The Adventures of Tyson and Hobbes

Discussion in 'Ride Reports - Day Trippin'' started by av_mech, Jun 26, 2011.

  1. Jason Abbott

    Jason Abbott Long time Idaho rider

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    Great stuff Tyson. Reading every word. Wonderful you can ride with your dad and brother.
    :clap
    #81
  2. av_mech

    av_mech Risk Taker

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    Day 4

    We woke up about normal time for a motorcycle vacation. About 7ish. Breakfast was made and eaten. Kathleen, being the good girl she is, cleaned the kitchen while the boys finished loading the bikes and got the gear on. We all left about 830.

    Trevor had to drop Kathleen off at her house in Bend. Convenient, since it was right on the way. We chatted with her Grandma and Great Grandma for a few minutes before the days ride. Trevor wanted to go to Talula Falls (sp?) on the way out. I'm sure they are beautiful. But, that's close enough to see on another trip and we have bigger fish to fry.

    As I have traveled more and more, I have noticed that certain areas have a certain feel to them. They also have certain smells. You could drop me in many different areas of the mountain West of the United States and there is decent chance I could tell you what state I am in just by evaluating the shapes of the mountains and the smells that trigger memories in my brain. Central Oregon is a little unique. The smell of juniper is heavy in the air. Especially after a rain. And yes, there are several different types of pine trees here, just as many other areas. But when everything is combined, it gives this area something unique. Something I can't quite put my finger on. All I know is I like it.

    Highway 97 takes the father and two sons South. I think I'm finally starting to relax. It really does take several days to get out of work mode. I should have known it would take some time to truly unwind. Certainly after the stint I've just had. I've found myself getting irritated at stupid little things so far. Like when we are geared up and fueled up, then dad decides he has to pee and fill his coffee cup with ice. I keep telling myself, "Dammit Tyson! You're on vacation!! Chill out!" It's taken three days, but I'm finally starting to relax. Don't worry dad, I was never really mad, only fighting with myself in my own head.

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    Here's a decent shot of the mountains to the West of Bend and Redmond. Once again, no zoom while riding. I'm pretty sure they are all old volcanoes.

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    Here is a reminder that the land we are moving across was formed by fire. This lava flow happened only a blink of an eye ago from the earth's perspective.

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    I'm still amazed that my brother can do off-road trips with his girl and gear on that bike.

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    Nothing too much to report from this section of road. It's a pretty major highway with a lot of traffic. It was still nice because my tires had never come in contact with this stretch of road before. As a matter of fact, this begins the major segment of our vacation. From now on, all of it is new and exciting.

    We made a right on 138 towards Crater Lake. I think everyone has seen pictures. Up until this point, that was all I had seen. It is one, long, straight road to make it to the turnoff for the North entrance of the park. Trevor's gas mileage goes to shit past 65 or 70. The speed limit in Oregon is 55 anyways. We were having a nice leisurely ride and this brought my best gas mileage of the trip. Nearly 55mpg! Pretty damn good!

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    After our reasonably priced admission fee to park was paid, we stopped at the bathrooms just past the entrance to formulate a plan. We decided to run the East side of the lake around to the South. That would get us about 270 degrees of the round lake.

    We crossed the Pumice desert.

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    This one is pretty good for a behind the back shot.

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    We are now beginning to gain altitude as we creep closer to ridge.

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    Here she be! In all her glory!

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    Crater Lake is a caldera. It was formed when Mount Mazama collapsed 7700 years ago. There are no rivers in or out. The water that evaporates is replaced by rain water and snow melt. It is deepest lake in the United States at 1949 feet. You can read more HERE.

    To give a size perspective, that's a big tour boat down there.

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    We continued the journey around the lake.

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    One overlook after another. The next one just as beautiful as the last.

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    We were all hungry and wanted to stop for lunch. There was a great spot in the shade that we passed up because the other two family members wanted to find a picnic table. Sometimes, when you see something good, you just have to take it. Dad just got done telling me that back in Boise. My Klim Traverse pants are awfully hot. Very waterproof, but hot. I had the opportunity to get some Klim Mojaves (mesh) in Boise. I was second guessing the purchase, and dad talked me into it. I was glad I got them for the rest of the trip.

    This was one of last moments of frustration I had before I finally let go and started having a good time. Please don't get me wrong, I've been having a great time so far. It's just taken a long time to forget work and realize once again that I am a human on this beautiful planet with a loving family. We weren't meant to slave away our entire lives. Now, I am finally in vacation mode.

    We did find a good spot with a rock wall to sit on with some shade. We had granola bars and jerky to fuel our bodies. While we were sitting there, this little guy sat on my sock for a bit. I can't think of another bug I've ever seen that has larger antennas!

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    We also had another visitor. A much better looking one. A girl on a bicycle stopped and asked if we had any extra water. I was of course happy to fill her bottle. I always carry more water than what I need. She was on a solo bike trip from Seattle, Washington. I forget where she said she was heading, but she definitely had more time off than I.

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    That is Phantom Ship Island below.

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    We got gas at the exit of the park and paid a pretty penny for it. I think it was $4.15 a gallon. Oh well, the cost of doing business I guess.

    We met up with highway 62 and took it to the West. It was a fantastic road. The trees were tall and created a canopy over the road. A tunnel made of trees instead of rock and concrete. This was the first time in awhile my bro and I had a chance to open up the throttle and play a bit.

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    Trevor and I were ahead of Dad so we stopped and waited at the intersection of 62 and 230. There were some pretty damn big trees there. We were joking that we weren't to the Redwoods yet!

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    It got hotter and hotter as we got lower and lower. Our goal was to take Sam's Valley Highway to bypass Medford and get to Grant's Pass, OR. Dad put the intersection into his GPS. He stopped short at an intersection because his computer told him that was the turn. I knew it wasn't what we were looking for when I pulled out my map. Hmmm... let's think back, Tyson: 3 GPS: 0.

    We were at the bottom of the dam holding back Lost Creek Lake, so we took the opportunity to dunk all of our riding gear in the ice cold water. The temperature of the stream running out of a reservoir is highly dependent on if the water runs off the top or if it is let loose from the bottom. We were thankful this one came out the bottom and was freeeezing!

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    We did find the road we were looking for and headed in a Southwesterly direction.

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    We got to Gold Hill, OR and stopped to check the map. Trevor was hungry and ate a very melted chocolate covered granola bar. Grant's Pass was just up the Interstate and that was where we would pick up the 199 to California. We decided to get there, get gas, and then pick a place to eat.

    We passed a major rollover accident. A pickup truck had scattered debris all over the median. There were tons of cops and other emergency vehicles. I hope everyone was ok.

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    We checked our phones and GPS'. We decided on a place called One Fifteen Broiler. We left the gas station and I was following dad and his GPS with Trevor behind me. All of a sudden, Trevor was gone. My heart sank as I immediately thought of a crash before I calmed myself. Dad stopped and I doubled back on the side streets since we had been traveling down a one way. I made the loop back to Dad with no sign of Trevor. I pulled out my phone and I had missed a call from him. He was following his phone directions on his handle bar and took a different way. Dad and I were pretty pissed.

    Dad and I got back the one way and dads GPS told him to turn left. Like, now! He was in the middle lane and I was in the far right. The next thing I see is dad cutting off a car to make the left and here I am going past the turn. Now this really isn't a big deal. But, we are all hot, tired, and hungry, so an argument ensues in front of the One Fifteen Broiler. Dad and I bitched at Trevor for breaking formation. Then I bitched at Dad for his dangerous turn in traffic. Then the Broiler was closed and we couldn't decide on a place because we decided on steak but the two cheapskates didn't wanna pay $18 to $25 a plate (WHICH IS WHAT STEAK COSTS!!). Ahh family.

    We finally settled on Blondie's Bistro. It turned out to be excellent. Dad was disappointed at the cut of meat they used for their steaks, but ordered Steak Diane anyways. I ordered the Green Peppercorn Steak, and I think Trevor had a burger. It was awesome.This is a meal I really wish I had a picture of as I write this. We were all settled down from our squabble and enjoyed our dinner. We also enjoyed the scenery of the pretty wait staff. One was a dead ringer for really beautiful woman I dated in Reno, NV when I lived there.

    I pulled out the map to plan the last leg of the day. The plan was laid and we walked out of the Bistro as I snuck one last look at the waitress and sighed.

    Back on the highway with bellies full of wonderful food, we ended up with a cop behind us. I was last in line. Ok, just don't speed and we'll be fine. After a few miles with fuzz on our tail, Trevor got sick of it and decided to do something about it. He looked down at his bike, put his blinker on, and pulled off on a side street. I followed and we came to a stop as the cop drove on by. Dad knew what we were doing and patiently waited for us on the shoulder while we "investigated" our "problem". Our "problem" was we don't like cops and our problem has now passed us by. Moving on....

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    Big logs. You don't see 'em like that on trucks where I live or grew up.

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    One final gas stop in Cave Junction. We got beer there too since our campsite was getting close. A few more miles South on 199 before we made a left onto Co hwy 5560/Waldo Rd./Grayback Rd./40N07/Indian Creek Rd./State of Jefferson Highway. Yes, one road has all those names. I didn't think it was possible.

    We were cruising along and I was in lead. It was my turn to do something stupid. I saw the road sign for Waldo Rd and slammed on the brakes and moved into the oncoming lane since there was no approaching traffic and we had just passed a car. I knew it was gonna be a quick stop. Dad and Trevor almost collided trying to make the turn and rightly yelled at me. I deserved it.

    We started to go up in altitude and the road got much twistier. They were in the process of chip sealing it so there was a lot of loose pea gravel. Trevor and I still had fun pushing it a little, where they weren't working on the road. And even where they were. That stuff just sucks with street tires on.

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    We passed into California without any fanfare or even a sign. Just a sign that read, "End County Maintenance." We came upon an overlook that stopped us in our tracks.

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    We all stood in awe of the beauty before us. There was also an informational sign the spoke of the state that never was. The State of Jefferson. Read about it HERE. The "XX" logo was to be their flag for being double crossed. Over the next day and a half we would see this logo in many places. If I hadn't read this sign, I never would have known. I even saw a car with the entire hood painted up with the Sate of Jefferson "XX" logo.

    I still wasn't sure where home was going to be for the night. I knew it was going to be in that beautiful valley somewhere. But, in a rare instance of incomplete information, my Benchmark didn't show any campgrounds. I had seen some on google when I checked my phone back in Grant's Pass. Off we went down the mountain to find home.

    Trevor and I were flying as usual. We passed several signs that indicated several national forest campsites off the main road via several miles on dirt. We knew dad wouldn't be up for that on the Wing, so we pressed on for another few miles. Then, we found it.

    Trevor waited at the road for Dad as I ventured in to check things out. I made a loop around and we were going to be the only ones there! Not a soul for miles!

    The bridge into camp.

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    I was on my way back out and met Dad and Trevor at the bridge. We did a once around. Trevor went off down a spur and I followed. It ended very quickly.

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    We picked the spot directly across the road from the bathrooms. It had three flat spots for each of our tents. I thought it was close to the river so we could put our beer in it, but the river was much farther than expected. Good thing we bought IPAs which aren't bad as they get a little warm. Way better than Bud Light.

    I went on my normal firewood search with the bike as the light of day faded. I came up pretty empty, but the three of us managed a good enough haul to have a very satisfactory fire for the evening.

    Camp was set up and we all gathered around the fire. This is what I had ridden all these miles so far to experience; sitting around the fire with my dad and brother in the California mountains. Dad broke out the rum to go with the IPAs and we proceeded to drink every last drop of alcohol we had. I think we were all pretty damn drunk by the time we passed out at 11:00.
    #82
  3. av_mech

    av_mech Risk Taker

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    This one's for you!

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    #83
  4. Jason Abbott

    Jason Abbott Long time Idaho rider

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    So true. And sounds like you were due for the mountains. Keep it coming ...
    #84
  5. bretedge

    bretedge Do Epic Shit

    Joined:
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    Moab, Utah
    Your photos of riding in Oregon are sah-weet! Really makes me want to point the Tiger northwest for a couple of weeks. Crater Lake's gorgeous, isn't it? I always thought the water was Photoshopped in images but it's honest to God cobalt blue in reality. I'm stoked you had such a great time riding with your brother and Dad. So cool.
    #85
  6. av_mech

    av_mech Risk Taker

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    Thanks for reading Jason. How's your summer going up there in Idaho? Getting any good rides in?
    #86
  7. av_mech

    av_mech Risk Taker

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    That is one beautiful blue. The trip gets better. The next day of the adventure was the day I had dreamed about for months. Northern Cali twisties! The Green Bay Packers play their first game on Thursday, so it may be the weekend before I can get back to writing. Stay tuned!
    #87
  8. trailrider383

    trailrider383 867-5309

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    Lookin good, keep the pics coming. :nod
    #88
  9. Jason Abbott

    Jason Abbott Long time Idaho rider

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    All's well here. Heading out for seven days of riding in about 45 minutes—two days of asphalt, the rest unknown dirt. I'll have to catch up with your report next week.
    :thumb
    #89
  10. av_mech

    av_mech Risk Taker

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    Have fun! Im really looking forward to your report!
    #90
  11. Petrolburner

    Petrolburner Noise Maker

    Joined:
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    Redmond, OR
    Hell of a good time, shaping up to be an annual event. I didn't take a ton of photos since I don't have anything but my HTC EVO, but I have a few. While Ty and Dad are leaving his house in Boise, I'm already halfway through my Saturday of work. I haul UPS cargo from Portland to Newport, then North Bend. My final leg to Redmond is empty. Around a 30% weight reduction while still having over 1400 hp and 3400 lbs-ft of torque on tap is sure a fun way to finish out the work week.

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    The view ain't bad either.

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    Ty and Dad arrive and we load up in the Tundra to check out Smith Rock State Park, just a few miles up the road from my house.

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    Dinner and beers at the 7th street brewery, delicious desert at my house, chain oiling and an early night to bed.

    Lots of bikes in the garage...

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    Next morning I wanted to show them Tumalo Falls but we got ruled out on a basis of time. Turned out to be a good thing because we gathered firewood in the last few minutes of light that night. Anyway it is cool and if you are in the area, it's not far out of Bend. If you're coming to WetFest next weekend it's an easy stop to make.

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    And you can walk back behind the waterfall which is amazing when it's hot out.

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    On to Crater Lake!

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    A perfect day to be at Crater Lake, lots of sunshine and blue sky giving the lake a brilliant blue color, no wind to break up the reflections...life is good.


    5560/Waldo Rd./Grayback Rd./40N07/Indian Creek Rd./State of Jefferson Highway was a great road, a little bit tricky to ride real fast since the light was fading and there was pea gravel scattered in the corners. Anyway Tyson and I managed to keep the pace pretty spirited...

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    Wait long enough and then we can get this shot...:rofl

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    This overlook late in the day was when it hit me, I'm on Vacation! In some of the most gorgeous terrain this country has to offer! I can't wait for the next few days to unfold. (My job doesn't take as long to unwind from....:D)
    #91
  12. obrianmcc

    obrianmcc Long timer

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    Great report guys.... The pics of Crater Lake are awesome. I drove your same route from Bend and around the East Rim yesterday ... Wishing I were on a bike of course!
    #92
  13. Petrolburner

    Petrolburner Noise Maker

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  14. av_mech

    av_mech Risk Taker

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    Day 5

    We woke up fairly early the next day considering how drunk we were. I didn't feel too bad either. Here's just some of the aftermath.

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    Our private little campground for the night.

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    We began the normal routine of making coffee and eating our five star freeze dried eggs. As we began to break down camp, a little black tailed deer appeared out of the woods.

    At first, I scrambled cautiously to get my camera as not to miss the picture. Soon, it became apparent that this little deer was going to hang around for a bit. It spent about an hour and a half wandering in and out of our camp while we prepared for the day's ride. It was never startled by fast movements. I tried to pet it several times but she would step away once my fingers got about a foot away.

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    One of my tasks for the morning was to get my GoPro camera mounted. My girl bought it for me awhile ago, but I hadn't had a chance to mount it. Then, I forgot it in Boise when I went to Denver. I had it on my list of things to get while I was there and I didn't forget this time.

    I wanted to do a helmet mount, but I just didn't have the right pieces. The thumbscrew I needed probably fell out back in my house somewhere. The next best thing I could come up with was to mount it to the plastic shield of my Cycra hand guards. It appeared this would work just fine. I never had a chance to do a test run, but the videos came out pretty good. The only issue was a little vibration and a terrible noise from the vibration when I get about about 7k rpms. No problem, I just picked out some fitting tunes.

    We are packed and ready to go. Just one quick stop to fill up with water for the day. Water just doesn't get any better than high country runoff!

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    This video was shot heading South to Happy Camp, CA starting as soon as we hit the pavement from the campground. And without further adieu... My first GoPro video. Music by Social Distortion

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    This was going to be a great day!!

    We just set out on the route that I had planned months ago. I'd been dreaming of this day. We each took responsibility for planning different parts of the adventure. Trevor wanted to do Crater Lake yesterday. We all wanted to get to the Redwoods on my dad's recommendation. That left a day to get to the Redwoods. I choose this as my responsibility. Basically, I went to Google maps and zoomed in on Northern California, and picked the squiggliest roads I could find. Boom! Done! I had no idea to expect. No previous second hand knowledge or specific road condition research. I just picked the roads that looked like the most fun based on Google maps.

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    I know many of you reading this may be disappointed that this particular trip isn't dirt. Well, the great majority of my trips do have some very good dirt riding and today will be great riding on the road. After all, we do own DUAL sport bikes.

    We arrived in Happy Camp and made a left on 96. This was a bigger highway, but still mostly devoid of traffic. We pulled back on the pace a bit and enjoyed the scenery while the three of us rode in a group.

    I stopped for a picture and there just happened to be this little sign that you'd never notice from the road.

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    My dad made the comment, "You know, if you take all the pictures, you aren't in any of the them!" He was totally right. I have plenty of good pics of my bike, but I'll need to wait for dad to upload his camera. Moving on, here's a pic of my brother. He's Petrol Burner BTW.

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    These next few pics are very typical of the 30 miles we rode on 96.

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    We made a left onto Scott Bar Road and the tarmac narrowed and the turns tightened. Trevor and I were starting to realize what we were in for today. The tires were warm and we were ready to go! Then...... STOP. Construction.

    Trevor and I pulled into the shade and shut our bikes off. I asked the lady holding up our progress how long it would be. She said 20-30 minutes! "You sure a couple of motos can't sneak through?" "Nope." "Ok, well I guess we'll get off the bikes then." Dad showed up quickly and we all talked the 25 minutes away.

    Trevor laid down on the pavement to stretch his hurt back. Sidebar-Trevor jumped off a 70 foot cliff at Punchbowl Falls near Mt. Hood Oregon the weekend before this trip. He hurt his back pretty bad and thus, is riding with a hurt back. Quite the trooper though, he never really complained the entire trip.

    Dad was asking this lady all sorts of stuff she didn't know. "What kind of tree is that?" "How should I know?" We talked about guns and bears and the lady said she had one earlier in the summer holding the sign a little farther West because of a bear sighting. "What kind of gun was it?" "How should I know?"

    We told her what our plan was for the day. She told us the road gets twistier! All of our eyes grew wider. Trevor's and mine for the same reason and Dad for a different reason!

    During this entire 25 minutes we were stopped there was only one van that pulled up and was waiting to get past the construction. We are out in the boonies!

    Soon, it was time to go. She wished us luck and we were off.

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    Trevor and I were flying along pretty good again. I passed this photo op and had to slam on the brakes and turn around. This is Scott River Rd and it was like this the entire 30 miles.

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    Trevor and I switched bikes towards the end of Scott River Road, right after I got stung in throat by a badass bee. Third time of the trip. I still have a scab as I write this a week later.

    Trevor's KLX is really peppy for a 650 single! It'll keep up with the Tiger until the power band really hits at 6k. Then it's all over. But I can't ride my Triumph much faster that the KLX in the tight stuff. It will be interesting to see how they compare off road when my bro and I get together for an off road trip in the future.

    Trevor on the Triumph

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    Trevor leaving his brother in the dust on his brother's bike.

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    Mt Shasta was in view for just a brief second and I never got a picture.

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    We turned South onto 3 and went towards Etna.

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    We got to Etna and were all running low on fuel and getting hungry. Our stop sign lady said there was fuel here. We had to block traffic for a second and ask a guy coming out of the post office where the Shell station was. We got gas and went just up the street to Dottie's Diner. Right when we got our food, some backpackers came in that smelled worse than us!! They were hiking the Pacific Trail. I understand smelling bad completely, but please don't stand in front of the window A/C unit and blow your stink all over the really small dining room! I think my burger tasted good, but all I could taste was B.O.

    Dad left a little before us since he had to run to the hardware store for something. I don't remember what. Trevor dug out the After Bite for my bee sting and some Liquid Skin for my injured finger (don't ask).

    We met up with him in Etna and headed out of town on Sawyers Bar Rd. We were soon greeted by this sign. Sounds like fun! Let's go!

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    I stopped here to take a picture and start the GoPro. Music by Hank Williams III.

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    Quite the view from up top.

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    Looking back towards Etna.

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    Trevor has a really cool tripod for his phone. It is bendy and you can shape it anyway you need to. Although, he was having one hell of a time getting it to stay anywhere. Dad and I stayed posed while Trevor fought the tripod in about five different locations on his bike. Trevor was getting frustrated while Dad and I were laughing. But, we finally got these two group photos from atop Etna Mountain Pass at almost 6000 feet.

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    Stay tuned for the conclusion of day five. There's a lot more to tell! I'm waiting on another two videos to upload before I can continue the story and this is a good stopping point......
    #94
  15. BeezaBoy

    BeezaBoy Been here awhile

    Joined:
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    Location:
    BanffYFF
    crater lake looks absolutely beautiful! i want to head down that way really bad now.
    Nice photos!
    #95
  16. leenpockets

    leenpockets Best Girlfriend Ever

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2011
    Oddometer:
    28
    Location:
    Redmond, OR
    Lovin' it, Ty! Can't wait to hear how it ends. ;0) Great pictures too, my dear. <3
    #96
  17. ducnut

    ducnut Long timer

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2009
    Oddometer:
    3,603
    Location:
    central IL
    You should research this site, for your next CA trip.
    #97
  18. jerdog53

    jerdog53 Crop Dusting Everywhere

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2007
    Oddometer:
    8,301
    Location:
    36604


    I love it!!! :clap "1940s technology at 2010 prices"!!!
    #98
  19. bretedge

    bretedge Do Epic Shit

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2009
    Oddometer:
    436
    Location:
    Moab, Utah
    This is such a cool trip. Awesome that Dad and two sons are out riding, camping and drinking together. Man I hope that's me and my boy in a few years.

    Also, anyone who makes a motorcycle video with Social D for background music is a good man in my book. I think my next vid's gonna have some Sisters of Mercy in it.:D

    Great stuff, Tyson. Keep it coming!
    #99
  20. av_mech

    av_mech Risk Taker

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2010
    Oddometer:
    1,154
    Location:
    Boise, ID
    Day 5 continued....

    We headed down the pass continuing on Sawyers Bar Rd. The scenery was spectacular. The road follows the North Fork of the Salmon River as it narrows and gets even twistier.

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    There was a SERIOUS drop off to the left. About 500 feet straight down was my guess. If you'll notice, you are looking directly down onto the tops of the trees below.

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    Here is another video I shot on this section. The road was like this for hours!! Music by Face to Face.

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    After we passed Forks of Salmon, the river was now on our right. There were frequent bursts of speed and pushing the limits followed by interludes of waiting for the Goldwing. We would always stop and chat for a minute or two before continuing on. Our conversations were always about the same. "MAN! This is freaking incredible!"

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    It was hot this day. Trevor and I were riding along and came across this cool spot. There was a trickle of a stream running down the mountain here. It was enough to cool it off by almost 15 degrees! This was one of our "wait for Dad" spots.

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    It was also the point that Dad surrendered to the road and the curves. "I'm so ready for some straight roads right now!!!"

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    Dad's wish would not come true for a number of miles. The road got even twistier and narrower!! I didn't think it was possible. But, yes, actually it was. My Benchmark Atlas has a note by this section of road, "Single lane road with NO turnouts." Accurate.

    Here is the video. I left the music off this one so you can hear the Tiger. I never got the rpms high enough to get that terrible vibration sound. No room for error here.

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    <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OLM1qf2cnNI?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="390" width="640"></object>

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    Too soon this section was over. I was so happy with my choice of road. I had never ridden on a section of mountain road like this that is paved!

    We came out to Highway 96 at Somes Bar. Dad's GPS said to head North to get to the campground in the Redwoods that we had reserved for the night. Dad wanted the shortest route because it was getting to be a LONG day at this point. Not a lot of miles, but a very mentally taxing day. Lots of beautiful scenery to take in and a high level of concentration required on these very twisty roads.

    The problem with the GPS' route was it was taking us back to Happy Camp and on the same road that my first video with Social D was shot on. That was a lot of the same stuff we'd already seen. Dad wasn't listening my argument and took off. I was following along in the back of the pack, but I just wouldn't submit to doing the same road on this trip. I sped ahead and stopped the group at pull out after only a few miles. Trevor didn't take much convincing. Once I pulled out the map and showed Dad where we were and where we had to go (A GPS is useless for route planning), he became agreeable. I showed him that it was nearly equidistant whether we went to the North or the South. And if we went to the South, we were on new roads and would get to follow the Cali Coast before making it to camp. I won and we were off to the South.

    Off to the South we went. We hit another very fast section on 96 just to the North of Hoopa, CA. I didn't get a video, but Trevor and I were on our game and hauling ass. I got foot peg on both sides at least twice on this section!!

    We stopped for gas in Hoopa. There were some very shady characters on this reservation. One native was very high and very persistent about asking for money. It made Trevor and I very uncomfortable. Dad was oblivious and taking his time as usual. It was time to go!!! Trevor took off and I was waiting to pull out. Dad still not ready. Trevor did a U turn right in front of a cop and I thought for sure he was gonna get pulled over. Dad was finally ready and not a moment too soon. I was ready to be gone!

    We made a right at 299 and headed for the Pacific Ocean. Trev and I were hauling ass again. Only because we had several cars that were hauling ass in front of us. The air began to cool as we got closer to the ocean.

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    Trev and I stopped as soon as the speed limit jumped and it went to divided highway. Trev put on his jacket and I wish I had. Dad went speeding by and Trev and I rushed to catch up. Then we passed dad waiting for us! Man, sometimes we have a hard time getting it together.

    Finally!! The 101!!!

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    Dad followed the wrong way through the construction zone and took us on a little detour. So, this was fist glimpse of the ocean!

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    Now back on the 101. Now off the 101 for a pee break and clothing change. The temp really dropped!! I added my jacket and Dad changed pants and jacket..

    Now we really saw the Pacific!!

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    <a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i230/tystellrecht/2011%208-18%20to%208-27%20Cali%20Coast/?action=view&amp;current=photo35.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.advrider.com/advrider-photobucket-images/images/t/tystellrecht_2011%25208-18%2520to%25208-27%2520Cali%2520Coast_photo35.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

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    We stopped in Orick and got beer for the night. On to Elk Prairie Campground in the Redwoods! Yes, there are actually Elk at Elk Prairie!

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    We arrived late and our site was difficult to find. We circled several times before we figured out how to get there. Once there, it was dark. We began to look over the small space that we had. All three of us began setting up at the same time to get the flattest spot.

    "You do realize we are racing, right?"

    Everyone said yes. Tent up, pad inflated, bag out, beer cracked. I won!!

    Dad and I headed to the showers and tried to get firewood from the camp host. It's after nine and the camp host is in bed and the firewood is locked. Really? 9:00? In the height of tourist season? I guess there will be no fire tonight.

    Hopefully the showers will be better. It's $0.50 for five minutes and a guy was nice enough to break a dollar for us since, once again, the camp host has change and they are in bed. It took me nearly a minute of my five to get the temp right. It was very finicky. There was no bench to set clothes on and the entire floor gets soaked. There's no separation between the changing and shower areas. A pretty poor design overall, but beggars can't be choosers. Once the temp was adjusted, it was four minutes of heaven.

    After the shower, it was back to the site to make a little food. Dinner and one more beer. I done for the day. Exhausted and totally satisfied with an incredible day of riding. Trevor and Dad stayed up for a bit, but not much longer. It was to be another big day tomorrow.