Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[JCZ]

Not exactly a ride report so I'm putting this in pictures.  In between jobs...putting my things in storage I decided to hit the road.  From Coronado, Calif. traveling many of the same places that a group of us from this forum rode a couple of years ago, I headed out....come on along, you can join me.....

Our previous ride report that took us to these same locations....  http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=74330.0

For those that don't know, Coronado is a small resort town that sits in the middle of San Diego bay....very close to Mexico and only about 2 1/2 hrs. from Yuma.






For those passing through Yuma, the Best Western Plus Yuma Mall hotel is very nice and directly across the street (walking distance) from the mall for your lady to visit









and in the mall, I ate at Famous Dave's B-B-Q.  Great choice!

[JCZ]

The next morning, up early I continued east towards Phoenix.  Passed through Gila Bend.....where 5 old crabs live.



North of Phoenix a ways, I entered the red rock country





and quickly Sedona looms in the distance





Rolling north up through Oak Creek Canyon (Hwy 89A)....



Stopped by The Route 66 Roadhouse Bar & Grill (and Grand Canyon HD) for a nice Porterhouse steak for lunch



In the back of the Roadhouse Grill is a little shop....Trikes By DJ   http://www.trikesbydj.com/   DJ bought an 09 SERG and converted it to a trike and coicidentally, I ended up buying all the take off parts (streatched fender, LED lights, streatched bags, tire and wheel and exhaust) on ebay for $1200 by clicking on "buy it now" just seconds after the add was posted.  I had Jim (hd-dude on this forum) add all the CVO goodies to Terrie's 09 Street Glide. 

DJ has received much attention and notoriety for his John Deere trike and manure spreader (cargo trailer).  That trike and trailer are now for sale to the right farmer. 





Moving on down Route 66, I had to run through Williams, Az. again







and a new feature just at the edge of town is Bearizona a drive through wild life park that has all the critters of the west in one location....(I didn't drive it this time and don't know if motorcycles are allowed...but I will make it a point to tour the next time I pass through Williams, Ariz.)

[JCZ]

I finally arrived at the Grand Canyon just before sun down









I stayed at the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon.  Being a "Premier" Best Western, it has features that most BWs do not have.....like a bowling alley, arcade, hair salon, gift shop, etc. etc. that are all located inside the hotel and one of the best breakfast buffets I've ever experienced.















While I used my BW Ride Rewards points to cover about half of the hotels on this journey, because it is off season in many of these tourist locations.....I believe a King Deluxe room at this hotel only cost me $95.  Very, very reasonable during off season and........the best part....little traffic and few people all along my journey and stops!

By the way, there were motorcycles all along this journey....ever in the Colorado rockies.  So it's do-able this time of year, provided you've got your Gerbing gear.

Heading out the next morning, northeast, towards Monument Valley...







I stopped to view the area where one of the Flying Walinda's (I believe it was Nick Walinda) walked a tight rope across the Grand Canyon a few months back.

[JCZ]

Soon, I arrived in Monument Valley.  Checked in to Goulding's Lodge and went over to the resorvation for photos...



and a quick ride on an Indian pony....




















and a view from my room balcony the next morning, as the sun was coming up....










And the John Wayne cabin (used in one of his movies) is available for tour, along with the museum (which was also used in the movie)....

[JCZ]

Moving on through Four Corners and Cortez and up through Cortez and Delores, Colorado....the way we went on our tour a couple of years ago.  Everything looks so totally different doing this route in early to mid Nov. than it did when we rode through in May 2012.  Still beautiful, but much, much different.

Another quick rest stop in Rico, Colo. where yes, it's CCcccccold!  But all the roads are clear and dry...







(Please excuse the reflections/poor pics...many of these photos were shot right through my front or side windows while I was diving)



Soon I'm back in Telluride.  One of the most beautiful towns I've ever been in, summer or fall....just incredably beautiful...(not to Jock....put it on your list!)




And look at the size of these knobby tires on their bikes and how wide the rims are.  They even have them with spikes in the tires!








Brown Dog Pizza....where the white dogs and black dogs wait patently outside 





Of course, this time of year there's lots more wildlife.....arriving in Ouray, Colorado






At this time of year it's very easy to see why the call Ouray the "Switzerland of America".....

[JCZ]

While most waterfalls were frozen in place, the larger one was still flowing....although it look like it was flowing a frozen slush.



I had dinner at the Brown Bear Cafe in Silverton...



I stayed at the Weisbaden Spa & Hot Springs in Ouray.  Took advantage of the vapor cave a massage and the solitude while exploring the area for a couple of days.



and again, much more wild life on the Million Dollar Highway







And for you off roaders, there's the Alpine Loop   http://www.alpineloop.com/HTML/index.html





For this trip I stay on the paved road....well, for the most part.  I did do a little 4 wheeling...

[JCZ]

They advertise it in Colorado 





hot springs are found all over this part of the rockies









The big horn sheep licking up the water from the melted ice...





and this one seems to have a tracking coller with antenna...



I had an opportunity, as a car came from the opposite direction a bit to fast, to see this little heard go right up the side of this cliff.....so fast and so graceful....it was incredable to watch and they do it so effortlessly.




I'm going to take a break here.  I'll post more of this journey (Bryce Canyon, Zion, Las Vegas, etc.) later.

[charles05663]

The next morning, up early I continued east towards Phoenix.  Passed through Gila Bend.....where 5 old crabs live.

My family is from Gila Bend and two of my cousins are considered the "old crabs."

My uncle used to have a used car lot across the street from the Space Age.

 

[Skillet]

Great pics. Those ribs looked mighty good. Thanks for the tour.

[GregKhougaz]

Great shots, JC.  Very happy to see you are still on the road and still sharing!   

[JCZ]

Spent a day in Cortez so I could visit the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings.  Again, no long lines, straight forward access, quiet and easy....I was loving every minute of this journey.













and a pack of deer right up next to the visitors center...







Heading east through Utah, and past Fort Bluff and back through Monument Valley...



















Bryce Canyon and the Best Western Ruby Inn were the next stop

[ChopperPilot]

Looks like a great trip, it has been years since being in some of those locations.  Thanks for posting the pictures for us.

[Jock]

Amazing what a difference the white powder makes!  And in November too!  Keep 'em comin' and thanks for sharing!

So glad to read that you are enjoying the journey!

[JCZ]

I stayed at the Best Western Ruby Inn, right at the entrance to Bryce Canyon NP.  They have a very nice indoor pool and hot tub.  I had a ground floor room, right across the hall from the pool so nice location




Moving on to Zion National Park...where I met a couple whose blog I'd been following for more than a year on one of the RV forums








and talkin about RVs....here's a blast from the past that I'd run into just over the Nev. state line

[JCZ]

Arriving in Vegas, cruised by the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop as seen on TV on Pawn Stars.  A line around the block.  I stopped by later that night as I headed down to Heart Attack Grill, when there wasn't a line.  Smaller than it appears on TV and much older looking in person, both inside and out.




The first night I stayed at the Best Western Mardi Gras on the strip.  The second night I stayed at the Golden Nugget in the gold tower, pool view.  Here's a shot from my room on the 11th floor...



The pool has a water slide and the tube goes through the middle of the shark tank.  Of course I had to test drive that one, first hand















a view from under one of the waterfalls....














I got ready to take a pic and all the ladys took off, leaving their towels behind       Just funin....nobody was there when I got there....







This pool is up above the main pool.  It's called the Hideaway....

[JCZ]

Here's a series of randon shots of the casinos at the Fremont Experience
















With the music blasting from the speakers overhead....along came one of those snaking chain dances...with anybody and everybody that had to much to drink, joining in. 











Of course you all know that Elvis is alive and well in Vegas...


























Stepping into the mirror clad elevator in the gold tower of the Golden Nugget... a self portrait



Last room on the right.....#1101 (wonder why they call it the gold tower?)





Much deserted at 5:30 a.m.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

I have so missed your beautiful pictures!  I feel like the old JC is back again!     Should I say "Welcome Home"  .  The beautiful towns you stopped in were just breathtaking and the Grand Canyon is a sight to behold.  Someday I'm going to get myself there cause I really want to go.  .  Thank you again for sharing your scenic trip with us.., I so enjoy your travels.

Now, let me speak about the "untold" story of your trip.  . You look fantastic!      I swear you look like you have lost weight, have less stress lines on your face and appear 15 years younger!     What ever you are doing, keep doing it because it is really agreeing with you!

[JCZ]

From Vegas, decided to go through Joshua Tree Nationl Park and so it resulted in a lot of two lane back roads...



Eventually, I found myself on an old part of Route 66 that I'd never been on before.  It led into Amboy, Ca.  I passed a dry creek bed where I noticed a dead tree just covered with shoes.  One of those odd Route 66 things I guess.  I had to turn around and go back to catch these photos




























and finally....back to the beaches of Coronado...




NOTE:  Just heard on the news that they had a mine explosion in Ouray, Colorado.  Pray for those miners.  Still one of the most beautiful places in this country and if you've never rode the Million Dollar Highway...you just don't know what you're missing.  Durango Harley Davidson has a t-shirt that says "I rode the Million Dollar Highway...71 Miles, 11,018 Feet and 284 Turns".  It should also say "Three passes" as you have Coal Bank Pass 10,640 ft, Molas Pass 10,914 ft. and Red Mountain Pass 11,018 ft.  

I don't know why Durango or Ouray have not been used for a GTG.  Some of the most incredable motorcycle roads in this country.  I do know that if you did it would have to be off season or everybody would have to make their reservations a year in advance....those communities are packed in the summer months.  

I hope all of you have enjoyed the journey.

[JCZ]

I have so missed your beautiful pictures!  I feel like the old JC is back again!     Should I say "Welcome Home"  .  The beautiful towns you stopped in were just breathtaking and the Grand Canyon is a sight to behold.  Someday I'm going to get myself there cause I really want to go.  .  Thank you again for sharing your scenic trip with us.., I so enjoy your travels.

Now, let me speak about the "untold" story of your trip.  . You look fantastic!      I swear you look like you have lost weight, have less stress lines on your face and appear 15 years younger!      What ever you are doing, keep doing it because it is really agreeing with you!

I had to chuckle at that Judy....but thanks for the complaments.

I could be mean and tell you it's because I'm getting a divorce.    But that wouldn't be entirely true....probably due to not working for a few weeks and doing what I love (traveling) and the massages along the way.  They just have a way of lightening the load.  I am down from 220 lbs. to 210 lbs......light on my feet.  Must be all the hiking and high altitude climbing I've been doing.

[VANAMAL]

Nice truck!

[CVOMOE!!]

Great shots JC.  Thanks for sharing.  It looks like you had a great trip.  At least you were never cold, too hot, or wet.  LOL.

Cheers, Moe

[DDavidson]

Great quality pictures and the views with the different season makes them very interesting. Good job.

Glad you had a great trip.

Enjoy the new job.

[donald p]

Thanks for all the great pics, what a trip.

[SG Racer]

Nice pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[dlaws01]

Hey man, that was great!  Thanks for posting your trip. 

[porthole]

Hey JC - you get a Titan tank for that truck yet 

[JCZ]

Great quality pictures and the views with the different season makes them very interesting. Good job.

Glad you had a great trip.

Enjoy the new job.

I thought you, Andy and Richard would enjoy these the most since it's pretty much the same route that we all rode back in May 2012.

No Titan tank.  It runs about 400-450 miles on a tank.....I need a walk around break by then anyway.  Interestingly, I noticed with diesel (just like the gas in our bikes) that when I get out of California and get fuel from other states my mileag increases considerably.  I was getting 19.5 mpg in the Colorado rockies over that three days......and that was in the mountains! On the California flat land 16.5-17 mpg is about the best I can do. 
You know, I've been wondering if maybe the different seating position of a BMW would allow me to be able to ride again.  But after a number of days in my truck (multi-position power seat, power lumbar, heated and air conditioned seat, etc.) I still had back issues on this trip.  Not near as bad as on the bike, but still bothered me on a daily basis and the Alieve didn't even come close to helping it.  So......think I'm going to have to nix the BMW idea.  By the way, for anybody interested in riding a BMW 1600 GTL.....they have them for rent at Las Vegas BMW.

There were a group of Italians that we run into at Bryce Canyon (18F low in the morning), they were at LV BMW returning their rental dual sport bikes three days later.  

Oh yea, and the afternoon I got to Bryce Canyon I saw a bright yellow Road Glide (not a CVO) while I was at the truck wash.  A big guy in levis and a leather jacket and short gloves,  No chaps or anything!     I got to the front desk of the Ruby Inn about half hour later and he came in a few people behind me.  Couldn't tell for sure but it looked like he didn't even have thermals or Schampas and he appeared totally comfortable (obviously not from sunny California).  The next morning as I went to my truck, his bike was parked next to me.....with about 1/8" of ice on his seat.

Just heard on the news that we're having an unusual cold spell here in Coronado this week with lows in the 50s and highs only in the mid to upper 60s.  Doesn't stop all the babes from running around in short shorts every day.  I think Coronado's going to be rough but it'll have to do for now.    

[Fired00d]

....  Doesn't stop all the babes from running around in short shorts every day.  I think Coronado's going to be rough but it'll have to do for now.    

...
of them.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[ultrarider123]

As always JC, you have managed to take pictures, tell tales and take us all on the journey and we all enjoy the ride along.  Took Vickie to the Grand Canyon two years ago and it was the first time I had been back since 1977 in the Boy Scouts...we got to stay/hike for a week in the canyon.
The Vegas pics just remind me it's time to head back...miss it plus they have some of my money I need back....

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, JC.

[porthole]

No Titan tank.  It runs about 400-450 miles on a tank.....I need a walk around break by then anyway. 

The Titan is good for buying fuel when you "want" to instead of when you need to. Especially pulling the camper. Not towing I get about a 1000 mile range, towing, 550-600

But after a number of days in my truck (multi-position power seat, power lumbar, heated and air conditioned seat, etc.) I still had back issues on this trip.  Not near as bad as on the bike,

My wife has had 5 spine surgeries (going for epidurals next Monday) and she says the F-350 (DRW) is the most comfortable truck-car we have had.
She has gone as far as 500+ miles in a day. In the past she was done after 200 or so. Prior to the "F", she would go in the trailer to lay down after several hours on the road.

[JCZ]

...
of them.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

I started to get some pics....already got accused of being a dirty ol' man.  I told em I'm not old.

I'm going to do a picture thread of Coronado soon....let me get settled in and I'll get em.  I'll do a winter shoot.....then do a summer shoot next summer....just to compare the seasons.  

Duane, I have to agree, this 2012 F-250 does have the most comfortable seats of any vehicle I've ever had.  It is the Lariet model so has a few extra features in the seats but they are definately nice compared to everything else.  That's probably the single thing that gets the most comments/complaments when people ride in my truck.

[Rooster]

Even better is the King Ranch seat leather. Some of the finest leather available in a vehicle. Other than that Ford's seats are nice for a truck.

[porthole]

Even better is the King Ranch seat leather. Some of the finest leather available in a vehicle. Other than that Ford's seats are nice for a truck.

Problem with the KR is they only come with that one interior, and if that color is not "you" then it is not an option.
Ford got smart with the 2011 SD's. All of the options of the KR are now available in the Lariat.

Some of the finest leather available in a vehicle.

Even better then Ricardo Merino's "thickly-cushioned luxury of seats available even in soft Corinthian leather" that came out of Newark, NJ  

[9 1/2 Beers]

And the John Wayne cabin (used in one of his movies) is available for tour, along with the museum (which was also used in the movie)....

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_Wore_a_Yellow_Ribbon

 Sadly I've never been there

 

[Jock]

I started to get some pics....already got accused of being a dirty ol' man.  I told em I'm not old.

Welcome to the club! 



Glad you enjoyed the journey! 

[JCZ]

Random shots of Coronado taken this past weekend....

The view of San Diego from Coronado








YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN CALIFORNIA WHEN IT'S MID NOVEMBER, THE SUN IS GOING DOWN AND YOU SEE SHOTS LIKE THIS.....

[Rooster]

Problem with the KR is they only come with that one interior, and if that color is not "you" then it is not an option.
Ford got smart with the 2011 SD's. All of the options of the KR are now available in the Lariat.

Even better then Ricardo Merino's "thickly-cushioned luxury of seats available even in soft Corinthian leather" that came out of Newark, NJ  

Yes sorry left that out. Only one color combo for KR

[rbaker]

I thought you, Andy and Richard would enjoy these the most since it's pretty much the same route that we all rode back in May 2012.



Yes, you are correct, really enjoyed going along with you with the pictures.

Richard


 

[D-N-D]

Nice !!! Thanks

[Mano]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[Ironhorse]

JC,

Now that you know Las Vegas rents Bimmers, you might as well rent one for a weekend. That way you can find out if they are comfortable. Another one to try is the GoldWing. My neighbor has one and it is one comfortable ride.

Mark

[JCZ]

The Titan is good for buying fuel when you "want" to instead of when you need to. Especially pulling the camper. Not towing I get about a 1000 mile range, towing, 550-600

My wife has had 5 spine surgeries (going for epidurals next Monday) and she says the F-350 (DRW) is the most comfortable truck-car we have had.
She has gone as far as 500+ miles in a day. In the past she was done after 200 or so. Prior to the "F", she would go in the trailer to lay down after several hours on the road.

Old thread.....just looking back through some of the old winter pics of these areas and Ouray in the winter.

Duane, it was with mixed feelings that I sold my truck last weekend.  The most comfortable four wheeled vehicle I've ever owned.  And (as you and the others know) I'm now back on two wheels and the back issues are all but gone for the most part.  I got an epedural about 18 months ago and that helped a lot.  I got another epedural about a month ago and hopefully this one will last another 18 months.  Duane I hope your wife finds some relief from her back issues.

[Dan_Lockwood]

Looks like you had a great trip, thanks for all the wonderful pictures.