DK's Definitive Ride Report - Some of the Best Scenic Roads Out West - Tons of Photo'

[DK Custom Products]

Well you survived Sonora Pass...! And what a beautiful day it was! You get a great view of the backside of Yosemite huh. We ate a burger at Mono Cone in Lee Vining. One of those tasty little greasy spoon joints that are always the best. Glad you were able to travel that pass.

Oh,,, And I was informed by a lady at the burger joint... It is pronounced Moe Know. Mah Know is a disease. And they are not a disease dammit!

Yep, great ride!!! Thank you! Right next to the Lodge we stayed in is the towns little grocery store....I sat out front on the bench eating an ice cream, with a view of the lake and all the folks running thru town, while she was shopping getting our dinner and next days lunch.

Great photos & review of your epic trip.

Thank you!

I'm enjoying the trip. I live in Felton but moving to Eureka. Really love the pics.

Wow! Amazing place, feels so secluded up in the Redwoods, but just a half hour away and you're in the rat race city.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Today we're headed for Boulder City, NV. My brother lives there and a bunch of the family will be there celebrating my folks both turning 80 this year.

We know it's gonna be warm, so we left out of Lee Vining early...turns out, not early enough. lol

On our way-

Here's the route we're taking today-

It is deceptively cool this morning...with the fog still not burnt off, and still being at a higher elevation-

We're tempted to take a left and go down to the lake for a look around....but continue forward, knowing that it will be hotter this afternoon and wanting to make time.

As you can see in the map above, there is a little section where the road goes thru some trees...we are still over 6,000 feet elevation and going thru these trees is nice!

As the road meanders thru, we're lulled into a false hope...

...It is very nice riding. The early morning fog still hanging in the air is much denser in person than it appears in these photos.

Boom! That's it. Looking back at the trees we just rode thru...

...we're still up high, still cool and foggy....

...but it's all scrub brush and starting to burn off.

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 36 continued-

We have a lot of...

...pretty desolate miles to eat up today.

Welcome to Nevada!

The road surface it a bit different, but the land is pretty much the same...

...a look back...

...and a look ahead...

...I have the cruise set at 72 mph, the fog is burning off, there are curves and we're still at a relatively high elevation. Climbing and descending a bit here and there.

Interesting how this road is routed...we pass back into California for a bit...

...and then back into Nevada!

Soon after crossing back into Nevada we hit this fresh road....I'm thinking too fresh, not sure I want to ride on it, but it's not like there is any other route to take now. lol

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 36 continued-

A look back gives an idea how fresh the oil is on this new road.* I stayed away from the edges and avoided getting any splatter on the TG.*

Still on this new stuff, and chomping down the miles at 72 mph.

A couple of hours out from Boulder City, and it's starting to get warm.* 103*

We have never ridden thru Death Valley.* When planning this trip we decided if the weather was cool enough we would do it...BUT, it is Not very cool today, so, no ride across Death Valley for us this trip.

Around about 98* Mary starts getting uncomfortably warm.* Even with her cool vest, which helps, when it goes over 100*, she is not too happy.* Before we even started out today she decided she wanted to experiment-when it got warm, get a 5 lb. bag of ice and set it on her lap...and that is what we did!

She poked some holes in the bottom of the bag, so that as it melted the cold water would cool her down.

With her cool vest AND her first (double-bagged so as not to lose it all) bag of ice.

She is a happy camper now...

...as we're back rolling at 70+ thru 105* temps.

The first bag of ice lasted around 2 hours. We came to this small town...

...and got another bag of ice.

Even at 107*, she's doing well with her cool vest and ice.

btw, all the cooling strategies we have, have the TG doing well in these temps also. At 107* the* ET is 221, oil pressure is 31, mpg is not great at 23.9, but that is a function of mostly running at 72 mph into a headwind.* Could not be more happy with how well it is running.

​​​​​​​More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 36 concluded-

These temps don't bother me. I prefer cooler temps, but I do not begin feeling poorly when it gets this hot. I just drink a lot of water and go. But I definitely get more wind being the rider than the passenger gets.

Mary is flashing back to just 24 hours ago...

...when it was a perfect 75* and we stopped for lunch among the trees and a cool stream.

But we're getting close....

...and as we roll thru Vegas...

...the temperature spikes up to 113* and stays there...

...as we travel the last 30 minutes...

...to Boulder City.

This is the street my brother lives on, with a nice view of Lake Mead.

And here we are! He had a spot in his garage for us, right next two his two dirt bikes.

We're going to be here for a few days before heading out for some National Parks in Utah.

*

Kevin

 

[Alansut]

DK's EDefinitive Ride Report

I don't know the USA well as I only visit once and that was in August this year and I was only around the North East. I had to open the map to find out where on you started from and ended up, what a journey, what amazing sights and what a range in temperatures. Thank you both for the comments and pictures, thoroughly enjoyed them.

Here in South Africa we too have an amazing country but not as beautiful as the on the route you followed.

Alan

 

[DK Custom Products]

I don't know the USA well as I only visit once and that was in August this year and I was only around the North East. I had to open the map to find out where on you started from and ended up, what a journey, what amazing sights and what a range in temperatures. Thank you both for the comments and pictures, thoroughly enjoyed them.

Here in South Africa we too have an amazing country but not as beautiful as the on the route you followed.

Alan

Hi Alan,

Glad you're enjoying. Yes, we've had quite the range of weather this trip...and the rest of the trip is going to be quite warm now.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 37-39-

These 3 days in Boulder City are to celebrate both my folks turning 80 this year.* They are still VERY active, working and traveling the world.* While they have 4 kids, 45+- grandchildren & great grandchildren, only 11 of us were able to make it to this get together...but we have had a great time!

We went out on my brother Greg's boat.* Up top...

...and below-

parked in a cove and had a blast messing around in the water.

The neighborhood Greg & Marci live in is invaded by Mountain Sheep everyday.* They roam wherever they want.

These are the "mountains" they come down from every morning...

...a few of us went up there for a look around.

Greg's grandson, Christopher...

...earned a little green giving the TG a wash.

We had a double birthday celebration-

Us kids are most fortunate!

Tomorrow morning Mary and I are off for Mt. Zion National Park, and then on to Galaxy Biker Motel in Hatch, Utah!

Kevin

 

[trikeman]

Bryce Canyon National Park is a must do!! I think it’s the most beautiful and colorful of all the sights in Utah. Enjoying the trip with y’all. Be safe!:wave4:

 

[DK Custom Products]

Bryce Canyon National Park is a must do!! I think it’s the most beautiful and colorful of all the sights in Utah. Enjoying the trip with y’all. Be safe!:wave4:

Agree with you 100% on Bryce!

Thanks, and glad you're enjoying the report.

Kevin

 

[Gray Biker]

Good thing you went out the north route. They were closing Beartooth today for the winter. Its 42 in Red Lodge and feels like 36. By Thursday its going to be 15 for a low.... We went over the end of July on two wheels. ... Went back out for Sturgis, then bought our 12 Triglidewith 5300 miles, when we got back... Got the lift from you, going to be getting shocks and tuner come warm weather. Looks like your having a great trip love your pics and comments. Have fun....

 

[DK Custom Products]

Good thing you went out the north route. They were closing Beartooth today for the winter. Its 42 in Red Lodge and feels like 36. By Thursday its going to be 15 for a low.... We went over the end of July on two wheels. ... Went back out for Sturgis, then bought our 12 Triglidewith 5300 miles, when we got back... Got the lift from you, going to be getting shocks and tuner come warm weather. Looks like your having a great trip love your pics and comments. Have fun....

Glad you're enjoying. We're coming to the end of the trip, but still have a bit more to go.

Beartooth is quite the ride...still Marys favorite road.

Appreciate your business!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 40-

We're now on our way home. Going to visit a few National Parks in Utah, then make a dash back home to Mississippi.

The rest of the way home is going to be brutally hot. Starting today we're adjusting our schedule to be up when it is still dark, and leaving out soon after sunrise. Then we'll be able to stop early to mid afternoon and avoid the hottest part of the day.

Packing up and saying goodbyes to family (those that were up) we leave Greg and Marci's right after sunrise.

I believe this is our first ever shadow pic taken in the morning...normally they are in the afternoon. lol

This is the route we're taking to Hatch, Utah today. Not the fastest, but it winds around Lake Mead instead of going thru the city of Las Vegas. Then it clips a corner of Arizona and then cuts thru Mt. Zion National Park.

It is a bit strange for me...

...to be riding this early...

...in the morning. I normally am up late and am still sleeping at this time. But it is nice being cooler!

This road going around the lake is nice and winding, and a good surface...

...a look back. Desert scenery is different than the woods, mountains and coast, but it definitely has an appeal.

We're pretty much on the road alone this morning, and the views are great!

And there's a lot of road to cover. We're in a "National Recreation Area" with a slower speed limit, and we're enjoying this morning putt thru it.

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[trikeman]

When wife and I take trike trips we love the mornings. As the temps rise it seems we acclimate to the afternoon heat much better if we start early. Usually have breakfast and are on the road by 7:30 am. Always fill the fuel tank at the end of the day. :wave4:

 

[DK Custom Products]

When wife and I take trike trips we love the mornings. As the temps rise it seems we acclimate to the afternoon heat much better if we start early. Usually have breakfast and are on the road by 7:30 am. Always fill the fuel tank at the end of the day. :wave4:

Yeah, it was a bit of a psychological block for me to get up that early...but I'm thinking I like it better!

Of course, that is in warmer weather. A lot of the weather we ride in is quite chilly, so we'll probably be flexible on future trips, varying, depending on the weather.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 40 continued-

As we were getting close to the 15, a whole group of riders (2 wheelers & trikes) went passed us, heading the opposite way...possible to the Grand Canyon?

Time for us to jump on the 15 for a bit...

We have some miles to...

...chew up before we get to Mt. Zion National Park.

Gotta pass thru Arizona first...

...where there is some interesting road...

...to enjoy...

...before crossing into Utah, land of some amazing National Parks!

Chasing a couple of other motorcycles on our way to Zion.

Getting near the entrance...

More in next post.​​​

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 40 continued-

...of Mt. Zion NP.

Here we go...

...there is so much to see in Zion...

I'm just going to post a few photos of the hundreds Mary took today. We did not take the shuttle down to the river walk. We did last time we were here and you can see those pics in one of our previous ride reports...or search google.

On the switchback ride up the hill to the tunnel, we pulled over in a nice scenic spot for lunch...

...right on that log is where we ate lunch, watching the folks pass by, and taking in the views!

After lunch we're back rolling, taking in the beauty of this amazing place.

This pic gives a tiny idea of how fun the road is, and how BIG this place is!

Headed into the tunnel. It is 1.1 miles long, and was built in 1927.

A look back as we go into the mountain!

Will post more on day 40 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 40 continued-

Inside the tunnel there are "windows" cut in the rock to the outside...gives a nice view, fresh air, and if one is prone to claustrophobia, may help with that. lol

Continuing on thru the park...

...the views are phenomenal.

This is our 4th or 5th time thru Mt. Zion on a bike, and we do not stop much, just take it slow, soaking up all the amazing sights!

Leaving the park...

...headed toward Hatch!

Day 40 concluded in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 40 concluded-

Getting close to Hatch, Utah. That ridge off in the distance is the outside edge of Bryce Canyon National Park.

We like Hatch for a few reasons (this is the 3rd time we'll be staying here), it is nicely situated between Zion and Bryce, they have a "Biker Motel", it is a nice quiet little town in a beautiful setting.

Here we are, just a dot on the map, Hatch-

Just down the road from the C-Store is "The Galaxy".

All the rooms have a biker theme...

...and the place is biker friendly. Check out the Husky "dresser".

Mike, the biker that owns the C-Store, the restaurant, the motel near the C-Store, and "The Galaxy" is good people. We've enjoyed visiting with him over the years, and last time he helped me out with some parts I needed for a malfunctioning shifter rod.

This is our stop for the day. Early in the morning we head to Bryce Canyon!

Kevin

 

[ol' school]

Beautiful amazing photos of the scenery you are traveling thru! Always look forward to checking out your new posts!

 

[DK Custom Products]

Beautiful amazing photos of the scenery you are traveling thru! Always look forward to checking out your new posts!

Thanks man!

Day 41 (coming up) is packed with some great photo's.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 41-

Today we are headed to Bryce Canyon, then as far as we want to go on the 70, heading back home.

Loaded up and leaving out...picture makes it look lighter than it was...sun is not even completely up.

I am still not used to these early mornings...

...sunrise is not something I see a lot of. lol It's 41*, 6:37 in the morning and we're rolling toward Bryce Canyon.

An early morning shadow pic-

Turn-off toward Bryce...

...up the road a bit, before getting to the actual Bryce Canyon National Park Entrance there is this little tunnel....always fun to ride thru it.

We're here!

It's too early, there's no one at the entrance to check our pass, we just roll on thru...After Mary gets a pic of herself in the reflection. lol

Not too far up the road we stop...

...and take a look around.

Will post more of Day 41 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[MDO]

I like that last pic Kevin of Mary walking back toward you. It's a good one.

You could go to Wal-Mart & get a mug or a throw blanket made orag:

 

[DK Custom Products]

I like that last pic Kevin of Mary walking back toward you. It's a good one.

You could go to Wal-Mart & get a mug or a throw blanket made orag:

Thanks! I'll mention to Mary, she may want to do that.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 41 continued-

Back riding thru Bryce...this pic has the moon, a curve, scenic view and you can see a shadow of Mary holding the camera up high to get it all.

More photo's at a stop...

...really enjoying our time here.

Stopped at...

...Natural Bridge...

...to look around some.

​​​​​​​

Just an amazing place, and we're so fortunate this morning, being so early, hardly anyone else in the park.

Back rolling...

...besides being such a beautiful place, the road is really a nice ride too!

Rainbow Point-Elevation 9115 ft.

More of Day 41 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 41 continued-

More of Rainbow Point...

...last time we were here it was hot, we had a nice lunch, and there were a ton of folks milling around. While it was nice, it is amazingly different to be out here alone on a crisp cool morning.

Back rolling...

...3 seconds ago this deer was 10 feet in front of us on the road...

...did not take him long to scramble up the side and stop to watch us. So we did the same. lol

Back rolling, the sights are stunning, the road is great, just a fantastic morning!

It's about 40 miles round trip from the entrance to the end of the road and back to the entrance. Fantastic sights & views everywhere...but we are almost back to the entrance now and saw these deer. Stopped to watch them for a bit.

Back rolling outside the NP now...

...and back thru the Arch-

Rolling the fun 89 toward I70-

More in next post-

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 41 continued-

There's a fair stretch of 89 before we reach the 70...

...and it all is enjoyable to ride this morning...

...fantastic road & sights!

We're on the 70 now.* We've never ridden on it this far west...

...and we are surprised by how scenic this interstate is.

It is some fun too!

Another Triker...

...enjoying the ride-

We take a scenic pull-out.* Have a little snack...

...and have a look around.

​​​​​​​More of Day 41 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[Marc H]

That is an awesome trip with gorgeous views Kevin.Truly beautiful.Thanks for sharing.

 

[DK Custom Products]

That is an awesome trip with gorgeous views Kevin.Truly beautiful.Thanks for sharing.

Thanks man! Good to read that you're enjoying it.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 41 continued-

Some amazing sights right off I70-

After a nice stop, walk around, snack, re-hydration, back rolling...

We're quite surprised...

...having never traveled this section of Interstate 70 before...

...at how scenic it is.* (this photo is looking back at a small section of the road)

There are also some more bland sections...

...but mostly it is very scenic!

Coming up to a pretty sharp (and poorly cambered) curve for an interstate-

​​​​​​​Day 41 concluded in next post.

​​​​​​​Kevin