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CVO Social => Ride Report => Topic started by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:33:07 PM

Title: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:33:07 PM: UFO_HOG (Bryan) planned a trip for a week out of Clovis, California through the Four Corners Region of the US, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. This is some of the most beautiful and historic land in America. For me it was nine days, 2,732.8 miles and 51.8 mpg. Bryan reported 2,339 miles in eight days or riding and 3.1 miles (not including vertical) of hiking, and 54 mpg. It was hands down, the most beautiful trip I've ever been privileged to make. Hopefully, I can do it justice and show you all what it was like! Bear with me here. This make take some time. ;D

Friday, August 31, I left Santa Monica and rode US I-5 over the Grapevine to US 99 North through Bakersfield to Clovis (228 miles). Not to much to show except the Grapevine. Stayed the night with Bryan and Tammi. Unfortunately, she could not make the trip so here is a shot of her from the Tahoe GTG last year. Thanks for Tammi for being a good sport and letting us go play for a week.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:35:37 PM: Saturday, Sept. 1, the intrepid group assembled at 0700 hour at Starbucks. Here we are ready for adventure.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:38:30 PM: We headed out of Clovis through some lovely two lanes and eventually hit the 41 North into Yosemite Valley then took the 120 which takes us over Tioga Pass. You may recall that Jock was the first over the pass last year after the Tahoe GTG. Stopping for a brief rest, whom do you think we saw! Yes that's Panhead Jimmy!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:40:29 PM: Jimmy was headed west and we, east. Next stop was Olmstead Pass near the Tioga Summit.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:41:28 PM: The bikes all were looking and running well.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:42:31 PM: This is the lake near the point and I cannot find the name. If someone knows, I can edit this post. Thanks!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:43:53 PM: We continued over the pass which is spectacular but which we have done many times. Next stop was Lee Vining which has a great view of Mono Lake and here, Black Island.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:49:02 PM: Tioga Pass (CA State Route 120) runs into US 395 at Lee Vining which we took south for a short while and then east again on 120. This took us around Mono Lake and eventually to Benton, CA and CA Route 6. (More about Benton at the end. We took 6 all the way into Tonopah, NV. It is one very lonely road. Tonopah was our rest stop for the night. (291 miles).

The group, L to R:

Bryan, Greg, Dan, Leann, Debbie, Susan, Martin and Terry.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:52:13 PM: People tried to join us but they just could not keep up. :coolblue:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:53:05 PM: Dinner was at the recently renovated Mizpah Hotel and Casino. The new owners have done a fine job. :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:53:47 PM: Bryan makes friends very easily.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:54:49 PM: Best Western, Tonopah VIP parking. :huepfenjump3:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 10:59:41 PM: Sunday, it's east on 6 toward Kanab, UT. It's called the Grand Army of the Republic.

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, US Navy, US Marines and US Revenue Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War. Founded in 1866 in Decatur, Illinois, it was dissolved in 1956 when its last member died. Linking men through their experience of the war, the GAR became among the first organized advocacy groups in American politics, supporting voting rights for black veterans, lobbying the US Congress to establish veterans' pensions, and supporting Republican political candidates. Its peak membership, at more than 400,000, was in 1890; a high point of Civil War commemorative ceremonies. It was succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), composed of male descendants of Union veterans.

At the junction of the 6 and 375, there is the most curious hot tub I've ever seen. It's fed by a stream up the hill to the right of this shot and continuously refreshed. I could not get anyone to join me and get in.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:02:10 PM: Now it's east on the 375, "The Extraterrestrial Highway." :nervous: There's no telling what you might run into, including "low flying aircraft," or perhaps a UFO in need of a tow? :nixweiss:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:04:02 PM: In Rachel, NV, we stopped for lunch at the Little AleInn. It's North of Area 51. They have a very interesting collection of alien souvenirs and a very curious parking lot!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:06:52 PM: 375 runs through open range in NV and we did see a couple of cattle which had been hit and killed. Even the road signs were a bit different!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:17:16 PM: 375 continues south and east until it hits Nevada Highway 318 site of the Silver State Classic Challenge (http://www.sscc.us/) which is set for this coming weekend, Sept. 13-16. "The State of Nevada closes down 90 miles of Route 318 and more than 200 drivers from around the world converge on the little town of Ely in the central high desert of Nevada. Why do they come? To experience first-hand the adrenaline rush of driving flat-out on a public highway. Not just professional racers, but men and women from all walks of life, pursuing the Walter Mitty dream of speed, horsepower, and high performance. Yes, there’s a place for everyone in the Silver State Classic Challenge events."

We took the 93, The Great Basin Highway east through Calente and St. George into Kanab Utah. 377 miles. Monday it was on the road again with our first stop at the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:19:12 PM: Here's the group on the Glen Canyon Dam. Susan and Martin had decided that they might have more fun in Las Vegas. They don't know what they missed!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:20:23 PM: There were some strange birds at the visitors' center. Not sure if they were alien.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:21:09 PM: View from the dam:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:22:22 PM: Down the Colorado River from the dam, Glen Canyon:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:24:31 PM: At the visitors' center, it seemed that Bryan had a new passenger. No doubt someone from Area 51! :nervous:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:25:23 PM: Lake Powell.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:31:30 PM: After breakfast in Page, UT, we took the 98 east to the 160. We took a slight detour and visited the Navajo National Monument located within the northwest portion of the Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona. It preserves three of the most intact cliff dwellings of the ancestral puebloan people (Hisatsinom). The Navajo people who live here today call these ancient ones Anasazi. The monument is high on the Shonto plateau, overlooking the Tsegi Canyon system in the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona. The monument, located west of Kayenta, Arizona, features a visitor center with a museum, two short self-guided mesa top trails, two small campgrounds, and a picnic area. Rangers guide visitors on free tours of the Keet Seel (Kitsʼiil) and Betatakin (Bitátʼahkin) cliff dwellings. The Inscription House site (Tsʼah Biiʼ Kin), further west, is currently closed to public access.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:32:31 PM: Indian structures.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:33:32 PM: The group. Now six.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:37:08 PM: Beautiful scenery but threatening weather....
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:38:32 PM: Tsegi Canyon
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:41:49 PM: The 160 continues east until almost the New Mexico border where it turns northeast. It crosses a bit of NM so small that there are no signs so indicating. It crosses into Utah at Monument Valley where the view is humbling, to say the least! God bless John Wayne and John Ford!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:43:33 PM: Our spirits were elevated, to say the least.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:44:43 PM: I'm thinking, "The Searchers."
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:45:43 PM: The "Mittens."
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:46:32 PM: Awesome....
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:47:49 PM: It was very hot but no one seemed to mind.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 10, 2012, 11:51:40 PM: I took many more pics here but this one really caught the sky. On the way out it was very hot. We spotted a beautiful dog that had injured it's fore paw. It was very sad and we had no way to help. That put me in a bad mood. Minutes later, I watched a tourist drop something in the parking lot (litter). I made sure I followed them to their car and politely (but firmly) returned it to them. I could not imagine nor tolerate litter in this beautiful place. >:(
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:00:25 AM: We continued east and finally found the rain that you saw in an earlier pic from the Navajo National Monument. It was just enough to cool us off as we took US 163 into Mexican Hat for lunch on the San Juan River. I still can't figure out why it's not called "Sombrero." :nixweiss: Note the red wall to the right in this picture.

Brian took us here for their "Navajo Tacos." They were terrific!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:03:28 AM: Carving on the red wall.....
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:05:31 AM: San Juan River, upstream from our restaurant in Mexican Hat.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:07:04 AM: Downstream...
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:09:41 AM: After a hardy lunch, we headed north on 163 out of Sombrero... I mean Mexican Hat. Low and behold, we passed the Hat! ;D
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:13:48 AM: After the Hat, we took 261 and 316 west to Goosenecks State Reserve.

"Goosenecks State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Utah, overlooking a deep meander of the San Juan River. The park is located near the southern border of the state a short distance from Mexican Hat, Utah. Millions of years ago, the Monument Upwarp forced the river to carve incised meanders over 1,000 feet (300 m) deep as the surrounding landscape slowly rose in elevation. Eroded by water, wind, frost, and gravity, this is a classic location for observing incised meanders."
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:14:51 AM: The water is over 1,000' below! Imagine how wide that San Juan River really is.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:16:26 AM: Thought the bikes looked great against that background.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:22:52 AM: From Goosenecks, it was east again. This time it was on to Cortez, CO for the night. With our side trips it was over 300 miles. Bryan will post the gps route... After plenty of rest that night it was east on the 160 again to Mesa Verde National Park. It's about 16 miles off the highway at a 35mph speed limit until you get to what you want to see but it's worth it, I promise.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:25:00 AM: On the road into the park there are some great views. Can't miss them at only 35 mph.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:27:46 AM: From Wikipedia:

Mesa Verde National Park is a U.S. National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Montezuma County, Colorado, United States. The park was created in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, to protect some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world, or as he said, "preserve the works of man". It occupies 81.4 square miles (211 km2) near the Four Corners and features numerous ruins of homes and villages built by the Ancestral Puebloan people, sometimes called the Anasazi. There are over 4,000 archaeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people at the site.

The Anasazi inhabited Mesa Verde between AD 600 to 1300, though there is evidence they left before the turn of the century. They were mainly subsistence farmers, growing crops on nearby mesas. Their primary crop was corn, the major part of their diet. Men were also hunters, which further increased their food supply. The women of the Anasazi are famous for their elegant basket weaving. Anasazi pottery is as famous as their baskets; their artifacts are highly prized. The Anasazi kept no written records.

By 750 AD, the people were building mesa-top villages made of adobe. In the late 1190s AD, they began to build the cliff dwellings for which Mesa Verde is famous.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:29:06 AM: Pithouse A.D. 600!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:32:13 AM: The pit houses are amazing but not exactly photogenic. We visited several and they were fascinating. Structures have been built over them to preserve them from the elements. As amazing as they were, the cliff dwellings blew us all away! This is the Square Tower House.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:33:43 AM: As you can see, the brickwork is amazing.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:34:36 AM: You may have wondered, "How do they get down there??" Note the wooden ladders!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:38:39 AM: Pit house Circa 750 - 900.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:39:38 AM: Intricate work.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:40:45 AM: Soda Canyon Overlook
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:41:58 AM: Another of Soda Canyon. The cliff houses are behind us. We also got to watch some buzzards gliding on the winds in the canyon. Almost as much fun as our riding, I suspect.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:44:01 AM: The Cliff Palace in Soda Canyon.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:51:54 AM: From Mesa Verde it was east on the 160 to Durango, CO. We stopped at Durango HD and looked at a 2013 Anniversary CVO Road Glide. It was beautiful but.... no deal. We left Durango and headed north on the 550 to see the "Million Dollar Highway." We'd originally planned to head into New Mexico but the weather reports said HEAT so we went north. We passed Electra Lake and stopped at Coal Bank Pass, elevation 10,640'. Eventually we made it to Silverton. Truly beautiful country, this is a view from the gas station!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:52:57 AM: Main Street, Silverton.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:55:25 AM: Bryan, who has been everywhere before lead us to lunch at HandlebarS Restaurant and Saloon. They had a rather interesting decor. Now you know what happened to the fish that "got away."
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 12:57:48 AM: The owner was kind enough to take this picture for us. We chatted for quite sometime and learned that he operates the restaurant six months per year and the rest resides in Scottsdale, AZ. He told us that nepotism was rampant and he had several relatives and sons of friends working for him.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:01:12 AM: From Silverton north to Ouray, the views are amazing. The "Million Dollar Highway" is well named and gets my vote for one of America's most beautiful. The road is also treacherous! It's like the Dragon on steroids. Though well paved, there are no guard rails to stop you from falling thousands of feet should you err. CA would never think you could drive or ride that well. :oops: This shot looks north toward Ouray.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:03:16 AM: Twisties.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:04:33 AM: Looking south to Abrams Mountain, 12,081' from US 550.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:13:10 AM: By the time we hit Ouray, it was getting late and we had miles to go to our stop in Grand Junction. So Ouray will have to wait for another time. We could see it was absolutely beautiful but we had to move on. We continued north on the 550 to the 50 through Montrose, Delta and Whitewater and on into Grand Junction for the night. Bryan will have to remind me our mileage for today.

The next day it was west on US I 70 back to Utah and across the Colorado Plateau / desert. We parted with Terry and Debbie who headed for Denver. (They were driving an SUV.) For a short time, we missed the beauty of Colorado. Still, the desert was beautiful.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:15:08 AM: After breakfast in Green River, we headed west on 70 to the 24 south. Don't run out of gas out here! Dan had only a five gallon tank and Bryan carefully planned our gas stops.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:19:23 AM: One such stop was in Hanksville, UT. Pulling in I saw this sign and well, you know I had to investigate. Unfortunately, I found no blonds. :(
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:22:45 AM: Next to Blondie's is the Hollow Mountain Store. Crazy!

At the junction of Route 24 and Route 95, is the "Hollow Mountain Gas & Grocery." This small store is literally carved out of the mountain (although "mountain" may be a somewhat generous term for a 40-foot high hunk of rock). Apparently, they were blasting away rock so they could build a gas station on the site, and someone decided that it would be easier to carve a hole in the rock than to keep blasting. The engineers determined that it could be done safely, and presto! Hollow Mountain was born. There's a dearth of souvenirs, though. The best I was able to procure was a "Hollow Mountain" cigarette lighter. [Mark Newlon, 09/26/1998]
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:25:36 AM: From Hanksville (Not Hank Williams), we took the 24 West. Soon we again were stunned by the scenery as we reached Capitol Reef National Park, a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:27:36 AM: We stopped next to the Fremont River and thought we'd take in a hike to Hickman Bridge. We really were not dressed for a hike and it was HOT!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:28:30 AM: Starting out on the trail.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:29:47 AM: When we got to the climb in the heat, we thought better of it. Don't worry, there are great hikes later.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:30:49 AM: Bryan wanted to press on but Leann prevailed. :huepfenlol2:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:31:58 AM: Fremont River. Nice cool water for my new hydration vest. (You'll laugh in a minute.)
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: kiwihog on September 11, 2012, 01:32:56 AM: Great pics Greg wish I was there Looks like a great time... we did a lot of that ride in 2011 you got better pics than me :-*
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:36:10 AM: Here is Capitol Dome.

"Called "Wayne Wonderland" in the 1920s by local boosters Ephraim P. Pectol and Joseph S. Hickman, Capitol Reef National Park protects colorful canyons, ridges, buttes, and monoliths. About 75 miles (120 km) of the long up-thrust called the Waterpocket Fold, a rugged spine extending from Thousand Lake Mountain to Lake Powell, is preserved within the park. "Capitol Reef" is the name of an especially rugged and spectacular segment of the Waterpocket Fold near the Fremont River. The area was named for a line of white domes and cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, each of which looks somewhat like the United States Capitol building, that run from the Fremont River to Pleasant Creek on the Waterpocket Fold. The local word reef referred to any rocky barrier to travel."
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:40:25 AM: Thanks Daryle! From Capitol Reef (HOT), we went west on 24 then south on 12 to Boulder Mountain, 11,317' on the Utah Scenic Highway. It is the highest timbered plateau in North America and part of the Dixie National Forest. It was cool. Still wearing the hydration vest, I was COLD! Nothing like planning ahead. :nixweiss:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:41:07 AM: Boulder Mountain.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:42:04 AM: Miles and miles of view from Boulder Mountain.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:45:13 AM: As we continued southwest on 12, we passed through Helll's Backbone, Escalante and The Grand Staircase.

Here is a shot from Hell's Backbone, an area that bridges between towering Boulder Mountain on the north and canyons cut by the the Escalante River and its tributaries on the south. The Hells Backbone Road is a winding route that follows ridges and mountain contours through the area. There is a short stretch with extreme drop offs on both sides of the road. Definitely got the riders' attention! The road forks from All American Highway 12 near the town of Boulder. From there it runs west, climbing halfway up Boulder Mountain to connect with the Posey Lake/Pine Creek Road. That road comes north of out the town of Escalante, allowing travelers to complete a 38-mile loop back down to Hwy 12.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:48:33 AM: Hell's Backbone.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:49:42 AM: Exploring the majestic views on Hell's Backbone Road.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:55:36 AM: We continued on the 12 passed Bryce Canyon and Red Canyon into Panguitch, UT. It is a beautiful town with a great history. More on that later. It claims Butch Cassidy as one of its part time residents and is near Cortez Canyon, Red Canyon and the infamous "Robbers Roost." The "Hole in the Wall" is actually in Wyoming. We dined at the Cowboy's Smokehouse Cafe.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:57:16 AM: It did not take Bryan long to get into trouble. Luckily, he made bail.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:59:30 AM: You know Panguitch is a quiet town when you can take a picture like this and not get killed. We were later told of the local disease, the Pangu Itch!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:00:59 AM: The Wild Bunch, also, the Hole in the Wall Gang. Harry A. Longabaugh, alias the Sundance Kid is seated on the left. Robert Leroy Parker, alias Butch Cassidy is seated to the right. Somehow, we identified.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:10:31 AM: Speaking of Cowboy Outlaws, there have been threads about the best motorcycle songs. Just my opinion but this is it, hands down. I kept thinking of it throughout the trip but I was the only one who was familiar with it. This is George Strait's Cowboys Like Us performed live in Portland, OR March 26, 2010:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeNaJqBlVck
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:13:48 AM: Thursday, we had breakfast in Panguitch before heading east on the 12 for Bryce. We had to stop to appreciate Red Canyon.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:18:34 AM: From Red Canyon, it was on to Bryce. We parked at the park entrance and Ruby's General Store. There you can pay your entrance fee (Unless you can get in on Bryan's pass) and take a bus into the park. The buses run every 15 minutes or so and really are the best way to get around. We took the bus up to the top, Bryce point and hiked and bused back down. Ruby's is quite the operation and you can get just about anything there. While waiting a few minutes for out ride to the visitors' center, we met a few of the local residents. At the visitor's center, we watched a great video giving us an overview of the park. Then is was on to Bryce Point.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:20:27 AM: At 8,300' elevation, Bryce Point is the highest point in the park. From the moment we got off the bus, we were stunned by the views.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:21:39 AM: You'll see lots of grins in these pictures. We were like kids at Disneyland.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:24:38 AM: From Bryce Point, we walked along the Rim Trail to Sunset Point. Every few steps we HAD to stop and take more pictures. These are but a few.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:25:35 AM: We traded off on cameras often.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:26:28 AM: Often.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:27:28 AM: One of the several outdoor amphitheaters.... Hoodoos becoming spires.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:28:28 AM: My turn to shoot.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:29:36 AM: We "volunteered" other tourists to shoot us too.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:30:15 AM: Remember what I said about smiles. It's hard to get Bryan to smile in a picture. Bryce did it no problem.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:31:35 AM: Okay, me too! :huepfenjump3: :huepfenjump3:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:32:20 AM: Amphitheater.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:33:17 AM: Natural Bridge. One of many!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:34:25 AM: As the sun moved in and out of the clouds, the colors continually changed.... BTW, there was lots of liquid in that back pack.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:39:30 AM: Colors....

Bryce Canyon is not a canyon but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is unique due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views for park visitors. Bryce sits at a much higher elevation than nearby Zion National Park. The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,400 to 2,700 m).

The Bryce Canyon area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1874. When asked about the Canyon behind his cabin, Mr. Bryce replied, "It's a hell of a place to loose a cow." (True story.) The area around Bryce Canyon became a U.S. National Monument in 1923 and was designated as a national park in 1928. The park covers 35,835 acres (55.99 sq mi; 145.02 km2) and receives relatively few visitors compared to Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, largely due to its remote location. Big mistake!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:40:14 AM: And more colors.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:40:52 AM: And more smiles. Sort of....
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:41:56 AM: We could not stop taking pictures.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:43:09 AM: Also could not resist getting out on the proverbial limb.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:44:02 AM: Sunset Point.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:46:54 AM: So, the reason Bryan's smile faded a bit is that we had to hike the Navajo loop. It's only 1.3 miles BUT descends over 750' into the canyon. There are many hikes in Bryce and this is listed as moderate. If you consider riding your Harley to be exercise, this loop will likely kill you. :nervous: :huepfenlol2:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:47:56 AM: Leanne was very afraid of heights but did great with Bryan's help.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:48:48 AM: Don't look down!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:49:57 AM: Low bridge!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:50:52 AM: As the loop narrowed, I had to turn the camera.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:52:01 AM: I think I'm in this one.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:52:55 AM: Resting at the bottom. Soon the climb up.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:53:59 AM: At the bottom, the views up were as great as the views down had been.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:54:43 AM: Umm, ditto.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:55:27 AM: What can I say? This is the Sunset Point where we were standing in a previous shot. This is a telephoto shot. That's close to a half mile away.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:57:26 AM: Starting the ascent.... Amazing how the trees can grow almost anywhere.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:58:29 AM: Natural bridge on the ascent...
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 02:59:18 AM: Another brave tree.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:00:24 AM: You can clearly see the process of erosion on the sandstone face.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:01:26 AM: On the way up looking back. On second thought, don't look back!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:02:18 AM: Almost to the top and great views.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:03:30 AM: Back on top. We're all too tired to be photographed.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:04:43 AM: In the afternoon, the colors brightened.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:05:42 AM: Almost as though the rocks were burning.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:07:13 AM: After a great day in Bryce, we headed back toward Panguitch and passed through Red Canyon... Dan liked our Road Glides so Leann was testing Bryan's back seat.

Dan is anal about his bike. Pressure washed only! 21" front tire / wheel. 88" with stage two so he kept up just fine. If he gets a RG, Leann will likely take it.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:08:52 AM: Yellow bike on yellow rocks.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:09:50 AM: Red face on... you get it.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:18:59 AM: After Red Canyon we returned, exhausted to Panguitch. We had been told the evening before by Ardith about her cousin, The Panguitch Professer, Arthur who gives a walking tour of the town every evening at 7:00 p.m. Though we were spent, we were there and did not know when we'd be back. So, we met the professer, all 89 years of him at the Quilt Walk Park. Arther spent nearly two hours walking about the town giving us not only it's history but some great gossip! We very much enjoyed his company.

Panguitch was first settled in March 1864, when Jens Nielsen, a Danish convert to the Mormon faith, led a group of pioneers eastward from Parowan and Beaver to the Sevier River. Due to the area's high elevation, 6,600 feet above sea level, the settlers' initial crops did not mature and the community suffered severely during the first harsh winter. At a crisis point, seven men left the community to seek flour and foodstuffs from surrounding communities. Heavy snow forced the abandonment of wagons and teams, and the men finished their rescue mission on foot, reportedly by laying one quilt after another upon the snow to maintain their footing. The Park honors the seven men who rescued the town.

Due to a conflict with native tribes, the Black Hawk War, the community was temporarily abandoned in 1867 but was resettled in 1871. Some residents specializing in timber and livestock production were quite successful until economic shifts following World War I. Due to the establishment of Bryce Canyon National Park and the designation of nearby areas as national forests, tourism has since played a major role in the local economy.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:22:52 AM: Utah was settled by Mormans in the 1850's. The members of the RLDS Church (Community of Christ) have always tithed on one tenth of their income after expenses. Tithing in the 19th century was often done in kind due to cash or coin's rarity. Hence, the Bishop's Storehouse.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 03:35:40 AM: Friday, it was time to head toward home. We again traveled the Extraterrestrial Highway, this time stopping at the Alien mail box. Talk about in the middle of nowhere! We made it to Rachel again for lunch and Tonopah for the night. This time we stayed at the Ramada Inn, Tonopah Station. While they had terrific prime rib, the "casino" had only video gambling. I battled the video machine to a draw at blackjack.

Saturday, we headed west 81 miles on 6 back to Benton, California. After a terrific breakfast it was time for me to part. Bryan, Dan & Leanne were heading west on 120 over Tioga Pass back to Clovis and I, south on 6 to 395, 14, 5, 405 to Santa Monica, 382 miles for the day. We all promised to do this again. Most of the way home for me it was over 100*. The hydration vest which was so cold on Boulder Mountain saved me. I still have "Cowboys Like Us" playing in my head.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: red ben59 on September 11, 2012, 06:52:18 AM: Great pictures, Thanks for sharing. :bananarock:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: 9 1/2 Beers on September 11, 2012, 07:50:21 AM: Very Cool Greg and Brian :2vrolijk_21:

I enjoyed the trip, thank you for taking me along :)

Marty
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: Jock on September 11, 2012, 07:55:19 AM: Another sweet nice...Looks like ya'll had a great time too!

(http://i.qkme.me/361gwd.jpg)
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: kevin on September 11, 2012, 08:21:09 AM: Fantastic ride! I hope I can get out that way soon. Bryce Canyon was stunning.

Thanks.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: WestCoastRuss on September 11, 2012, 10:07:59 AM: What a terrific ride for everyone! Enjoyed all of your pictures!! Thanks!!!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: MAT on September 11, 2012, 10:20:42 AM: Outstanding report and photos Greg, I know the photos don't compare to actually being there.

You made me miss the life I had in Colorado...well some of it!

Mike :2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: SDCVO on September 11, 2012, 12:25:37 PM: Great shots, really enjoyed it. Thank you!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: kiwihog on September 11, 2012, 12:57:56 PM: Greg sorry I butted in at the mid point of your presentation ..really wasnt expecting another 6 pages of pics very impressive and glad you had a great time..shame that bat wing bike kept getting in the way of those Roadglides... ::)
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: HHP on September 11, 2012, 01:09:22 PM: Great pics. Thanks for sharing.

Ride safe and have fun.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:26:06 PM: Marty, Russ, Mike, Daryle and SDCVO,

There should be a next one with all of us. I'm sure Bryan will be easy to convince! :2vrolijk_21: I'm sure Mike has a story about CO... :nixweiss:

Daryle's red shark nose would have looked great in the pictures. :2vrolijk_21: Of course, what CVO wouldn't?

GK
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: MAT on September 11, 2012, 01:58:59 PM: Quote from: GregKhougaz on September 11, 2012, 01:26:06 PM
Marty, Russ, Mike, Daryle and SDCVO,

There should be a next one with all of us. I'm sure Bryan will be easy to convince! :2vrolijk_21: I'm sure Mike has a story about CO... :nixweiss:

GK

I CAN'T TELL ALL MY STORY'S but ...

One route of many that comes to mind is Million Dollar Hwy, between Durango and Grand Junction on the 550 going through Red Mountain Pass in Uncompahgre National Forest. :2vrolijk_21:

Took that route several times and it's pretty exciting with little room for error, lets say... zero shoulder and then nothing but beautiful scenery! 8)

Mike
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: BUCKNUT GREG on September 11, 2012, 02:04:43 PM: Great trip Greg, thanks for taking us along. That Yellow Shark looks Fantastic :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: Panhead_Jimmy on September 11, 2012, 03:40:34 PM: Greg and Bryan,
Dang, what a nice commentary and photos,too. Also, fun to run into you all at the gas stop.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: UFO_HOG on September 11, 2012, 08:51:24 PM: It was a blast for me leading this rag tag group through destinations they had never seen. And your right, won't take much convincing to get me to do it again.

I'm again on the road with my job and don't know that I could do a better job than Greg did on the commentary.

But you seemed to have left out one picture of our hike to the bottom on the canyon, or as I refer to it as "Hell Walk 2012"

See, when you travel with Greg, you can be sure, somewhere along the way your going to find a hot chick...............

Meet Giselle, not exactly dressed for hiking, and she jogged up to the top in flip flops
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: Jock on September 11, 2012, 09:00:29 PM: Quote from: UFO_HOG on September 11, 2012, 08:51:24 PM
It was a blast for me leading this rag tag group through destinations they had never seen. And your right, won't take much convincing to get me to do it again.

I'm again on the road with my job and don't know that I could do a better job than Greg did on the commentary.

But you seemed to have left out one picture of our hike to the bottom on the canyon, or as I refer to it as "Hell Walk 2012"

See, when you travel with Greg, you can be sure, somewhere along the way your going to find a hot chick...............

Meet Giselle, not exactly dressed for hiking, and she jogged up to the top in flip flops

(http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=77810.0;attach=223943;image)

Nice!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on September 12, 2012, 11:48:04 AM: Okay, Bryann wants me to be complete. So I have to confess, I did leave some pictures out. Here would be one of my favorites! Bryan has a sense of humor.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: Robmay on September 13, 2012, 06:02:02 PM: Man! Thanks for all the pictures and great detailed commentary! I HAVE to make it out to those parts one day....one day... :drink:
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: catsnhogs on September 13, 2012, 09:54:27 PM: Dang,

Its been ten plus years since I have been in those parts and all you did is make me want to save up some extra funds and ask the wife if she wants to take a short trip to a far away land. Thanks for the pictures.

God Bless
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: johno on September 16, 2012, 06:12:21 PM: Thanks for sharing the pictures - a ride I want to make is this one ! Looks like a great run. Thanks for sharing
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: aclass on September 16, 2012, 08:55:41 PM: Awesome! Love trips like these. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: lilcoot on September 17, 2012, 12:42:07 AM: Greg, great job on the pics and commentary. :2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21:

The pictures just can't do justice to the colors and scope of these places. Hope some of the members here can make the opportunity to visit someday.

Bryan, looks like you could open a motorcycle tour business. With a hefty discount for CVOHarley members, of course! :D
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: RedEagle on January 24, 2013, 02:18:14 PM: Great Ride..!
Looks like you had good weather too...!
Last year took a friend down to Durango we got hung up at the Dealer and had to get back to Oury...only problem was by then it was night....a very Dark night...*L.
I dont recomend riding in the mountains at night, and on this road sooo many turns the headlight was just shining out off the road to the next mountain, ...did mention there are no guard rails and I know the drop is one hell of a long way down.
Thanks
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: Fisherman on January 27, 2013, 03:39:16 AM: A trip and a half loved the photos and the informative text thanks for posting ;D
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: mightywarlock on June 14, 2013, 01:57:34 PM: By any chance, do you have a GPS ride plan for this ride?

Just wondering, as it sounds like something I would very much like to do.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on June 14, 2013, 03:09:51 PM: Quote from: mightywarlock on June 14, 2013, 01:57:34 PM
By any chance, do you have a GPS ride plan for this ride?
Just wondering, as it sounds like something I would very much like to do.

Rich, (Did I get that right?)
As you can tell from the write up, we had a blast. Here is the route on the HD Ride Planner: http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/rideplanner/share/502503 There is a function there to sync to your gps.

You might want to deviate west of Grand Junction and spend a day in Arches National Park which is almost as wondrous as Bryce Canyon. Off the 50 (US 70) take 128 South along the Colorado River to Moab which turns out is a very fun town. Arches is just a couple of miles North. If you have time, Canyon Lands Nat'l. Park is just south. Try not to annoy folks too much with your loud pipes! :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2: Some of the little towns make $$$ on noisy bikers. :nervous: :nervous:

GK
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: mightywarlock on June 14, 2013, 03:39:48 PM: I've done that ride, on my way to moving to CA, back in 2001.
coming in from NY, I went down to Moab, went mountain biking there, then rode to Mexican Hat for dinner.
One of my absolute greatest memories of all time, and has made me a huge fan of Utah scenery.

Now to only be able to get 2 weeks off of work!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on June 14, 2013, 03:57:18 PM: I still want to know why it's not "Sombrero!" :nixweiss: :oops:

Mexican Hat:

(http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/44090717.jpg)

Sombrero:

(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnIeK_nhwIolkhsKZ5AD4Jj2QfuXUA21UcAGcXeOisMH1LcwHMgA)
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: JCZ on June 14, 2013, 04:41:35 PM: Because no self respecting Mexican would ever name that rock after their beloved sombrero....definately named by the gringo. :nervous:

I don't know how I missed this thread back when you posted it last year. It looks to be nearly the same journey that a bunch of us did May/June of last year. My last big hoo-raahhh ride.

Sure brought back a lot of memories. Thanks a bunch for bringing it back to the top.
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: Yellow09SERG on June 16, 2013, 10:09:56 PM: Sure glad you missed it JC or I would have never seen it! Thanks Greg for taking us along on your trip. I'll just add it to the list, or should I say ever growing list of places to go. BTW....nice bike!
Title: Re: UFO_HOG's Extraterrestial Ride 2012
Post by: GregKhougaz on June 17, 2013, 12:10:37 AM: Quote from: Yellow09SERG on June 16, 2013, 10:09:56 PM
Thanks Greg for taking us along on your trip..... BTW....nice bike!

:2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21: