Trouble in John's Canyon... Again! (AZ-UT Autumn Tour)

[dave6253]

I crawl out of the tent and notice a storm on top of Boulder Mountain. It was cold and windy last night with occasional rain.

I was planning to eat breakfast before departing, but looked towards town to the the storm closing in fast! I'd better get outta here.


There used to be a mountain there?



I really wanted to shoot some in Capitol Reef, but rode through the park in a light rain without stopping.




The sun finally made an appearance when I was just past Caineville. I found a perfect spot to stop for breakfast.




And a little fun.









I had done two laps around a little track with this hill used as a berm for a turn. I decided to stop on the sidehill on the 3rd pass.
When it was time to start up again I was being careful with the clutch, not wanting to spin up the rear tire on the slippery sidehill.
Probably because of the thick winter glove, I killed the engine after pushing off. Doh! I felt for the ground with left boot, but there
was only air. Nothing left to do, but put the boot back on the peg and wait for the right moment to somersault down the hill.




I get the bike downhill and after several tries it started. I left it idleing while I return to the hill to gather my stuff.




The bike decided to show me she was in control again.




A bent luggage rack was the only damage. The left pannier is getting pretty close to the swingarm. That'll need fixin'.




The bigger hills will have to wait until next trip...




Defeated, I retreat to the damp highway.

[FatherX]

THANK YOU for the visual feast sir!


I'm GOOD...time for a nap to sleep off the beauty








I'll need more later though

[dave6253]

The weather was supposed to be cleared up today, but it's not the case yet. My plan for today had been to ride up
Cathedral Valley RD in Capitol Reef and ride the full length of the Skyline RD before taking the highway to Moab.
I realize Cathedral Valley RD is one of those "Impassable When Wet" Roads, and Skyline RD is most likely snowed in.

Oh well, I'll just shoot over to Moab to find a drier place to ride.

The clouds hang low over the San Rafael Reef.

I-70

[dave6253]

Don't nap to long. Plenty more coming FatherX! Thanks!

[Signal]

Stunning pics

Like much of the high desert, the mud/sand/clay stuff around factory butte is truly unusual- when dry is like a clay/cinder powder. When wet, slick as snot and thick glue.

[dave6253]

Saturday, I rolled into the Moab area in early afternoon. Not the best time to go looking for a campsite.




I check all of the campsites along the river East of town. No vacancy.




The ride was nice and the skies gradually clears.




I found a spot west of town along Potash RD at the Williams Bottom Campground.
I set up camp and cook up lunch and a plan.


My campsite is under the trees.



The campsite came complete with wildflowers.














I had planned to hike to Delicate Arch for sunset and night photography, but the motorcyclist in me wanted to ride.
I make a quick run back into town for supplies and fuel.




Then head up Potash RD.














Let's go up the Shaffer Switchbacks.

[dave6253]

Originally Posted by Signal

Stunning pics

Like much of the high desert, the mud/sand/clay stuff around factory butte is truly unusual- when dry is like a clay/cinder powder. When wet, slick as snot and thick glue.

I believe it Signal. The slightly damp stuff at the OHV area really wasn't to bad for traction when I was there. I've always been interested in these MUD DUNE looking hills. This was my first time to try riding them.

[Chub]

Great pic's

[avocadofarmer]

I think I passed you just outside of Bluff...I was riding with my dad...he's got a GS and I have the 950 Adv. I'd have given you the salute but I noticed the ADV sticker too late.

Beautiful pix! We too got frozen out initially and ended up swapping the tent for a hotel room. Weather got good as we left...

[Paloma Paul]

I had the same experience at the Bryce Subway, next door is an old restaurant that serves a decent meal at a reasonable price.......at least it did a couple years ago. Loved the pictures. (like button)

[dave6253]

Thanks for the comments Chub, AvocadoFarmer, and Paloma Paul.

AvocadoFarmer, was your 990 blue? I do remember passing two bikes, one a KTM Adventure, near Bluff Sunday evening. I was kinda in a hurry...

[bretedge]

Yet another great ride report. Bummed I missed you during your time in Moab but I was most likely working, as that seems to be all I do these days. Definitely stoked to read your report and see your killer photos. Keep 'em coming!

[quackPOT]

Good stuff Dave! Thanks for sharing!

[dave6253]

The scenery is astounding on the Shafer Trail.




The riding is fun too!









I've ridden this before, when I did the White Rim Trail as a loop 2 years ago.









Made it to the top.

[dave6253]

I stopped for a break at the Shafer Trail Overlook.

.....................


It's beautiful here this time of day.









The bike is ready for more...