Gone Walkabout

[HowlingMad]

I've ridden in all sorts of weather, but today was the windiest I think I've ever been in. To give you some idea, I was getting 25mpg (normal is usually 40-42)



I had a little moment like the one in Forest Gump, where Lieutenant Dan has a face-off with God, except mine wasn't about lightning and rain, it was about wind. Turns out, you shouldn't challenge higher powers, they'll shove you right into the breakdown lane. It was an interesting conversation though.

[RTLLTR]

[HowlingMad]

Had breakfast with the uninbomber this morning, complete with baggy, hooded jacket and sunglasses, sitting in a dark corner of McDonalds. He smells better than me though.



Feeling a bit old today, 19 degrees this morning might have something to do with that. More soon.



P.S. I made it two whole days without my addiction to McDonalds. I'm a weak man.

[HowlingMad]

Just a quick teaser while I upload video and photos. Actually I have to finish soaking my fingers in my coffee to warm them up first, then maybe I can type.

Had a fairly exciting day yesterday. As usual, stupidity lead me to a fairly epic adventure.


More soon.

[westerlywinds]

I'm Following along hope you made Ouray and went to the Box Canyon Falls.Engineer pass in October is a manly ride.

[RTLLTR]

whataya rolling for sneakers on that pig? They look new. Maybe Hiedies?

[Nice_Rumble]

Respect. Engineer Pass on a big GS?

[HowlingMad]

Originally Posted by RTLLTR

whataya rolling for sneakers on that pig? They look new. Maybe Hiedies?

I've been meaning to tell you, I followed your lead and went with Ms. Heidi. Awesome tires, they've been a perfect 50/50 so far and great in everything I've encountered thus far. They look a little beat up after yesterday though.

[HowlingMad]

Originally Posted by Nice_Rumble

Respect. Engineer Pass on a big GS?

Had I known what I was in for, being alone, I probably would have made a smarter choice not to gone alone. Fortunately for me, stubborn and stupid are complimentary characteristics that run in my family.

I took a ton of video, but time, electricity and warm fingers are at a shortage at the moment. Pictures will have to suffice for now.

[HowlingMad]

Originally Posted by westerlywinds

I'm Following along hope you made Ouray and went to the Box Canyon Falls.Engineer pass in October is a manly ride.

I made it to Ouray, but was worried about the storm they keep talking about locally, so I had a celebratory cough drop, almost dropped my bike in the parking lot (after making through Engineers Pass without dropping it).

Did stop for a quick picture of Box Canyon falls on the way out of town, but fading daylight and cold persuaded me to get south and lose some altitude.

Manly? Does trembling like a little girl while repeating "don't drop it" in your helmet for two hours sound manly? I had the shakes from adrenalin and cold by the time I got to pavement.

[HowlingMad]

Engineers Pass, starts here:

just to add a little spice













this is where things really get interesting, sadly where the pictures fall off and adrenalin goes up.





Snow flurries about




Snow, lots of wind and balmy temperatures. Yeh!






Reminds me of Scotland.


Losing elevation and gaining more ruins again. Trail still has some really tricky spots and by this time I'm pretty worn down.




I almost kissed her for getting me to the other side. Say what you will about these whale foreskin appointed bikes, but she rocks.

[HowlingMad]

Forgot to mention that I'm currently in Durango, CO headed for Mexican Hat, UT.

[BillNighSciGuy]

Originally Posted by HowlingMad

Forgot to mention that I'm currently in Durango, CO headed for Mexican Hat, UT.

Nice pictures, great stories! Heading toward 4 corners eh? Should be plenty warm (/sarcasm).

Just checked the weather channel for the first time in a couple days. Looks like you might miss a helluva storm back home.

Keep'em coming, B

p.s. Don't forget your Colorado and other connections.

[RTLLTR]

Originally Posted by BillNighSciGuy

Looks like you might miss a helluva storm back home.

Got ya covered back home. Left Mrs. Mad a message last night to call me in case she needs anything. Might have some more firewood for ya after Sandy kicks our ass next week!

Good choice on the heidenau's , they have been good to me so far.

Hey your gunna miss the next grab your bike and go pick up a pick up ride! headed out Sunday morning for the next diesel dan rig. Headed the same way as last time but not quite as far!

Peace out!

[HowlingMad]

Found a new challenge today, most of the parks are now shutting down services for the winter, so no showers, no water, no trash. (sound familiar Hobbes?) That combined with a cold that seems to be getting worse is making this a little challenging. Nothing like being sick away from home.

Before I forget, thanks for all the PM's, please forgive the late responses to them. Really appreciate your stories, support and suggestions. Please feel free to share your thoughts here.

So, lot's to do tonight getting pics and video sorted, but there are two things I really wanted to share with you.

First, a quick little video. First attempt at this sort of thing, but the music makes it for me.


And second, a teaser of all the video footage I need to sort through.