Moab 2012 - Bittersweet

[Bronco638]

Originally Posted by payner

Sorry 'bout that, I was away.
I think it's just a generic sumo fender but the PO put it on so I don't know where it came from. If you look closely (no good pix) it's just hacked out around the forks so I'm pretty sure it's not specific to the mighty DR. It works well as it doesn't flop around and provides adequate protection.

No problem. I was just wondering if it was some cool Franken-Fender graft that uses a DR650 SuMo front and an O.E. rear. I may just go with the fender brace that ProCycle or KienTech sells. That's supposed to stiffen the O.E. fender as well as provide better support for a fender bag. Thanks for the reply!

[Lycan1]

Originally Posted by Shibby!

Is Slick Rock the "MTB" trail once you enter the park?

We did that on day one and it's easy with exception to a few tricky turns. It's more the angles that had my knobbies screaming. Both times you are side hilling a moderate slope and have to do a down hill switch back turn nearly at bar lock. You can feel the tires squirming with all the pressure on the front tire. Easy on a 25lb MTB, not so easy on a 400lb dirt bike that just wants to go DOWN! I imagine a 990 would make things really interesting. The point of staying upright and turning downhill is a fine balancing line. An amazing thing to experience from such a simple trial. Pretty neat! We has some MTB'rs watching us and I had a feeling they were waiting for carnage! Sadly, we both were without incident.

I miss Moab. I'm so happy to be going in a few weeks again but I think the weather will play it's part. I'm more suited for high elevation CO. It's just Moab is so alien.

Next update soon? You're really pounding it out! RR's are time consuming!

I am by no means a Moab expert but slick rock trail is on the east side of town and (right outside of town). I saw the signs when we were coming in on Spanish Valley road that goes through town east of the highway. Milts Drive in is near where you go in.Just follow all the jeeps.

Other than Video undates as I have many more to process, there will be only one more instalment. Yes reports are time consuming, but worth the effort. Once in a while people find them benificial.

[Lycan1]

Milts Drive-in : http://www.miltsstopandeat.com/

Moab Diner: http://www.moabdiner.com/ordereze/default.aspx

Zak's: http://www.zaxmoab.com/

Moab Brewery: http://www.themoabbrewery.com/

The Blu Pig: http://www.blupigbbq.com/

Just not in Brad's section!

And of course the Famous Love Muffin: http://www.lovemuffincafe.com/

[dmasliah]

I rode by that movie set off Potash rd, the end of May,I think they are filming the "Lone Ranger" .

[payner]

The guy I spoke to stated that it was AD1000 or something like that with Will Smith. Funny though, the locals stated that we'd probably ride through the "Lone Ranger" set. There definitely was a small guy dressed up in kinda shiny silver metalic "Star Trek" sort of duds though...

In any case, Lycan and I spoke at lenght with a couple of the crew. Really interesting guys. "My" guy had a Vstrom and rode it from LA to Denver apparently. Likely a better rider than I am

[payner]

Originally Posted by Bronco638

No problem. I was just wondering if it was some cool Franken-Fender graft that uses a DR650 SuMo front and an O.E. rear. I may just go with the fender brace that ProCycle or KienTech sells. That's supposed to stiffen the O.E. fender as well as provide better support for a fender bag. Thanks for the reply!

Those ProCycle guys are cool. I'm running their 780 kit in my DR and, while they sent me the wrong kit the first time (oops!) they quickly fixed their mistake and sent me a lovely yellow DR mug gratis . I'm sure their fender kit will work well. I'm not sure I'd put a fender bag on my current set up.

[Lycan1]

Originally Posted by dmasliah

I rode by that movie set off Potash rd, the end of May,I think they are filming the "Lone Ranger" .

The Movie being shot is called 1000 A.E. (After Earth) Staring Will Smith and his son. It is being Directed by M Night Shamala and is a Sony Pictures production. The Silver Spandex suit that Chris refered to was definately supporting a Sci-Fi movie, not a western. The guy that I was talking to from the crew gave me this info. He was quoted as saying, "Why can't they make a Sci-Fi outfit that doesn't look like it comes from the first Star Trek series?"

[Lycan1]

The following morning we packed up and walked over for breakfast at the hotels restaurant before heading north in the chill morning air. I had re-installed all of my cold weather liners in my Revit suit and was glad of that. The ride through the quaint, touristy north end of Jackson Hole was another trip into a by-gone era, and I loved the (most likely) carefully planned look of it. It reminded me of Banff on a much more intimate scale. Not far north we stopped for a few quick (helmet on) pictures of the Grande Tetons, but it is hard to impress people that live beside the Canadian Rockies, as Chris pointed out. The run to Yellowstone gate was picturesque as expected and at our first stop for gas, and souvenirs I bid my fellow adventurers goodbye. We wished each other safe travels and I was gone.




I wanted to give them a chance to actually see the park, which I did not have time to do. I had 2 days to cover the better part of 4 states and part of one province, including today. I had to get after it. The remainder of the trip through Yellowstone was for me an exercise in traffic frustration and for the time spent, a total set back in miles.











I stopped to take 4 pictures the whole breadth of the park and had to suffice with what my eyes and brain could process as I moved (there would be another time and trip). I exited through the Northeast gate and along highway 212 into Montana. A brief stop for food and fuel in Cooke City MT, and I was across Bear Tooth Pass. If I had to pick one pavement highlight from the trip, that would be it, without question! Anyone who knows that pass understands, and if you don’t, get to know it.








After that the story just becomes about making miles across Interstate highways and is uninteresting at best. I managed to go from Jackson Hole Wyoming to Dickinson, North Dakota that day, a distance of over 980 km.



The following day saw me reach Winnipeg, Manitoba and my parents place. I spent the rest of that with family remembering a sister/ a daughter/ a mother gone far too soon from us. The next couple of days and the trip home were somber and personal. The weather fit the tone going home.


"I’m a long way from home, but I know just where I belong. It’s a long way I’m going, but my heart will still carry me on. "Asia; Long Way From Home




When I read ride reports, I find the best ones are ones that explore the human side as well as the geographical. They are the ones that I remember. That in a way is what this report is about, remembering. I was very excited about the trip to Moab and spending time with friends. The trip sadly will always have darker memories associated with it now.


Like a new place, so to with people, we never really get to know them completely. We see what we want, or what they allow us to see. We remember them both - how we want to, and I choose to remember both my sister and Moab very, very fondly, and always will.

Thanks for coming along.

[payner]

Thanks Lee for an EXCELLENT write up!
You managed to capture the real spirit of the trip for sure. Again, we all feel for your loss but man did you hide it well!

[Lycan1]

Originally Posted by payner

Thanks Lee for an EXCELLENT write up!
You managed to capture the real spirit of the trip for sure. Again, we all feel for your loss but man did you hide it well!

I have always been hard to read, perhaps I should take up poker. Every once in a while the mask slips, but not often. I just couldn't be a bummer when it might ruin a great trip for you guys. I had plenty of alone time in my helmet for that.

[dmasliah]

Excellent report;
Can't wait to go back and ride there again.

[njoytheride]

What a great reminder of the power of a motorcycle ride to bring clarity and healing to the human condition. Thoroughly enjoyed the report as well as the pictures. Truly sorry about your loss. After my brother died it was heart breaking for my parents. Time will ease the pain somewhat, it is still a difficult journey.
Have been to Moab twice and will go back again if at all possible. Try to make time and you just have to stop 50 feet up the trail because it looks like a totally different place. The lighting changes perspective on everything.
Thanks again for taking the effort it takes to take us along for the ride. <>< Njoytheride

[Beema Killa]

Fantastic write up. Took me away from this rainy weather for a few days. Even inspired me to ride in the rain after work to test the new Mefo. Take it easy man Hopefully we can ride sometime soon. Cheers.


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[Lycan1]

As I have stated in the report, we stayed the week in Moab at Moab Valley RV Resort. It is at the Junction of 128 and 191 at the north end of Moab.

The Link: http://www.moabvalleyrv.com/

The Address:
1773 N. Hwy 191
Moab, UT, 84532
Grand County
Phone: 1-435-259-4469
Fax: 1-435-259-4483

I have nothing but good things to say about Moab Valley RV Resort. The front desk staff were exceptional, the facilities; Washrooms, showers, laundry, pool & hot tub, were all top notch. I took the time to walk the entire facility and base the following recommendations for tent sites and cabins on tree shelter (shade) and location in the resort. I would not recommend the uncovered tent sites due to their lack of shelter from wind and sun.

Covered Tent sites to book by site number in order of preference; 35, 33, 32, 18, 16, and 12 (in that order).

Cabins: 8, 9, 1, 7, 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 26 (in that order).

Each site has a Bar-B-Q that you can use charcoal in. No wood fires are allowed due to the so called "nature preserve" behind the campground that has burnt down before. This would be the only drawback, but not a deal breaker for me.

I was in Canyonlands Campground and had a good look around. The only advantage that I could see was it's proximity to restaurants and pubs, as in walking. By comparison it was more crowded, the cabins not as nice, and the biggest turn off was the FOUL smelling outhouses in the tenting area. It would be like setting up your tent next to a livestock trailer, NO THANKS. They did have much better tree coverage than Moab Valley and you can burn wood in the fire pits.

[Lycan1]

Since You Tube videos can't be imbedded here I'll just post the link.

A short video of the photo shoot at Chicken Corner. http://youtu.be/XNlv1HO6kvg