RIDE REPORT During Covid, 13 States & Some Spectacular Riding

[DK Custom Products]

RIDE REPORT During Covid, 13 States & Some Spectacular Riding

We did not think we were going to get any Big Trips (or any trips for that matter) in this year with everything going on with the lockdowns.

Well, we decided to take off on September 4th, 2020 for a little over a month of riding in some of the most spectacular areas of the USA.

Our plans were foiled from the get-go. I hurt my back a week before we were due to leave, so we were not able to leave until the afternoon of the 7th....and take it easy.

We had to cancel our plans to go to Yellowstone.

We set out from Mississippi, crossing thru Tennessee, Arkansas and into Missouri the first day.

We stopped at Boomland toward the end of the day. They have a huge selection of hot sauces there, and we usually stop there once a year.

We are traveling across all the long boring (they were interesting the first 50 times) interstate miles with our Toy Hauler. We want to RIDE in the mountains and twistys.

During these times it is especially nice to not stay in motel beds or be eating out.

See the Report on why we are enjoying our Motorcycle Riding even More the last two years HERE.

Screen capture from video footage for a Youtube video along the road-

After crossing thru Iowa into Nebraska....over a thousand miles of this separates us from our house and where we want to ride...

...crossing into Wyoming we are surprised to see snow. Turns out if we had left on the 4th, when planned, we would have been traveling this road during a snowstorm...

Even after the storm, while we were traveling this road, it was 36* F. Stopped in Laramie for the night. Snow piled up in the parking lot, lows in the 20's tonight.

Quite a difference between when we left and it was 95* F.

...we made it to the Grand Tetons!

Put the drone up and got some good video of the sunset, here are a couple of screen caps.

We did not get to ride in the Grand Tetons, back is still pretty bad, and I can't even swing my leg over the seat.

We did drive thru, and later in this report we'll do a flashback to some of the photo's we got along the way.

After passing thru the corner of Colorado, then thru Utah, we are in Idaho to visit family.

We stopped at Shoshone Falls...

...for the afternoon, before heading on to Meridian.

My back is getting better, and we should be able to ride soon.

More to come soon.

Kevin

 

[Jack Klarich]

Nice trip, sorry to hear about your back. That can be a real bummer trying to ride like that. Been there done that. Looking forward to your posts. Travel safe

 

[ultrafxr]

Nice report and photos. Glad you're getting better . . . and ready for E AZ next week!

 

[ol' school]

Sorry to hear about your back Kevin. I know what that is all about... Glad to see you and Mary are on the road! Look forward to following the trip! Ride safe!!!

 

[BILLIJAK]

Sorry to hear about your health issues...getting older - like 'stock bikes' suck!

Glad you were able to get on the road and visit family in the west. Hope you have safe travels to E Arizona on your way back...it sounds like a great little get together.

I had plans and hotel room lined up for next week ... I was going to bring my Freewheeler down and leave for the winter. Already to leave next week...really looking forward to meeting everybody. Very disappointed I can't make it for the Oct. camp and ride.

But, very, very happy as well...our son called over the weekend........and he and his girl friend are getting married!! Yea!! They've been together quite awhile. Date of wedding? October 2nd. So, of course family takes priority.

Hope to see you on the road again, sometime.

Bill

 

[BILLIJAK]

Disappointed, but very, very Happy

I had room reservations in Springerville for Sept 30th thru Oct 3rd. Really looking forward to meeting everybody at the Eastern Arizona mini get together. Very disappointed I had to cancel my hotel and change my travel plans.

But, very, very happy as well! Our son called to tell us he and his longtime girlfriend are getting married!

Date of the wedding? October 2nd! So, no way to make the ride to AZ....but totally worth it!

I hope everyone has a great time next week, beautiful part of the state....please say hi to Kevin and Mary for me, and looking forward to the annual AZ ride in 2021?

Bill

@@@ meant this to go in Eastern Arizona Thread @@@ Sorry

 

[PosseRider]

Good to hear you are feeling better. We took Lola to Shoshone Falls last year on our trip West to all the Natl Parks. Your getting better & I am getting worse., We will trailer out to Az ,this will be my last riding this year.I think it is the rotator cuff. Have an appt shortly after we get home. Gettin old is a B@tch Cya soon. Bill & Janiene

 

[DK Custom Products]

Nice trip, sorry to hear about your back. That can be a real bummer trying to ride like that. Been there done that. Looking forward to your posts. Travel safe

Hey Jack,

Back is about 90% now and we've been riding. Some in Idaho, then the Million Dollar Highway and in some of the national parks in Utah. Taking lots of video and photos. Will be posting them us as time allows.

Nice report and photos. Glad you're getting better . . . and ready for E AZ next week!

Hi Jerry, guess you'll be hitting the road soon. See you in Arizona.

Sorry to hear about your back Kevin. I know what that is all about... Glad to see you and Mary are on the road! Look forward to following the trip! Ride safe!!!

Yes, we're making up for lost time riding. lol No time to post any photo's recently. Soon!

Sorry to hear about your health issues...getting older - like 'stock bikes' suck!

Glad you were able to get on the road and visit family in the west. Hope you have safe travels to E Arizona on your way back...it sounds like a great little get together.

I had plans and hotel room lined up for next week ... I was going to bring my Freewheeler down and leave for the winter. Already to leave next week...really looking forward to meeting everybody. Very disappointed I can't make it for the Oct. camp and ride.

But, very, very happy as well...our son called over the weekend........and he and his girl friend are getting married!! Yea!! They've been together quite awhile. Date of wedding? October 2nd. So, of course family takes priority.

Hope to see you on the road again, sometime.

Bill

Hi Bill,

Great news about your son. Gonna miss you in AZ. Congrats on the growing family.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Good to hear you are feeling better. We took Lola to Shoshone Falls last year on our trip West to all the Natl Parks. Your getting better & I am getting worse., We will trailer out to Az ,this will be my last riding this year.I think it is the rotator cuff. Have an appt shortly after we get home. Gettin old is a B@tch Cya soon. Bill & Janiene

Thanks.

Yeah, but it is better than the alternative!!!

Hope you have a good trip out, and we'll see you in AZ.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Short Flashback....

...Got a few more photos of the Grand Teton National Park.

Another sunset photo, showing our traveling home on the road...

*

...next morning. What a view, no matter how many times we're here, this place is amazing.

Mary and I at Jackson Lake

Leaving Shoshone falls we are crossing the Snake River and see these crazy guys climbing over the rails to jump down...

...into the canyon. Parachutes, helmets and a GoPro......and some folks say riding a motorcycle is dangerous. hahahaha

They jumped out of view-

We made it to Meridian, Idaho. Spent a few days visiting family. My back is better enough that we got a bit of riding in.

Next we're headed off to see Alan (FuzzyWuzHe) in Grand Junction. We stopped at this gas station in Green River. Yes, this is a gas station, but the dust storm is so strong you can't see the pumps.

Made it to Grand Junction....Kevin, FBG and Alan...

...and KIRA...

...Kira Action Photo.

Next we're off to Ouray, Box Canyon, Million Dollar Highway, Molas Pass and more...finally, we'll be doing a lot of riding.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

We are staying 15 miles outside of Ouray, and my back is much better.

Today we're riding the Million Dollar Highway...

...aka 550. Mary in the Mirror as we head out...

...on the 550 now...

...getting closer. Yes, that is smoke, fog, snow and glaciers in this pic...about 10 miles outside of Ouray.

The stream beside the road, that is beginning to get curvy...almost there!

As we get closer to Ouray, the canyon walls get closer to the road.

The town of Ouray is a bit of a tourist trap, but there are some good eats here also. Because of CoVid were not stopping....the main street is maybe a mile long...

...then you are on the fun part....between Ouray and Durango, the Million Dollar Highway.

Barely outside of Ouray, looking back at it-

More in next post.

*

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

I don't know how many times we've ridden the Million Dollar Highway (it's one of our favorites), but in the dozen or so times, we've never stopped at the Box Canyon Falls.* Today we are stopping.

*

Only a couple times I've run across this sign.

Parking for the short walk to the falls...

Sure nuff, that sign was right. I count 4 chipmunks and 1 bird in this pic-

Walking toward the falls, we are about halfway down...

...looking up you can see the walkway at the top of the canyon.

Still about halfway down, you can see the water thru the cracks in the canyon wall...

Down at the bottom...

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

This water flows out into a stream that runs a bit behind Main Street of Ouray...

Mary getting one last pic before we head back up.

The way out of the parking lot for Box Canyon Falls led us back down into the back streets of Ouray. Someone has a good sense of humor. What a fantastic view!

Back on the MDH, just coming out of a tunnel...

...the views are spectacular, and we have not even really started yet.

Pulled over at the first scenic outlook, there is a waterfall to Mary's right, and across the canyon...

...wow, we have never seen this waterfall flowing so little water.

Yes, that is a construction zone just a bit past the bridge, the road is narrowed down to a single lane.

While here some other bikers stopped off to look. One of them was from the Northeast and saw our plate. Turns out he is a Customer of DK Custom. We chatted for a bit.

That's all for now. Will post more as time allows.

*

Kevin

 

[hogcowboy]

14mph, not 15mph. That sure looks like a speed-trap to me.:Shrug:

 

[DK Custom Products]

14mph, not 15mph. That sure looks like a speed-trap to me.:Shrug:

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Another photo of the waterfall...this one showing the pool at the bottom.

Photo of Mary at the waterfall. The ceramic coating on the TG is holding up well, makes it pop. It has not been washed or wiped down in thousands of miles.

Instead of dealing with the traffic that is piled up from the construction today, we decide to explore more around Ouray. This is a little section of the MDH between the falls and Ouray.

Roads like this are why we ride. Love seeing those "fun ahead" signs!

Mary wants to see the "Baby Bathtubs"...

Let's park and go for a little hike...

...there are hundreds of these, and they're all dry. We'll have to come back earlier in the year, when there is more snow melt.

Back on the TG, we climb up the side of the canyon wall outside of Ouray...

...the asphalt road dead ends at a campground. We turn around and have a great view of the town of Ouray on the way done.

Back on the 550, aka MDH, aka Million Dollar Highway. This road is in our top ten to ride...both because of the views and it is just a road that begs to be ridden with all the curves.

Will post more as time allows.

*

Kevin

 

[ol' school]

Awesome pics as usual Mary! Ride safe you two!

 

[DK Custom Products]

Awesome pics as usual Mary! Ride safe you two!

I passed on your compliment to her. Yep, best yet to come.


Yep! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Coming back down into Ouray...

...did not stop at all in town. On the Ridgeway side of Ouray now...

...the curves are nice and the scenery fantastic! Rock face on the right and stream on the left.

Uh-Oh...noticed my engine temp was higher than normal. Could not figure out why at first.

Then I checked the coolant overflow tank and it was bone dry...

In close to 100,000 miles of riding on Twin Cooled bikes I have never had to do anything at all with the coolant system. But this was just the start of a learning curve. I did a little online research and found some compatible coolant (no HD dealerships for many miles in any direction) along with a funnel, and filled up the coolant overflow tank to the appropriate level, then followed the bleed procedure.

Back on the road and everything seems fine. Stopped for these deer to cross, and watched them go up the hillside.

Mary and I near the lake where we're camped...

...Mary in front of a part of the lake that is dry right now. The red arrow is pointing to where we are camped, with the mountains in the background.

Looks like fire in the hill near where we're camped...though there are some fires around, this is just the start of the sun dropping below the hill.

A little later, the sunset has more color, the TG is really dusty, and the moon is full. What a great day of riding and exploring a bit.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Today is a perfect day to ride the Million Dollar Highway...Both directions.* Also, a little ride around Silverton.

Headed out from camp, looking off to the right...

...and then off to the left, catching the sun just right. The views are spectacular, and we're not even to the good part yet.

What a view!

I like the sign too. Narrow roads, 7-8% grades, steep drop-offs. They forgot "lots of curves". lol

Here we go! 550, aka, Million Dollar Highway! The fun riding road and the views are equally stimulating.

There are more than a few places where the road is being tempted to fall off into the canyon.

Stunning- A look back...

A couple of Trikes enjoying the road this morning!

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

MDH, Silverton & Molas Pass contnued-

Wow!* My windshield & mirrors are dirty!* Does not take away from how much fun this road is!

Mary in the mirror, and a look at the road carved into the side of the mountain.

Ok, this is why I'm here! There are a lot of these "fun ahead" signs...

...hmmm, 15 mph? 35 mph sounds better!

I know the scenery is fantastic, and I do appreciate it, BUT, we have no roads like this where we live, so I am thoroughly enjoying them!!!

Another look back...yes, it is the same view as about 25 curves ago, just a bit further away.

Lots more to come, as time allows for posting.

Kevin

 

[ultrafxr]

Yup that is definitely the black CVO TG. The wheels and the striping give it away. A lady in our local H.O.G. chapter has one.

 

[hogcowboy]

Were y'all going to or coming from the trike gathering up north at the time of these photos? I think it was in Deadwood or some place near Sturgis.:Shrug:

 

[DK Custom Products]

Yeah CVO.

Yup that is definitely the black CVO TG. The wheels and the striping give it away. A lady in our local H.O.G. chapter has one.

I did not notice the striping, but the low profile tires is what I keyed in on.

Were y'all going to or coming from the trike gathering up north at the time of these photos? I think it was in Deadwood or some place near Sturgis.:Shrug:

We were not. Visit to family near Boise, ID, then on to Utah & Colorado for some riding, then on to Arizona for a meet-up and riding with Trikers. (see Eastern Arizona thread on the get together, right here on Trike Talk - https://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/57582-Eastern-Arizona )

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Continuing the ride on the Million Dollar Highway-

Another "Fun Ahead" sign...

...this road is just a blast to ride...

...and it is always very scenic. But today we are seeing so much of the fall colors...

...that it really presents a conundrum. Concentrate on tearing up the road (which is a blast) or sit back and enjoy the amazing sights...

...We end up doing a little of both.

Lotta bikes on the road today, here are some fellow travelers.

A look back...

*...a look to the right...

...a look up...

...we both agree, this is the best "fall colors" we've ever seen, AND it is the best of the many times we've ridden the MDH.

We're not even to Silverton yet, and that is approx. the half-way mark.

More to come as time allows for posting.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Coming into the Red Mountain Mining Community.

5.5 mile tunnel!!!

A look over the info sign to some of the old infrastructure.

Leaving the RMMC, this road...

...just begs to be ridden...

...that is, if you like the curves!

A look back as we head to the summit of Red Mountain Pass. What amazing views!

I did not realize, until looking at this photo, that Red Mountain Summit was this high. For some reason Molas Pass feels higher.

Over 11,000 feet! A look back at the summit.

So glad to be riding this road...

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

...it is an absolute blast to ride.

A look back.

Mary, holding the camera way out off the side at 55 mph thru the curves.

Spectacular views! It took us 1500+ miles to get here, but it's worth it!

Just amazing, this is a shot looking back as we come down the hill into Silverton.

View from road right outside of Silverton.

We've spent a few days in Silverton a couple of years ago. We decide to ride on, Molas Pass is just 7 miles ahead.

We do not get very far before I realize that the coolant I added yesterday was not doing the job. We stopped to call the Harley Store in Silverton to see if they have coolant there.

They do, so after taking in the view a bit...

...we head back thru the curves to Silverton.

More of todays adventures as time allows for posting.

*

Kevin

 

[cScjhb]

Thanks Kevin. I've done the MDH 3 times but never during "colors". WOW! What scenery. And the almost total absence of guard rails is sure obvious in your pictures. High pucker factor..... Jim