My first GS adventure to Torrey Utah...

[Azkaisr]

American Heritage Dictionary:
ad·ven·ture
n.

1. An undertaking or enterprise of a hazardous nature.

2. An unusual or exciting experience:

3. Participation in hazardous or exciting experiences: the love of adventure.

But what does the word really mean to you? For me this past weekend was the first true adventure I have had in a long time. Not to say that the riding I have done on the RT is not adventurous or exciting, but the GS or "Government Mule" as I like to call has allowed me to really set out on an adventure again.


Jesus the cat is always aware when I am going on a moto trip. He breaks the rules and hangs out in the King Richard Suite trying to talk reason to me. It never works.


Miko was waiting at the usual spot at 5am. We had agreed to go up to Cameron together, get some breakfast and then he was going to go camp on the North Rim (as in next to it) somewhere in the National Forest area for a few nights while I was going to go explore the area around Cottonwood Canyon before we would meet again on Friday in Torrey.


The Walmart of Indian curios and kitsch but the Trading post at Cameron has both clean restrooms and good food in the dining room.


Our steeds ready to go outside. The Corbin seat rocks for long trips.


This guy really was itching to hitch a ride with me.


After getting out of Page, I entered Utah . I came upon this accident where I spoke with a Utah Patrolman directing traffic around a guy who was driving a Budget rent a car while taking a nap. Not a good idea. I asked him about Cottonwood Canyon and he told me that other then a little sand, I would be fine on my moto. He then told me to look out for a wrecker which was pulling out a 18wheeler that was stuck somewhere on this dirt road because his GPS told him it was a short cut to Salt lake.


The front end of Cottonwood Canyon. From here it was about 47 miles to the entrance of Kodachrome State Park and after that about another 100 miles to Torrey.


The road soon was following Cottonwood Creek and you can see just below this layer of road to the left was some pretty fine sand.


About ten miles into the run I found the Wrecker coming out the other way. The road was dusty but firm.


This is the 18 Wheeler that went down the road because his GPS told him to. Crazy


This is the front loader then used to dig a spot where he could turn around in.


The road has some sandy spots and I had to be careful about my speed. I learned a lot about Sand this weekend.


Another nice spot on the road


Sand is a pain in neck to ride in. No getting around it. Ok the GS itself has a dry weight of about 450 pounds. Add about 100 pounds of oil, gasoline, luggage and camera equipment and it is heavy. This picture is actually the 2nd time I dropped it. You can see some of my gear at the top of the road about 80 yards up the road. The sand was about 18-24 inches deep here and like powder. When I went down the 1st time, I got some water and sat in the shade for a few minutes to get my heart rate down and see if any cars would be coming up behind me to help lift the mule up. Nada after about 20 minutes so I unloaded some gear, and dug a hole next to the bike. Remember it is 100 degrees out. I then leg pressed the bike back up. I should not have fallen the 2nd time but I looked at a rut from a previous car and where you look tends to be where you go. Repeated the process and then loaded all my gear up again. I then sat on the side of the road for another 30 minutes to get my head in a good place to ride on. I still had 30 miles to go but wasn’t sure if this was the worst of it, or just the start. Then 3 jeeps showed up and we talked about the road. They told me that this was the worst part of the road and after looking at my map I pressed on. Whew!


This area was spectacular.




After getting out of the dirt and back onto 12, I stopped at a motel/gas station/store in Cannonville Utah and had a gatorade and something to eat. There is no better feeling to know you got through something that was really tough. In hindsight I should have not taken that road alone but having done it, I am proud to say I did. These folks from Switzerland also own a GS back there. I spoke more French and German on the way up to Torrey then I did English at most stops.


From there it was back on the bike and on to Torrey via Route 12


The mule resting just before heading out over the Escalante Staircase.


I met a really nice couple from Paris who had rented some Harley's for their wedding ride. Very nice people.


I really love this stretch of Highway 12

Passing through Boulder I decide I better stow my electrics before I cross the mountain since it looked like rain. As I was there I see a familiar K Bike and a blue RT zoom by. I head on down the road and see both sitting on the side of the road. Sure enough it is my pal Todd and someone I have not met yet. I pull up and ask if all is ok. They were putting on their Gerbings. I called them wusses. Then Todd figured out it was me and gave me a big hug. His buddy Real was with him. Over the next few days I spent some great time with both of these two friends. It is a big reason why I love Torrey.


After checking into the Chuckwagon, I moto'd over to Killer's place to meet him and Calvin. Little did I know what lay in store for me there. It appears that Calvin and Killer have some sort of symbiotic relationship going on. Not unlike a Remora Calvin has become attached to Bob's Garage. (ADV RIDER NOTE, some of these people are not as well known on this board as other boards I posted this tale on so bear with me if I seem informal)


He has done the impossible and cleaned the uncleanable.


In fairness Bob did help


Don't they look great together?


We agreed to head to the RimRock Cafe for dinner. All of were hungry and while we had agreed to eat with Whip, Louise, and Kaneman, we set off without them. About 40 minutes later they arrived!


Mr. Kaneman got to meet the famous Pimp Daddy. The guy is AOK in my book. Oh don't call him Baby either.

After dinner we headed back to Killer's for a night cap and to tell stories. Here you can see Real next to Louise.


Kaneman worked late to make sure he got the day story posted on Adventure Rider. The man takes his reading public very seriously. You have to respect that in the brother.

All in all a good first day. And to think I was going to get to stay until Sunday!

Kaisr

--------------------
AZ KAISR
02 1150 RT
05 1200 GS

[Azkaisr]

There is nothing like waking up in Torrey in the morning, getting a nice cup of Joe and chatting with the locals.


Tough choices lay ahead for me. Do I ride East to explore the park


Or head West and ride Sweeper Madness.

Tom Waites "Ol'55" was echoing in my head as I went and just hung out on the porch for a while.


We wandered down to the Capital Reef Inn for Breakfast. Whip went to roust Kaneman, Calvin and Bob, while Louise and I went in to warn the staff we had a big party coming. The Capital Reef Inn has good breakfast but their service is always iffy. (PHOTO BY KANEMAN)

While we went in a very pretty woman walked in alone ahead of us. She asked for a table for one. She noticed my sexy yellow moto pants I said good morning and invited her to have breakfast with us. Suzanne from Salt Lake was down waiting for her boyfriend and she turned out to be a real sweetheart. The rest of the Hooligans arrived and we got to meet Darci.


This is Darci. One of the most wonderful young ladies I have met in a long time. She is also the worst waitress in the World. Not one order I think came out right all weekend. Whip caught on and the 2nd day didn't order anything and got all kinds of food after ordering an omelet this morning and getting nada. (PHOTO BY KANEMAN)


You and I both know that Suzanne really wanted to go riding with me. Notice Bob trying to make Calvin jealous? Suzanne, if you read this drop me an email. (PHOTO BY KANEMAN)


From there it was back to Bob's to get ready to Moto


Whip swears this lip gloss is all the rage in Milan this season.




A quick stop for Gas and it was on to the Burr Trail! Cute Alien huh?


The Kaneman abides


The Red Rocks just put you into a peaceful mood. I started to hum "Box of Rain" and get all Hippiesque for a while.




Even the best relationships have tension sometimes. I think Bob was concerned that Calvin didn't have the proper socks on.


Ok in the first picture you see Whip and Kaneman climbing the slope. The second picture is of Kaneman up on the hill and taken with my 1200mm lens.


I think we are looking better then the Hole in Wall Gang ever did here.


It doesn't get better then hanging out with your pals and motoing. (PHOTO BY LOUISE)

The road turned to dirt and we pulled off for a little adventure down a side road. I know I need a lot more practice off road so opted to take the truck in. Larry soon decided to do the same while Killer and Kaneman moto'd down a wash to the trail head.


The desert never ever ceases to amaze me with color


Bob looks so British in that hat don't you think. I am sure he is telling Kaneman something to the effect of "Ephedra viridis primarily blooms in late May ole boy which is of course completely different then the reproduction habits of say Tagetes temurfolia"


These trees all have a great story to tell


The lovely Louise taking pics of cacti in bloom.


For a second I thought I was looking out over the great rift valley in Africa. The hike up was worth it.


My Thor 50/50's were actually really good on the trail. (PHOTO BY LOUISE)

Back into the truck and back out to the waiting bikes


Kaneman knows no fear when it comes to riding offroad.


Bob showing us that he is still king of the offroad.


Natural Sculpture. Wow what a place


We decide to press on and take the Burr Trail down the switchbacks and back to Torrey. Here Matt is taking a shot of his moto.


Our hero taking off into the abyss (PHOTO BY LOUISE)

I don't have a lot of pictures of me going down the switchbacks or of the next 30miles on dirt. I do have it on video which I will post over the long weekend once I edit it. Lets just say, I made it down the switchbacks no problem, but then dumped the bike in the deep sand again because I was going too slow. Bob gave me some great advise and pointers and before the end of this road, I was feeling 200% better in the dirt. I have a long road to travel before I am going to call myself good in the dirt, but I am happy with the progress I made after listening to very good feedback from Mr. Palin. Seriously thanks Bob.






Kaneman and I stopped to take some pictures before sunset and then head out to meet the gang for dinner at Cafe Diablo


Good to see Todd and Real had a good day. Here you can see Todd reviewing my adventures in the sand.



Bob telling Sir Rodney about how he and Monty took Sicily back in 43.


Hannabone needs to come with a warning label about making your stomach hurt for laughing so hard. The man is priceless. And I love the way Sir Rodney tells stories. Both of these guys are top shelf!


Some damn fine ribs too


For me Day 2 was the day I will remember most from Torrey XIII. I learned a lot about riding and realized that I am really lucky to have great friends like these.

Tomorrow the party really gets started! And prepare yourself for meeting King Richard.

Kaisr

[xdbx]

goodness, that area is just downright beautiful!

Can you do me a favor? Post up more stuff from the DIRT section of burr trail. When I was there a few weeks ago, we ran from boulder east until capitol reef, but our road warriors werent suited for gravel. I wanted to go and see those switchbacks. If you've got nothin, i'll be waiting anxiously for the video. woot!

[rat734]

Damn fine pictures and a well told story.

[TouringDave]

Great report and fantastic pics, keep 'em coming please

[GB]

Excellent adventure!! Great pics and report, thanks for posting.

[Azkaisr]

So I am a day behind in my tale. I will also upload a few more pictures from the Burr trail this weekend. Anyway back to the story....


In the morning we all went back to the Capital Reef for Breakfast Bingo. Like I said Whip got all sorts of good eats without ever ordering a thing. After the food you can see Hannabone and Louise are itchin to ride.


Rodney really doesn't have a clue where Tobruk is. But he wants adventure! His ride tale is for another time though


A quick run up to highway 72 confirmed that there were tar snakes everywhere. So we took the Fish lake road where I did more filming and less still photography. When we were here last fall it is where the infamous snowball fight took place. Now the weather was still brisk but the road was dry.


We then decided to get a Brinks Burger. Not sure why but burgers in these sort of locations just rock. Look at me, I know burgers


More of the crew arriving. Roydog007 and Glockster probably didn't even check in before heading over.


Limecreek from Texas, Effbe from CA, and SageRider from Nevada. Cool thing is that we can go months or even years and not see each other and yet get together and talk like it was yesterday.


But there was still plenty of light and over by Capital Reef park, the weather was better too. So Kaneman, Mike and I headed into the park to take some picture


Keep on truckin...


I mean if the shoe fits baby


Many people don't realize that BMW makes other enduro style motorcycles. Least of all Mike the owner of this GT. He actually was great to hang out with and a good sport dealing with vagrants like Kaneman and myself.


One of the Chimney Rocks


I couldn't get Kaneman to stand below that rock. I figured he must have seen that episode of Wiley Coyote or talked to Jacqueline about me "pushing" things.


One of the great side roads in Capital Reef Park


Doesn't everyone ride in Hawaiian shirts?


Almost out of the Lord of the Rings or something




My money shot.





Kaneman had an alibi Barry honest!


The pool at the Chuckwagon


After reconsidering the process Amy, you are now allowed on the board. You are not allowed to want a trike. Sorry there are some things that cannot be compromised on.


Another great day in the bag.

Tomorrow King Richard and the woman that can stay upright.

Kaisr

--------------------
AZ KAISR
02 1150 RT
05 1200 GS

[ian408]

Did you get to the rock paintings?

[Questor]

Very nice.

You got to see beautiful places and meet great fellow ADVriders.
This is really what life was designed for - enjoying.

More please...

Q~

[MeefZah]

Nice, I gobble up every post dealing with dual sporting in the western US; planning a trip this summer to some of those very areas! Thanks!

[bobcat]

Beautiful photos.... Thanks for posting!

[kktos]

Doh...
What could I say ?

FANTASTIC !

Saw your report after this one : http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233365

Utah is a Must-Go !

A trip to the US is now __mandatory__.... ok, will have to find some funds....

I came back from Morocco (ADV thread) and I can say that we have both the same style on sand
Quite a PITA this sand......

many thanks for these great picts, mate.
/thierry