This is a condensed recap of my recent Iron Butt cruise from Glendale, AZ to Chickasha, OK. I managed to take just a few photos and, I will post them later.
Regarding weather, the wind speeds are estimated. All indicated times are, Local. All odometer and trip readings are in miles. Trip mile indications are cumulative.
Friday, April 23, 20106:35 AM – Departed – Glendale, AZ
Odometer: 11,153
Trip: 0
Weather: Partly Sunny > Mild Wind > 56*F
Fuel: Full
Following nearly an hour, clearing traffic within the Phoenix city limits, the ride north on I-17 began well. The road surface was dry and clear. Traffic was moderate.
Approaching Munds Park, AZ; about twenty miles south of Flagstaff, the clouds began to grow thick and dark. Snow flurries soon fell and the road condition worsened. The snow and slush created bowling alleys for highway lanes. A local bank sign in Flagstaff flashed: 24* … 8:44 AM. But, the Gerbing’s Heated Gloves, Jacket Liner and Insoles performed like a champ. I never had either dial of the Dual Control nor, the dial of the Single Control for the insoles, rotated above half capacity.
My apparel consisted of the following:
Schampa Silkweight Dual Balaclava under a Nolan N103 Helmet; Cotton short-sleeve t-shirt under a Cabela’s Premium Thermal long-sleeve shirt. This was covered by a Gerbing’s Heated Jacket Liner (H-D version) and an FXRG Textile Jacket. Gerbing’s Heated Gloves (H-D version) enveloped my hands, keeping my digits warm and dry. LL Bean Flannel-lined Jeans over Cabela’s Premium Thermal underwear. I pulled on the FXRG Rain Pants during the fuel stop in Flagstaff. And, Original SWAT Air 9 Waterproof Boots with Gerbing’s Heated Insoles and a pair of cotton crew socks kept the toes toasty.
8:47 AM – Arrived – Flagstaff, AZ
Odometer: 11,301
Trip: 148
Weather: Snow Flurries > Wind 15 – 20 MPH > 24*F
Fuel: 4.6 Gallons ( Phoenix traffic )
8:56 AM – Departed
Climbing out of Flagstaff, I40 East surpasses an elevation of six-thousand feet prior to Gallup, NM. The temperatures ranged from high 20’s to low 40’s. The scoot powered me down the highway and up the grades with authority.
12:32 PM – Arrived – Gallup, NM
Odometer: 11,508
Trip: 355 ( Cumulative )
Weather: Cloudy > Wind 20 – 25 MPH > 41*F
Fuel: 4.7 Gallons
12:43 PM – Departed
Mostly cloudy skies surrendered to the strength of the sunshine and this made for some beautiful scenery. The ride was going very well, complimented nicely by the mountain landscape.
The scoot continued to motor along with abundant power in reserve. Passing slower traffic, while climbing up grade, came with ease. This, in spite of carrying full saddlebags, a large fully packed touring bag and my not-so-small frame. ( 6’ 4” / 255 lbs )
2:54 PM – Arrived – Albuquerque, NM
Odometer: 11,648
Trip: 495
Weather: Sunny > Wind 20 – 30 MPH > 48*
Fuel: 3.26 Gallons
3:38 PM – Departed
This served as my lunch stop consisting of a quick sandwich, water and a chunk of dark chocolate.
The oil level in the scoot indicated: Full.
A brief safety check of lights, tires, fasteners and cargo revealed they were functioning well, properly inflated and intact.
Winds continued to gain momentum, often gusting to something in excess of 40 MPH. ( In my humble estimation )
6:06 PM – Arrived – Tucumcari, NM
Odometer: 11,818
Trip: 665
Weather: Mostly Sunny > Wind 25 – 40 MPH > 42*
Fuel: 3.1 Gallons
6:17 PM – Departed
Wow! The wind was brutal, gusting from the South, nearly causing involuntary lane changes. Maintaining a speed of 65 MPH proved difficult. I briefly considered stopping for the night in Tucumcari. The wind gusts were so strong, the scoot was literally moving around while I was filling the fuel tank.
The decision was made. “Press on!” I shouted out loud. ( I’m glad nobody was around )
It was time to bear down and make some progress.
8:42 PM – Arrived – Amarillo, TX
Odometer: 11,932
Trip: 779
Weather: Sun has set > Wind 30 – 45 MPH > 50*
Fuel: 2.4 Gallons
8:54 PM – Departed
This was my shortest run between stops. Go ahead, I know you can guess the cause. Hint: Rhymes with send!
I spoke with, “Cobb,” indicating my intention of completing the trip. He and, “D105,” stated they would ride West and meet me in Clinton, OK. How’s that for camaraderie! We agreed that I would call again when I was near Clinton.
11:08 PM – Arrived – Clinton, OK
Odometer: 12,101
Trip: 948
Weather: Clear > Plenty of stars twinkling in the sky > Wind 10 – 15 MPH > 52*
Fuel: 4.2 Gallons
11:27 PM – Departed
What are the odds? The Zumo 660 indicated a Shell station on Gary Blvd in Clinton. I remembered the location from previous trips. The Shell station is just West - Northwest of the Route 66 Museum. I decided to ride in and fuel-up and, while there, I would call Cobb. Well, I arrived and, guess who is setting at the gas pumps? You betcha!
“I thought you were going to call,” Cobb said, while wearing a huge grin. “D and I have been here about five minutes!” Friends, that’s timing!
We exchanged greetings and spoke for a few minutes. ( It was great to finally put some faces with names ) But, it was time to get back on the road. We fired the V-Twins and motored toward Norman, OK.
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Topic: Iron Butt Cruise > Glendale, AZ to Chickasha, OK < (Read 2608 times)