Author Topic: tankhead rides west again. (Read 36021 times)

tankhead · « **on:** October 16, 2017, 05:51:52 PM »

If it is against the rules I apologize. But throw some spit in the wind and see where it lands. On ADV they move your "pre trip" to planning. But we are all grown ups here. I will be adding to this ride report before, during, and afterwards. So there's that.

In early to mid July I will be embarking on a transcontinental trip to see friends, fly my family out west to Flagstaff, AZ to meet me and view the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, and a few other great spots. I am also hopeful to ride sights unseen on my new (to me) Yamaha Super Tenere.

I hope to have people encourage, offer advice, offer to meet for beers (my tab), possible lodging (throw my tent in your backyard), and basically offer to spend some time with fellow riders along the way. I will be documenting and posting here and possibly ADV

I am a teacher who will be off from work from June 20th until Sept 1 st. My wife has given me the "OK" to go do what I have to do on my 50th year on the planet. So in the upcoming weeks I intend to list possible, probable places that I intend to visit.

NJ to South Dakota to visit with My Brother for another Mother, Gregg and hopefully Badlands to embark on their annual trip to the westerly trip to Red Lodge and then down to Yellowstone, Tetons, maybe Dinosaur Co, then on to MOAB, Arches, then eventually to Page AZ to meet my family.

Post up if you got something to say. Looking forward to the trip and meeting anyone who is down with meeting. Routes to follow.

miles · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2017, 06:25:36 PM »

Ignore the naysayers. Question authority. Be a rebel. Post your planning here.

As for the route, I'd say there are a bunch of cool places to go and things to see here in the west- feel free to check 'em out.

kendenton · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2017, 06:29:39 PM »

Looking forward to laughing along with your report

tankhead · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2017, 06:30:10 PM »

Gracias mi amigo. Miles, still have your placed in Spain?

Thanks Ken! Should be a fun trip. Now for the decision of what photo dump site?? What has everyone been using since the photo bucket debacle???

chornbe · « **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2017, 06:32:08 PM »

I love these setup threads.

FWIW, see that thing behind me off to the right that looks like a road? No? You don't? There's a reason! This was one of the passes we wanted to take over the Cascades... late May.

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... and we fought snow all the way up to the North Rim in early June.

This was a road:
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Later that same day, it was 110* and George was too tired to be curious.
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This car was literally falling off the mountain, and the roads were impassible... and it was 90*
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I'm not even a little bit of an expert on the West, and we were pretty far North in that picture, but... Plan accordingly. We hit things we had NO idea we would. 8-foot snowbanks across some fairly major roads. Horrid wind and snow at the Grand Canyon. Flooding and torrential rain in Vegas.

tankhead · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2017, 06:39:10 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on October 16, 2017, 06:32:08 PM

I love these setup threads.

I like them also. I like reading about the preparation of the trip as much as the trip..

tankhead · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2017, 06:53:56 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on October 16, 2017, 06:32:08 PM

I love these setup threads.

FWIW, see that thing behind me off to the right that looks like a road? No? You don't? There's a reason! This was one of the passes we wanted to take over the Cascades... late May.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

... and we fought snow all the way up to the North Rim in early June.

This was a road:
visitors can't see pics , please register or login

Later that same day, it was 110* and George was too tired to be curious.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login

This car was literally falling off the mountain, and the roads were impassible... and it was 90*
visitors can't see pics , please register or login

I'm not even a little bit of an expert on the West, and we were pretty far North in that picture, but... Plan accordingly. We hit things we had NO idea we would. 8-foot snowbanks across some fairly major roads. Horrid wind and snow at the Grand Canyon. Flooding and torrential rain in Vegas.

Well when I went out here in 2008, mind you I didn't go farther north than Vail I had nothing but hot weather. Only snow I saw was on top of Grand Mesa CO. It snowed for awhile but there where snow patches from a while back.

Up north in Yellowstone?>

? We shall see. Maps or routes coming in the next week or so.... Thanks Chris for chiming in.. I appreciate it. Hope all is well..

miles · « **Reply #7 on:** October 16, 2017, 07:36:38 PM »

Quote from: tankhead on October 16, 2017, 06:30:10 PM

Gracias mi amigo. Miles, still have your placed in Spain?

Yeah, still have it. It's nowhere near the fires, and since it's an ancient stone building in the middle of an ancient stone town it's probably pretty fire proof anyhow...

viffergyrl · « **Reply #8 on:** October 16, 2017, 07:47:36 PM »

Dude.... looking forward to it. If you ever make it to CA, we have a huge backyard. And beer. And bacon burgers.

rgbeard · « **Reply #9 on:** October 16, 2017, 07:47:53 PM »

For Arizona do-not-miss:

Monument Valley.
North Rim of the GC.
Sedona.

viffergyrl · « **Reply #10 on:** October 16, 2017, 07:51:53 PM »

+1 on the North Rim

viffergyrl · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2017, 07:53:02 PM »

Also... the Moki Dugway

http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/783-mokee-dugway-usa.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_State_Route_261

Skee · « **Reply #12 on:** October 16, 2017, 09:05:05 PM »

Quote from: tankhead on October 16, 2017, 06:39:10 PM

Quote from: chornbe on October 16, 2017, 06:32:08 PM
I love these setup threads.

I like them also. I like reading about the preparation of the trip as much as the trip..

+1

A little foreknowledge enriches the experience, even when the experience turns out completely different from your expectations

st2sam · « **Reply #13 on:** October 17, 2017, 07:12:20 AM »

Quote from: Skee on October 16, 2017, 09:05:05 PM

Quote from: tankhead on October 16, 2017, 06:39:10 PM
Quote from: chornbe on October 16, 2017, 06:32:08 PM
I love these setup threads.
I like them also. I like reading about the preparation of the trip as much as the trip..
+1
A little foreknowledge enriches the experience, even when the experience turns out completely different from your expectations

+2

A seed was planted, it'll be 9 months in the womb.
Your having a ST.O baby.

Black Hills · « **Reply #14 on:** October 17, 2017, 08:06:58 AM »

Gregg texted me about this last night, sounds like a great trip. I have a spare bedroom, but I imagine he has you covered for that. we will do our best to make the redlodge portion of the trip memorable. Gregg, I, and crew usually leave Friday but maybe we should go Thursday instead and get in a little extra riding? Looking forward to seeing you again.

Virginian · « **Reply #15 on:** October 17, 2017, 08:10:39 AM »

I'm looking forward towards your adventures! Good stuff!

oilhed · « **Reply #16 on:** October 17, 2017, 09:47:10 AM »

Quote from: tankhead on October 16, 2017, 05:51:52 PM

I am a teacher who will be off from work from June 20th until Sept 1 st. My wife has given me the "OK" to go do what I have to do on my 50th year on the planet. So in the upcoming weeks I intend to list possible, probable places that I intend to visit.

LUCKY! I now work in a school and have ten weeks off every summer. More than 9 days is ver·bo·ten

I've always wanted to ride & camp Maine to Alaska thru Canada

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #17 on:** October 17, 2017, 10:03:53 AM »

Sounds like a good list. If you're looking for some lightish off-road experiences, the road climbing out of the canyon (Shafer Trail?) in Canyonlands NP is a hoot. I regret not seeing Antelope Canyon when I was out there. It's on the to do list. Do your homework tho cuz like any canyon, it can kill ya. Or be over run w/ teenage girls cuz it was in some music video somewhere in time. Jealous of North Rim. Been down in the GC twice but from South both times. Try to get a couple hours hiking down the canyon if possible. Totally different inside, even if only a small portion of the way. Also, if you're able to catch a sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park near Canyonlands, its pretty incredible.

Potash to Shafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yjM2kcZIdw watch at double speed

Virginian · « **Reply #18 on:** October 17, 2017, 10:15:52 AM »

Better start packing now!
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slayman · « **Reply #19 on:** October 17, 2017, 10:36:01 AM »

The three best days of riding during my 11 day trip from Spokane to Lancaster this summer:

Day 1 - Spokane to Lolo Hot Springs via Moscow ID and Lochsa Pass

Day 4 - Columbus MT to Riverton WY via Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and Cody WY

Day 7 - Dillon CO to Lamar CO via Canon City, Colorado 67/96/165 and Nick Ienatsch's front porch (a story for another time)

The other 8 days were great (except for Day 8, that was crossing Kansas which was okay and day 10, Rt 64 from St Louis to Charleston), some awesome scenery, great company with the ZZRBikes.com brethren and only 60 miles or so of rain.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #20 on:** October 17, 2017, 11:08:02 AM »

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #21 on:** October 17, 2017, 12:31:39 PM »

Have you left yet? This is posted in "ride reports", after all

tankhead · « **Reply #22 on:** October 17, 2017, 05:40:52 PM »

First things first, here are the places that where we will be going as a family

Page: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
North Rim Grand Canyon
Zion
Bryce: renting ATVs that go in and around the canyon

Here are the places that I have already seen 10 years ago:

NRGC
Zion
Bryce
Grand Staircase/Escalante
Grand Mesa CO
Four Corners
Arches
Mesa Verde
Black Canyon of the Gunnision
Capitol Reef
Canyonlands
Colorado Nat Mon

Places that I missed but wanted to get to because, well because, time

Monument Valley
Million dollar highway

Places that I can't wait to see for the first time:

Red Lodge MT
Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and Cody WY
Yellowstone
Tetons
Dinosaur Nat Mon
Dead Horse
Canyons of the Ancients CO
(Canyon De Chelly AZ) probably not going to be able to get there

tankhead · « **Reply #23 on:** October 17, 2017, 05:55:28 PM »

Quote from: Black Hills on October 17, 2017, 08:06:58 AM

Gregg texted me about this last night, sounds like a great trip. I have a spare bedroom, but I imagine he has you covered for that. we will do our best to make the redlodge portion of the trip memorable. Gregg, I, and crew usually leave Friday but maybe we should go Thursday instead and get in a little extra riding? Looking forward to seeing you again.

Right on, Mike. Looking forward to it.

tankhead · « **Reply #24 on:** October 17, 2017, 05:57:18 PM »

Quote from: Virginian on October 17, 2017, 10:15:52 AM

Better start packing now!
visitors can't see pics , please register or login

BAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH.

I intend to camp as much as possible at free site across the states so hopefully I will not need as much as I did when I picked up the Tenere in SD and rode it back.

tankhead · « **Reply #25 on:** October 17, 2017, 06:06:05 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on October 17, 2017, 10:03:53 AM

Sounds like a good list. If you're looking for some lightish off-road experiences, the road climbing out of the canyon (Shafer Trail?) in Canyonlands NP is a hoot. I regret not seeing Antelope Canyon when I was out there. It's on the to do list. Do your homework tho cuz like any canyon, it can kill ya. Or be over run w/ teenage girls cuz it was in some music video somewhere in time. Jealous of North Rim. Been down in the GC twice but from South both times. Try to get a couple hours hiking down the canyon if possible. Totally different inside, even if only a small portion of the way. Also, if you're able to catch a sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park near Canyonlands, its pretty incredible.

Potash to Shafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yjM2kcZIdw watch at double speed

I camped up the road from it at Horsethief Campground but never made it to the point. I will try hitting it coming down from the north this time.

tankhead · « **Reply #26 on:** October 17, 2017, 06:21:10 PM »

The time line looks like this as of now.

Leave July 14th
Get to Rapid city for the 19th
Ride with the boys to Red Lodge 20th-22nd
Head to Yellowstone and Tetons and down by the 24th-25th
Dead Horse 25th-26th Hike around
Fruita 26th-27th Hike around Capitol Reef
Route 12 to Red Canyon Campground Hike around on the 27th to the 28th
Leave some leeway to get to the girls on time.
Be in Page, AZ to meet the Girls on the 1st of August.

The return trip to be continued.

Virginian · « **Reply #27 on:** October 17, 2017, 07:04:38 PM »

Green with envy! I'm looking forward to following this one.

chornbe · « **Reply #28 on:** October 17, 2017, 08:13:02 PM »

Quote from: Virginian on October 17, 2017, 07:04:38 PM

Green with envy!

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Max Wedge · « **Reply #29 on:** October 18, 2017, 10:38:40 AM »

Excited to see this RR. Considered Ophir Pass at all? That is one that is on my radar.

Newton Hills · « **Reply #30 on:** October 18, 2017, 11:11:07 AM »

We could leave out on Thursday this year like Mike said and take in some great sights along the way! Chris you will love the Bear Tooth! I can hear you talking about it already! Can't wait, it will be a fun trip full of memories!

Newton Hills · « **Reply #31 on:** October 18, 2017, 11:14:04 AM »

The Bear Tooth Rally is July 20,21 & 22 for your planning purposes!

Virginian · « **Reply #32 on:** October 18, 2017, 11:29:01 AM »

Quote from: chornbe on October 17, 2017, 08:13:02 PM

Quote from: Virginian on October 17, 2017, 07:04:38 PM
Green with envy!

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That's me alright!

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #33 on:** October 18, 2017, 12:51:14 PM »

Quote from: Max Wedge on October 18, 2017, 10:38:40 AM

Excited to see this RR. Considered Ophir Pass at all? That is one that is on my radar.

Um... Last Dollar Road maybe but Ophir on a loaded bike w/ streetish tires? Also, the problem w/ Ophir is that start and end are kinda far apart so you either need to make that part of your planned ride or do an out and back.

tankhead · « **Reply #34 on:** October 19, 2017, 05:26:01 AM »

Yeah that pass is not on the list. If I had company and the panniers off of the bike I would say maybe. But I have always wanted to mountain bike that area.

tankhead · « **Reply #35 on:** October 19, 2017, 05:27:13 AM »

Quote from: Newton Hills on October 18, 2017, 11:11:07 AM

We could leave out on Thursday this year like Mike said and take in some great sights along the way! Chris you will love the Bear Tooth! I can hear you talking about it already! Can't wait, it will be a fun trip full of memories!

I will make it happen!!! Thanks boys!!

chornbe · « **Reply #36 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:09:45 AM »

As long as we're trashing this thread up good, be sure to ask Marc or one of the mods to flush this out before you actually start posting real content, or start another one for the actual ride part. Like i said, I love these planning discussions - I usually get good ideas about packing and luggage systems and such.

Black Hills · « **Reply #37 on:** October 19, 2017, 08:20:14 AM »

Ophir is a bit of a challenge right near the top. the rest is easy. My bride had to walk the last 100yards, but she was still smiling:
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tankhead · « **Reply #38 on:** October 19, 2017, 02:36:02 PM »

Quote from: Black Hills on October 19, 2017, 08:20:14 AM

Ophir is a bit of a challenge right near the top. the rest is easy. My bride had to walk the last 100yards, but she was still smiling:
visitors can't see pics , please register or login

Yeah, I saw that thread. You are crazy just like Gregg warned me about....

tankhead · « **Reply #39 on:** October 26, 2017, 08:33:37 AM »

Gonna just get as far as West Virginia as then start visiting places I wanted to get to last April

Serpent Mound in Ohio
Cahokia Mounds in St. Louis

Then follow the mighty Mississippi north/north west up into Broken Bow NE.
Badlands by Tuesday/Wednesday
Then to Rapid City by Wednesday evening.
Red Lodge MT with the boys
Yellowstone/Tetons
Dead Horse Point/ Grand View Overlook/hike a bit
Page to meet my family.

Newton Hills · « **Reply #40 on:** October 26, 2017, 08:49:17 PM »

You might want to look for an after market seat! Just saying.

tankhead · « **Reply #41 on:** November 04, 2017, 03:57:31 PM »

Haha.

Hey, just to let you, Austin, and Mike know, you guys are more than welcome to continue on my trek with me as far as you can go. Going through the Tetons down through Jackson to UT then to Moab, Arches area to Dead Horse point ....... The more the merrier.. I have to meet my family by August 1st. Just saying.....

Newton Hills · « **Reply #42 on:** November 05, 2017, 08:59:02 PM »

I plan on joining you for sure, not sure about Austin and Mike? I told Austin to check with his employer about being gone in July! I'm looking forward to it that's for sure!

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #43 on:** November 06, 2017, 04:37:19 PM »

Quote from: tankhead on October 26, 2017, 08:33:37 AM

Gonna just get as far as West Virginia as then start visiting places I wanted to get to last April

Serpent Mound in Ohio
Cahokia Mounds in St. Louis

Then follow the mighty Mississippi north/north west up into Broken Bow NE.
Badlands by Tuesday/Wednesday
Then to Rapid City by Wednesday evening.
Red Lodge MT with the boys
Yellowstone/Tetons
Dead Horse Point/ Grand View Overlook/hike a bit
Page to meet my family.

Where, when and how long in WV? I might be able to throw together a nice light DS day. Kim and I have started exploring the Forest Service roads right below us in the GW and Jefferson Nat'l Forests.

tankhead · « **Reply #44 on:** November 07, 2017, 05:31:26 AM »

Quote from: Newton Hills on October 18, 2017, 11:14:04 AM

The Bear Tooth Rally is July 20,21 & 22 for your planning purposes!

How cold has it been the many times you have been there at that time of the year? I will be in my summer mesh suit. I guess I will bring a bit of cold weather gear and an inside liner with me.

Black Hills · « **Reply #45 on:** November 07, 2017, 08:03:45 AM »

Quote from: tankhead on November 07, 2017, 05:31:26 AM

Quote from: Newton Hills on October 18, 2017, 11:14:04 AM
The Bear Tooth Rally is July 20,21 & 22 for your planning purposes!

How cold has it been the many times you have been there at that time of the year? I will be in my summer mesh suit. I guess I will bring a bit of cold weather gear and an inside liner with me.

you will be fine. It has been as cold as 29deg. and snowing at the top and as warm as 65. but, it's 80 on either end so you're only cold for an hour

tankhead · « **Reply #46 on:** November 07, 2017, 03:01:47 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on November 06, 2017, 04:37:19 PM

Quote from: tankhead on October 26, 2017, 08:33:37 AM
Gonna just get as far as West Virginia as then start visiting places I wanted to get to last April

Serpent Mound in Ohio
Cahokia Mounds in St. Louis

Then follow the mighty Mississippi north/north west up into Broken Bow NE.
Badlands by Tuesday/Wednesday
Then to Rapid City by Wednesday evening.
Red Lodge MT with the boys
Yellowstone/Tetons
Dead Horse Point/ Grand View Overlook/hike a bit
Page to meet my family.

Where, when and how long in WV? I might be able to throw together a nice light DS day. Kim and I have started exploring the Forest Service roads right below us in the GW and Jefferson Nat'l Forests.

Thanks man, I will see what I can arrange. If not, if you are anywhere near Rt 50 or there about we could to get together to meet up for lunch and show me some roads due west in WV I would welcome the company.. I'll keep you updated.. . Got to be in SD by that Wednesday evening and I will be leaving that Friday before. I still would like to visit the Badlands Wednesday so it could be done

tankhead · « **Reply #47 on:** November 07, 2017, 03:02:32 PM »

Quote from: Black Hills on November 07, 2017, 08:03:45 AM

Quote from: tankhead on November 07, 2017, 05:31:26 AM
Quote from: Newton Hills on October 18, 2017, 11:14:04 AM
The Bear Tooth Rally is July 20,21 & 22 for your planning purposes!

How cold has it been the many times you have been there at that time of the year? I will be in my summer mesh suit. I guess I will bring a bit of cold weather gear and an inside liner with me.

you will be fine. It has been as cold as 29deg. and snowing at the top and as warm as 65. but, it's 80 on either end so you're only cold for an hour

Right

the majority of my trip will be in 100 degree weather

Decisions decisions

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #48 on:** November 07, 2017, 03:11:16 PM »

Quote from: tankhead on November 07, 2017, 03:01:47 PM

Quote from: Vulcanbill on November 06, 2017, 04:37:19 PM
Quote from: tankhead on October 26, 2017, 08:33:37 AM
Gonna just get as far as West Virginia as then start visiting places I wanted to get to last April

Serpent Mound in Ohio
Cahokia Mounds in St. Louis

Then follow the mighty Mississippi north/north west up into Broken Bow NE.
Badlands by Tuesday/Wednesday
Then to Rapid City by Wednesday evening.
Red Lodge MT with the boys
Yellowstone/Tetons
Dead Horse Point/ Grand View Overlook/hike a bit
Page to meet my family.

Where, when and how long in WV? I might be able to throw together a nice light DS day. Kim and I have started exploring the Forest Service roads right below us in the GW and Jefferson Nat'l Forests.

Thanks man, I will see what I can arrange. If not, if you are anywhere near Rt 50 or there about we could to get together to meet up for lunch and show me some roads due west in WV I would welcome the company.. I'll keep you updated.. . Got to be in SD by that Wednesday evening and I will be leaving that Friday before. I still would like to visit the Badlands Wednesday so it could be done

I may be very near route 50.

Black Hills · « **Reply #49 on:** November 07, 2017, 03:24:47 PM »

Quote from: tankhead on November 07, 2017, 03:02:32 PM

Quote from: Black Hills on November 07, 2017, 08:03:45 AM
Quote from: tankhead on November 07, 2017, 05:31:26 AM
Quote from: Newton Hills on October 18, 2017, 11:14:04 AM
The Bear Tooth Rally is July 20,21 & 22 for your planning purposes!

How cold has it been the many times you have been there at that time of the year? I will be in my summer mesh suit. I guess I will bring a bit of cold weather gear and an inside liner with me.

you will be fine. It has been as cold as 29deg. and snowing at the top and as warm as 65. but, it's 80 on either end so you're only cold for an hour

Right the majority of my trip will be in 100 degree weather Decisions decisions

I typically wear my mesh jacket and just throw on a fleece jacket under it half way up the pass.