| Author | Message | ||
     Newfie_buell |
Alex, Did you lose the CD with the pictures or has it been corrupted? OR How much bandwidth/storage space do you have? I can start to e-mail them. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Alex, The CD is in today's mail. | ||
| Awprior |
All, Sorry about the lack of posts and pictures about the trip, I am indeed waiting on a CD of pics from Newfie, my comp doesn't like the original one that we burnt late one night in newfie before we left for the ferry. Since I've been home, I've been tearing apart the bike to fix a front fork leak (normal maintenance, I suppose), and babtsitting a 1200 acre, 100 head farm while the boss is gone, which has taken up a good 18 hours a day of my time. Once the pics arrive, I'll get back on track. Lots of great stuff to go. The meeting with the ACS happens this week, and we've broken $4000 in donations, a very successful trip, in my book. Alex | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Good for You Alex, Photos on the way and I did run the CD in a few different computers at work so it should be OK. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
...and we've broken $4000 in donations  !! | ||
| Bartimus |
$4000, good job Alex!!! congratulations!!!  | ||
| Stingaroo |
Congrats Alexander, you will have to burn me a copy of that cd. I finally got back online, I am going to spend some time reading about all the new strange people you have meet, and check out some of those pics. Alex, I will catch you this weekend, you can tell me some more of your adventures then Are your front forks fixed yet? | ||
| Firemanjim |
Which reminds me,Alex,I owe you some money from our trip,send me an address and I'll get a donation check off to ya. | ||
| Awprior |
Today I got the CD in the mail from Newfie (Thanks a ton!), so the tale continues... I left you at the eastern end of Zion National Park. It was now Bartimus, Jim A and myself heading through the rest of Utah: Bart checking the map, close to the Black Canyon in Utah:  Some of the scenery in Utah. Notice the desert that eventually fades to a green plateau. And we did run into the rain you can see... The top of many mountain passes we hit along the way.  A view of where we had just come from:  And where we were about to go. The switchbacks in this area were amazing. The clouds continued to get thicker and thicker. Time to don the rain gear and button up the luggage.   Two tubers, and the FJR  We passed through the desert areas, and into some really beautuful GREEN country, which we hadn't seen much of in the past few days. It's a big departure from the scorched areas of California and Utah we had seen earlier. The pictures don't do this view justice, it's amazing how big everything is.  After running through an incredible rain storm (the one in the previous pictures), meeting a guy that lives all of 15 miles from my house on a BMW (with a very bald rear tire, we stopped for lunch and said goodbye to Jim, as he was headed towards the North West to meet up with some friends on his month off from the Air Force. Bart made numerous attempts to call work and let them know he wasn't going to be in the next day, he had a bit more riding to do. I must say the guy is dedicated, his employment was definitely in jeapordy at this point.  And a few more pics to end that day, heading towards Blanding, Utah.   Tomorrow I'll have more pics and some of the stuff out of my journal from Utah, and then Colorado.   | ||
| Bubabuell |
Keep 'em coming. I'm enjoying the pics and stories.  | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
nice to hear more about your ride, Alex, and the pix are awesome. i'll be riding UT 12 on Saturday, can't wait to see it in real life. see you in two weeks. ride to lean, FB | ||
| Newfie_buell |
I am glad the cd is working!!! | ||
| Awprior |
As we camped out in Blanding, UT, a few memories... Blanding is a dry town... Bart and I went to the local grocery store. After asking where me may find some beer (in a dry town), we were directed to a joint about 5 miles south of us. As we went back to our bikes, I said something about losing my sunglasses about 200 miles back, and believe it or not (Bart can back this up), they were sitting on the back end of my cam cover. Who would have thunk it. So we ran through town, on our all-so-quiet tubers, and found the joint south of town that sold beer. We picked up a few beers and headed back to the motel. After kikcing tires in the parking lot (and me setting of Bart's bike alarm and interupting what we figured was a bible lesson with the family above us, we had a few beers and decided that the hot tub would be a great way to end the day of riding. So we go to the hot tub, I've got on a pair of board shorts, Bart decides to wear freakin spandexshorts, scaring the locals. The entire pool area clears, all ours. Cool (Bart and I am convinced we pissed off Jebadiah Bueller with the whole thing). We head back to the room to crash, it was a long day or riding. | ||
| Bartimus |
Ha ha, Alex! Yea, that dry town was classic. I warned you, I knew how to clear a room, and I didn't even have to fart! Don't forget the "gift" we left behind for the cleaning lady.  It was great meeting and riding with you, here is a parting shot of you on some of those great roads between Mt Zion, and Blanding on your mighty M2.   "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy crap...what a ride!" | ||
| Tripper |
"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy crap...what a ride!" AMEN! | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Bart, When Alex finally made it to my place I think thats what he said. "Holy Crap.....what a ride!!!" Even Colleen (my lovely wife) commented that he looked tired!!! | ||
| Iamike |
Not as nice as the tip we left the cleaning gal in New Hampshire. I had a bunch of Canadian coins and so did Bill that we didn't want to mess with. So we left her about $5 Canadian in loose change. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Regrets...yes, I shoulda told the inlaws to go to hell and gone on that ride! | ||
| Iamike |
Charlie- Several years ago I told my wife "One of these days you're going to wake up and realize that your life has gone by and all you've done is clean the house and kept the yard nice. I'm not going to let that happen to me!" Hence, I go on these trips when I can and if she isn't interested well (Did you see any pics of her in my thread?) | ||
| Bartimus |
Charlie, sometimes you just have to take the risk and go ride. For me, riding is my highest priority. My family knows how passionate I am about riding, and a job is just that, a job. I can find another. To me, nothing is better than carving up some fine roads in the company of fellow Hooligans. I have always lived to ride, and now, as Ferris says, I ride to Lean... | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Bart & Mike, Colleen feels the same way about my riding, this past weekend I spent with the family and we had a great time, but late Friday night, Sat night I spent wrenching on the S1 (stator back in now) and that damm DR650's clutch. Yesterday morning she tells me to take the bike out and go ride, I left around 11am and never got back until 5:30pm or so. Didn't put a lot of miles on but rode on some of the nicest roads with fantastic scenery you will ever experience. Stopped at a couple roadside cafes along the way for coffee and local desserts, met up with a lot of other bikers and just had some great conversations. Its like everyone had their bikes out yesterday. Apart from "da boys" being here in August one of the best days so far this year. You should never wait and let life pass you by, the work, the house, chores, kids and everything else will be there in a week or two when you get back. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
I think you guys underestimate my wife's passion for riding. She's already told me if I get an October class date for recruiting she's going to Ferrisville without me! | ||
| Awprior |
Bart, Great quote. Another one of my favorites my dad told me, 'Blessed are those who dream dreams and are willing to pay the price to make those dreams come true...' That becomes more and more true to me every day. And yes, that was a heck of a ride. I haven't yet managed to take the tank off of the bike that you all signed, but need to do it soon so all of the signatures are preserved. It brings back too many memories right now when I'm winding down the road. | ||
| Awprior |
The next morning, Bart and I headed out to fire up the steeds, check oil and get some breakfast. Bart's S2 decided it didn't want to leave town, so it fouled the plugs. After a bit of cleaning and filing, the bike was ready to head down the road.  After fueling up, Bart and I parted ways, Bart headed back to Phoenix to work on a new job, and I headed to Colorado via US666. I just had to take that road, Oz would be proud. The western end of Colorado to Durango was great. Lots of twisties, and not a whole lot of traffic.  I saw an S1 in Durango, which was very cool. Aside from those I had been riding with, there weren't a whole lot of bikes around. I wish I could have explored the town a bit more, but there wasn't a whole lot open as it was Sunday. I stopped just north of Durango to stretch my legs, and get a picture of the mountains headed up towards Silverton. They look big, and I was right.  I also had to stop and get a picture of this:  Which was the Durango-Silverton railroad. The sound of a steam locomotive rolling by 10 feet from me was very impressive!  US 550 ran north from Durango to Silverton, Ouray and on to Montrose. I'm sure that this road was created with Buellers in mind. It had facinating views, along with lots of changed in elevation ad twisties. Going up the mountains was great, as there was a passing zone. Coming down was a different story, you get somewhat sick of smelling red hot RV brakes after a few miles.  Coal Bank Pass, between Durango and Silverton. There is a noticible difference in air density at this elevation, and the Buell can feel it.  One big right turn past the Coal Bank pass was this view, complete with, yes, snow, and a few guys I met up with from Texas. No, they didn't know Blake.  Silverton is just over the rise on the left of this picture. I can't imagine how much snow they must get here in the winter. There were a number of ski resorts in this area.  The Miner's Tavern in Silverton. The 'Welcome Bikers' sign was cool, but not anywhere near as cool as the 'track parked out front.  Bart had recommended a place called the Handlebar Inn or something for lunch, but I stopped at the Miner's place 'cause the bike was already parked. After a very filling meal of country fried steak and talking with some of the locals about the trip and exactly what a Buell was, I was off again headed towards Ouray. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture at Red Mountain pass, at 11,000 feet, I was too busy enjoying the roads! On the way back down the mountains towards Montrose, I stopped to snap this picture, and escape some of the brake fumes from the RVs that clogged the road. A gentleman stopped in his Vette, and asked if my Buell was enjoying the roads. I said of course, but I might be having more fun! He had been looking into getting an XB, but I forgot to tell him about Badweb.  Just outside of Montrose is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. I had intended on stopping here for an afternoon break and for some pictures, but the road to the park was under construction, and the looming rain clouds forced me to continue on my way. This was taken at what I remember as Gunnison Lake, where the the river dumps into the lake.  This area was gorgeous, I took more time taking in the roads and the scenery than taking pictures. This is the northeastern end of Monarch Pass, at 11312 feet, according to my map. The temperatures here were a brisk 45 or so, which was much different than the heat I had left behind in Utah. Again, notice the snow on the peaks.  The ride from Monarch Pass into the plains of Colorado was spectacular as well. This was taken around Salida, I believe, on Route 50. The road followed this creek or river for miles, sticking to every twist and turn.  Long days on the road and partying with new friends was beginning to take it's toll, and I decided to make Canon City, CO my end destination for the night. They were having Fiddle Days or something, so I grabbed a room and walked across the street to a park overlooking the Arkansas River and listen to some old school country, sipped a few beers and grabbed some chow. That evening, the Buell stayed in the room with me, a few kids thought it would be a good jungle gym. Usually, I let people sit on the bike, but tonight wasn't the night for that.  Today's route: US 666E->US160E->US550N->US50E. That's all for today, I need to get some stuff prepared for life's next step, my first 'real' job interview as an Engineer with Case in New Holland, PA, which happens tomorrow morning. Hope the rain holds off so I can ride! | ||
| Denisea |
Alex, VTC. Brings back memories. First night in Canon City I camped out. COULD NOT BELIEVE the bazillion stars in the perfectly clear sky! Thanks for the spectaculofabulous pics. FB will be looking at the archives in a few weeks on his return. Good luck on the interview, but you don't need to hear that, it's probably a given that you are already on the payroll...just be sure you let them know in advance you'll need a few days off a week EVERY week for the stuff that really matters.... | ||
| Kandie |
It's beautiful out there. Last year on our way to Durango Dave's bike broke down in Salida. | ||
| Court |
Fond memories of "the million dollar highway". I assume you saw the avalanche tunnels? Coolimaximus ! | ||
| Tripper |
Hey Alex; remember Phil Swope, the security chief at the KC assembly plant?  During your visit we got to talking about Corvair's. (That is an old car that Chevrolet made before you were born. Kinda like a VW bug that handles well.) Well Phil has a Corvair that he loves, and today I was able to hand him a factory assembly manual which my father lifted from the Willow Run Assembly plant during his tenure there. Phil was VERY happy. He asked how you did on your trip, and is very impressed with you. | ||
| Bartimus |
Alex, that would be Blue Mesa lake, I believe, Gunnison is just up the road... | ||
| Awprior |
It's been a while since I've hung any posts on this thread, the past few weeks have been, well, fun to say the least. I've made it to my last semester of college and pretty much have just been hanging out with my friends and sipping brews. I've turned another page in my book of life, I will finally have a 'real' engineering job beginning in January with Deere and Co. in Dubuque, IA. It's the same plant I've been a co-op at for the last 4 years. It's an ok town, right on the Mississippi and there are some pretty decent roads for that part of the country. On with the pictures... The next stage of the trip was to be from Canon City, CO to Kansas City, MO, which I found out, is a long long way when you consider the amount of construction I ran into crossing Kansas. I left Canon City around 5 am, 50 degrees, with rain and a whole lot of fog. There were numerous lookout in Eastern Colorado, but there was little else to see other than a lot of fog. I had my first encounter with some of the local Law at probaby 6 am. I was stuck behind two FedEx rigs, going maybe 45 in ••••, on the straightest road I've ever seen, but still had a double yellow line on it. One of the trucks slowed a bit and pulled to the shoulder, and I passed him. Passed his friend a few minutes later and then found out that the Crown Vic that had been behind us for a good 30 miles was indeed an unmarked car. Turns out the guy is a rider as well, so I didn't get a ticket, and he was cool enough to sign my tank. Disaster averted.  Lots of flat farmland. I managed to get in about an hour of sleep when I was stopped here for the construction. Nice mid day nap.  So the plan was to meet some of the KC Mob guys in Salina, KS and proceed to Kansas City. Well, I was pretty far behind to say the least, and rolled into town about 4 hours after they had arrived. And we still had an additional 4 hours of riding ahead of us.  |
