I am planning my 2018 motorcycle trip. Big picture idea is to ride up the east coast, across the southern part of Canada, through the Canadian Rockies, tour the Top of the World highway, and possibly visit my cousin in Barrow Alaska. For the return trip, I’ll enjoy an alternate route southward to the US border, see the Big Sky country of Montana, ride through Yellowstone and the Tetons before heading back to the southeast and home to Atlanta. … Read More
“This isn’t a tale of derring-do, nor is it merely some kind of ‘cynical account’; it isn’t meant to be, at least…. In nine months a man can think a lot of thoughts, from the height of philosophical conjecture to the most abject longing for a bowl of soup – in perfect harmony with the state of his stomach. And if, at the same time, he’s a bit of an adventurer, he could have experiences which might interest other people … Read More
Riding on dirt and gravel roads is 75% in your head and 25% using good skills. While I have not yet taken a skills course with a professional instructor, I choose to ride a good amount of off road trails. I look forward to taking the BMW Off-Road Course in Spartanburg, SC to further build skills and confidence. The tips I gained (so far) from people at the BMW Rally, the MSF course, and others are: Keep feet firmly on the … Read More
After spending time with family and friends, I left Heber on the Lake Creek dirt road, over the mountain to Currant Creek, then onward to Vernal, Utah. Enjoyed pizza at Antica Forma in Vernal. Route 191 heads north from Vernal toward Flaming Gorge. Within Ashley National Forest, dispersed camping is possible (as well as several campgrounds).
Most of my route through Utah was inspired by the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route.
I approached Monument Valley from Kayenta, AZ. While I have visited Monument Valley many times, this time felt like I was seeing this special place for the first time. I arrived at mid-day, the lighting for photographs was not ideal. I left Grand Canyon early to avoid traveling through the Cameron area during the heat of the day. It might be possible to find nice Lodging in Kayenta to enjoy this part of the drive in the morning light. There … Read More
I visited Grand Canyon twice on this trip. I stayed one night at a motel in Tusayan and on the return trip, I stayed in the Mather Campground (easily booked at https://www.recreation.gov). I enjoy the camping better than hotels. The Mather Campground is a large campground, the sites are positioned close to each other, and my campsite did not have water or electricity. If was a little walk to the bathrooms. My campsite was reserved with only 2 days advance … Read More
Weather became a primary influence on my trip itinerary. From the early days of the trip out maneuvering thunder storms, to additional nights spent in hotel rooms, to adjusting the route to minimize hot hours in the sun, monitoring the weather was critical. AccuWeather was the primary application that I used. Using the hour by hour view for my current and planned locations was helpful. I found the radar maps to provide the best information to adjust my route. Riding … Read More
Lake Havasu and Parker have many activities; but visit when the weather is favorable. Temperatures ranged from 105 to 117F during my visit. We spent more time indoors and site seeing from an air conditioned SUV. From off road riding, boating, classic cars, and even taking a ferry across to the Casino, there are many things to enjoy. I especially enjoyed the company of my good friends and their dogs.
Each person’s style of packing will reflect their personal preference. I tested my packing approach before starting the long road trip. Here are my tips based on my experience and preference. Take everything you need – and nothing that you don’t (except emergency tools and first aid kit) Stuff expands to the available space Keep the things you need on the road easily accessible Organization helps A packing routine helps insure you don’t leave things behind For my luggage, my organization method … Read More
