I'm leaving on my first loooooong distance trip this Saturday! 2up from Minneapolis to San Francisco, solo on the way back. I have aspirations of making this a decent travel log, but I might not really spend time on it until I start getting really lonely on the way back. . . I think the very least I'll be doing is uploading pics as I go so if your curious here's the link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/redelkcycle The basics: I bought a 2008 Kawasaki Versys 1.5 yrs ago and have slowly been turning it into a pack mule with caribou cases and windshields and tank bags. My favorite farkle so far is definitely the dual Hella Horns. Those drifting cars snap back in their lane when I give 'em a blast. The gf, who miraculously LOVES riding the motorcycle, is from San Francisco, and instead of flying out there for the family vacation we're taking 2+ weeks and riding out. Then I'll be finding my own way back to the Twin Cities alone. So, this is my attempt at maintaining a travel thread, I hope it sticks! pics and more soon.
Have fun, Kynosis! I'm in Minneapolis myself and did Reno to Mpls a year ago at the tail end of a longer ride. I'd encourage you to hit US-50 through Nevada at some point on your there-and-back.
Hey thanks guys! US-50 you say huh Selkins? The tenative plan right now is to go west till Utah, head south through all the parks and hit the grand canyon, then to the coast just above LA so we can take the 101 up to San Francisco. On the way back I might head across Nevada back that way. What did you like about it so much? Anyway, still on target to leave Saturday morning. Here's some pics of Yakul pseudo packed, with empty cases. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redelkcycle/3749616991/" title="DSCF0878 by Red Elk Cycle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/3749616991_d3a2798558.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCF0878" /></a> There's the versys, Yakul, ready for daily city riding <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redelkcycle/3749632965/" title="DSCF0883 by Red Elk Cycle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3749632965_93a6780f9b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCF0883" /></a> And there's the touring version. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redelkcycle/3750421272/" title="DSCF0882 by Red Elk Cycle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3750421272_f844743f2c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCF0882" /></a> Wide load <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redelkcycle/3749615047/" title="DSCF0877 by Red Elk Cycle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3749615047_7203d49802.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCF0877" /></a> Yes, I used a beaded seat cover, if there's no air getting under there it's just bad, damp news. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redelkcycle/3750423552/" title="DSCF0884 by Red Elk Cycle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3750423552_0b3208cb85.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCF0884" /></a> What a pack animal! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redelkcycle/3750424480/" title="DSCF0885 by Red Elk Cycle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3750424480_065131208e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCF0885" /></a> And I'll try to keep the pics of my mug to a minimum. . . ~40hrs or so until launch!
Well, the first chance I've had to update anything is in Flagstaff, AZ! And Here it is. BikerDay, I've no idea what seat that is someone did a custom job on the original seat and then sold it. I love the faux seat cowl though. So we've been doing about 400mi per day with a few easy days thrown in there especially in Colorado. The route Rapid City Mt. Rushmore Estes Park/Rocky Mountain N.P Denver Leadsville, CO (which is just beautiful Aspen Ouray, CO Grand Junction, CO Moab, UT Arches N.P. Petrified Forrest N.P. AZ Flagstaff, AZ We've stayed off the interstate except for about 200mi. I just don't have the energy to write a good road report. I guess I'm not a road report guy. More uploads at the flickr page. Peace, Lewis
The ride is what's important, not the report! But do post some pics when you get the chance. Hope you're surviving the heat! As to Hwy 50 in Nevada - if you don't go north toward Portland your main route toward Mpls from S.F. is going to be I-80. Hwy 50 roughly parallels it through Nevada about 60-80 miles south and is much more scenic. Picture mountain ridges like waves that rise up every 25 miles or so, with long, flats between them. Just a few small towns, but filled with character. And along the way some nice little surprises that I won't spoil for you. All of that said, if you have the time to go north, US-12 is a brilliant ride as well - all the way from the Pacific coast to downtown Mpls. It will treat you right. Ride safe and have fun!
