I invite you to explore this site and I will try to keep it updated with events, pics and info. I am not a web expert, so things may be slow in coming, so please be patient. Please feel free to check on my progress and daily blog, updates, and photos of this trip. Rick
Monday, January 27, 2014
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Ghost Towns, Crash Bars and Bears...
Since I only had a six hour ride today, I had a nice, leisurely breakfast, an extra cup of coffee and a little cleaning up the Road King before heading off down the road.
Even riding on I-90 was beautiful as it followed the Clark Fork for awhile. Then the Rattlesnake and Pintler mountain ranges came into view and I hardly felt like I was on a main freeway. I chuckled as I rode by the Rock Creek Tavern, home of the annual "Testicle Festival" (google it) where I once "had a ball" as the billboard proclaims.
A few miles later I approached the Bearmouth exit which is the exit I always took to ski into the Garnet ghost town. It's about a 10 mile drive to a parking area where you then have to ski the last three miles of the steep road into the town. I did this about ten times between 1983 and 2000. Each time a great way to decompress away from the modern world and job stress...no phone, no electricity, no running water, lots of chopping of fire wood and lots and lots of skiing away from the crowds.
So, as the exit approached, I turned on my blinker and for the next two hours traded the interstate for a remote gravel mining road taking me to one of favorite places on this earth. I knew that a full-size bagger like my Road King was not built for this kind of road. But I also knew that if I went slowly and carefully that I would make it. And, if the road was in too bad of shape, I would turn around and that would be that. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
The first seven miles were hog heaven. A remote paved road following a Montana river with mountain ranges on both sides without another vehicle anywhere to be seen. Next was the Garnet mining road turn off. The road was still paved but much narrower,older, and in a pretty bad state of disrepair, potholes and loose rock. But it was certainly rideable with due caution.
After a couple of miles the pavement gave way to hard-packed gravel. Still passable, I continue. Then I met my first big haul truck on its way down. Still no problem. We saw each other in plenty of time to slow down and for me to pull over and let him pass. A mile later I rode into a little bigger operation involving several large trucks, large mounds of mine deposits and a large front-end loader. We worked around each other so that I could get by and continue my journey up the road.
I made it to the junction where you can take the steeper, but shorter, 3-mile "China Grade" which is what I always took when I skied in. Today there was only one choice. I was directed by one of the mine operators to take the longer 5 mile road which starts with a short steep climb. I approached the hill in first gear and slowly and gingerly made it to the top thinking that wasn't so bad. Encouraged by my steep loose gravel hill climbing ability I soldiered onward and upward.
The flat road soon became another steeper and sharper curve followed by another successful "summiting" which emboldened me more and finally, two miles short of Garnet, a hairpin turn on the steepest climb so far. Making most of the turn left my tires began to slip backwards due to the lack of power I was giving them. The turn was too sharp to goose it too much. First I panicked and tried braking and then starting up the hill again. Not working. I needed to get the bike stopped perpendicular to the slope rather than trying to stop its backsliding on the fall line i did manage to get to that position eventually where I stopped to catch my breath and wits before attempting pointing the King downhill on I what I now came to know as very loose gravel mixed with a number of loose, larger rocks that would send the bike on a downward, uncontrolled skid.
So downhill I gingerly inched. At times the front wheel would kick out to one side or the other but so far I was able to correct the skid and get the bike back on a controlled path downward. I did this for about the next mile. Then it happened without warning. The front wheel swung out, the bike went into a fall on it's left side ejecting me and throwing me to the ground. The first point of impact for me was my head and a rock. My first thought, "thank God I have my helmet on." Even at that slow speed, the momentum of my fall was enough to make a pretty hard landing. I was also lucky to be wearing my leather jacket instead of a short-sleeved t-shirt. I know that saved a lot of skin on both arms.
After getting up and checking for any damage to me I turned my attention to the Road on its right side in the middle of the road pointed down hill. Knowing that lifting the nearly 800 pound bike would be difficult, I took off the tour bag and saddle bags to lighten the load as much as possible. My first attempt to lift the bike upright failed. I then began to evaluate the situation and my limited options. Since leaving the fork in the road to Garnet I was 2-3 miles from the woman in the pickup with radio communications. I could leave my bike and hike down to her and radio for assistance. I could also sit tight and wait for someone to come along on their way to or from Garnet. I chose the latter. I didn't feel comfortable leaving the bike and all my belongings in the middle of the road. So I waited. No cell phone service. No sounds of traffic from above or below. After 30 minutes I was getting anxious. I needed to get down and back out to the highway soon if I was going to make Laurel, Montana yet today. I couldn't just sit there any longer. I recalled a video I watched a few times several years ago that demonstrated how to right a tour bike all by yourself. I needed to give it a shot.
First I lowered the side stand on the left side. If I'm successful in getting the bike upright I need to be able to lean it over to the side stand and not have to struggle with the upright bike to get the stand down. Then i made sure the bike was in gear so it would not start rolling it was. Next I faced the bike to get a hold on the rear and front engine guards. Harley service and parts people cringe when people call them crash guards, but that's what they are...u-shaped tubes of steel that extend beyond the engine and saddle bags to protect them from extensive damage if the bike should go down, as mine did. It looked like, from what I could see, they had done their job.
Now the instructional video requires you to stand with your back facing the bike, get in squat position, grab the bike and lift with your legs and not your back. Because of the position of the downed bike on the hill I couldn't get a very good purchase on the engine guards so I faced it full on, squatted and gave everything I had.
At first it felt like the bike wasn't budging, but then it lifted up a few inches. Encouraged, I gave one final push and the King came upright. I controlled its lean to the left as I eased its weight onto the side stand. The bike was upright and safely on its stand. Now to assess the damage.
The engine appeared undamaged. No apparent fluid leaks. No major dents, scrapes or scratches. Ten I noticed the left engine guard had a pretty severe bend backwards. In fact so much so that it was bent past the rear brake pedal and made the rear brake inoperable. This was not good. I considered removing it completely, but decided, since it was all ready bent, I would attempt to straighten it by giving it several swift kicks. It took several kicks to get it on the front side of the brake pedal and allow use of the rear brake. I would deal with a permanent fix once I could get to a Harley dealer.
My success was short lived. I tried to start the bike and it would turn over, but would quickly die. I tried this several times with the same result. So now I was back to my previous two options. I could wait for someone to be on the road and help me out of this fix. How, I wasn't sure and I had been here for at least an hour and no one. What happened next helped spur me into action.
About 100 yards down the hill I saw a brown bear come out of the trees and cross the road. I watched as he looked up at me but barely slowed his path across the road to re-enter the trees. Not sure where the bear was headed and realizing that I was indeed in an active bear area, I loaded the bike with the bags, put on my jacket and helmet and decided to roll the bike down to the road junction and radio contact with needed assistance. Since it was all downhill this turned out to be the right decision. The challenge was to keep from repeating what happened and have the front wheel slide on the gravel and loose rock ending up back on the ground with bike down. That's why I put the helmet and jacket on. If I did go down again, my head and arms would be protected.
Coasting downhill proved more challenging than I thought. The weight of the bike wanted to propel me down the hill. Braking would case the bike to skid in the loose gravel. It became a delicate balance of coasting and tender application of front and/or rear brake. In a little over 30 minutes I arrived at the junction, relieved to see the young woman in the truck. I rode the momentum of the last bit of downhill to a flat shaded area where the mine worker came over to hear about my trip to Garnet.
When she heard about my escapade she apologized for sending up there as if it was her fault. I assured her I was an adult and made the decision to take that road all on my own. She only pointed out the detour and gave me info on its condition. She asked if I needed any tools and offered me a cold soda. I told her I didn't think I needed any tools, but I would love a cold drink.
I enjoyed the cola as we visited and I learned her family owned the land being mined and she and her family lived up in the ghost town year round for the last ten years. She also spoke of seeing brown and grizzly bears in this area almost daily. She was surprised to learn that I traveled alone into this country, today and the past spring ski trips, without carrying a handgun. She told me she always has hers with her. Sure enough, there it was as well as the rifle in her pickup.
She asked if she should radio for help and we talked about the options that may be available. I knew AAA and HOG assistance would not come in so we were looking at getting a truck in and paying a pretty penny out of pocket for the rescue. Before making the call, I walked over to the bike and attempted one more start. To my delight it turned over and stayed running.
I checked the bike one last time, thanked the young woman for her offer of assistance and headed back out on the access road to pavement. In about 45 minutes I was back on I90 and shortly pulled into Drummond to fill the tank and call the Harley dealership in Butte to see about replacing my badly bent engine guard. After filling up I noticed a few drops of oil dripping from the bottom of the primary cover. When I talked to Copper Canyon HD, I told them I would like to have the biked checked out while I was there getting the engine guard replaced.
I got to Butte at 1:00 and was immediately put into the service bay and my bike was up on the rack. They didn't have an engine guard in stock, but one was on its way down from Great Falls. I waited in the showroom while the tech looked over my bike. Then the news. My primary seal was broken and needed Tom be replaced. Turns out it was going to happen at some point soon and not related to putting the bike down. All options were discussed and I decided it was best to have the work done now since I had over 3000 miles to put on the bike before getting home. That meant changing plans since the bike wouldn't be ready until the next day and, with the service mangers assurance, they would do their best to have it all completed by noon.
I ended up at the Copper King Inn and Convention Center close to the Harley dealership. What depressing place. It looked like it was built in the 70 s a and not much done to it since. But it was comfortable, quiet and clean.
Yes, the hot tub water really was green...
Funny deserted tennis courts that were time associated with the hotel. Looks pretty tight security is in place to prevent you from using them today...
I got a call at 11:00 Thursday morning that my bike was ready. I arrived at HD to pick it up to see them washing and drying my bike and making it cleaner than when I started the trip.
I was on the road by noon headed to Laurel, Montana, a great ride in beautiful weather that heated up to 100 by the time I got to Laurel.
I won't make the first night of the reunion as I'll be in the Black Hills. So I'll head tok Sioux Falls Saturday morning in time to make the main event...that is providing no more delays for repairs or weather.
Later.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Even riding on I-90 was beautiful as it followed the Clark Fork for awhile. Then the Rattlesnake and Pintler mountain ranges came into view and I hardly felt like I was on a main freeway. I chuckled as I rode by the Rock Creek Tavern, home of the annual "Testicle Festival" (google it) where I once "had a ball" as the billboard proclaims.
A few miles later I approached the Bearmouth exit which is the exit I always took to ski into the Garnet ghost town. It's about a 10 mile drive to a parking area where you then have to ski the last three miles of the steep road into the town. I did this about ten times between 1983 and 2000. Each time a great way to decompress away from the modern world and job stress...no phone, no electricity, no running water, lots of chopping of fire wood and lots and lots of skiing away from the crowds.
So, as the exit approached, I turned on my blinker and for the next two hours traded the interstate for a remote gravel mining road taking me to one of favorite places on this earth. I knew that a full-size bagger like my Road King was not built for this kind of road. But I also knew that if I went slowly and carefully that I would make it. And, if the road was in too bad of shape, I would turn around and that would be that. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
The first seven miles were hog heaven. A remote paved road following a Montana river with mountain ranges on both sides without another vehicle anywhere to be seen. Next was the Garnet mining road turn off. The road was still paved but much narrower,older, and in a pretty bad state of disrepair, potholes and loose rock. But it was certainly rideable with due caution.
After a couple of miles the pavement gave way to hard-packed gravel. Still passable, I continue. Then I met my first big haul truck on its way down. Still no problem. We saw each other in plenty of time to slow down and for me to pull over and let him pass. A mile later I rode into a little bigger operation involving several large trucks, large mounds of mine deposits and a large front-end loader. We worked around each other so that I could get by and continue my journey up the road.
I made it to the junction where you can take the steeper, but shorter, 3-mile "China Grade" which is what I always took when I skied in. Today there was only one choice. I was directed by one of the mine operators to take the longer 5 mile road which starts with a short steep climb. I approached the hill in first gear and slowly and gingerly made it to the top thinking that wasn't so bad. Encouraged by my steep loose gravel hill climbing ability I soldiered onward and upward.
The flat road soon became another steeper and sharper curve followed by another successful "summiting" which emboldened me more and finally, two miles short of Garnet, a hairpin turn on the steepest climb so far. Making most of the turn left my tires began to slip backwards due to the lack of power I was giving them. The turn was too sharp to goose it too much. First I panicked and tried braking and then starting up the hill again. Not working. I needed to get the bike stopped perpendicular to the slope rather than trying to stop its backsliding on the fall line i did manage to get to that position eventually where I stopped to catch my breath and wits before attempting pointing the King downhill on I what I now came to know as very loose gravel mixed with a number of loose, larger rocks that would send the bike on a downward, uncontrolled skid.
So downhill I gingerly inched. At times the front wheel would kick out to one side or the other but so far I was able to correct the skid and get the bike back on a controlled path downward. I did this for about the next mile. Then it happened without warning. The front wheel swung out, the bike went into a fall on it's left side ejecting me and throwing me to the ground. The first point of impact for me was my head and a rock. My first thought, "thank God I have my helmet on." Even at that slow speed, the momentum of my fall was enough to make a pretty hard landing. I was also lucky to be wearing my leather jacket instead of a short-sleeved t-shirt. I know that saved a lot of skin on both arms.
After getting up and checking for any damage to me I turned my attention to the Road on its right side in the middle of the road pointed down hill. Knowing that lifting the nearly 800 pound bike would be difficult, I took off the tour bag and saddle bags to lighten the load as much as possible. My first attempt to lift the bike upright failed. I then began to evaluate the situation and my limited options. Since leaving the fork in the road to Garnet I was 2-3 miles from the woman in the pickup with radio communications. I could leave my bike and hike down to her and radio for assistance. I could also sit tight and wait for someone to come along on their way to or from Garnet. I chose the latter. I didn't feel comfortable leaving the bike and all my belongings in the middle of the road. So I waited. No cell phone service. No sounds of traffic from above or below. After 30 minutes I was getting anxious. I needed to get down and back out to the highway soon if I was going to make Laurel, Montana yet today. I couldn't just sit there any longer. I recalled a video I watched a few times several years ago that demonstrated how to right a tour bike all by yourself. I needed to give it a shot.
First I lowered the side stand on the left side. If I'm successful in getting the bike upright I need to be able to lean it over to the side stand and not have to struggle with the upright bike to get the stand down. Then i made sure the bike was in gear so it would not start rolling it was. Next I faced the bike to get a hold on the rear and front engine guards. Harley service and parts people cringe when people call them crash guards, but that's what they are...u-shaped tubes of steel that extend beyond the engine and saddle bags to protect them from extensive damage if the bike should go down, as mine did. It looked like, from what I could see, they had done their job.
Now the instructional video requires you to stand with your back facing the bike, get in squat position, grab the bike and lift with your legs and not your back. Because of the position of the downed bike on the hill I couldn't get a very good purchase on the engine guards so I faced it full on, squatted and gave everything I had.
At first it felt like the bike wasn't budging, but then it lifted up a few inches. Encouraged, I gave one final push and the King came upright. I controlled its lean to the left as I eased its weight onto the side stand. The bike was upright and safely on its stand. Now to assess the damage.
The engine appeared undamaged. No apparent fluid leaks. No major dents, scrapes or scratches. Ten I noticed the left engine guard had a pretty severe bend backwards. In fact so much so that it was bent past the rear brake pedal and made the rear brake inoperable. This was not good. I considered removing it completely, but decided, since it was all ready bent, I would attempt to straighten it by giving it several swift kicks. It took several kicks to get it on the front side of the brake pedal and allow use of the rear brake. I would deal with a permanent fix once I could get to a Harley dealer.
My success was short lived. I tried to start the bike and it would turn over, but would quickly die. I tried this several times with the same result. So now I was back to my previous two options. I could wait for someone to be on the road and help me out of this fix. How, I wasn't sure and I had been here for at least an hour and no one. What happened next helped spur me into action.
About 100 yards down the hill I saw a brown bear come out of the trees and cross the road. I watched as he looked up at me but barely slowed his path across the road to re-enter the trees. Not sure where the bear was headed and realizing that I was indeed in an active bear area, I loaded the bike with the bags, put on my jacket and helmet and decided to roll the bike down to the road junction and radio contact with needed assistance. Since it was all downhill this turned out to be the right decision. The challenge was to keep from repeating what happened and have the front wheel slide on the gravel and loose rock ending up back on the ground with bike down. That's why I put the helmet and jacket on. If I did go down again, my head and arms would be protected.
Coasting downhill proved more challenging than I thought. The weight of the bike wanted to propel me down the hill. Braking would case the bike to skid in the loose gravel. It became a delicate balance of coasting and tender application of front and/or rear brake. In a little over 30 minutes I arrived at the junction, relieved to see the young woman in the truck. I rode the momentum of the last bit of downhill to a flat shaded area where the mine worker came over to hear about my trip to Garnet.
When she heard about my escapade she apologized for sending up there as if it was her fault. I assured her I was an adult and made the decision to take that road all on my own. She only pointed out the detour and gave me info on its condition. She asked if I needed any tools and offered me a cold soda. I told her I didn't think I needed any tools, but I would love a cold drink.
I enjoyed the cola as we visited and I learned her family owned the land being mined and she and her family lived up in the ghost town year round for the last ten years. She also spoke of seeing brown and grizzly bears in this area almost daily. She was surprised to learn that I traveled alone into this country, today and the past spring ski trips, without carrying a handgun. She told me she always has hers with her. Sure enough, there it was as well as the rifle in her pickup.
She asked if she should radio for help and we talked about the options that may be available. I knew AAA and HOG assistance would not come in so we were looking at getting a truck in and paying a pretty penny out of pocket for the rescue. Before making the call, I walked over to the bike and attempted one more start. To my delight it turned over and stayed running.
I checked the bike one last time, thanked the young woman for her offer of assistance and headed back out on the access road to pavement. In about 45 minutes I was back on I90 and shortly pulled into Drummond to fill the tank and call the Harley dealership in Butte to see about replacing my badly bent engine guard. After filling up I noticed a few drops of oil dripping from the bottom of the primary cover. When I talked to Copper Canyon HD, I told them I would like to have the biked checked out while I was there getting the engine guard replaced.
I got to Butte at 1:00 and was immediately put into the service bay and my bike was up on the rack. They didn't have an engine guard in stock, but one was on its way down from Great Falls. I waited in the showroom while the tech looked over my bike. Then the news. My primary seal was broken and needed Tom be replaced. Turns out it was going to happen at some point soon and not related to putting the bike down. All options were discussed and I decided it was best to have the work done now since I had over 3000 miles to put on the bike before getting home. That meant changing plans since the bike wouldn't be ready until the next day and, with the service mangers assurance, they would do their best to have it all completed by noon.
I ended up at the Copper King Inn and Convention Center close to the Harley dealership. What depressing place. It looked like it was built in the 70 s a and not much done to it since. But it was comfortable, quiet and clean.
Yes, the hot tub water really was green...
Funny deserted tennis courts that were time associated with the hotel. Looks pretty tight security is in place to prevent you from using them today...
I got a call at 11:00 Thursday morning that my bike was ready. I arrived at HD to pick it up to see them washing and drying my bike and making it cleaner than when I started the trip.
I was on the road by noon headed to Laurel, Montana, a great ride in beautiful weather that heated up to 100 by the time I got to Laurel.
I won't make the first night of the reunion as I'll be in the Black Hills. So I'll head tok Sioux Falls Saturday morning in time to make the main event...that is providing no more delays for repairs or weather.
Later.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Portland to Missoula
Got a good start at 7:45 and about 65 degrees.
New chrome switch covers...
Pretty much had interstate (84, 82 and 90) all of the way to Missoula. Just a short sprinkle right after The Dalles, but no need to stop to put on rain gear. Mostly overcast until about 2:00 PM.
Stopped in Ritzville for lunch and found a place that served a black bean burger but lousy service. I would have stopped at Zippie's for a shake but I stuck to my plant strong ways and rode on by :) or :(
The ride up Lookout pass was nice as traffic was very knight. I certainly notice the difference now that it's so late in August and some schools are back in session. Even the daylight looks and feels different; closer to an autumn feel than summer.
Lookout Pass, Montana
The ride down...16 minute video...no need to watch the entire vid. You'll get the idea pretty fast.
550 miles and 10 hours later arrived in Missoula and received another complimentary Best Western upgrade to the "Cathedral King Suite".
Here's the sunset from the balcony...
Tomorrow it's off to Laurel, Montana.
GoodNight.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
New chrome switch covers...
Pretty much had interstate (84, 82 and 90) all of the way to Missoula. Just a short sprinkle right after The Dalles, but no need to stop to put on rain gear. Mostly overcast until about 2:00 PM.
Stopped in Ritzville for lunch and found a place that served a black bean burger but lousy service. I would have stopped at Zippie's for a shake but I stuck to my plant strong ways and rode on by :) or :(
The ride up Lookout pass was nice as traffic was very knight. I certainly notice the difference now that it's so late in August and some schools are back in session. Even the daylight looks and feels different; closer to an autumn feel than summer.
Lookout Pass, Montana
The ride down...16 minute video...no need to watch the entire vid. You'll get the idea pretty fast.
550 miles and 10 hours later arrived in Missoula and received another complimentary Best Western upgrade to the "Cathedral King Suite".
Here's the sunset from the balcony...
Tomorrow it's off to Laurel, Montana.
GoodNight.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, August 20, 2012
Reunion Ride: Take Two...
The Road King is washed, shined and polished. Bags are packed. Route determined and Rooms reserved. Heading out tomorrow (Tuesday) for Missoula (540 miles). After that it's Laurel, Montana, Hill City, South Dakota and then arrive in Sioux Falls on Friday afternoon.
Reunion events Friday and Saturday. Sunday with family and then off to Omaha on Monday to stay with Mom for a couple of days before heading backing via Lusk, Wyoming, Jackson, Wyoming (2 days to allow for a ride through Yellowstone), Ontario, Oregon and Sunday back home.
Looks like the heat has subsided in the midwest and hope it will not be replaced by thunderstorms and rain. Also a few wildfires here and there.
The King is excited to be back on the road finally!!! As am I.
Reunion events Friday and Saturday. Sunday with family and then off to Omaha on Monday to stay with Mom for a couple of days before heading backing via Lusk, Wyoming, Jackson, Wyoming (2 days to allow for a ride through Yellowstone), Ontario, Oregon and Sunday back home.
Looks like the heat has subsided in the midwest and hope it will not be replaced by thunderstorms and rain. Also a few wildfires here and there.
The King is excited to be back on the road finally!!! As am I.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Trip Comes to Early end..
Yesterday at about 1:00 at the Ochocco Resevoir I decided to not continue the Reunion Ride. There were several reasons for this. The main reason was not being able to push "Bucky" up the increasingly longer steeper climbs in the increasing heat. Bottom line...I did not adequately train in heat (we didn't have any in Portland), ride long,steep hills, or ride with a fully loaded bike. Having bags attached made a big difference. DUHHHHH! So I called Pat. We discussed options. She had even started off in the car to drive my bags to Mitchell so I could ride lighter and bag-free in order to continue. I called her a short time later and shared my decision. I would turn around, return to Prineville and get a hotel room and Pat would come in the morning with the bike rack and we could return to Portland together.
So that's where I am now, in the hotel waiting for Pat's arrival and the return home.
The good news is that now I will ride the Road King back to my 40th High School Reunion.
Here's how yesterday's ride went:
Started riding at 6:30 with clear skies and a cool low 50s. Didn't take long to shed the long-sleeved shell as I and the morning heated up. Legs were a little sore and sluggish. Riding south through Madras was busy with big, fast moving trucks shooting down the highway. Grateful for a pretty good shoulder and most trucks gave me plenty of room. However, I was tiring of the constant flow of traffic that had been with me since leaving Portland. I longed for the quiet rural road with occasional car or truck
That wish came true when Highway 26 turned east just outside of Madras. A beautiful highway and beautiful farm and ranch vistas with snow-covered Cascade peaks to the west. I pedaled at a comfortable 10 mph. I was in bike touring heaven. Then, what a thought would be a quick ride into Prineville, turned into a push. The temperature was climbing, the highway started a slight climb that, with a bit of a headwind, kept me at a low 5-7 MPH, and my legs and butt started a prolonged protest that I hadn't expected. I found myself stopping more frequently on what should have been a fairly easy pull into Prineville, 30 miles away.
That was not the case. I got into Prineville just before 11:00. Looked fora a place to have a little lunch and opted instead to get groceries and sit in a park and take my shoes off and let my feet breathe. Had lunch on the beautiful county courthouse lawn. Here I started to do the math, I still had 45 miles to go with about 25 of that up a pretty steep climb to the Ochoco Divide, nearly 5000 feet. I would need to average 5mph in order to make it to Mitchell by 7:00 and that would be without stops. Hmmmmm. Didn't like that scenario, but decided to push on to see how things would go.
Got to the Ochoco Reservoir and called to confirm my room reservation and asked if there would be a place to get something to eat after my certain to be late arrival of 7 or so. The answer proved to be an eye opener. The only cafe closes at 11:30 AM. I had a couple of Cliff bars, some nuts and raisins and a banana. Not my idea of a suitable dinner to replenish the many calories I would burn on the climb ahead. I was now at a virtual crossroad.
I considered hitching a ride, hoping to be at the mercy of someone with a pickup, van or room enough for me , bike and bags. I called Pat and, without hesitation, she was in the car and off to meet me and relieve me of the bags so I could make the ride without the dragging anchor of heavy panniers. A short time later I called and shared with her the decision for me to face up to the reality of my ability to continue and turn back to the town of Prineville where I would give up my Reunion Ride.
I would like to let everyone know how much your interest, support and words of encouragement meant to me. I know some of you shared how crazy you thought this ride was from the beginning. I also am pretty sure that many more thought the same, but kept your thoughts to yourself. However, all of you supported me as I started out of the journey which I needed to find the limits of my ability on my own.
I want to especially thank friends Kirk and Betsy from Boise. Not only had they opened up their home to me for my stop in Boise, they were willing to drive 3 1/2 hours on Thursday to pick up my bags in Prairie City so I could ride bag-free for the 100+ mile ride to Vale. Truly above and beyond supporting my trip. A huge thanks to both of you.
My plan for the future is to continue riding bicycle and motorcycle, hikes I've put off and generally commit to a life of health and activity. I'll post here and continue to share with any and all interested.
Day Three:
Time in Saddle: 4:27
Trip Distance: 43.4
TripCalories: 3007
Average Speed: 9.8
Maximum Speed: 28.1 MPH
Climbed Altitude: 1720
Photos:
The early morning ride to Prineville
Lunch in Prineville
The last climb to Ochoco Reservoir (sorry, can't rotate photo)
What can I say...it was a great ride while it lasted.
The King is happy to know I'll be riding it back for the HS Reunion
So that's where I am now, in the hotel waiting for Pat's arrival and the return home.
The good news is that now I will ride the Road King back to my 40th High School Reunion.
Here's how yesterday's ride went:
Started riding at 6:30 with clear skies and a cool low 50s. Didn't take long to shed the long-sleeved shell as I and the morning heated up. Legs were a little sore and sluggish. Riding south through Madras was busy with big, fast moving trucks shooting down the highway. Grateful for a pretty good shoulder and most trucks gave me plenty of room. However, I was tiring of the constant flow of traffic that had been with me since leaving Portland. I longed for the quiet rural road with occasional car or truck
That wish came true when Highway 26 turned east just outside of Madras. A beautiful highway and beautiful farm and ranch vistas with snow-covered Cascade peaks to the west. I pedaled at a comfortable 10 mph. I was in bike touring heaven. Then, what a thought would be a quick ride into Prineville, turned into a push. The temperature was climbing, the highway started a slight climb that, with a bit of a headwind, kept me at a low 5-7 MPH, and my legs and butt started a prolonged protest that I hadn't expected. I found myself stopping more frequently on what should have been a fairly easy pull into Prineville, 30 miles away.
That was not the case. I got into Prineville just before 11:00. Looked fora a place to have a little lunch and opted instead to get groceries and sit in a park and take my shoes off and let my feet breathe. Had lunch on the beautiful county courthouse lawn. Here I started to do the math, I still had 45 miles to go with about 25 of that up a pretty steep climb to the Ochoco Divide, nearly 5000 feet. I would need to average 5mph in order to make it to Mitchell by 7:00 and that would be without stops. Hmmmmm. Didn't like that scenario, but decided to push on to see how things would go.
Got to the Ochoco Reservoir and called to confirm my room reservation and asked if there would be a place to get something to eat after my certain to be late arrival of 7 or so. The answer proved to be an eye opener. The only cafe closes at 11:30 AM. I had a couple of Cliff bars, some nuts and raisins and a banana. Not my idea of a suitable dinner to replenish the many calories I would burn on the climb ahead. I was now at a virtual crossroad.
I considered hitching a ride, hoping to be at the mercy of someone with a pickup, van or room enough for me , bike and bags. I called Pat and, without hesitation, she was in the car and off to meet me and relieve me of the bags so I could make the ride without the dragging anchor of heavy panniers. A short time later I called and shared with her the decision for me to face up to the reality of my ability to continue and turn back to the town of Prineville where I would give up my Reunion Ride.
I would like to let everyone know how much your interest, support and words of encouragement meant to me. I know some of you shared how crazy you thought this ride was from the beginning. I also am pretty sure that many more thought the same, but kept your thoughts to yourself. However, all of you supported me as I started out of the journey which I needed to find the limits of my ability on my own.
I want to especially thank friends Kirk and Betsy from Boise. Not only had they opened up their home to me for my stop in Boise, they were willing to drive 3 1/2 hours on Thursday to pick up my bags in Prairie City so I could ride bag-free for the 100+ mile ride to Vale. Truly above and beyond supporting my trip. A huge thanks to both of you.
My plan for the future is to continue riding bicycle and motorcycle, hikes I've put off and generally commit to a life of health and activity. I'll post here and continue to share with any and all interested.
Day Three:
Time in Saddle: 4:27
Trip Distance: 43.4
TripCalories: 3007
Average Speed: 9.8
Maximum Speed: 28.1 MPH
Climbed Altitude: 1720
Photos:
The early morning ride to Prineville
Lunch in Prineville
The last climb to Ochoco Reservoir (sorry, can't rotate photo)
What can I say...it was a great ride while it lasted.
The King is happy to know I'll be riding it back for the HS Reunion
Monday, July 30, 2012
Day Two: Gvt. Camp to Madras, Or
The day started with the 5:00 am alarm, shower, pack and continental breakfast at the hotel at 6:00. Got "Bucky" loaded and on the road by 7:00.
Started by riding the main drag through Govt. Camp which surprisingly was one mile of uphill. Started to feel my legs after yesterday's climb. This was short lived as there were several miles of pretty good downhill. The temp started in low 50s as the road then began the climb up to the next couple of passes. I must admit to trying to convince myself to continue the ride or bail now and go home. I would ride the Harley to the Reunion and be there in three days. I kept going a couple of miles up, legs screaming and negative reasonings fighting with my desire to continue on. Then I made it to Frog lake and the first pass. The large log trucks squeezing me off to the outer regions of the shoulder as they sped by, the rebelling muscles, and monotony of slow mileage seemed to fade with the short downhill. I started to feel I could do this...then the second pass climb came and the argument with myself continued. I followed the same strategy of stopping regularly and before I got too exhausted, rest a few minutes, hydrate and continue to the next mile or sign post I had picked as a target to reach before stopping and/or giving up. The strategy paid off once again and I reached the high desert Mesa of fairly flat terrain. The temp was heating up, but the slight headwind had shifted to a generous tailwind that allowed me to comfortably pedal at 16-18 mph and often in the low 20s. It felt very encouraging...strong, advancing miles and beautiful sightings of Mt. Jefferson to the west.
Then I reached the 4 mile run down into Warm Springs and my fastest speed thus far on the bike...43.6 mph. When I got to Warm Springs just before noon I pulled into the parking lot of the museum where picnic tables were set up and had a ounce of the saved veggie subway sandwich. It was really tasty.
I lounged and lazed there for about 30 minutes all the time on the watch for rattlesnakes as the sign warned. No such luck of a sighting.
The last 15 miles into Madras required a steep climb back up out of the canyon created by the Deschutes River. The temp had climbed to 85 and I once again relied on the "slow and steady" strategy with a half a dozen rests to drink and pour water over my head and soak my bandanna for the next leg of the climb. I was relieved to get to the top and then hunkered down for the last 8 miles into Madras.
Made it to the hotel by 3:00, unpacked, cleaned up and then went down to the outdoor pool and swam, soaked, and sunned for the next 45 minutes. Then a little rest, a walk to "Rio's" to enjoy a Corona and "Relleno Vegetariono". Excellent! After, I walked to the Subway and ordered another sub to stuff in the bag for tomorrow'slunch since it doesn't look to be many options before reaching Mitchell.
Tomorrow's ride will be a challenge of more hills, longer distance and climbing temperature. However, if I hang in there there should be a nice long ride down from Ochocco Pass. One mile, one hill, one day at a time.
Today's Stats:
Time in the Saddle: 05:26:15
Trip distance: 63.5 mi
Total trip: 120
Trip calories: 3926 kcal
Average speed: 11.7 mph
Maximum speed: 43.6 mph
Climbed altitude: 2358 ft
Temp: 85 with a good tailwind for much of the ride.
Photos:
Started by riding the main drag through Govt. Camp which surprisingly was one mile of uphill. Started to feel my legs after yesterday's climb. This was short lived as there were several miles of pretty good downhill. The temp started in low 50s as the road then began the climb up to the next couple of passes. I must admit to trying to convince myself to continue the ride or bail now and go home. I would ride the Harley to the Reunion and be there in three days. I kept going a couple of miles up, legs screaming and negative reasonings fighting with my desire to continue on. Then I made it to Frog lake and the first pass. The large log trucks squeezing me off to the outer regions of the shoulder as they sped by, the rebelling muscles, and monotony of slow mileage seemed to fade with the short downhill. I started to feel I could do this...then the second pass climb came and the argument with myself continued. I followed the same strategy of stopping regularly and before I got too exhausted, rest a few minutes, hydrate and continue to the next mile or sign post I had picked as a target to reach before stopping and/or giving up. The strategy paid off once again and I reached the high desert Mesa of fairly flat terrain. The temp was heating up, but the slight headwind had shifted to a generous tailwind that allowed me to comfortably pedal at 16-18 mph and often in the low 20s. It felt very encouraging...strong, advancing miles and beautiful sightings of Mt. Jefferson to the west.
Then I reached the 4 mile run down into Warm Springs and my fastest speed thus far on the bike...43.6 mph. When I got to Warm Springs just before noon I pulled into the parking lot of the museum where picnic tables were set up and had a ounce of the saved veggie subway sandwich. It was really tasty.
I lounged and lazed there for about 30 minutes all the time on the watch for rattlesnakes as the sign warned. No such luck of a sighting.
The last 15 miles into Madras required a steep climb back up out of the canyon created by the Deschutes River. The temp had climbed to 85 and I once again relied on the "slow and steady" strategy with a half a dozen rests to drink and pour water over my head and soak my bandanna for the next leg of the climb. I was relieved to get to the top and then hunkered down for the last 8 miles into Madras.
Made it to the hotel by 3:00, unpacked, cleaned up and then went down to the outdoor pool and swam, soaked, and sunned for the next 45 minutes. Then a little rest, a walk to "Rio's" to enjoy a Corona and "Relleno Vegetariono". Excellent! After, I walked to the Subway and ordered another sub to stuff in the bag for tomorrow'slunch since it doesn't look to be many options before reaching Mitchell.
Tomorrow's ride will be a challenge of more hills, longer distance and climbing temperature. However, if I hang in there there should be a nice long ride down from Ochocco Pass. One mile, one hill, one day at a time.
Today's Stats:
Time in the Saddle: 05:26:15
Trip distance: 63.5 mi
Total trip: 120
Trip calories: 3926 kcal
Average speed: 11.7 mph
Maximum speed: 43.6 mph
Climbed altitude: 2358 ft
Temp: 85 with a good tailwind for much of the ride.
Photos:
Day One...Portland to Government Camp
Today I began my "freshman year" of my Reunion Ride. It was harder than I thought it would be. Bags on the bike made a huge difference when I got the climb up to Govt.Camp. However, the first 30 miles, Portland to Sandy, I did non-stop.
The ride started mostly sunny, but quickly turned cloudy and the sun did not break until about 2:00, just in time for great views of Mt. Hood. Also a slight tail wind was welcome. Climbing the last couple of thousand feet to G.Camp was difficult for me. I left the house this morning at 8:00 AM, but did not arrive at the hotel until 5:30...1 1/2 hours later than I had hoped. I needed to stop about every 2 miles for the last 10 miles and let legs recover. The good news is my toes did not bother me as they have in the past.
Upon check in I was given a complimentary upgrade to the king jacuzzi room as a best western preferred customer...boy was that soak a welcome and unexpected plus! After cleaning up I walked over to the local brewery and ate at the Ice Axe. Had a beer with my veggie burger and sweet potato fries. The "Buehler" burger was horrible. It tasted like a mouthful of sand with each bite and absolutely no taste...do not order it.
Tomorrow: Government Camp to Madras, Oregon (65 miles)
Distance: 56
Time in Saddle: 6 hours, 36 minutes
Total Elevation Climbed: 4530
Avg. Speed: 8.5
Maximum Speed: 37.7
Calories Burned: 3980
Ready to leave..
Sandy, Oregon and Joe's Diner
"SilentRock"
First view of Mt. Hood
Tollgate form the Barlow Trail
Foxglove
Rest Stops
Arrival Surprise....ahhhhhh!
Raw video of a section of the climb
The ride started mostly sunny, but quickly turned cloudy and the sun did not break until about 2:00, just in time for great views of Mt. Hood. Also a slight tail wind was welcome. Climbing the last couple of thousand feet to G.Camp was difficult for me. I left the house this morning at 8:00 AM, but did not arrive at the hotel until 5:30...1 1/2 hours later than I had hoped. I needed to stop about every 2 miles for the last 10 miles and let legs recover. The good news is my toes did not bother me as they have in the past.
Upon check in I was given a complimentary upgrade to the king jacuzzi room as a best western preferred customer...boy was that soak a welcome and unexpected plus! After cleaning up I walked over to the local brewery and ate at the Ice Axe. Had a beer with my veggie burger and sweet potato fries. The "Buehler" burger was horrible. It tasted like a mouthful of sand with each bite and absolutely no taste...do not order it.
Tomorrow: Government Camp to Madras, Oregon (65 miles)
Distance: 56
Time in Saddle: 6 hours, 36 minutes
Total Elevation Climbed: 4530
Avg. Speed: 8.5
Maximum Speed: 37.7
Calories Burned: 3980
Ready to leave..
Sandy, Oregon and Joe's Diner
"SilentRock"
First view of Mt. Hood
Tollgate form the Barlow Trail
Foxglove
Rest Stops
Arrival Surprise....ahhhhhh!
Raw video of a section of the climb
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