Returned from an AWESOME week in Moab Utah. Made a slideshow with all the images I collected (had 400 or so, but limited to 300 on Microsoft Photostory. Still amounts to 20 minutes of viewing pleasure). Here's the linky:
Rode the bike there via Texas Highway 6, then West Texas backroads around Amarillo into New Mexico. Hit US 64 in Raton NM, rode it via the Carson National Forest all the way to Shiprock. Great mountain pass roads and sweepers, got to ride in snow while it snowed. Awesome!
While in Utah, did some serious offroading with several Chain Gang mates. Bill and Joel gave me some great pointers on offroading 101 and helped me gain confidence through the days. Rode via Onion Creek trail, and then also Arches National Park via Kokopelli trail. Never got close to an arch, but it was wonderful nonetheless witnessing the differences in landscapes.
Took the slightly longer way back via Colorado, I 70 has to be the prettiest stretch of interstate through there. Hit US 24 shortly after GLenn Canyon Pass, then dowon towards Colorado Springs. No idea that it went right over the Rockies. Phenomenal!
Got onto I 25 in Colo Springs, but the bike decided it had enough around Colorado City. The waterpump seal busted, and I ended up hailing a Uhaul to take it back home just to be safe. I could have trailered to UT, but this was a baptism by fire of sorts for both me and bike regarding long ride endurance. Next time i'll either ride with others (scheduling conflicts did not allow for this this time around) and/or trailer the bike. All considered, it held out tremendously, and bounced right back after each hard drop. Just need to take care of the rest of regular maintenance parts.
Great time, great decompressor and stress relief. I hope we go again next year......
However, between the total on-bike mileage of the trip (estimate about 2500 miles) and the abuse it took on all the trails; the waterpump leak and some minor body damage is all that happened to it. In other words, one tough bike! Stay tuned....
