Westward - to see the sea.

[ROAD DAMAGE]

Originally Posted by ckjj888

图片美极了~~~

+1

?

[MrBob]

My photos of this area did not survive the computer crash so I shamelessly ripped this one off from the web.
Kanab is also called Little Hollywood because so many movies and TV shows have been filmed there including: The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, Planet of the Apes, and the Outlaw Josey Wales.
Another attraction is something called The Wave. I don't know what this is but access to whatever it is is through a daily lottery and I encountered people from all over the world waiting to be chosen. Maybe somebody can fill in the blanks on this one.
Motorcycle touring can be physically demanding and at this point I was bushed, so I slept rather than look around in this fascinating area.

Continuing west from Kanab I went north on Hwy. 89 to Page, AZ. and this,



The blue of the water in Lake Powell was a beautiful contrast to the color of the surrounding desert. To my eye, it appeared that the lake level is dramatically lower than it has been in the past.
I never tire of seeing the big sky views to be seen in the west.



Photos from here on are gone, gone, gone.
I was close enough to home now to begin pushing. During the entire trip the temp rarely rose above 50F. My body had been working hard to keep me warm and I was tired. After an overnight in Durango, Co it was an express ride back to Longmont. I've documented other rides in the 4 Corners area in ride reports.
Almost every location on this trip was beautiful and the riding some of the best I've experienced - ever. Avoiding freeways made monotony rare and brought me into closer contact with people.
Traveling back roads and secondary highways is still a great way to see the U.S. and I hope you have a similar trip in your future.

[Chisenhallw]

I gotta ride out west.

Interested to know what tires you had on the Connie and your opinion, given that you saw such a variation in riding conditions. Take care. Glad you're still riding.

[MrBob]

Originally Posted by Chisenhallw

I gotta ride out west.

Interested to know what tires you had on the Connie and your opinion, given that you saw such a variation in riding conditions. Take care. Glad you're still riding.

BT 023 Radial on the front. Avon Azaro Radial on the rear. Long story on how that came about.
Both tires now with almost 5,000 miles on them and look like they have plenty of life left. Both had significant flat spots when I returned from my trip but they went away after a few passes up and down my favorite canyons, where I rode just a little faster than my comfort level. No problem with grip.
When I replace the tires I'll try to match them but, YMMV. To mix or not mix tires seems almost equal to the oil argument. Can you mix radial with bias ply, can you mix brands, etc. - no end to those arguments.
And the 16" rear on the Connie really narrows choices in a sporty touring tire.

[samson70]

Originally Posted by MrBob

For my first night along the ocean I get a room at this place in Crescent City, The Curly Redwood Inn. It's claim to fame is that all of the wood used to build the motel came from one Redwood tree.
The price was reasonable and the Redwood has been lovingly cared for.

Up the next morning for a walk along the shore and a visit with the locals.






These critters are picturesque but not exactly cuddly and I understand that their aggressive behavior has become a problem along some parts of the coast.

Enjoying very much.

[nickgindy]

Awesome report. I'm planning a west coast trip in September. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=845650

[ProZac235]

Thanks for sharing. Great ride report.

[Ol Man]

From another ride report:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=wave&page=32

[MrBob]

Originally Posted by Ol Man

From another ride report:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=wave&page=32

I can see why people were so eager to get their number. I heard Japanese, French, German, and Russian spoken by people waiting for the lottery.

[svizzerams]

What a great trip and ride report - I gotta see more of my own west!!! Did a quick trip to Zion in December after escaping from a Las Vegas convention. Definitely will be a "preview of coming attractions". Just the little I saw was stunning and is still calling me back. Also echo the condolences of not seeing Crater Lake - it is a jewel.

And riding in the snow. Oh my.

[Klay]

Just saw this ride report now. That California coast is magical.

[MrBob]

Originally Posted by Klay

Just saw this ride report now. That California coast is magical.

Thinking about the blue color of the Pacific along the northern coast today. As much as I love the West, I miss large bodies of water.