Dr. Greg & Uly go to ANOTHER robot conference

Dr. Greg · 06-21-2009, 06:13 PM

Yet ANOTHER robot conference?

Yup, the Robotics Systems & Science (RSS) conference comes around once a year, and this year is in the USA. This year it's in Seattle...a perfect excuse for a road trip. So the plan is to leave Albuquerque Monday morning 6/22, slab it to Barstow, CA, then on to Santa Cruz and stay with friends. Onward north to Seattle, then back some different way.

'06 Uly S/N 564...RIP '06 S/N 044

I put 55,623 miles on '06 Ulysses S/N 044 then hit a deer on 12/06/08. Uly totaled. Dr. Greg with three more fractures to add to his previous seven. Two months to the day I was back on a bike, and it was another '06 Uly...a little newer, and orange instead of black. Mismatched tires, but I fixed that yesterday...

So tomorrow morning it's up early and head for the west. I'll try to check in and update this RR every few days.

Gonna stay with inmate Daveel in Eugene, OR one night. Five nights at a nice hotel in Seattle during the conference. Stop off in Spokane to visit with some old friends. But I'm gonna camp between Spokane and Albuquerque, so there might be something interesting happen...if anyone has a memory, I'll take it easy on the low-water crossings.

--Doc

Hughlysses · 06-21-2009, 06:27 PM

I'm in.

Gale B.T. · 06-21-2009, 06:50 PM

I am in!!!

And you know you cannot balance those new moccosins with all those stickers still on there!!! LOL

Ride safe, watch out for those "bambi'

adios,gale

Gadget Boy · 06-21-2009, 06:54 PM

Another Dr. G adventure

Snr Moment · 06-21-2009, 08:42 PM

I'm in. Ride safe. If you need anything in Montana, let me know.

redshiftquasars · 06-21-2009, 09:31 PM

Hope your checking.
the last time I rode the 40 from needles to Barstow there was pretty much nothing in between. Gas is pretty expensive in Needles, but you may want to fill up there before traveling through the rest of that desert. There might be some gas in Ludlow but if not the mileage between needles and barstow is about 143mi. On my 08 i was glad that I had filled up at needles before continuing west.

Shaggie · 06-22-2009, 03:01 AM

yay! another Dr Greg RR!

ArmyMedic · 06-22-2009, 10:35 AM

One of the reasons I bought my ULY is cuz of Docs reports. No Regrets! Thanks Doc. Have an excellent ride.

Strokizator · 06-22-2009, 04:11 PM

Hwy 58 from Barstow to Bakersfield? Arggghh,you're killing me, here. Lots of routes across the Sierra and only one uglier than a mud fence. Guess which one?

But if that's the route you're taking continue west on Hwy 58 towards the coast. It's better than 46 or even 166.

Havingfun · 06-22-2009, 07:32 PM

Always enjoy your reports, Doc.

Dr. Greg · 06-22-2009, 11:01 PM

Day One...ABQ to Barstow entirely on I-40...UGH!

Guys, I just want to get to the West Coast. I ordinarily shun the interstate, but there's a time and a place...

And man, am I beat tonight (at Barstow motel)...here's my GPS at end of day. I know, nothin' to the IBA guys, but enough for me. Whew!

So...I'm not gonna spend as much effort on today's report...I gotta get to bed and get some sleep.

Maps...

I figure this collection of maps oughta do it...

Did I leave anything out between NM and WA and back? Hope not ;-)

Anyway, I get the bike loaded Sunday night and finally get to bed. Set the alarm for 5:30 but didn't make it outa bed till 5:45 (gotta cuddle Mrs. Greg a little...now, now, there was no monkey business, I'm an old man).

A few more things to throw in the top case (I pack clothes there)...go to close the thing, and CRAA-AACK!

See those little pieces on the floor? That's the problem. Busted latch! The H-B cases are notorious for that. But hey...I HAVE ANOTHER TOP CASE!

When I hit the deer last December, I didn't have the top case mounted, so it (obviously) survived! (The side cases were totally demolished). Well, just gotta find the key for it (I did); transfer my clothes over, and hit the road!

Mrs. Greg would catch me with my eyes closed...gotta teach her!

I-40 is, well, I-40...there are some pretty rocks at the NM/AZ border (note I'm using a crappy little camera so my pics are likewise...sometimes I enhance them but I'm too tired now).

Here's a pic from the "cockpit"...hey, it's "high noon!" Note the black walnut bazootie needs refinishing, but still doing its job. Thermometer indicates a nice cool 80 degrees. That will change before the end of the day...

As someone said, I-40 is the "armpit of the Southwest?" Well, this pic would serve to affirm that statement. Somewhere between Holbrook and Winslow, IIRC.

Ramon...

I stopped in Flagstaff to grab a burger, and as I was changing from my warmer gear to my cooler gear (impending descent of the Colorado Plateau) a gentleman walked over, saw my license plate, and said "hey, you're from New Mexico...me, too..."

Ramon and I struck up a conversation. You can barely see the 2-inch freshly-stitched scar on his right forehead...courtesy of some "friends" the night before. He was trying to get back to Gallup. Well, considering what "we've" done to the American Indians, and considering all their service to the USA, it was the least I could do to slip Ramon a few bills and wish him good luck. Maybe it'll go for booze or meth, but dammit, I'm not gonna run him down. Enough coldness in the world...

Godspeed, Ramon...

Sitgreaves Pass

I always take this route to Needles. To think of the "dust bowl" folks climbing this bearcat in their jalopies is rather sobering. The ADOT folks had done the courtesy of applying some fresh tar snakes (the rider's friend), so I tread gingerly...

Here's a pic of the good ol' '06 Uly on top...

In case you can't read the sign...

Even though it was ten degrees cooler at that elevation, the Uly lived up to its name...

The fan did eventually quit, but it took a while...

Lonesome Uly headin' west...

BTW, '06 Uly S/N 564 lived up to its predecessor and ran like a champ. Never missed a beat, didn't use any oil (I just switched to Mobil-1 synth before this trip), and showed this oil temp in needles:

Finally, it was hot in Needles, but not THAT hot...

I came through Needles in May 2008 and it was 115 degrees going out, and an honest 55 degrees (I had my heated gear on) coming back through. That was that big Memorial Day storm over the west last year.

The ride tomorrow

I'm leaving Barstow and riding to Santa Cruz. Either one of two routes, and I don't think I'll have net access in Santa Cruz, so it may be a few days before I can update. I'll stay with old friends in Santa Cruz, then swing by the Stanford University campus, where I'll meet with a colleague with whom we're writing a big 10-year proposal (that will fund me until my retirement, if we win it ;-) then on to San Francisco where I'll spend Wednesday night with another old friend.

Till next time, you guys take care!

--Doc

Hemibee · 06-23-2009, 01:27 AM

Have fun Doc. Will be waiting for the next report.

svwayne · 06-23-2009, 05:48 AM

Doc,

Always enjoy your RRs. Thanks for taking the time!

Not that I'm superstitious but I'd have to circle the parking lot a few times before parking for the night. (or figure out how to program a transform equation into my Zumo)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Greg

Ramata · 06-23-2009, 07:38 AM

Nice trip. Waiting for the details about the ICRA

.

Dr. Greg · 06-23-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramata

Nice trip. Waiting for the details about the ICRA

.

Man, I'm a creature of habit. The ICRA was in Kobe, JAPAN in May (yes, I went, but not on a motorcycle)

THIS conference is RSS 09 -- Robotics Systems and Science. I've never been to one of those before. It is "single track" so one can attend everything. Much smaller than ICRA. But the "banquet" is a cruise & dinner on Puget Sound!

--Doc

06-21-2009, 06:13 PM	#1
Dr. Greg Relaxin' in the spa Joined: Nov 2005 Location: ABQ, New Mexico Oddometer: 488	Dr. Greg & Uly go to ANOTHER robot conference: NM-AZ-CA-OR-WA-ID-MT-WY-UT-CO-NM *Yet ANOTHER* robot conference?** Yup, the Robotics Systems & Science (RSS) conference comes around once a year, and this year is in the USA. This year it's in Seattle...a perfect excuse for a road trip. So the plan is to leave Albuquerque Monday morning 6/22, slab it to Barstow, CA, then on to Santa Cruz and stay with friends. Onward north to Seattle, then back some different way. '06 Uly S/N 564...RIP '06 S/N 044 I put 55,623 miles on '06 Ulysses S/N 044 then hit a deer on 12/06/08. Uly totaled. Dr. Greg with three more fractures to add to his previous seven. Two months to the day I was back on a bike, and it was another '06 Uly...a little newer, and orange instead of black. Mismatched tires, but I fixed that yesterday... So tomorrow morning it's up early and head for the west. I'll try to check in and update this RR every few days. Gonna stay with inmate Daveel in Eugene, OR one night. Five nights at a nice hotel in Seattle during the conference. Stop off in Spokane to visit with some old friends. But I'm gonna camp between Spokane and Albuquerque, so there might be something interesting happen...if anyone has a memory, I'll take it easy on the low-water crossings. --Doc __________________ 2006 Buell XB12X Ulysses 2000 Kawasaki KLX300R 2000 Aprilia RSV Mille 1992 Ducati 900SS Last edited by Dr. Greg : 07-20-2009 at 06:55 PM. Reason: No geography in title

06-21-2009, 06:27 PM	#2
Hughlysses Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Summerville, SC Oddometer: 1,479	I'm in. __________________ 2009 Buell 1125CR 2007 Buell XB12X Ulysses 1983 Honda VT500FT Ascot

06-21-2009, 06:50 PM	#3
Gale B.T. Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Pagosa Springs, CO. Oddometer: 376	Yo Dr Greg I am in!!! And you know you cannot balance those new moccosins with all those stickers still on there!!! LOL Ride safe, watch out for those "bambi' adios,gale

06-21-2009, 06:54 PM	#4
Gadget Boy ADV Plenipotentiary Joined: Aug 2002 Location: Toronto, Canada Oddometer: 40,790	Another Dr. G adventure __________________ ADV flag, decals & patches? Here

06-21-2009, 08:42 PM	#5
Snr Moment Unafarkler Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Billings, MT Oddometer: 727	I'm in. Ride safe. If you need anything in Montana, let me know. __________________ Love is blind, marriage is an eye-opener. 2009 Buell XB12XT-Whereon farkle follows function. 1977 Yamaha DT400D http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/b...SANY0001-4.jpg http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...SANY0001-1.jpg

06-21-2009, 09:31 PM	#6
redshiftquasars 19k and going Joined: Sep 2008 Location: socal Oddometer: 15	Gas Hope your checking. the last time I rode the 40 from needles to Barstow there was pretty much nothing in between. Gas is pretty expensive in Needles, but you may want to fill up there before traveling through the rest of that desert. There might be some gas in Ludlow but if not the mileage between needles and barstow is about 143mi. On my 08 i was glad that I had filled up at needles before continuing west. __________________ My 2Myzone Page

06-22-2009, 03:01 AM	#7
Shaggie Slow as a wet week Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Oddometer: 1,153	yay! another Dr Greg RR! __________________ Shaggie *'99 VTR 1000F Firestorm/Superhawk* Christchurch NZ 43°31'53.58"S 172°35'46.77"E Adieu Davo - you're on The Far Ride now, missing you already mate... *NZ Touring pics by Shaggie* (61 new pics!!)\| *Brass Monkey 2009* \| *A day in the Kiwi Sun* \| *Dirt noob Shaggie goes OffRoad!* \| *Kiwi Elvis goes to Port Levy* A mate of mine has written a couple of biking books - check them out here: The Great Aussie Road Trip And: The Great Yankee Road Trip

06-22-2009, 10:35 AM	#8
ArmyMedic Uly Addict Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Salt Lick Sity Oddometer: 229	One of the reasons I bought my ULY is cuz of Docs reports. No Regrets! Thanks Doc. Have an excellent ride. __________________ -Can Do Easy 2003 Kawazuki KLX 400R 2006 Ulysses 2002 V-Strom - Gone 2002 Triumph Sprint ST - Sold

06-22-2009, 04:11 PM	#9
Strokizator Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2006 Location: CenCal Oddometer: 108	Hwy 58 from Barstow to Bakersfield? Arggghh,you're killing me, here. Lots of routes across the Sierra and only one uglier than a mud fence. Guess which one? But if that's the route you're taking continue west on Hwy 58 towards the coast. It's better than 46 or even 166. __________________ 4 metal plates, 28 screws, titanium shoulder & surprisingly little talent. Enthusiasm is a poor substitute for skill.

06-22-2009, 07:32 PM	#10
Havingfun the road less traveled... Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Lone Star State Oddometer: 12	Subscribed Always enjoy your reports, Doc.

06-22-2009, 11:01 PM	#11
Dr. Greg Relaxin' in the spa Joined: Nov 2005 Location: ABQ, New Mexico Oddometer: 488	Day One...ABQ to Barstow entirely on I-40...UGH! Guys, I just want to get to the West Coast. I ordinarily shun the interstate, but there's a time and a place... And man, am I beat tonight (at Barstow motel)...here's my GPS at end of day. I know, nothin' to the IBA guys, but enough for me. Whew! So...I'm not gonna spend as much effort on today's report...I gotta get to bed and get some sleep. Maps... I figure this collection of maps oughta do it... Did I leave anything out between NM and WA and back? Hope not ;-) Anyway, I get the bike loaded Sunday night and finally get to bed. Set the alarm for 5:30 but didn't make it outa bed till 5:45 (gotta cuddle Mrs. Greg a little...now, now, there was no monkey business, I'm an old man). A few more things to throw in the top case (I pack clothes there)...go to close the thing, and CRAA-AACK! See those little pieces on the floor? That's the problem. Busted latch! The H-B cases are notorious for that. But hey...I HAVE ANOTHER TOP CASE! When I hit the deer last December, I didn't have the top case mounted, so it (obviously) survived! (The side cases were totally demolished). Well, just gotta find the key for it (I did); transfer my clothes over, and hit the road! Mrs. Greg would catch me with my eyes closed...gotta teach her! I-40 is, well, I-40...there are some pretty rocks at the NM/AZ border (note I'm using a crappy little camera so my pics are likewise...sometimes I enhance them but I'm too tired now). Here's a pic from the "cockpit"...hey, it's "high noon!" Note the black walnut bazootie needs refinishing, but still doing its job. Thermometer indicates a nice cool 80 degrees. That will change before the end of the day... As someone said, I-40 is the "armpit of the Southwest?" Well, this pic would serve to affirm that statement. Somewhere between Holbrook and Winslow, IIRC. Ramon... I stopped in Flagstaff to grab a burger, and as I was changing from my warmer gear to my cooler gear (impending descent of the Colorado Plateau) a gentleman walked over, saw my license plate, and said "hey, you're from New Mexico...me, too..." Ramon and I struck up a conversation. You can barely see the 2-inch freshly-stitched scar on his right forehead...courtesy of some "friends" the night before. He was trying to get back to Gallup. Well, considering what "we've" done to the American Indians, and considering all their service to the USA, it was the least I could do to slip Ramon a few bills and wish him good luck. Maybe it'll go for booze or meth, but dammit, I'm not gonna run him down. Enough coldness in the world... Godspeed, Ramon... Sitgreaves Pass I always take this route to Needles. To think of the "dust bowl" folks climbing this bearcat in their jalopies is rather sobering. The ADOT folks had done the courtesy of applying some fresh tar snakes (the rider's friend), so I tread gingerly... Here's a pic of the good ol' '06 Uly on top... In case you can't read the sign... Even though it was ten degrees cooler at that elevation, the Uly lived up to its name... The fan did eventually quit, but it took a while... Lonesome Uly headin' west... BTW, '06 Uly S/N 564 lived up to its predecessor and ran like a champ. Never missed a beat, didn't use any oil (I just switched to Mobil-1 synth before this trip), and showed this oil temp in needles: Finally, it was hot in Needles, but not THAT hot... I came through Needles in May 2008 and it was 115 degrees going out, and an honest 55 degrees (I had my heated gear on) coming back through. That was that big Memorial Day storm over the west last year. The ride tomorrow I'm leaving Barstow and riding to Santa Cruz. Either one of two routes, and I don't think I'll have net access in Santa Cruz, so it may be a few days before I can update. I'll stay with old friends in Santa Cruz, then swing by the Stanford University campus, where I'll meet with a colleague with whom we're writing a big 10-year proposal (that will fund me until my retirement, if we win it ;-) then on to San Francisco where I'll spend Wednesday night with another old friend. Till next time, you guys take care! --Doc __________________ 2006 Buell XB12X Ulysses 2000 Kawasaki KLX300R 2000 Aprilia RSV Mille 1992 Ducati 900SS

06-23-2009, 01:27 AM	#12
Hemibee n00b Joined: Nov 2007 Oddometer: 2	Have fun Doc. Will be waiting for the next report.

06-23-2009, 07:38 AM	#14
Ramata Wind Joined: May 2006 Location: Chihuahua Oddometer: 43	Nice trip. Waiting for the details about the ICRA .

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