Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday July 10th, 2011 Omaha to Portage, Indiana 519 miles
I left Omaha about 1000, crossed the Missouri River into Iowa, and headed east towards Des Moines, then Illinois. Based on discussions with my friends, and taking into consideration road closures due to flooding, I decided to hit the direct route towards Chicago, bypass it to the south, then head directly towards Buffalo and Rochester. It was the 3 Hs weather-wise. Hot, humid, and hazy. Actually it was more overcast most of the way to the Illinois border, where it was fairly sunny. The scenery was corn, corn and more corn, and the same in Illinois. Quite boring after the first few miles. At least there were some bends, and slight rises in the road. The only things of note were crossing the Mississippi into Illinois, and also the amount of road works and lane closures. A good job it was Sunday. I realized the day after seeing many bikes heading west in the morning, all loaded up, then those in the afternoon out for a spin, shorts, tanks tops and no helmets. It is ones choice. I could never ride a Harley in shorts, my engines get too hot. One would sear the legs more than getting gravel rash. So tomoorw I head for Macedon, New York, until Wednesday, then across the border into Canada at Buffalo.
Saturday July 9th, 2011 Kearney to Omaha, Nebraska about 190 miles
Just a short ride to Omaha to visit some friends, and stay the night with them. I had the tour of Omaha, and was really surprised as to how open the city was, with lots of green space and parks. It is a nice city. We did visit the river front to see the Missouri River. It is incredible how high, and fast the river is running. The spot we were standing was above a river walk, with tables, chairs and umbrellas. The only visible objects were the tops of the umbrellas, and apparently it is starting to recede. The river front area is really well developed for the public, and well done. The downtown was humming with locals out for Saturday night, and we spent some time in the old quarter. Like I said I was impressed with the city. I did get to see where the local celebrity lived, Warren Buffet’s house. A little different from the one owned by his buddy, Bill Gates.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Friday July 8th, 2011 Parachute to Kearney, Nebraska - 573 miles
A tale of two totally different rides. One of the problems of trying to recap the day’s sights is that you cannot remember it all. One needs a microphone to make verbal notes as you ride.
It was a great morning for a ride, cool and clear. Cool enough for my jacket. Leaving Parachute and heading East on I70, following the Colorado river, and whence the river goes, so does the road. For the first 60 or so miles, the road cuts through a canyon heading into the Rockies. I really like to ride the North Cascades, but this was something else. Heading East, the river is alongside the road, in fact, if you fell over the barrier wall you would end up in the river. And it is not a slow meandering river at this point. Fast with rapids. The railway line is the other side of the river. Another example of how the engineers really pulled out all the stops to build the railway, then again the road. Much of it is raised on pylons, crossing the river at times. Quite a magnificent sight to ride it, with the red granite sides of the canyon reaching to the sky. The landscape then broadens out into a kind of plain, still following the river, with the actual Rockies in the distance. Next up was Vail. I decided to pay a visit, so rode around the village, viewing all the sights. ‘No street parking’ was posted everywhere, although there was a parking garage free for the summer. I did the grand tour on my bike, getting a few odd looks. It was quite deserted, I guess the rich and famous were off doing their thing, whatever that is. Some of the cottages – mansions up on the high peaks were quite a sight. I have no idea how some drive up there, maybe they helicopter in. The actual town was really nice looking, very clean and obviously reeking dollars. Nothing like the ski resorts we have in Washington. Even Whistler seems cheaper in comparison.
I then continued east, over Vail Pass (over 10000 feet), and into the Rockies. The road still follows the river, although it is getting smaller and narrower as it nears its source. The scenery was still fantastic, and then into the Eisenhower Tunnel (elevation 11000+ feet). Once out of the tunnel, the highway descends for what seems ages, and eventually I arrived in Denver. It looked a lot like the pictures one sees, another modern city of high rises, so I decided to move on east.
Once out of Denver, the scenery changes to the prairies, for miles and miles. Quite different from the previous 150 miles. Flat and boring all the way to the Nebraska state line, where it continues for goodness knows how many miles. It was interesting that in Colorado, to the south of the highway was just the prairie, with no trees. To the north was actually agriculture, and trees. Obviously there was a water source for irrigation. Once I crossed into Nebraska, both sides were agriculture, mostly corn, mile after mile of it. Occasionally there were cattle ranches, which you knew were coming by the smell. Obviously not naturally fed. I had my longest stretch so far of road works in Nebraska, about 12 miles of filtered into the other lane traffic. So far it has not been too bad, where there have been road works or lane closures, there has been relatively little delay. At least they fix the roads, not like I5.
Like I said, the tale of two rides. One could have spent a few days just stopping along the road to Denver, the scenery was awesome. One thing of note to-day was that there was no shortage of towns along the way, with gas and services, unlike yesterday in Idaho and Utah.
So tomorrow I head for Omaha, to visit friends, then will head east again on Sunday. I think tomorrow is Saturday, time has disappeared again, there is just to-day.
It was a great morning for a ride, cool and clear. Cool enough for my jacket. Leaving Parachute and heading East on I70, following the Colorado river, and whence the river goes, so does the road. For the first 60 or so miles, the road cuts through a canyon heading into the Rockies. I really like to ride the North Cascades, but this was something else. Heading East, the river is alongside the road, in fact, if you fell over the barrier wall you would end up in the river. And it is not a slow meandering river at this point. Fast with rapids. The railway line is the other side of the river. Another example of how the engineers really pulled out all the stops to build the railway, then again the road. Much of it is raised on pylons, crossing the river at times. Quite a magnificent sight to ride it, with the red granite sides of the canyon reaching to the sky. The landscape then broadens out into a kind of plain, still following the river, with the actual Rockies in the distance. Next up was Vail. I decided to pay a visit, so rode around the village, viewing all the sights. ‘No street parking’ was posted everywhere, although there was a parking garage free for the summer. I did the grand tour on my bike, getting a few odd looks. It was quite deserted, I guess the rich and famous were off doing their thing, whatever that is. Some of the cottages – mansions up on the high peaks were quite a sight. I have no idea how some drive up there, maybe they helicopter in. The actual town was really nice looking, very clean and obviously reeking dollars. Nothing like the ski resorts we have in Washington. Even Whistler seems cheaper in comparison.
I then continued east, over Vail Pass (over 10000 feet), and into the Rockies. The road still follows the river, although it is getting smaller and narrower as it nears its source. The scenery was still fantastic, and then into the Eisenhower Tunnel (elevation 11000+ feet). Once out of the tunnel, the highway descends for what seems ages, and eventually I arrived in Denver. It looked a lot like the pictures one sees, another modern city of high rises, so I decided to move on east.
Once out of Denver, the scenery changes to the prairies, for miles and miles. Quite different from the previous 150 miles. Flat and boring all the way to the Nebraska state line, where it continues for goodness knows how many miles. It was interesting that in Colorado, to the south of the highway was just the prairie, with no trees. To the north was actually agriculture, and trees. Obviously there was a water source for irrigation. Once I crossed into Nebraska, both sides were agriculture, mostly corn, mile after mile of it. Occasionally there were cattle ranches, which you knew were coming by the smell. Obviously not naturally fed. I had my longest stretch so far of road works in Nebraska, about 12 miles of filtered into the other lane traffic. So far it has not been too bad, where there have been road works or lane closures, there has been relatively little delay. At least they fix the roads, not like I5.
Like I said, the tale of two rides. One could have spent a few days just stopping along the road to Denver, the scenery was awesome. One thing of note to-day was that there was no shortage of towns along the way, with gas and services, unlike yesterday in Idaho and Utah.
So tomorrow I head for Omaha, to visit friends, then will head east again on Sunday. I think tomorrow is Saturday, time has disappeared again, there is just to-day.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Thursday July 7th, 2011 Twin Falls to Parachute, Colorado 567 miles.
Now I know where all the Idaho spuds are grown. Leaving Twin Falls on I84, one experiences mile after mile of potato fields, all being irrigated. I guess it is like the Yakima valley, only here it is the Snake River that supplies the water. Once the fields disappeared, it became much like the prairies, no trees, no fields, just open space. Mountains were in the distance at times, some with snow. Mile after mile until the Utah border,
Into Utah:
Water is definitely the differentiator, with more in these places, a lot more produce could be grown. With no activity, no towns, just nothing but prairies, not flat but small hills. This continued into Utah until I got near Brigham and Salt Lake. I was now riding I15, and this runs south with the lake on one side, and mountains on the other. I think 90% of the population in Utah must live in the corridor. You pass many malls, big box stores, and refineries, all packed together. Interestingly, the only high rise buildings seem to be in Salt Lake City. It looks like Seattle, with the snow capped mountains behind it. I stopped for a while to visit the Temple Square. If you think Seattle has a parking problem, try this place. At least Seattle has signs for ‘Public Parking’. I gave up looking and entered a private parking garage and asked where I could park. I think it must have been under a Mormon building as the attendant was dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. Anyway, he gave me directions. So I went to the Square. Very clean and scrubbed. The visitors center is quite something, with huge religious paintings et al. I wasn’t sure about photos, so didn’t. Interestingly the Temple seemed to be walled in, like a private space, unlike other cathedrals which are very open in aspect.
Temple Square:
On leaving I headed south, then cut off on US6 to Price. This was a great ride, into red canyons and over the mountains. I got a few sprinkles between Brigham and Price, it must have been holy water. Once past Price it was through the desert for 70 miles or so, and it started to get hot again. Nothing on this straight road, no gas either. I hit I70 and headed East towards Denver. Again for about 60 miles it was desert, at least there were signs warning of no services. It was odd seeing miles of nothing, with snow capped mountains in the far distance. Into Colorado, and the scenery changed, more green.
Utah heading towards Colorado:
Into Colorado:
I rode through Grand Junction, and there was the Colorado River alongside the road. Riding by the Colorado River in Colorado, how cool is that. We followed the river for miles, through canyons not unlike the Grand one. Very spectacular. So I decided to call it a day in Parachute, a brand new Comfort Inn, and you get AARP rates. I had little choice for a meal without firing up the bike, Mexican, Chinese or Subs. I elected for the former. It was fun. Real Mexicans, watching Mexico beat Germany 3-2 at soccer. They do get excited.
Colorado River near Parachute:
On to Denver tomorrow. Maybe I’ll reach Nebraska.
Into Utah:
Water is definitely the differentiator, with more in these places, a lot more produce could be grown. With no activity, no towns, just nothing but prairies, not flat but small hills. This continued into Utah until I got near Brigham and Salt Lake. I was now riding I15, and this runs south with the lake on one side, and mountains on the other. I think 90% of the population in Utah must live in the corridor. You pass many malls, big box stores, and refineries, all packed together. Interestingly, the only high rise buildings seem to be in Salt Lake City. It looks like Seattle, with the snow capped mountains behind it. I stopped for a while to visit the Temple Square. If you think Seattle has a parking problem, try this place. At least Seattle has signs for ‘Public Parking’. I gave up looking and entered a private parking garage and asked where I could park. I think it must have been under a Mormon building as the attendant was dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. Anyway, he gave me directions. So I went to the Square. Very clean and scrubbed. The visitors center is quite something, with huge religious paintings et al. I wasn’t sure about photos, so didn’t. Interestingly the Temple seemed to be walled in, like a private space, unlike other cathedrals which are very open in aspect.
Temple Square:
On leaving I headed south, then cut off on US6 to Price. This was a great ride, into red canyons and over the mountains. I got a few sprinkles between Brigham and Price, it must have been holy water. Once past Price it was through the desert for 70 miles or so, and it started to get hot again. Nothing on this straight road, no gas either. I hit I70 and headed East towards Denver. Again for about 60 miles it was desert, at least there were signs warning of no services. It was odd seeing miles of nothing, with snow capped mountains in the far distance. Into Colorado, and the scenery changed, more green.
Utah heading towards Colorado:
Into Colorado:
I rode through Grand Junction, and there was the Colorado River alongside the road. Riding by the Colorado River in Colorado, how cool is that. We followed the river for miles, through canyons not unlike the Grand one. Very spectacular. So I decided to call it a day in Parachute, a brand new Comfort Inn, and you get AARP rates. I had little choice for a meal without firing up the bike, Mexican, Chinese or Subs. I elected for the former. It was fun. Real Mexicans, watching Mexico beat Germany 3-2 at soccer. They do get excited.
Colorado River near Parachute:
On to Denver tomorrow. Maybe I’ll reach Nebraska.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Wednesday July 6th, 2011 Mill Creek to Twin Falls, ID. About 680 miles.
Heading out:
Left Mill Creek about 0700, headed for I90, over Snoqualmie Pass, then I82 to Yakima and Richland. Over the Columbia River into Oregon, and then picked up I84 to head South East. It was a great day for a ride, nice and cool first thing, in fact it was chilly going over the pass, but warmed up in Eastern Washington, and really got hot in Oregon. I did see a temperature gauge that said 98*F. It felt like it. Eastern Oregon is a bit like Washington, lots of nothing with a few towns in between. Once past Pendleton, there are hills, or small mountains, some still had snow on them. There are actually Blue Mountains en route, a surprise. I crossed into Idaho, around Boise, and on to Twin Falls for the night. This place looks a real tourist area, many families here, and riding into town there was an incredible view of a gorge and river. The sun was dead into the camera, so I’ll try to take it tomorrow. Eastern Idaho was more of the prairie type scenery. I was a bit surprised. I had expected more hills, and greenery.
To-day was really a shakedown run, settling into the routine of touring, and training the butt to be quiet. Actually the seat is stock, and not too bad. The bike ran well, totally different from other bikes, with a 6 speed and cruise control. I actually let it run from I90 to Pendleton, in 6th, up the passes no problem. It sure is nice to have the bigger gas tank as well, knowing I have at least 200 miles between gas stops. I think water stops become more frequent than gas stops with this heat.
Tomorrow it is into Utah, and possibly into Colorado.
Snake River at Twin Falls Idaho:
Left Mill Creek about 0700, headed for I90, over Snoqualmie Pass, then I82 to Yakima and Richland. Over the Columbia River into Oregon, and then picked up I84 to head South East. It was a great day for a ride, nice and cool first thing, in fact it was chilly going over the pass, but warmed up in Eastern Washington, and really got hot in Oregon. I did see a temperature gauge that said 98*F. It felt like it. Eastern Oregon is a bit like Washington, lots of nothing with a few towns in between. Once past Pendleton, there are hills, or small mountains, some still had snow on them. There are actually Blue Mountains en route, a surprise. I crossed into Idaho, around Boise, and on to Twin Falls for the night. This place looks a real tourist area, many families here, and riding into town there was an incredible view of a gorge and river. The sun was dead into the camera, so I’ll try to take it tomorrow. Eastern Idaho was more of the prairie type scenery. I was a bit surprised. I had expected more hills, and greenery.
To-day was really a shakedown run, settling into the routine of touring, and training the butt to be quiet. Actually the seat is stock, and not too bad. The bike ran well, totally different from other bikes, with a 6 speed and cruise control. I actually let it run from I90 to Pendleton, in 6th, up the passes no problem. It sure is nice to have the bigger gas tank as well, knowing I have at least 200 miles between gas stops. I think water stops become more frequent than gas stops with this heat.
Tomorrow it is into Utah, and possibly into Colorado.
Snake River at Twin Falls Idaho:
Monday, July 4, 2011
Ride for 2011
OK, so I hadn't really planned for a blog for this year, but a few people had asked so here I go. Nothing really spectacular for this one. I plan to ride to Toronto and back, but take in a few States I haven't ridden in before, like Colorado and Nebraska. I would like to avoid the Chicago area heading East, but may hit it home-bound. Also, Sturgis is happening the first week of August, so I may have to work out a bypass route for my return. Nothing against Sturgis, been there done that, but getting a motel in the area during the happening is hard, especially as the rates are jacked right up, and getting one for a night impossible. So the basic directions are below. I have a stay over in Omaha, and also Rochester NY to visit friends. Notice it is mostly Interstates, but that is to get the general direction of travel and I have no time constraints this year.
With such great weather, it looks like D day is Wednesday 6th July. The bike is cleaned and serviced, chomping at the bit; I haven’t packed yet, but have most things ready. I’ll update once on the road.
Theoretical route.
With such great weather, it looks like D day is Wednesday 6th July. The bike is cleaned and serviced, chomping at the bit; I haven’t packed yet, but have most things ready. I’ll update once on the road.
Theoretical route.
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