks and even this late in the season the park is very busy. The new Visiotr Center is pretty cool!

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Jim

Ok! Now, for today. We were to be up and 3'sd and ready for BOB by 08:00.

I walked out at 07:30 with bags in hand ready to load up the bike and met Rich in the hallway coming back from breakfast.

"You been outside yet?"

"Nope"

"You're in for a surpise then".

I was --

This morning was definately an Ice Morning.

More a bit later when I get back from dinner.

Cheers!

Jim

Ok -- two more posts and you all will be caught up with what we have been doing today.

As the picture above indicates - we woke to some pretty chilly temps this morning, and the bikes and trailer were indeed shivering. Rich said "Hey my bike won't turn over". Mine wouldn't either. Now that's cold.

The corvette - frozen over.

After we got the bikes thawed and our heated gear on we went back to the South Rim for a while to see if we could get some better pictures than we did yesterday. You can be the judge.

Not too sure why I found this tree so interesting other than that bright red strip -- looked like a veign to me...

Yeah, and yours truly.

\

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Jim

The last three pictures I want to post of the South Rim. We hiked down to Bright Angel Point and back to the Visitor Center - in full gear (no helmet or gloves, but jackets, pants, boots, and gerbings) by the time we made it back to the vistior center we were both pooped. Hiking at 7,000 feet in full gear should be mandatory exercise!

We headed out of the park about 10:30. We decided that the extra day we found in our schedule would best be served by heading into Prescott, Az a day early. Tomorrow the onslaught of GL1800 riders begins, and we'll be out kicking tires and telling lies with some fine folks from all over the US that will be joining us here.

Out route out of the park was 64 into Williams to I-40 then I-40 into Flagstaff where we headed south on I-17 for about a mile before taking the exit to US-89A and Sedona. So, yes, we rode down the hill into Sedona where we had lunch. Now, I have to say I tend to avoid these hugely touristy area's if I've been to them before, but todays ride was truly spectacular, with fall color everywhere and temps that finally moderated into the mid to high 70's. I took no pictures of the ride down the hill - nor the ride up the hill into Jerome - nor the ride down the hill into Prescott Valley.

But I will. We are here for the next 4 nights. There's lots of riding to be done and even though we did two of the big ones in the area we are planning on riding them again and taking the time to documnet them.

If you have not been to Sedona or Jerome then you NEED to plan that ride.

Tomorrow -- Chandler for the Heart Attack Grill - And whatever other trouble we can get ourselves into.

Till next!

Jim

Well the gathering started today. Folks have been arriving all day. One couple from Ohio, quite a few from Ca, Co, Az, Nm. Wa. and Or. The big days are supposed to be tomorrow and Saturday.

We took today as a 'down day' for the most part. We got a late start and after breakfast we decided to head down to Chandler for lunch at the heart attack grill - www.heartattackgrill.com . This popular hamburger eatery has been featured on a number of television shows and is becoming quite the 'right of passage' for many motorcyclists. Today we were able to check it off our to do list.

The ride out of Prescott into Chandler was two things - hot and boring - superslab riding. So no pics of the ride today. But here are a couple of the grill and the burgers.

Even though the website says there are multiple locations for the Grill - there really is only the one in Chandler. Quite the marketing idea - very effective.

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Jim

I won't bore you with much of the goings on for this get together, just a couple of pics of the Wings and the Valks that have showed up so far.

we still have several rides planned over the next three days that I want to document. The ride down US-89A into Sedona, The ride up US-89A into Jerome, the Coronado Trail in Eastern Az. And one that I am supposed to learn of during this evenings tire kicking and big story telling time.

Stay tuned - more of Aridzona tomorrow!

Till Next.

T

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Jim

Ok -- time to update you all with today's ride. Actually we rode pretty much this same ride on Wed. but with no pictures. Today we have pictures and even a video (after I get it edited and sized). The ride we decided on today was from our hotel in Prescott into the town of Jerome, and continuing on into Sedona (and up the canyon too).

Prescott is perfectly located for these kinds of rides. We left Prescott late this morning - (for me - it was a sleep in day). It didn't take too long before we were out of the city limits and away from the dreaded "photo speed enforcement zone"

Once free of the city we could see the mountain ahead of us and imagine the soon to be experienced 'left - right - left' the route up 89A promises.

I'm always so impressed with the skill and enginering that goes into these mountain roads. I have yet to fall off the bike because the road is a the wrong camber! I'm way over here, and that car is way over there!

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Jim

The route today was not without some Arizona fall color into and out of Jerome.

Sometimes the camera isn't as quick as I'd like it to be, but I think you get the idea.

Now, the town of Jerome, Aa has rich and colorful past. It never would have come into existnce if copper ore hadn't been discovered in the late 19th century. This once thriving mining town of over 15.000 people perched atop Cleopatra Hill. To paraphrase the Jerome Historical Society's duscussion -- Jerome - at it's peak was populated by American Indians, Irish, Chinese, Pospectors, Protstitutes, Men, Women, and Children - all engaged in the endeavor of pulling as much of the valued copper from the earth that they could.

All such things come to an end. Jeromes heyday was set when the shaft mining of the time literally 'undermind' the town and had parts of it slipping down the mountain. That, coupled with extreem expenses in moving the ore from the top of the mountain to procesing plants eventually closed the mines in the area.

Today the very small town of Jerome exists as an artist community as well as it's fabled 'Ghost Town'.

A few pics -->

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Jim

Eventually a narrow gauge railroad was built that took the copper ore from Jerome to the smelting plants. But, for Rich and I - we needed to head down the other side of the mountain into Clarksburg, Cottonwood and into the tourist trap of Sedona and it's famous Red Rocks.

The roads really were just as purdy as these pics are supposed to be.

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Jim

US-89A from Flagstaff to Sedona basically follows the Oak Canyon Creek from it's start way 'up the hill' from Sedona. This time of year there is a TON of fall color, unfortunatly there isn't a lot of spots to stop an capture that bit of beauty.

However, being on a bike, did encourage us to ride back down the hill into Sedona once after making it up the hill to the Oak Canyon Overlook. Now, That is what I call good riding.

I love routes that look like a corkscrew

From the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook.

A bit of Fall foilage at 5,000 feet....

Now, look closely --- that's US-89 ....

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Jim

Ok -- just a couple more pics for tonight.

From the top of the hill -- if you look closely you can seel all three of the switchbacks (15 MPH) that get you up to the top of the hill.

And some final color.

All in all this was a really good ride. Highly recommended to any rider that wants canyons, vistas, history, and beauty.

Till next.

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Jim

Another fun filled day in Arizona! The fine folks that organized this get together obviously know the roads and sights. Today we road the route U was given last night - not a secret, but something most visitors to the area forget about.

We rode from Prescott South and West on County road 10 into the Skull Valley before connecting up with Arizona - 96 that took us into the beautiful (albeit small) mining town of Bagdad. Copper. We couldn't see the mine. Great folks though!

Some pics of this part of the ride -->

A bit of Cr-10.

And some of Arizona - 96 on the way into Bagdad. The road surfaces varied from silky smooth and begged for breaking the law to the more expected bumpy full of tar snakes one encounters on most desert highways. Full - all the way though.

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Jim

After departing Bagdad we headed back down Az-96 4 1/2 miles to the Az-93 intersection. We turned right and rode down one of the most fun roads we've been on this trip. It's a short 15 miles or so but very entertaining. We both asked the same question -- "Why, with all of this land (unused) around -- why on earth would they built this particular highway? -- I dunno, but I for one am glad they did. It had up's and down's and whoopty doo's too. Do it!

As those of you that have followed my solo adventures across this great land of ours know - I frequently lament the lack of my bride and true photo journalist riding pillion. Today was one of those days. I try, but, my main job is to control the bike, stay alive, and live to tell another tail.
A couple more -->

This is Joshua Tree Arizona Parkway -- (or a continuation of US-93).

The route then took us to Congress, Az. and a Northerly trek via US-89 back into Prescott. What a ride this is -- no time for pics on the many sweepers and switchbacks.

And, in case you were wondering -- YES -- Arizona does have a fall season .

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Jim

One more from US-89 into Prescott. This road is a must do for anyone that is in the area.

Ok - that's it for today's ride - the rest of the pics I'm posting are for the riders that have joined us the last couple of days - they are of tonights gathering and food - quick scan is in order (unless you want to see if your in a picture). I won't attempt to name the guilty - the JetDr. is present, as well as the oldGuy, and Matt (how they He!! did he win the round trip tickets?), Mr. Tarley etc. etc.

NOT To be forgotten is the rest of our ride -- we still have 3 days to report to you all so ... I'm not done yet :-).

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Jim

More Culprits - Perps - Peeps - and troublemakers.

We leave Prescott tomorrow with great memories of fun times, great roads and fine folks.

The Coronado Trail Beckons.

We'll be there!

Till next!

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Jim

Hi Folks! -
Ok Last and final series of posts on our Fire and Ice ride for 2009. Yesterday we thought that we would ride the Coronado trail. Well, from Prescott, Az to the Northern End's terminus was about a 200 mile ride, then the ride itself was another 100+ miles then, the ride (and this was the killer) far enough West to get us home on Tuesday prevented us from taking the ride.

We did however at least ride far enough East to see the territory we would be missing. Wasn't a bad ride at all - Temps however were quite chilly.

Even in Arizona we were able to find quite a bit of fall color, although it was harder to find, and further from the road. For me it was a real challange keeping an eye on the road while keeping the weather eye out for some color. Most of the color was well out, but the exciting thing was that it was there!

We rode on Az-69, Az-169, Az-260, and several others - eventually arriving in Springerville where we struggled for several minutes before deciding that, for now, our best approach would be to head North and West instead of South and West.

We arrived in Williams, Az about 18:00. By the time we were checked into our Best Western I was shivering. I think I had a mild case of Hypothermia, as, even with the Heated gear on - well, I didn't have it on high enough.

A cranked up motel heater and an early bed for me put all things to right for today.

It was 38 when we arrived in Williams and was set to go to 20 during the night. Brrrrrr!

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Jim

We were up, 3-s'd, fed, and Bob'd by 8:30 this morning. The temp when I checked it was 34. Rich came out and said "Hey the weathers changing!"

"Do ya Think??"

We headed West on I-40, with our gerbing cranked full up. Toasty! As we descended into Sellingman I CB'd Rich asking him if he wanted to ride US-66 into Kingman.

"Sure - Why Not."

So Down 66 we went - I can see why Az. wants this section of 66 to be their contribution of what this historic road 'would have looked like'. However, the section between Kingman and Oatman would be a much better example - IMHO.

Thanks for remembering the Burma Shave Sayings!

And the feel of the road.

The common, remembered sights along the road deserve thanks too.

And the scenery!

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Jim

Jim to GPS -- "I want to hug a Donkey".

GPS to Jim -- "Ok -- follow me.".

Jim to Rich -- "Crap -- the freakin GPS want's to take us through Bullhead City and Laughlin! Why can't it find US-66 out of Kingman?"

Rich to Jim -- "Are we gonna go to Oatman??"

Jiim to Rich -- "Yes - follow me .".

Twenty miutes later and deep into the cluster ***** that constitutes the Area Rich says -- "Are we there yet".

No ------

We did finally make it into this old city and we did take a picture or two...

And a couple of your's truly giving a 'squeeze or two" out!

We did have lunch while there with this guy looking over our shoulders. The M2W is for a website "My2Wheels.com" -- never been there... Have you?

So, we left this AM with 34 degrees and wound up in Barstow with over 80. I'm in Awe of this ride - truly fire and ice in so many ways - had a great time start to finish.

Tomorrow -- Barstow to Bakersfield -- Bakersfield to Buttonwillow - and up 5 to home. There will be no pics (unless something truly dramatic happens) nor any more posts (unless something truly dramantic happens).

SO -- Thanks to ALL of you that offered comments, support, encouragment, knowledge and positive energy. I'm very much looking forward to my next Aridzona adventure.

Cheers!

Till Next.

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Jim

Jim & Rich on another ride.