Welcome to O C K E T S . N E T - one of many in the wild, wild net.
Here’s the google map of what I plan to do for the 18th. Note that Tsegi Canyon road is unpaved, and I’m ending this day at the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
Folks, this trip is spiraling into all sorts of challenges that I didn’t plan on before. When I first decided to go to Vegas, it was purely just to go and play for a weekend. Today’s excursion with Mr. EP, however, has really opened my mind to the possibilities for adventure for the approach to Las Vegas. I went out and bought an el cheapo GPS receiver and am planning to take pictures at regular points in my trip to post to Google Earth.
One major hurdle for this plan is the packing. I have to pack a tent and sleeping bag, both of which can fit on the back of my bike, but I also have to pack shower gear and 4 nights worth of clothes–5 sets of underwear, socks, and shirts, 2 jeans, and walking shoes… not that much really. I think I can cram that into my gym bag, and my gym bag can be tied down with some bungee to the seat behind me, if it can’t already be tied under the cargo net. On top of this I have to ride down Tsegi Canyon, which looks to be a windy dirt road.
I’m going to practice on Sunday. I’m going to load my bike with what I plan to bring with me to Las Vegas, and I’m going to take it out on a dirt road down the 24, only an hour away from my place through the mountains. There are some dirt roads out there that I would call “easy”, as in they’re mostly straight with very gradual turns. Long, slow braking and easy turning is key from what I can say, as I treat riding over dirt like driving a boat in water, and I don’t want that boat to move sideways, so… really really easy turning.
My only wish is that I had a riding buddy of sorts that would watch my back. I guess I just forge ahead on my own, like always.
Wow, I’m pooped!
We ended up making an oval path, and instead of going to Gunnison, we went down to Salida, then up to almost Buena Vista, at which point we turned towards home. Point C on the map is where we took our mid-ride break, stopping for a drink (water and coffee), fuel, and just a break from the riding position. We went our separate ways once we hit downtown Colorado Springs.
I was personally tempted to embark on another journey, but I was feeling pretty tired on the way towards Woodland Park near the end, so I just went home after grabbing something to eat in town. All in all a fun ride. I was glad as usual that I had a full face helmet, as Mr. EP apparently took a bee to the face while we were in Cañon City. As for myself I have a collection of bug carcasses all over my faceshield, jacket, and pants.
Some notes for the ride to Las Vegas, I think it’s going to be colder as we go into the fall season, so I better see about buying some sweatshirts. I only have my UCLA one and my flight hoodie from basic training, and now that I’m moving to Ohio next year I’ll have to get some more cold weather clothes. Also, Mr. EP recommended a route that involves hitting the Four Corners, Grand Canyon, and Hoover Dam. I’m looking into it now, and am pretty excited about the prospect of riding through the desert and some NA reservations.
Good morning!
Today I’m going to meet up with a friend from work, Mr. EP, in 1 hour and we’re going to ride out to Gunnison, CO. I don’t know what’s out there, but as is the way with motorcycle rides the journey is more of the point of this excursion than the destination. I think it’s alot of parks and mountains in Gunnison, not sure if there’s an actual city, although they do have their own website.
Anyway, I’ll try to practice more riding skills in preparation for the Las Vegas run–i.e., taking breaks regularly, remaining calm and relaxed, etc. This’ll be my first “group” excursion, as all my previous trips I’ve been solo riding. I’ll be back in a couple of hours!